EqualityQuilt

Monday Member Spotlight: Laura Jeffrey Academy

Who They Are

Laura Jeffrey Academy is an all girls, tuition free charter school located in Saint Paul. LJA serves grades five through eight and offers a comprehensive approach to education. Their curriculum and learning environment is meant to help girls become well rounded, competent, compassionate, and intelligent individuals.

Their Promise

"...provide an environment where students are free to learn, to explore their potential, to discover their brilliance and develop their intellect."

What They Do

Through their comprehensive approach to education LJA strives to help girls achieve seven principles;

Mutual Responsibility and Individual Accountability

Searching for Truths

Building Empathy

Generosity of Spirit

Becoming Competent

Acknowledging Paradox and Dilemma

Recognizing Strength in Vulnerability

For more information on Laura Jeffrey Academy visit their website.

Friday Highlights: What You Might Have Missed This Week

"Pregnancy Centers Come Under Fire for Abortion Info"

NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota released a report this week which chronicled the types of information given to women who seek help at crisis pregnancy centers. Get the full story from the Star Tribune.

"Birth Control for Men?"

Ms. Magazine's blog takes another look at what new birth control methods developed for men might look like. For the full story see the Ms. Magazine Blog.

"Duluth Joins Campaign to Defeat the Marriage Amendment"

The Duluth City Council just announced they voted to formally oppose the Marriage Amendment which will appear on the ballot in November. Check out MNUnited.org or the Duluth News Tribune for more information.

"Taboos Undercut Nepal's Marital Rape Law"

Some women in Nepal are trying to figure out how to handle marital rape and domestic violence. Get the full story at WomensENews.org.

"Pittsburgh's Milk Truck Breaks for Nursing Moms"

A new organization is blooming in Pittsburgh. Figure out why it might soon be easier to breastfeed on the streets from WomensENews.

Monday Member Spotlight: Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Minnesota Metro Branch

Who They Are

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) is a non-government organization with branches in thirty-seven countries. They have an office at the United Nations in New York and their United States branch is based out of Philadelphia. WILPF was founded in 1915 and the Minnesota Metro Branch was established in 1922. WILPF is the oldest most far-reaching women's peace organization in the world.

Their Mission

"WILPF members create the peaceful transformation they wish to see in the world by making connections that:

Provide continuity with the past so that knowledge of historical events and patterns informs current activities for change;

Create analysis and action that reflect and reinforce each other;

Link and challenge root causes of oppression, especially racism, sexism, heterosexism, militarism, economic disparity, and political disempowerment; and

Build and strengthen relationships and movements for justice, peace, and radical democracy."

What They Do

WILPF has a wide range of goals. They strive for world peace and resolution of conflict without violence. They also wish to achieve political, economic, and social equality/equity. WILPF tries to achieve these goals through education, actions within the United Nations, a triennial conference host by a different country each time, and various local events.

Headlines: What You Might Have Missed This Week

"Finally, Finally! FBI's 'Forcible Rape' Definition is Officially History"

It's official, the FBI has changed their definition of rape - which means statistics will better reflect actual incidences of sexual assault. This change will also help highlight better ways to fight rape culture and stop sexual violence. Get the full story at Ms. Magazine's Blog.

"Yale University Discovers Firsthand the Awful Results of Gender Cohabitation"

The results are in! And they're not awful - they're actually exactly what you might expect. Check out Yale University's foray into mixed gender on-campus housing in this Jezebel article.

"The Tea Party's Not-So-Civil War"

For an in-depth look at how the Tea Party functions, what they're thinking about the upcoming election and an all in all great read, hit up this New York Times Magazine article.

"Who Needs New Hampshire? Minneapolis Election Winners: Susan Allen and Kari Dziedzic"

In a special election this week Susan Allen became the first Native American woman elected to the Minnesota legislature and Kari Dziedzic won in Senate District 59. For more details on the elections and the elected visit the article on Twin Cities Daily Planet.

