Fifty/Fifty Leadership

THE EQUALITY STANDARD

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.

Edited by Pauline Field

MAY 2008

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In this issue:

1.	In The News
2.	Women in Business
3.	Internship Wanted & Available
4.	Resources for Low Income Women
5.	Scholarships Available
6.	Lifetime Networks Invites Entries
7.	Events
8.	The Equality Standard Blog
9.	Membership - Subscriptions - Tell a Friend
10.	Final Words - Send us your favorite quotes

IN THE NEWS

April 22nd was Equal Pay Day
Read on to find out why it is important, and what you can do

Equal Pay Day was originated by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) in 1996 as a public awareness event to illustrate the gap between men's and women's wages. The day symbolizes how far into the year a woman must work, on average, to earn as much as a man earned the previous year. (Tuesday is the day on which women's wages catch up to men's wages from the previous week.)

These lingering disparities are disturbing more than 40 years after passage of the Equal Pay Act. In general, women continue to earn only 77 cents on the dollar to their male counterparts. Women of color face an even larger wage gap. Compared to white men, African-American women make 72 cents on the dollar (African-American men make 75 cents)? Latino women make almost 60 cents while Latino men make almost 62 cents. Women working full time earn only 80 percent of what their male counterparts earn, even when they work in the same field. Ten years after graduation, the gap widens.

According to the 2005 National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) Salary Survey, the wage gap in 20 different industries showed men being compensated at higher rates than their female colleagues. For example, in 2004:

Women securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents earned $33,852, compared to $60,736 for men.
Women marketing and sales managers earned $46,696, compared with $74,932 for men.
Women physicians and surgeons earned $50,856, compared with $97,448 for men.
Women government lobbyists employed by nonprofits earned $73,907 compared with $96,655 for men.
Women editors-in-chief of magazines made about $79,000 compared with $104,000 for men.

What can you do?

Organize a lunchtime meeting and invite women workers to attend.
Hold an "Equal Pay Day" bake sale. Have men pay 100 percent while charging women only 77 percent of the price of the baked goods.
Conduct a survey of local businesses and their employees to determine what benefits and policies are available to working women and their families.
Ask your members of Congress and state legislators to sign a Fair Pay Pledge.
Schedule in-district meetings with your state representatives or members of Congress and encourage them to support pay equity legislation.
Sponsor a contest. You could work with a local high school or college to hold an essay contes with the Chamber of Commerce, local school or community group. Possible topics include "What would you do with an extra 23 percent?"
Host a training or a class on financial literacy and management and economic self-sufficiency for women.
Start a wage club. Wage Clubs are groups of 5-10 women who come together in a safe place where they can share personal stories related to sex discrimination in the workplace.

For more information on equal pay, please visit the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the National Committee on Pay Equity at: AAUW or pay-equity.org

* Statistics and activities courtesy of AAUW and NCPE

California State University, Northridge's College of Engineering and Computer Science outranks most engineering schools in the percentage of women faculty members, 18% who are either tenured or on the tenure track. That's better than nearly 80% of the U.S. universities that have more than two dozen faculty members in the field, according to data published by the American Society for Engineering Education. While the university is clearly proud of its record, it still begs the question, why not 50%? Or something close to it. Clearly there is more work to do to get us closer to parity in this endeavor. On a separate note, President Jolene Koester has doubled the endowment for the college in just four years and has a list of other achievements that has brought recognition of the university as a worthwhile college of study.

Kudos to Carla Christofferson, co-owner of the Los Angeles Sparks women's basketball team for being named Managing Partner of O'Melveny & Myers, the "oldest and most prestigious law firm in the city" according to the Los Angeles Daily Journal. Too bad though that the caption under her picture mention who she has dated - like that makes a difference to how she has achieved what she has!

Race car driver Danica Patrick won the Indy Japan 300, the first woman to do so. The Los Angeles Times' article reporting her win also noted how much athletes earn from endorsements and business deals. The top five men earned a total of $261 million and the top five women earned $71 million - just 27% of what the men earned.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Free Publicity for Non-Profits!
Thanks to Ria Severance, Executive Development Consultant for reminding us of this great resource - 5050Leadership has been on Crown City News - Tami Devine, Founder is wonderful to work with. They are a good marketing resource for businesses also.

