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THE EQUALITY STANDARD |
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This is the newsletter on women's issues, local and global,
published by Fifty/Fifty Leadership, a non-profit organization promoting women's equal leadership. |
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On August 26th it will be 87 years
since women have had the right to vote in the U.S. |
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In this issue: |
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JOIN US! |
On Monday evening, August 13th, we will hold a meeting for Board Members, potential Board Members and those just interested in finding out if and how they can contribute. Take the time to check us out.
Monday, August 13th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
748 East Colorado Blvd (Across from Target)
Pasadena, CA 91101
And if you know someone else that might be interested,
let us know that you will bring a guest. Give us a call at 818.243.2322 |
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ABOUT Fifty/Fifty LEADERSHIP |
Our Vision
That 50% of leaders are women |
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Our Mission
To transform the culture within which we live to one that naturally includes women on an equal basis in the selection of leaders |
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| How are we doing this? |
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We are a community of communities. |
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We are growing leaders with Leadership Circles. |
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We are supporting the making of the documentary,
Beauty Bites Beast that speaks to the need for us to learn that we can to defend ourselves, and we need to learn how. |
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We are part of the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce
supporting Women in Business. |
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We help promote the work of Crime Survivors
to help victims of crime. |
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What community are you involved with? |
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How can we work together? |
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How can we support the work of your organization? |
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What synergies are there? |
Let us know — send us an e-mail, or give us a call at: 818.243.2322 |
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Life Through My Eyes
By: Rita Mardakhanian |
Rita is our newest Volunteer at Fifty-Fifty Leadership and I think you will agree as you read this self-introduction, that we have a powerhouse working with us.
"Well-behaved women rarely make history." I saw this quote the first time while volunteering for the Glendale YWCA. At that time, I was exceptionally inexperienced and uninformed of the ways of the workforce. However, that quote by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich made me a mature, empowered, and motivated woman in more ways than I thought possible. It soon became my life goal to give voice to those women who had none. I decided to accomplish this by getting into politics and doing myself what other politicians failed to do. I was completely hopeless out our politicians and the way they were handling issues but that quote gave me renewed hope for a better future. Henceforth, I concluded that the only way I can really make a difference in politics is by becoming actively and directly involved in it.
I continued to argue my case for women through the Glendale YWCA and California Common Cause, but surprisingly enough, I found that many women still believed that the man should have all the control in the home and in the workforce. It was primarily the women who were the ones who were putting in distinct gender roles and abiding by the traditional set of rules. I was absolutely appalled, and the worst of it all was that my own ethnic group did not support me. As a young Armenian- American, I was shushed for speaking my mind and considered unladylike for standing up for what I believe in. Many criticized me for my feminist ideals and thoughts, even arguing that such a young girl, not even an official adult, could hold such principles, but that is where they were wrong. Little did they know that they were looking at the next woman president of the United States.
That quote triggered inside of me a call for action. I will do anything in my power and beyond to establish morals in politics and I will stop at nothing. I also found that my eleven years of training in dance can be used as a form of expression concerning all issues, for the biggest accomplishment one can have is by giving back to others what one has achieved. Currently, I am a student dedicated to making my heart's desires reality. Hopefully, through Stanford University I can make a difference as a feminist, a humanitarian and as an environmentalist. Many say I am a small girl with big dreams, but I say the bigger the dreams the bigger the person. As that quote indicates, a woman who stops at nothing will get the result at the end. Now all I can do is hope for the better for hope drives me beyond limitations. |
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IN THE NEWS |
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Thanks to Lena Bozoyan, Former Women's Commissioner, Glendale for this information:
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Women Representation In The Recent Armenian Parliamentary Elections
Here is a breakdown of the Women representation in the recent Armenian Parliamentary elections on May 12, 2007.
The previous Armenian Parliament had 5.3% representation with 7 Armenian Women in the Parliament. The new Parliament raises their number by 12 members to a percentage of 9.1.
The total number of deputies according to the Parliament by-laws is 131, 12 of them are women. Of these 12, 2 have leadership roles in Committees - Human Rights and Public Affairs and the other: Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport .
According to a new report by Amnesty International, 1 out of 3 Native American women will be raped during their lifetime. This is twice the rate of non-Native American women.
In Lincoln, Nebraska , a judge recently issued a court order banning the victim, Tory Bowen, and prosecutors from using the words " victim ," " assailant," " rape ," " date rape drugs ," " sexual assault kit ," and " sexual assault nurse examiner ." Bowen testified for 13 hours at the defendant's first trial last October, all without using the words rape or sexual assault . She claims, not unreasonably, that describing what happened to her as sex is almost an assault in itself. "This makes women sick, especially the women who have gone through this,"
If the complaining witness in a rape trial has to describe herself as having had "intercourse" with the defendant, should the complaining witness in a mugging be forced to testify that he was merely giving his attacker a loan?
