Broad Universe Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What we're doing and why we're doing it:

• Why is this group only celebrating women?
• But why women?
• But why a separate group? Why aren't you working within SFWA, for example?
• Did the name come from a story by a famous woman author?
• I hate the term "broad." It's disrespectful slang. Do I have to be a broad?
• Who runs Broad Universe?
• Is Broad Universe a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization?
• How can I help?
• What's on your wish list for the future?

Why is this group only celebrating women?

It's an issue of focus. Broad Universe doesn't need to serve the whole field: SFWA does that, Science Fiction/Fantasy Writers of America. Broad Universe focuses on just those works written by women. We are an interest group, exactly like folks who get together for stamp collecting or African drumming. Anyone - man, woman, transgender, people of color, people of pallor, cats, Martians - anyone who shares that interest is welcome to join us in the bright circle. We are not a women-only organization.

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But why women?

We don't believe that women are as well represented in SF/F/H as their numbers as readers and writers would warrant. A great deal of progress has been made in the past decades, but we're not where we should be yet. Many factors influence the current situation, including both the personal and the political, and we intend to address all of them. Our goal is to give women authors and illustrators in the genre a way to band together for encouragement, support, and sharing marketing resources. We are also researching the genre more fully so that we can all have a clear idea of what is happening.

But why a separate group? Why aren't you working within SFWA, for example?

SFWA is a large organization that focuses its activities on issues concerning writers as a class. SFWA sponsors many excellent and important services to its members (and many of us are SFWA members as well as participating in Broad Universe), including a grievance committee and various efforts on behalf of disaster relief and insurance. But their work often does not address our particular concerns.

Did the name Broad Universe come from a story by a famous woman author?

Yes, she just hasn't written it yet.

I hate the term "broad." It's disrespectful slang. Do I have to be a broad?

We're not really sure what a broad is but we do know that she's not a lady. A lady would never self-promote. She would not sit on a panel. She'd be in the back of the audience tatting and nodding politely. Heck, a lady would not even write. A broad, on the other hand, is the kind of gal who sits on a panel and acts like the intelligent, hilarious professional that she is.

Who runs Broad Universe?

We're more of an anarchy. If someone came up with a good idea that was in line with what we're doing, we'd most likely say "You bet! Go to it! Let's think of ways we can help!" We don't want to be like a corporation with tight little boxes and job descriptions and chains of command. We want to spread out like amoebae. But just so we don't spread ourselves too thin or end up in a dry part of the pool, we have people with the job of keeping us focused. These include an advisory group whose opinions are greatly trusted and respected, and a seven-member motherboard with the ability to make final decisions when necessary.

Is Broad Universe a non-profit organization?

Yes,  Broad Universe is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. Donations  are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

How can I help?

> Join at the Level One membership tier
> Volunteer
> Donate

If you are already a member, visit the Members Only area for more ways you can help your organization.

What's on your wish list for the future?

Is there something you think that Broad Universe should be tackling? Do you have suggestions for new projects? Use our Contact form and let us know. We'd love to hear your suggestions.