Check it out:
The Equality Standard Blog

Assemblywoman Karen Bass made history this week as she secured the votes to become the next speaker of the California Assembly late Wednesday, elevating an African American woman to the post for the first time in California history. Bass, a 54-year-old Los Angeles Democrat, was the top lieutenant of outgoing Speaker Fabian Núñez, who pitched in behind the scenes Wednesday to help Bass win a feverish, 10-person battle for the top job. Bass, considered the front-runner for weeks, will assume a political job considered by many to be second only to the governor in power and prestige in California government.

Bass beat a field of candidates consisting of Alberto Torrico of Newark, Hector De La Torre of South Gate, Joe Coto of San Jose, Fiona Ma of San Francisco, Charles Calderon of Whittier, Mike Feuer of Los Angeles, Anthony Portantino of La Cañada Flintridge, and Ed Hernandez of West Covina.

Bass "demonstrates a grace under pressure and a quiet competence that will serve the Assembly well," Said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma.

As speaker, Bass will serve as chief negotiator for the Assembly Democrats in discussions with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the other three legislative leaders, including Steinberg. Of the so-called Big 5, Bass will be the only woman and the only non-white.

Over 51 million girls under 18 in the developing world are forced to marry, a practice widely viewed as a violation of their human rights, reports Women's e-news. Let your Congressional representatives know that we must help put an end to this. The International Women's Resource Center urges us to let our representatives know that we support bills that will curb this violation.

To The Contrary - Is a 15-year old show on 251 PBS stations across the country. It is an all female news analysis show. If you do not watch it, you can go to their website, http://www.pbs.org/ttc/index.html , to find the schedule on your local station. One of the stories they covered recently was about an internet-based network of Latina women called Las Comadres ( http://www.lascomadres.org ). They have thousands of women among their members who stay connected via the internet for information and resources that impact the lives of Latina women. They have events called "Comadrazos" where they get together and get to know each other but also share information and resources in person. Thanks to Heather Mutz, a Leadership Coach, for letting us know about this.

Kathryn Colbert was named CEO of People for the American Way (PFAW)
As a litigator, Kathryn has participated in legal teams for several Supreme Court cases. Perhaps most notably, she is credited by many with saving Roe v. Wade with her 1992 argument before the Supreme Court in the landmark case Planned Parenthood v. Casey .

In addition to her notable career as a public interest attorney, Kathryn has distinguished herself in the fields of journalism, education and academia. Currently, she serves as a Senior Research Administrator with the Annenberg Public Policy Center , where she created a nationally recognized public education program about law and American life. The two cornerstones of this program are the "Justice Talking" series (hosted by Margot Adler) and the educational web site Justice Learning (produced with the New York Times Learning Network), which together have won 21 national journalism awards since 2000. Kathryn has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and has co-authored several books, including Justice Learning's Hip Pocket Guide to the U.S. Constitution , published by Oxford University Press.

Maddy Sauer and Justin Rood, ABC News, write: "A mother of five who says she was sexually harassed and assaulted while working for Halliburton/KBR in Iraq is headed for a secretive arbitration process rather than being able to present her case in open court." In arbitration, there is no public record or transcript of the proceedings, meaning that Tracy 's claims will not be heard before a judge and jury.

Women's e-news reports that British schools will introduce vending machines dispensing free condoms and pregnancy kits in an effort to boost contraception and cut unwanted pregnancies, the Daily Telegraph reported Feb. 7.

Executive Development Consulting

Take all of who you are to the next level. And bring your organization with you. Executive Development Consulting can reinvigorate the quality of life for you and those you lead in the workplace. We offer a range of service options tailored to suit your specific requirements.

Call today to discuss your needs: (626) 441-3963

Pre-Paid Legal

With all the lawsuits and red tape that everyone seems to have to go through, Sherry Merryman suggests that Pre-Paid Legal is very cost effective and stress-reducing. "Pre-Paid Legal's plan lets you have a will made up for both husband and wife at no cost. Normally, it would cost between $500 and $1000 each.

Pre-Paid Legal also contains a program against identity theft which is becoming a big issue, especially for older people who get their social security checks taken.

