WCC History

History of WCC

In the age of activism that bubbled up around the country and Iowa in the 1960's, a collective of anti-war, socialist, pro-union, feminist groups and radical individuals pooled some resources together to start The Little Red Book Store. This was a gathering place and information center on 25th St., just south of University Ave. near Drake University. It struggled to keep going for several years, and eventually "went into hibernation" in the early part of the 1970's. 

As the store disbanded, a group decided to use some of the monies to support a women's group, the early nucleus of what became The Women's Cultural Collective. But there was still some evolution/revolution to happen. Similar to what happened in the late 1980's out east, some members of the feminist/women's movement blinked and backed out when lesbian members wanted to be recognized and acknowledged. The group splintered into two: one of the groups was WCC. 

In 1979, from the remains of a unique bookstore in Des Moines, the Women's Culture Collective (WCC) was born. The group's mission statement emphasizes a safe and affirming environment for lesbians while also welcoming all women. The organization produced concerts for Holly Near, Cris Williamson and Meg Christiansen. These names were not as well known as famous lesbian performers today like Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls, but in the 1960's and 70's these women were pioneering a genre of music that came to be known as women's music. As time passed the focus of WCC became less on bringing national touring musicians to Des Moines, and more on providing social and educational opportunities for women. 

A monthly event called a coffeehouse was organized. In those early days a WCC coffeehouse was something of a pre-cursor to places like Java Joe's, highlighting local and regional talents such as the late Tess Castalino, and not always musical as we had some comics, too. WCC coffeehouses provided an opportunity for women to meet in a safe place, be themselves, enjoy coffee, conversation and the company of women. 

As new women joined in the effort to keep WCC an active group, even the coffeehouse topics diversified and included: poetry reading and performance night, "Women & Art" evenings focused on the five senses, spirituality sharing, and lesbian movie night to name a few.  For recent concerts WCC has had nationally known and now locally residing Laura Berkson, BeJae Fleming, singer/comic Jamie Anderson, and bluegrass/folk/rock duo Wishing Chair.

The monthly coffeehouse is still the core event, but WCC now offers a variety of events by and for women in the Des Moines community. The Traveling Dyke Diner and the bi-monthly Wednesday gatherings at the North End Diner are an easy way for newcomers and WCC "old"-timers to interact and socialize.  WCC often sponsors a couple of dances and continues to give at least one concert a year, and sports-minded members organize and offer activities such as women’s basketball schedules and bike-rides.  In 2003, WCC launched its website, entering into the digital community.  

Open planning meetings happen several times a year and those attending are the ones who help decide WCC's direction and activities for the next several months.  Being a collective, there isn't a board of directors or even a president. The group uses a feminist-oriented method of consensus, but sometimes the question arises: how many women are needed for a consensus?  Often, if a woman or group of women want to put some time and effort into an activity, the WCC planners will agree.

2008 is the 29th birthday for WCC, one of the longest lasting lesbian organizations in Des Moines. Please join us and become part of making this a dynamic women-centered organization in the 21^st century!!

Help us celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2009!!