Society for the Furtherance & Study of Fantasy & Science Fiction

The Society for the Furtherance & Study of Fantasy & Science Fiction, commonly referred to as SF3, is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to nurturing and expanding appreciation for fantasy and science fiction across various media. The organization focuses particularly on feminism and related themes, fostering a platform for critical engagement with speculative genres.

Purpose and Activities

SF3 aims to provide a supportive environment where members can engage in discussions, literary analysis, and activities centered on fantasy and science fiction. Some of the activities include book discussions, book swaps, and publications. Historically, SF3 has been involved in producing the now-defunct publication Janus/Aurora.

Major Projects

One of SF3's most prominent and active projects is WisCon, the world's first feminist science fiction convention. WisCon is an annual event held over U.S. Memorial Day weekend in Madison, Wisconsin. This convention focuses on celebrating, analyzing, and transforming speculative literature, television, film, comics, and games through the lens of feminism, gender, race, disability, and class. Founded in 1977, WisCon has grown to become a significant venue for discussions on social justice and feminist issues within the science fiction and fantasy communities.

Organisation and Structure

As a nonprofit, SF3 relies on memberships and donations to support its activities. Memberships acquired after September typically confer voting rights for the organization's meetings held in October. SF3 is recognized under the EIN 391256799, further solidifying its status as a tax-exempt entity, allowing for tax-deductible donations to support its efforts.

Impact and Community Engagement

SF3 plays a crucial role in promoting critical discourse and fostering a community that values feminist and social justice perspectives in the realm of science fiction and fantasy. Through WisCon and other initiatives, SF3 continues to be a pivotal force in shaping the dialogue around these genres, ensuring they remain inclusive and reflective of diverse social voices.