Call Sherry at (951)522-3958 or email her at sherrymerryman@prepaidlegal.com

VisionBuilders and International FieldWorks present An Evening of Vision Building for Panoramic Success a rare opportunity to be with Margaret Shepherd . Do you know someone who wants to get more out of their career, their relationships . and life?  If so, then please pass this opportunity on to them. Margaret, who used to live in Glendale and now lives in Virginia , will guide participants through a vision-building, success-building workshop.  To find out more, Click Here .

A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to 5050Leadership.   Have your friends, family, co-workers join me - it could be the best use of their time so far this year. Choice of two evenings and locations: Tuesday, April 8 th at the Westside Pavilion, or Wednesday, April 9 th at the Glendale YWCA. Early Bird Pricing until March 15 this $85. After March 15 th the price is $99. Call today to reserve your place: 818.694.0588

Carolyn Howard-Johnson, the award-winning author, feminist and outstanding promoter/marketer has done it again. She has written another must-have for writers: The Great First Impression Book Proposal: Everything You Need To Know About Selling Your Book in 20 Minutes or Less. And its just $0.49 on Amazon!!! http://www.amazon.com/Great-First-Impression-Book-Proposal/dp/B000YG6O5U/ref=pd_sim_b_title_1

PROMOTING WOMEN'S EQUAL LEADERSHIP

Thank to Ellen Snortland, Co-Chair of 5050Leadership, author and star of "Now That She's Gone"

Women in the U.S are under-represented and often misrepresented in the entertainment industry - an industry that creates and defines our culture and has global influence.

• Only 17% of theater productions in the US are written by women
• Only 16% of theater productions in the US are directed by women
• Only 15% of all directors, executive producers, producers, writers, cinematographers, and editors working in the US film industry are women
• Only 20% of studio executives working in the US film industry are women*     

Equal opportunity still does not exist for women in the entertainment industry. Additionally, the representation of women and girls in the media is often degrading, based on stereotype, and sets up impossible expectations women and girls must live up to. If we continue to accept that this business, which defines our culture, does not represent women equally or accurately, then we are supporting a business that does not value women as equal citizens.

* Sources: Martha Lauzen, PhD., San Diego State University (2006), New York State Council for the Arts (2001), Suzanne Bennett, co-author of the 2001 NYSCA study (2005)

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, LCHC, is currently seeking a dynamic visionary to lead as its Executive Director.  The responsibilities include fundraising, policy advocacy and organizational development.  LCHC offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits. Please send cover letter, resume, salary expectations to fax (916) 440-8172 or cloeb@cpca.org

_____________

Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH) is a physician-led, national, not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that all people have the knowledge, access to quality services, and freedom to make their own reproductive health decisions.  We implement effective programs for our physician members in public policy, community organizing, communications, and medical education at the systems, organizational, and individual levels.  With a $3.2 million budget, our staff of 24 works at our headquarters in New York and an office in San Francisco .  PRCH is the voice of pro-choice physicians. This position is based in our San Francisco office.

Please email cover letter, salary requirements, brief relevant writing sample and resume to: By Email (preferred): libby@prch.org
By Mail: Libby Benedict, Bay Area Assistant Director, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, 131 Steuart Street, #300, San Francisco, CA  94105
By Fax: (415) 947-0683

Deadline for applications is March 15, 2008.
PRCH is committed to maintaining a work environment that values and fosters diversity in both its programmatic initiatives and staffing with regard to race, culture, ethnicity, class, religion, physical ability, age, gender and sexual identity.  People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

___________

Chief Counsel I California Department Of Fair Employment And Housing

Final filing date: March 7, 2008 Salary: $9,182 - $10,327

The Chief Counsel l, C.E.A., under the general guidance of the Director, will administer the Department of Fair Employment and Housing's Legal Division and serves as Chief Legal Advisor for the Department.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained to obtain list eligibility. Hiring interviews may be conducted with the most qualified candidates. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results. The result of this examination will be used only to fill the position of Chief Counsel I, CEA, with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The examination will consist of an application and Statement of Qualification screening committee. All interested applicants must file a standard application ( STD. 678 ) and a "Statement of Qualifications." The "Statement of Qualifications" is to be a discussion of the candidate's background and experience as it relates to the applicant's ability to perform in the specified position. The Statement should be no more than two pages in length. All applications/resumes must include "to" and "from" dates (month/day/year). A screening committee will review the applications and "Statement of Qualifications. "

The application and "Statement of Qualifications" are to be submitted to: Department of Fair Employment and Housing, 2218 Kausen Drive, Suite 100 , Elk Grove , CA 95758 Attn: Mary Iwami, Personnel

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to: Mary Iwami at (916) 478-7228 or mary.iwami@dfeh.ca.gov . California Relay Telephone Service for the deaf or hearing impaired from TDD phones: 1-800-700-2320.