"Victims of Eugenics Sterilization in NC to be Compensated"

North Caroline intends to compensate victims of its former eugenics program $50,000 each. Get the full story at Feministing.com.

Bonnie Reflections, Part 1

So for a change I interviewed myself!  I would much appreciate any comments on the thoughts below, which might help me prepare a short speech for the Celebration event on January 26, and inspire my thinking about new projects to benefit the women's community.  - Bonnie Peace Watkins

Q:  Just the Facts, Ma'am?  I love pretending to be Joe Friday of Dragnet, and if you are too young to know who that is, old episodes are probably available on Netflix.  I helped create the Minnesota Women's Consortium back in 1979, when it grew out of lunch conversations among the handful of women who lobbied at the state Capitol back then and the small staff of the then-Council on the Economic Status of Women at the state capitol, headed up by Nina Rothchild.  Technically Nina was the Queen and Cheryl Hoium and I were Princesses at

Celebration 32 Invite & Sponsors!

Please RSVP by January 19.  Send your check to MWC, 550 Rice Street, St Paul 55103 OR register & pay online.  See our website for information about benefits of sponsorship at various levels, or call 651/228-0338.  In addition to Celebration registration, contributions to the Bonnie Peace Watkins Fund for Economic Justice are welcome in any amount at any time (online or via postal mail), and will help us qualify for a special $10,000 match.  Download a PDF version of the invite below.  More supporters & program for the evening on the continuation page.

Economic Justice: Refugee and Immigrant Women for Change

Celebration 32 continues to creep closer! Check out the 2012 honoree for Economic Justice: Refugee and Immigrant Women for Change.

Refugee and Immigrant Women for Change is a coalition of seven organizations that seek to achieve equality for immigrant and refugee women through multiple avenues. Some of their goals include: delayed early marriage, decreased domestic violence, increased access to health care, and life skills training. The work of RIWC strongly addresses the complex intersections of gender, race, and class.

Congratulations RIWC and we look forward to honoring you at Celebration 32!

Monday Member Spotlight: Family Tree Clinic

Who They Are

Family Tree Clinic was founded in 1971 to provide reproductive health services to those neglected by the traditional health care system. The clinic serves both men and women and provides a host of fabulous services.

Their Mission

"To provide quality, confidential reproductive and sexual health care services to diverse communities."

What They Do

Family Tree provides reproductive health services, education programming, as well as undertaking public policy work. They strive to make health services affordable, give excellent patient care, and maintain a positive, empowering atmosphere.

To learn more about Family Tree Clinic click here.

 

 

 

Peace and Safety Everywhere: Bluff Country Family Resources

Celebration 32 is getting ever closer! Today, check out Bluff Country Family Resources, the 2012 Peace and Safety Everywhere honoree.

Bluff Country Family Resources provides help to survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and homelessness. BCFR is located in Hokah, MN and is one of the few resources of its kind available to rural Minnesotans. They provide a 24 hour crisis line, legal advocacy, and emergency shelter (among many other services) - making BCFR an indispensable organization.

Congratulations Bluff Country Family Resources! We look forward to honoring you at Celebration 32!

For more information on BCFR click here.

Headlines: What You Might Have Missed This Week

Here are some highlights from the first week of 2012:

"Employed Students Workload Puts Studies at Risk"

Women are attending college in record numbers and in Minnesota students are working more than ever before to help finance their education. Check out how college students are doing double duty - work and school - in this MPR article.

"Why There's No Such Thing as 'Reverse Racism'"

Our society still struggles with institutions that support domination and discrimination. For an excellent analysis of power structures in society definitely check out this article on Daily Kos.

"Yet Another Huge Comprehensive Study Finds that Abortion Doesn't Cause Mental Health Problems"

While reproductive rights were vehemently attacked in the last legislative session, we can rest assured that legitimate research is on our side. Ms. Magazine Blog reports on a new study regarding the long term effects of abortion.

"Bachmann Ends White House Bid"

After the Iowa caucus earlier this week Rep. Michele Bachmann formally announced the end of her presidential campaign. For more details check out the full article.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Check out facts and prevention tips regarding cervical cancer on Planned Parenthood's website or through the National Cervical Cancer Coalition.