Did you know that CCN - Crown City News includes an entire segment devoted to giving free publicity to Non-Profits? It's called "On-Camera!" If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, contact us and we'll book your organization's spokesperson to be a live guest on the newscast. During the segment you can tell us about what services your agency provides and how they benefit the community, and when your upcoming events are taking place. E-mail us at oncamera@crowncitynews.com or call us at 626-798-3288. If your agency's not a non-profit, but offers free services to the community, we may be able to interview you, too! So contact us today, or pass this along to someone at an organization that could use some free publicity.

Computer Teacher
Leigh Adams, Artist-In-Residence at the Los Angeles Arboretum, turned us on to Bronwen and said this about her: "Bronwen is a superb computer teacher, trainer who can make computers act like trained poodles" so if there's anything you need to learn how to use your computer or just get it fixed so it does what you want, call Bronwen. Do check out her website too, it is interesting and shows the breadth of her activities and experience.

Bronwen's Technical Training & Techno-babble Translation http://www.br0nw3n.com Bronwen Aker b@br0nw3n.com 818.353.9433

Women Consultants
Do you know any outstanding women leaders in consulting? If so, Consulting Magazine is accepting Nominations for their annual Achievement Awards . The categories are: Lifetime Achievement, Client Service, Leadership, Future Leader. Nominations are due May 15 th . Please send questions to Consulting magazine's managing editor, Jacqueline Durett, at jdurett@kennedyinfo.com

Professional Photograher
Need a professional photograph for your website or brochures? Or you have an event coming up that needs a first class photographer? Deb Halberstadt of HalfCity Productions has been a photo-journalist, has photographed every U.S. President going back 25+ years, and captures the best in people. Give her a call 626-794-6358 or drop her an email at halfcity@earthlink.net

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INTERNSHIP WANTED

My name is Julie Lafuente. I am a Delta Gamma in the Zeta Eta chapter at Texas State University . I am studying Fashion Merchandising with both a Business Administration minor and a Writing minor. This summer, I am looking for an internship in the L. A. area to get university credit, I need the internship to be associated with Fashion; examples include fashion journalism, costume design, visual merchandising, and runway shows. I would appreciate any help you can give me in finding an internship.

Julie Anne Lafuente, JL1427@txstate.edu , (832) 859-9334

INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE

Internships with the United Nations Association Pasadena Foothills Chapter

1) Web Site Management Intern: Responsible for up date and upkeep of the UNAPASADENA.ORG website as needed. Coordinate web content with organization's Executive Team, including events calendar, archive of monthly newsletters, posting new updates and photos regularly. This will necessitate participating in monthly coordination/creative meetings.

2) Web Design Internship: interface with leadership of this Pasadena Human Rights non profit in the redesign and layout of the current website. Work with organizational executives to create a new look for the website and to launch organizational FACE BOOK site.

3)eNewsletter designer-Must be proficient in Constant Contact and compatible newsletter design software. This internship is an opportunity to combine writing and layout skills in the redesign of our monthly eNewsletter. The newsletter has a circulation of over 5000 community leaders who are committed to the UN Millennium Development Goals and Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Newsletters are also archived on the website. This is an excellent portfolio building opportunity.

The United Nations Association Pasadena Foothills Chapter is one of the most influential Chapters of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA USA ). The UNA USA has more than 175 Chapters and Divisions across the country and nearly 18,000 members. Our members carry out programs and campaigns at the local level through events and fundraising. We serve members as a gateway to the UN through our local projects including the Model United Nations. Adopt a Minefield, HERO Program serving HIV AIDS ravaged communities in Africa and many more...

for information please contact: Sherry Simpson Dean, Executive Director UNA Pasadena Chapter 626 449 1795, sherry @unapasadena.org .

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RESOURCES FOR LOW INCOME WOMEN

Included in a note from Maria Shriver, First Lady of California , was the following:

Our primary goal is to ensure that these working families are aware of the financial support available to them, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Last year, over a billion dollars was left on the table because almost 600,000 of those eligible didn't apply. This money could have helped these families pay for school, transportation, childcare and much more.

