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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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As we celebrate Independence Day,
let's remember the role these women played: |
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| Julia Ward Howe |
Betsy Ross |
Emma Lazarus |
Catherine Lee Bates |
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| See Story Below |
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In this issue: |
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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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IN THE NEWS |
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Rosa DeLauro |
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DeLauro Appointed Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee
Representative Rosa DeLauro has been appointed Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture under whose jurisdiction is the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). We finally have a champion who will fight for women's health issues. Funding research and programs that track how drugs and procedures affect women; working for reproductive rights, and more. |
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National Day Of Human Trafficking Awareness
established for January 11
Thanks to Lana Haddad, Staff to the Glendale Women's Commission for letting us know about this
U.S. Senate Approves Resolution by Senators Feinstein, Cornyn, Obama, and Lugar to establish the annual observance intended to enhance fight against human trafficking
Victims of human trafficking are forced to work in sweatshops, prostitution rings, farm labor, private homes and other enterprises. Traffickers use many techniques to keep their victims enslaved - including fear, isolation and threats of violence, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
It is a pervasive global crime, with nearly 1 million people trafficked across international borders every year -- roughly 80 percent of them are women and children -- according to the U.S. State Department. |
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Kibaki Launches Strategy for Promotion of Women in Business
Thanks to Kimani Kimani, a businessman and feminist for passing on this article
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Kenya President Mwai Kibaki |
The Standard Newspaper in Kenya reported this week that President Mwai Kibaki has launched a partnership venture between Equity Bank and the UN Development Program. The bank will be opening three branches that will be exclusively for women and has a 5 Billion Shillings ($74.8 million) lending program to increase the competitiveness of businesses owned by women. An initial 2,000 businesswomen have been selected for training in the joint program. UNDP estimates that 53 per cent of rural women and 63 per cent of their urban counterparts live below the poverty line. The estimates also show that 85 per cent of businesses in the informal sector and 48 per cent of small and micro enterprises are owned by women, who face the twin challenges of lack of business skills and financing.
Also in Africa , Women's E-News reports that the Ugandan Supreme Court recently nullified a law that made adultery criminal for women, but not men |
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| WOMEN'S ROLE IN PATRIOTIC SYMBOLS |
Excerpted from "Wired Women" Published by Monica Hubbard, Consultant, PublisherAs we light the barbecues and gather with friends and families, let's take a moment to remember the women who were instrumental in giving us some of our major symbols that we hold dear: our flag, American the Beautiful, Battle Hymn of the Republic and the inscription on the Status of Liberty. How are we doing with "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"? Are we (you and me) welcoming them still? Are we (you and me included) still the country that welcomed me to this country over 30 years ago? Ed.
Betsy Ross was a flagmaker and a successful businesswoman who transcended personal tragedy both during the American Revolution and after. Like many women in times of war, she supported herself and her child, managing a household and a business, and making the best of difficult circumstances. Though it is doubtful that she made the first American flag, the legend lives on.
Julia Ward Howe, best known for writing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," was an ardent feminist and a strong advocate for peace. In 1870 she called for women to rise up and oppose war in all its forms, hoping that women could come together across national lines, to recognize what we hold in common above what divides us, and commit to finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts. She issued a Declaration, hoping to gather together women in a congress of action.
The inscription on the Statue of Liberty:"Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" was written by Emma Lazarus.
Emma Lazarus was a poet of considerable reputation and a well-known
figure in literary circles. Her welcome to the "wretched refuse" of the earth,
written in 1883, was an effort to project an inclusive and egalitarian definition
of the American dream.
"America the Beautiful" was written in 1893 Katherine Lee Bates an English professor at Wellesley College . It was one of a sequence of poems expressing outrage at US imperialism in the Philippines , and her concern about labor rights, urban slums and women's suffrage. The poem's final words--"and crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea"--are an appeal for social justice rather than the pursuit of wealth. |
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SALUTE
Thanks to Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Award-winning author for letting us know about this:
Red Engine Press publishes a monthly newsletter saluting our young men and women who have joined in service of our country. Each year in May they dedicate the issue to women. I was very moved to see how they honor these women. Women such as Leigh Ann Hester, the first woman to receive the Silver Star for actions in combat; Barbara Bundy, a veteran herself who now helps veterans get the benefits they need. Women prisoners of war and Korean War nurses.
At the ceremonial entrance to Arlington Cemetery stands the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, for which Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught, USAF Retired was the driving force in getting it built. She is one of the most decorated women in U.S. history and wanted to make sure that the women that served their country were remembered appropriately.
There is a very touching piece about mothers waiting for their children to come home - "Anxious families display blue star flags in their windows.They remember cuddling apple-cheeked babies with gummy smiles - or chasing wobbly bicycles on first-day-without-training-wheels rides. They touch prom night pictures with the tips of their fingers and tell stories about the day their children graduated from high school or college. But sometimes, fear taints the best memories like snow obliterating tender shoots. Will their precious boys and girls be the same when they return? Will the darkness of war blunt their sparkle? Will they come home at all? Torn between devouring and ignoring the news, they wait and wait - and wait."
To see the whole newsletter, go to www.SaluteNewsletterOnline.com and look for the May edition.