___________

Senior Fair Employment and Housing Counsel (Specialist) California State And Consumer Services Agency, Department Of Fair Employment And Housing, Legal Division - Elk Grove.

Salary: $7682 - $9478

Applicants must be a current or former State employee with transfer or reinstatement eligibility for this classification, or be reachable on a current employment list for this classification. Appointment is subject to SROA and State surplus policies. Surplus candidates must submit copy of surplus status letter. All applicants must clearly indicate their basis for eligibility on the State application (STD 678). Applicants will be screened and those best qualified will be interviewed.

Send Completed State Application (Std 678) To: Department of Fair Employment and Housing, ATTN: Personnel Office, 2218 Kausen Drive, Suite 100 , Elk Grove , CA 95758 (916) 478-7229 TTY (800) 700-2320

Carleton College Summer Scholarship. The Carleton Liberal Arts Experience is a week-long summer program for high school students who will complete their Sophomore year by June of this year and who are in the top 25% of their class. All expenses, including travel, are paid. Students of African American decent or interested in the African American culture are encouraged to apply. The deadline is April 1 st .

For application and complete information, clae@carleton.edu or call 866-767-2275. Thanks to Ria Severance, Executive Development Consultant for this .

____________

The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) is now accepting applications for the 11th Annual Patty Iron Cloud National Native American Youth Initiative which will be held in Washington D.C. , June 21 - 29, 2008.   American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) high school students, ages 16- 18, who have an interest in the health careers and/or biomedical research are encouraged to apply.  The NNAYI scholarship pays for travel, lodging, and most meals during the program.  NNAYI's curriculum is strategically designed to prepare students for admission to college and professional schools, as well as for careers in health and biomedical research.  

To accompany the students, AAIP is accepting applications for counselors, age 21 and older, to serve as role models during the nine-day program.   AI/AN college students and health professionals are encouraged to apply.  

Deadline for st udent applic ation is April 18, 2008 and for counselor application is March 21, 2008.   Please visit the NNAYI website:  www.aaip.org/programs/nnayi/nnayi.htm   to obtain detail information and to access the on-line application.

Help Choice USA honor the dynamic young activists -- and their mentors -- who have made cutting edge contributions to the reproductive justice movement through service, research, communications and organizing at the 2008 Generation-to-Generation Celebration on July 17! Nominate a young leader or elected official in your community, a friend from your campus Choice USA chapter, or a professor or who has mentored your growth as a young leader working for reproductive justice.

To  Nominate A Candidate: Please fill out this  downloadable nomination form, attach any supporting materials and mail or  fax to: (202) 965-7701  attn:  Generation Awards
  Email: nominations@choiceusa.org <mailto:nominations@choiceusa.org>
Deadline: March 28,  2008

Criteria: Nominees must be under the age of 30 on July 17, 2008 unless the candidate is for the Sharing the Legacy: Mentor Award. All candidates must work to advance reproductive justice, health or rights either professionally or personally.
Choice USA , 1317 F Street NW, Suite 501 , Washington , DC 20004 , 202-965-7700

Bleeding Disorders in Women

Women's e-news: AIDS researchers have reported a breakthrough in developing microbicide gels to combat HIV, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Feb. 5. Microbicide gels have been eagerly anticipated by anti-AIDS activists because they can be applied without a male sex partner's consent and may be more acceptable to some partners than using condoms for protection.

Researchers at a Boston conference announced they had found a low-cost way of reproducing a specific anti-HIV molecule that scientists previously thought would be too cost-prohibitive, making distribution of microbicides more difficult to women in the developing world, which has the highest HIV infection rates.

They also found that a drug already being used to prevent HIV transmission during childbirth with a single dose can also cut transmission when continued during breastfeeding. A regimen of the drug nevirapine reduced the rate of HIV transmission from mother to child by half in six-week-old infants and by a third among infants after six months, Science Daily reported Feb. 5

The World Health Organization estimated that 150,000 infants become HIV-positive through breastfeeding each year.

FINAL WORDS