Self-Determination: Minnesotans United for All Families

The countdown to Celebration 32 continues! Today, learn a little about 2012's Self-Determination honoree: Minnesotans United For All Families.

MN United is an organization which seeks to defeat the proposed marriage amendment to the Minnesota constitution. In November, Minnesotans will be asked to vote yes or no to an amendment which, if passed, would prohibit same-sex couples from legally marrying. MN United is coalition based - they have the support of many different groups and individuals who all want to see the marriage amendment defeated. Their task will not be easy; in every other state where an amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples was proposed the amendment was passed. MN United believes in the importance of family and marriage for all people and intends to work tirelessly for a Minnesota that does too.

Congratulations to Minnesotans United for All Families and we'll see you at Celebration 32!

For more information on MN United click here.

 

Woman-Centered Health Care for All: Pro-Choice Resources

Celebration 32 is one day closer! Take a look at Pro-Choice Resources, the 2012 honoree for Woman-Centered Health Care for All.

Pro-Choice resources is a unique, grassroots organization which provides several far-reaching services (education, financial, advocacy) in regards to women's reproductive health. Pro-Choice resources is the only organization of its kind and operates through collaboration of staff and volunteers. Though based in Minnesota, their resources and services span the globe; making reproductive health services more accessible for all.

Congratulations Pro-Choice Resources and we'll see you at Celebration 32!

For more information on Pro-Choice Resources (and the Birds & Bees Project) click here.

Equal Place at the Table: Minnesota Lynx

Celebration 32 is getting closer, so what better way to get excited about this annual event than learning a bit about 2012's honorees?

    This year the Equal Place at the Table award will be presented to the Minnesota Lynx. Not only are the Lynx awesome (they currently rock the WNBA's national title) but their achievements help move women forward in the realm of professional sports. A successful women's team like the Lynx helps reaffirm how far women have come - and boosts confidence that there is still much that can and will be achieved. The Lynx are also a long time member and supporter of the Minnesota Women's Consortium where their support and success are immeasurably appreciated.

Congratulations to the Lynx and we look forward to honoring you at Celebration 32!   

For more info on the Minnesota Lynx click here.

Pasting Up the Family Album for 2011

Hello dear friends, One of the tasks I will miss when I leave the Consortium is pasting up photos of YOU, our members and friends.   I just sent a very beginning effort via email (as part of a request to consider a year end tax deductible contribution).  See that message or Go right ahead and donate.  But then just had to keep on working until I got a lot of favorites in the frame!  Here's that improved version.  Soon I will make a whole album which you should be able to find over on the right side of the blog...... Joyous holidays meanwhile! - Bonnie

Thank You Passing the Torch Sponsors!

Wowwwww, that was a dream come true for me, having 90 great friends for a presentation on "Two Worlds Harmony" by Kathy Wan Povi Sanchez, to honor me as I prepare to depart the Consortium.  My last day will be January 26, - our Celebration 32 event.  Later, I will try to summarize Kathy's remarks as I think they can help all of us multi-tasking women who live in many worlds, to move through our days making peace with all those dualities.  But for now, thanks to all who came.  Your contribution is building the Bonnie Peace Watkins Fund for Economic Justice, which will keep the Consortium going especially during this transition time. (By the way, anyone can donate to that fund at anytime, in any amount - $20 means a lot to us! - online or otherwise, and your gift is entirely tax deductible.)  AND, thanks to the major sponsors below, whose gifts helped cover costs for the event, like Kathy's honorarium and airfare.   -- Bonnie Watkins

New Contributors to the Bonnie Watkins Fund for Economic Justice:  Mary Olsen Baker, Nancy Feldman, Cheryl Hoium, and Susan Toth 

Seneca Falls Society Contributors and Event Organizers:  Karen Kirkwood, Elsa Vega Perez, Joan Higinbotham, Peggy Lucas, Joyce Prudden, Marilyn Raplinger, Emily Ann Tuttle, Ann Wynia

Sponsors and Hosts for Kathy Wan Povi Sanchez: Grotto Foundation, Indigenous People's Task Force, Minneapolis Foundation, Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center, Western Bank, Women's Environmental Institute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring Internship Opportunities

The Minnesota Women's Consortium is now recruiting applicants for three spring internship positions. We have the following positions open:

Communications and Outreach Coordinator: This position includes writing a weekly online newsletter, blogging, social media, and community outreach. Click here for more information.