Kudo's to Nelson Nio, Self Defense Instructor for helping to spread the word and organize demonstrations in over 40 cities and media coverage on major networks. |
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WOMEN IN FILM
Thanks to Joan Krieger Hoffman, Marketing Consultant, Designer, Actor, Poet for sending this:
Take a moment to enjoy this lovely collage of 80 Years
of Female Portraits in Cinema:
Women In Film |
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HEALTH NEWS
Ron Wormser, a Dentist in Pacific Palisades, said that if your child (or you) have a tooth knocked out, it can be successfully put back under the following conditions:
- Either get to a dentist within 30 minutes
- Or, put the tooth in milk or saliva (for example, hold it in your or your child's mouth) and then you have some extra time to have it put back and be as good as new.
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Do you have a Web site for you business? If not, here's an amazing opportunity to get a basic Web site. Our Web designer, Linda LaZar whose company is Irish Lemons (www.irishlemons.com), is offering a website that can include a photo, your logo and some text, plus hosting through GoDaddy.com for one year and up to 100 email addresses for just $200. If you have priced websites you know what an amazing price that is. Interested? Email Linda at lindalazar@comcast.net - and if you want to know more about how she is to work with, give me a call at 818.243.2322
Kudos to Ellen Snortland , our Co-Chair who has been named one of the Businesswomen of the Year by California State Legislators. A well-deserved award. If you would like to help celebrate her award, it will be presented at a luncheon on Friday, September 28 th , 11:30 - 1:30 at the Castaways Restaurant in Burbank . Fifty-Fifty Leadership is putting together a table and the cost is $30. We have just a few spaces left so please let me know if you will join us as soon as possible so you will not be disappointed. There will be approximately 450 people attending so it is a good opportunity for networking also!
In the culinary arts world women are making great strides. More and more restaurants are owned by women and top chefs now include women in their ranks. Jennifer Jasinski is one of these. After training at the best programs in the country, she met Wolfgang Puck while working at the famed Rainbow Room in New York . She moved back to Southern California and went to work for Puck, spending many years not only as a chef, but also learning the business. Jennifer opened her own restaurant, Rioja, in Denver which has become one of Denver 's 5 top tourist attractions www.riojadenver.com , and recently took over the popular Bistro Vendome www.bistrovendome.com , added her charm, expertise and savvy business sense. So when you visit Denver , you might want to stop in for a great meal, say hi to Jennifer and tell her Fifty-Fifty Leadership sent you.
Looking for a new business? Love clothes? Have lots of contacts? Mary Linn Dedeaux , a Consultant with Carlisle Of New York is looking for a Sales Associate to work with. Rather than a store, Carlisle sells its wonderful collections through Consultants. Mary Linn has a Trunk Show each season in her Pasadena home. She makes appointments for her clients to come and browse and try on clothes in a relaxed setting. No stress, no rush, pleasant conversation - aah. A great way to buy clothes. Mary Linn can be reached at 626-432-1765 or email her at marydedeaux@earthlink.net - and tell her Fifty-Fifty Leadership sent you.
Attention non-profits and small businesses. Alice DiPirro of the PR Store at 748 E. Colorado in Pasadena has a lovely room for meetings. It is FREE for non-profits and there is just a nominal charge for businesses to use it. Fifty-Fifty Leadership will be holding a meeting there - it is an easy to find location (right across from Target) and Alice is a gracious host. Give Alice a call at 626.793.1411 or email her at adipirro@prstore.com
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SENATOR BARBARA BOXER NEEDS A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE
Thanks to Margalo Ashley-Farrand, Attorney for letting us know about this:
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer has an opening for a Field Representative in her San Francisco Office.
Primary responsibilities include representing Senator Boxer at community events and advising the Senator about local concerns and priorities. Field Representatives meet frequently with constituents and local government officials on federal issues and help design and organize events for Senator Boxer when she travels in the area. This position will have responsibility for activities in a number of counties in the Bay Area.