And here's something else we can do to honor our troops sent to us by Joyce Morrissey, Insurance Agent and BPW Member:
In WWII, there was an advisor to Prime Minister Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England , its people and peace.
This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped. There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America . If you would like to participate: Each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens and for peace in the world.
If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along. Someone said if People really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.
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BE HEALTHY - WARNING SIGNS
Thanks to Joyce Morrissey, Insurance Agent, Business & Professional Women Member for the following:
Symptoms of Heart Disease For Women
Women may experience early symptoms of cardiovascular disease differently than men. The symptoms in women can be far subtler. If you or any woman you know shows these signs, seek medical attention right away.
- Shortness of breath, often without chest pain of any kind
- Flu-like symptoms - specifically nausea, clamminess or cold sweats
- Unexplained fatigue, weakness or dizziness
- Pain in the chest, upper back, shoulders, neck, or jaw
- Feelings of anxiety, loss of appetite, discomfort
If you even suspect these symptoms, call your doctor. If urgent, call 911 (or your local emergency number if outside the U.S. ) or go to a local hospital's emergency room. If you have any doubts, talk to your healthcare provider.
Thanks to Neal Peterson, Insurance Broker for the following:
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer symptoms may start early, and three cancer organizations today issued a joint statement telling women what to watch out for.
Ovarian cancer is the most deadly cancer of the female reproductive system. Its high death rate is partly due to the lack of early detection and screening tests.
The new statement -- issued by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, and American Cancer Society -- could help women note ovarian cancer's possible early warning symptoms and seek help swiftly.
According to the statement, the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than in women in the general population:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
"Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist," the organizations state.
The organizations note that "women with ovarian cancer report that symptoms are persistent and represent a change from normal for their bodies" and that several studies have highlighted these symptoms even in the early stages of ovarian cancer. |
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WOMEN IN ART
Thanks to Leigh Adams, Artist in Residence at the Los Angeles Arboretum for sending this:
Take a moment to click on this link and enjoy a collage/video
of women depicted in art through the ages.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=nUDIoN- _Hxs |
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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.
Saturday, July 13 - 15th
National NOW Conference and Young Feminist Leadership Institute
Fast Forward: Women Take Charge
Dearborn , Michigan
The National NOW Conference is an incredible opportunity to gather with feminists from across the country, to reminisce with old friends, to connect with new allies, and, of course, to learn and share about feminist activism!
Friday and Saturday are devoted to plenaries featuring dynamic speakers as well as workshops, skill-building sessions and issue hearings. On Sunday we will debate and decide on resolutions that will shape NOW's actions and policy for the coming year.
Check out the 8th annual Political Institute , presented by the NOW Political Action Committees. This is an extra special Political Institute, since we're gearing up for the 2008 elections and also marking the 30th anniversary of the NOW PAC! Workshops in the Political Institute are designed to enhance our ability to elect more feminists to office at every level. The Institute will build skills to prepare activists to run for office and to provide trained organizers to work in elections. Don't forget to check out the PAC silent auction on Saturday.
This year's Conference will feature a Young Feminist Leadership Institute a set of workshops, roundtables, and activities designed to help younger feminist leaders develop the grassroots and political organizing skills necessary to effect change in their communities.
For More Information and to Register, go to www.now.org
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Saturday, July 14, 6 p.m.
"Summer at the Bellevues"
An original play produced by Show of Support Players for Glendale Healthy Kids
The Doctors House
Brand Park, Glendale
There will be a lovely Victorian Carriage (minus horses) on display for photo opps.
For more information email Camille@glendalehealthykids.org
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Now Through September 2nd
Free Concerts in the Park
Wed, Thurs, & Sun at 7:00 p.m.
Fri & Sat at 8:00 p.m.
Levitt Pavilion
Memorial Park
85 E. Holly Street
Pasadena
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, July 21 - 1:00 - 4:00
Rock, Roll 'n Bowl
City Scholars Presents
Rock, Roll 'n Bowl
50's Costume Party and Bowl-a-Thon
Bahama Lanes
3545 E. Foothill
Pasadena
Help us make this an afternoon to remember for our 2007 Youth Hero Award nominees, 50 outstanding inner-city youth nominated by the Executive Directors of our City Scholars After-School Network (CSAN) member agencies for academic achievement, youth leadership and community service!
Moreover, every bowler who collects at least $100 in donations from family, friends and co-workers will receive a commemorative event T-Shirt and our top fundraiser will score two VIP tickets to our all-star Thanks-4-Giving JAZZ Celebration (November 8) sponsored by American Airlines and 94.7 The Wave.
Lanes are filling up fast! So, go to www.cityscholars.org or call 213-627-1792 for more details on how to register.
$35 per person includes 2 hours of bowling, Pizza, Pop, Gift Bag and more!
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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 17 - 19
Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) Annual Conference
Mayflower Hotel
Washington , D.C.
Join WIPP, the largest, most successful voice for women in business on policy issues, for a very special White House reception, briefings from top leaders in government, industry and media, networking amongst other extraordinary women business owners and leaders like you. WIPP is offering a 10% discount early registration fee if you register by July 9 th . Email PWoo@wipp.org for more information and to register
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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
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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! |
| "Life Shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage" |
| — Anais Nin |
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Pauline Field
818.243.2322
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