Public Policy Coordinator: Duties include legislative tracking, attendance at legislative hearings, writing a weekly policy online newsletter, and organizing policy oriented meetings. Click on the link for a full job description. This position requires a flexible schedule as the legislative session moves quickly and is often unpredictable.

College Feminists Connect Coordinator: The CFC Coordinator is responsible for promoting and marketing the program, maintaining a joint campus calendar, writing a newsletter, coordinating campus meetings and liaisons, social networking, and blogging. The full job description may be found here.

For more information call Erin at 651-228-0338 or write erin@mnwomen.org.

South Minneapolis Special Election December 6

Shirley Nelson of the Women Candidate Development Coalition reports that Susan Allen is a candidate in the Minnesota House Special Election on December 6 in South Minneapolis.  If elected, she will be the first Native American woman to serve in the Legislature.

Oh Victoria

Ah yes, it is that time of the year when statuses blow up with excitement for the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, when women strutting out wearing sexy lingerie decorated with elegant wings to showcase all that “Victoria” has to offer. Close-ups from the shoulders to the mid thigh help to show case what new styles Victoria Secret has to offer and more. All of these beautiful women own the catwalk with their coy smiles and confident esteem.

What people often fail to recognize is the impact these fashion shows have on society. Reaffirming the beauty ideal that people fight daily. Creating a standard women must live up to. It amazes me how easy it is for people to play into the agenda of this patriarchal society. How is it not obvious that women walking around in bras and underwear is objectifying and degrading? Sure these women do it with confidence, but the repercussion it has on other women goes unnoticed. Each year a standard is reaffirmed which many fight so hard to change.

Be a Philanthropist!

Yay - at 10AM we are already at 9% of our overall goal for Give To The Max Day.  The innovative Minnesota Women's Consortium always needs your support to keep the women's community moving forward in these difficult economic & political times.  TODAY is a special opportunity with Minnesota's leadership on Give To The Max Day.  Wonderful things can happen if you go to the link.   And please, invite your friends!

* First time donor?  Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar by Mary T. Inc, up to $1,000 total.  So far today we have four brand new donors - wonderful to meet you!

* Age 19, 43, 89?  Show the age diversity of the women's community by giving your age!

* Able to give a bit more on this special day?  Those who give $75 or more can choose to receive an autographed copy of In the Company of Women (Minnesota Historical Society Press) by Bonnie Watkins and Nina Rothchild, with adventures of 80+ Minnesota feminists.   

THANK YOU!!

 

 

Passing the Torch Luncheon

Karen Kirkwood, Elsa Vega Perez, and the Seneca Falls Advisers invite you to a

Passing the Torch Luncheon

to honor Bonnie Peace Watkins, with presentation by Kathy Wan Povi Sanchez - a benefit for the Minnesota Women's Consortium.  

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

11:00 AM - 1:00PM (presentation on Two Worlds Harmony begins at Noon)

Ramada Plaza (formerly Four Points Sheraton), 1330 Industrial Blvd NE, Minneapolis MN 55413

Individuals:  suggested donation $50 (tax deductible minus the $25 lunch cost)

Table host:  $500 table for yourself & 7 guests; additional sponsorship opportunities available.

Thanks to the Grotto Foundation for special support.

Registration & pre-payment are required by November 30.

Who is Bonnie Peace Watkins?   Who is Kathy Wan Povi Sanchez?  MMMMM, what's on the menu? What is the Bonnie Watkins Fund?  Read on!  And write Lorraine with questions.