If interested, please send a cover letter and resume (preferably by fax) no later than August 15, 2007 to:
Adrienne Bousian, Deputy State Director, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, 1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94111 Fax: 415-392-4149 - Please, no calls. |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thank you for mentioning "Salute" in your newsletter. We are dedicated to covering stories about women in each issue. The May issue will always be dedicated to women as it coincides with the Women Veterans Week in Branson , MO. .. I'm always amazed at how much women have contributed, yet how little credit they give themselves. This seems to be especially true of women veterans. I enjoyed reading your newsletter. It's new to me, but I'm impressed with your mission and dedication to it.
Pat Avery,
Editor of "Salute" Newsletter, honoring the women and men who serve our country in the armed services. |
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Please add me to the list and I'm happy to subscribe. This is the kind of work I believe in!
Leigh Adams, Artist in Residence at the Los Angeles Arboretum and new subscriber www.LAGlassArt.com |
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Wondered if you know of any investment clubs (for stocks, bonds - not real estate) for women in Glendale?
Lynn White-Shelby, ABWA - If you know of any, please let me know and I will pass the information on to Lynn |
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BOOKS ON WOMEN
Carolyn Howard-Johnson , Author, Editor and Feminist says: I recommend Lisa See 's new book, Peony in Love. It is an excellent read but it will also help women understand the history of gender discrimination better, and also serve as a reminder how important self expression is to self worth and independence.
Carolyn has a new page on her site that includes recommended reading (including Ellen Snortland's book) with a section dedicated to books that depict the repression of women and she would be pleased to add some other gender-specific categories as well. Carolyn would love to get recommendations from you. Send her an e-mail with "WOMEN'S LIST" in the subject line. Your suggestions will go to Carolyn Howard-Johnson , HoJoNews@aol.com . |
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EVENTS
Please let us know of events in YOUR area that we can post here. If you know of conferences, programs that will inform, educate and inspire, we will consider them for publication. Ed.
Now Through September 2nd
Free Concerts in the Park
Levitt Pavilion
Memorial Park, 85 E. Holly Street , Pasadena
Wed, Thurs, Sun at 7:00 p.m.; Fri & Sat at 8:00 p.m.
Bring your friends and family and a picnic and enjoy music under the stars.
Wednesday nights are Children's Nights, Thursdays are World Beat, Fridays Rhythm & Blues, Saturdays Latin Sounds and Sunday is Jazz
For complete schedule go to www.levittpavilionpasadena.org
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Saturday, August 11 th -1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Health Care Rally
South Lawn of City Hall, First & Spring Streets
OneCareNow.org is holding a rally for universal care for all in favor of SB 840 California Universal Health Care Act (Kuehl)
ENJOY MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE:
Lily Tomlin
Lt. Governor John Garamendi
Senator Sheila Kuehl
Dolores Huerta
Maria Elena Durazo
Folkloriate
and many more California leaders
For information, call 888 442 4255
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Monday, August 13th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Fifty-Fifty Leadership
An Evening for Board Members, Potential Board Members and People Who Just Want to Find Out How to Contribute
PR Store
748 East Colorado Blvd (Across from Target)
Pasadena , CA 91101
Street parking
Light Refreshments will be served
RSVP by email to pfield@fiftyfifty.us
Or call 818.243.2322
And if you know someone else that might be interested, let us know that you will bring a guest
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Friday, August 17th - 5:00 p.m.
Fun, Fashion and Fondue
After Work Networking
La Manda Park Branch Library
140 S. Altadena Drive, Altadena
Shepherd's Door Domestic Violence Resource Center presents Leslie Lina Sigala, the Rape Prevention Education Coordinator at Peace Over Violence talking about Teen Dating Violence. There will be fondue to eat, clothing, jewelry and handbags to buy.
The event is free. Proceeds from the event will help with the counseling of women and children of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking
For more information and to RSVP call Linda Offray at 626-683-1640
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Saturday, August 25 - 9:30a.m. - 3:00p.m.
A Coracle Foundation presents its Third Annual Meeting
The Julie Penrose Center , Colorado Springs , Colorado
The volunteers who make up the foundation are guided by the belief that individuals drive all change in the world and that the act of pilgrimage provides focus and inspiration and serves to unite one's spiritual development with one's worldly pursuits. We invite you to get involved. For more information visit www.acoracle.org o email visionwalk@aol.com
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Sunday, August 26th
WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY
How will you celebrate it?
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September 14 - 16
Women, Power and Peace
The Omega Institute, Rhinebeck , New York
The Women's Institute, a dynamic new component of Omega, is dedicated to empowering women around the world. It has grown out of the momentum created by the annual Women and Power conferences that Omega Institute has presented in partnership with V-Day since 2002. It seeks to sustain throughout the year the community and inspiration generated at the conferences. Women's deep wisdom is essential to the creation of a more sustainable and loving culture in every facet of life, from the personal to the political. The Women's Institute provides opportunities for women and men to inspire and strengthen their visions and authentic voices through unique learning and community building experiences.