By visiting our website at www.WeConnect.net, clicking on the WEb Connector tool and answering few simple questions, Californians can find out what resources they are eligible to receive. It's fast, it's simple and it includes:

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Child Care Tax Credit
Golden State Advantage Card
Lifeline (low cost phone service)
CARE (low cost utilities)
Low Cost Auto Insurance

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SCHOLARSHIPS

Advocate Training Program 2008: Empowering Black Women to be Tomorrow's Health Activists

CABWHP will soon begin training a new group of Los Angeles health advocates through our innovative Advocate Training Program (ATP). The 2008 ATP will have a special cohort for young women ages 18-24. However, applications from sisters of all ages are welcome. The ATP is designed to train women from the grassroots community to become effective health policy activists and advocates. Since 2002, the Advocate Training Program has produced sixty-five women's health advocates trained in Black women's health issues, media advocacy, community organizing, strategy development and policy advocacy. In 2006, we trained our inaugural Northern California class of advocates in the East Bay . The 2008 ATP will empower a new set of health advocates to enrich our advocacy, activism and dialogue with policy makers. Applications are available now! Space is limited so submit your application as early as possible!

Young women who complete our program will each receive a $250 college scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year!

For more information, contact us at 310 412-1828 x15 or adrienne@cabwhp.org .

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COMPETITION

Lifetime Networks Invites Entries
for Every Woman's Film Competition

Thanks to Nena Davis, Fundraiser, for notice of this competition

Deadline: July 8, 2008

To nurture the next generation of great women filmmakers, the Lifetime Movie Network (http://www.lmn.tv/), the Hollywood Reporter (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/), New York Women in Film & Television (http://www.nywift.org/), the Paley Center for Media (http://www.paleycenter.org/), the William Morris Agency ( http://www.wma.com/ ), and Women in Film Los Angeles (http://www.wif.org/) are launching the second annual Every Woman's Film Competition, presented by the Lifetime Movie Network.

The competition is open to all women who are legal residents of the United States and who, by the entry date, are at least 18 years of age. Competition entrants will produce short films of three to five minutes in length.

First- and second-place winners, as well as three honorable mentions, will be selected. In addition, the LMN.tv audience will have a chance to vote online for their favorite film and determine the selection of a special LMN.tv Audience Winner. The judge-selected first- and second-place winners will receive $5,000 and $2,500, respectively, to advance their film projects, exposure on Lifetime Movie Network and LMN.tv, as well as trips to both the Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Breakfast and the Hamptons International Film Festival, where they will be featured guests. The three honorable mention recipients, as well as the favorite filmmaker chosen by the LMN.tv audience, will win $1,000 each.

Contest information is available at the program's Web site. RFP Link: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15012638/filmcontest

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

"I did notice that the Commission on the Status of Women isn't mentioned or credited once for organizing and hosting any of our events for the month of April - from the self defense workshops with Shield, to our third annual Take Back the Night, and for bringing Denim Day to Glendale. On every other event, the host organization is credited.

I'm sure it was just an oversight, but wanted to note it so next time the CSW'll be sure to be given credit for its programs."

Lana Haddad
Staff to the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women

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EVENTS

Saturday, May 3 - 10:00 a.m.
Fashion Show and Luncheon

American Business Women's Association

Castaways Restaurant, Burbank

Tickets: $40

For reservations call Donna Hempel 626-966-3488

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Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday, May 4th

Big Sunday

This is a day where thousands of people get together through synagogues, churches and nonprofit agencies to volunteer and make a difference. Last year over 30,000 people participated.

Flip and serve burgers; give women a make-over; paint and plant flowers at a school, cook, and more. It's not too late to join in, do good and have fun - and there are many events where children are welcome too.

If you know someone who is in need of some new clothing and cannot afford it, there will be a clothing give-away at NCJW at 543 N. Fairfax Avenue , Los Angeles , Ca 90036 from 9:00am until 12:00pm. Or you can help give the clothes away - sign up at the website.

Check it all out at www.bigsunday.org

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Thursday, May 8th - 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Self Defense Awareness

Los Feliz Branch of Los Angeles Public Library Community Room
1874 Hillhurst Ave. Los Angeles

By Nelson Nio of Shield Self Defense, Assembly Member Paul Krekorian,
Los Feliz Branch of LA Public Library, and
LA City Commission on the Status of Women

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Saturday, May 10 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Glamourama - A Day of Glamour for Mothers

Benefiting the Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley www.dvcsantaclarita.com

Pampering, massage, shopping, make-up, manicure, entertainment, hair styling, glamour shots, relaxation and more

Lunch and services included in the ticket price of $65

Valencia United Methodist Church , 25718 McBean Parkway , Valencia

To reserve tickets and for more information call Connie 661-212-7885

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Sunday, May 11th - Happy Mother's Day

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Wednesday, May 14th
Bpeace Gala

Capitale, 130 Bowery, New York City

Cocktails, Dinner, Silent Auction, Live Auction

This is a fun and festive event raising funds to keep Bpeace's offices in Kigali and Kabul open and provide field grants and training to the Rwandan and Afghan female entrepreneurs in their program.

Cookbook author, Public Television Host, Chef and Restaurateur Lidia Bastianich is receiving the first Bpeace Economic Impact Award recognizing the businesses her family has built and the ripple effect they have produced in terms of jobs created, business partners who have prospered, with the result that thousands of families have fashioned a better future for themselves and their children. This directly mirrors the effect we wish for Bpeace activities--that our Rwandan and Afghan Associates build strong businesses that foster peace, prosperity and stability in their communities.

Bpeace has, among other things, equipped Rwandan and Afghan women with laptop computers and seeded an Economic Development Fund to help guarantee loans

Check them out at www.bpeace.org

To Register, Click Here

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Wednesday, May 21 - 6 p.m.
Women's eNews honors our 2008
21 Leaders for the 21st Century

An awe-inspiring reader-nominated list, with each honoree making news, often at great personal risk, by confronting issues of particular concern to women.

The Starrett-Lehigh Building , 601 West 26th St (between 11 th & 12 th Ave ) New York City

Hosted by Martha Stewart Living, Omnimedia, Inc.

Reservations & Information:
Phone: (888) 743-3459

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Thursday, May 22nd - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Self Defense Awareness

By Nelson Nio of Shield Self Defense, Assembly Member Paul Krekorian, and East Valley YMCA

East Valley YMCA
5142 Tujunga Ave. North Hollywood

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Thursday, May 29th - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Self Defense Awareness

By Nelson Nio of Shield Self Defense, Burbank YMCA and Assembly Member Paul Krekorian
Burbank YMCA Ray Sence Room
321 E. Magnolia Blvd. , Burbank

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May 30 & 31st
Soroptomist Legislative Summit

Westin South Coast Plaza

Costa Mesa , California

Thanks to Dr. Kathie Mathis, Director of Domestic Violence Programs at the Glendale YWCA

The Desert Coast Region of Soroptimist International presents the 2008 Legislative Summit. The theme is "Promoting Women for Public Office." Learn what is involved in running for office. How do you make the decision to run? What are the inside realities to fundraising and developing an effective strategy and campaign plan? How can you start with an appointment to a commission? Meet women officeholders who will share their personal insights in what it takes to run for public office, how to win, and why women should actively participate in all levels of government.

Partners include the Glendale YWCA, League of Women Voters, and more

For more details and to register, click here: http://apcomp.net/legislative/

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June 5 - 7th - New York City
National Council for Research on Women

Hitting the Ground Running: Research, Activism, and Leadership for a New Era

Thanks to Kelly Hayes-Raitt, travel and human-rights writer for letting us know about this upcoming conference

For more information and to register, please email Jessyca Dudley at jdudley@ncrw.org .

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June 11 - 13th
National Women's History Project

National Networking Conference

Minneapolis , MN

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Friday, June 13th - 11:30 a.m.
ERA - 34th Anniversary Luncheon

San Francisco Marriott

Keynote Speaker: Susan Estrich, legal scholar, political analyst, and first woman to run a national presidential campaign

For more information call (415) 575-2395 or email events@equalrights.org . Tickets will be available in early May.

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MEMBERSHIP - Tell a Friend

MEMBERSHIP - SUBSCRIPTIONS - ADVERTISING
Become a member or subscribe to the Equality Standard today. Click here: www.fiftyfifty.us/Membership.htm Or call 818.243.2322 Or email us at info@fiftyfifty.us

ADVERTISING
This month as you can see, we have added paid advertising. If you are interested in advertising your product or service, please call 818.243.2322 or email us at info@fiftyfifty.us

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THE EQUALITY STANDARD BLOG

Check it out:
The Equality Standard Blog

FINAL WORDS

Do you have a favorite quote?
We would love to hear from you - and we will even give you credit!

Thanks to Mary Ann Feeney, Intuitive, Healer for reminding us of this poem written by Audrey Hepburn on "Beauty Tips":

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

Pauline Field
818.243.2322

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