This is a conference with a stellar faculty including our own Ellen Snortland, Nobel Prize winner and Guatemalan Presidential Candidate Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Sally Field, Jane Fonda and more. For more information and to register, call 800-944-1001
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September 17th
Visionbuilders Foundation Class
Simple tools for creating vision in all of life. Spiritual skills for success. A blank check to fund your vision. Must-have metaphysics. Self-awareness that ends self-sabotage.
Have you ever felt like a "split personality?" Part of you wants to create a vision that inspires and excites you, and part of you is stuck in a million reasons, excuses, "buts", and barriers. Part of you knows the key to meaningful success is spiritual, and part of you isn't sure how that key works.
It's a "No commute" class! Attend at your office, or home in your 'jammies
- Read /listen to the lessons at your convenience
- Practice the tools on your own schedule
- Do your Action Steps whenever you like
- Do your Self Observations at your leisure
- Dialogue on the Lessons with other Visionbuilders and Margaret at your choice of at least 3 call times each week
Course fee is just $119
Sign up by pre-paying now (use Paypal "donate" button) at www.visionbuildersinstitute.com
Or send your check to The Visionbuilders Institute, 4201 Wilson Blvd, suite 110-246, Arlington , VA 22203 .
Or call toll-free 866-820-6604.
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Tuesday, October 23,2007
California Governor's Women's Conference:
Remarkable Lives, Remarkable Legacies, What's Yours?
Sold out in 3 days! 11,000 women will be attending this annual conference. A few more tickets will be made available on August 27 th at 9:00 a.m. for the afternoon session. This informative, educational and star-studded event is one of the great women's networking days anywhere in the U.S. Take a look at their website, www.californiagovernorsconference.org
On the website is also a blog where you can post your need for tickets - you might get lucky.
Or perhaps you are willing to volunteer. If so, go to CaliforniaVolunteers@hotmail.com - it will get you in for the day.
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Fifty/Fifty LEADERSHIP ON THE MOVE
Fifty/Fifty Leadership is growing and no longer fits in our houses. So, we are looking for office space. Do you, or anyone you know, have an extra office in their suite? Perhaps they would be willing to let us have the space as their donation. Or maybe someone you know has an extra office and could use a little (!) extra cash to help pay the rent. If you know of any such space, please call Pauline Field at 818.243.2322 or email her at pfield@Fifty/Fifty.us
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MEMBERSHIP - Tell a Friend
Becoming a member in Fifty/Fifty is your statement that you want to add your voice to help transform our culture such that when leaders are chosen, they are chosen equally - women to men. What else is in it for you?
• Your subscription to this newsletter, The Equality Standard so you'll have facts about women and girls locally, nationally and internationally, plus learn about events of interest in Los Angeles, New York, D.C., Sacramento, and more
• Discounts at many events put on by Fifty/Fifty Leadership
• Your name will be added to our website as a supporter of the work we are doing
• Your membership may be tax deductible - please check with your tax professional
Can you be involved without becoming a member? Yes. Subscriptions to The Equality Standard are $12 per year. As a special offer for the launch of this new newsletter, if you subscribe between now and December 31, 2006, you will receive the newsletter until December 31, 2007. You can pay by check or credit card. Please send your check or the credit card information below to Equality Standard, P.O. Box 11202, Glendale, CA 91226 or you can call or email your credit card information to pfield@fiftyfifty.us, 818-243-2322
(Click here for printer-friendly subscription form)
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FINAL WORDS
Do you have a favorite quote?
We would love to hear from you - and we will even give you credit! |
WANTINGS
Wanting to enter the world of men, she waited for an opening in the invisible wall that lay between her and her want.
One day she spied a small odd shaped hole,
Thus seeing hope, she lost a lot of weight and was able to slide through.
Wanting to be one, among them.
She was surprised that they could not see her.
She said smart words.
Solved their problems added to their coffers,
Sang clever tunes.
Wore bright colors
Wore pinstripes etc..
But alas, she was invisible
She went back through the slim crack, looked in the mirror and discovered to her delight that she was there
A bright colored reflection in a rectangular mirror.
Wanting never to disappear again
She began a plan to want something else
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| — Joan Krieger Hoffman, Marketing Consultant, Designer, Actor, Poet |
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Pauline Field
818.243.2322
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Members and Subscribers:
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remember to let us know so you will continue getting the newsletter uninterrupted.
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