Wed, Sept 9, 6:30 - You're Invited to a Book Signing @ Full Circle Bookstore

My husband, Larkin Warner, has written a history of the MAPS for Kids project that resulted in our raising over $700 million for the public schools in Oklahoma City. The official book signing party for Oklahoma City's MAPS for Kids: A Citizens' Initiative will be on September 9 at 6:30 pm at Full Circle Bookstore. (The store is at 1900 NW Expressway in the 50 Penn Place shopping center.)

Larkin had just retired after 30+ years teaching economics at Oklahoma State University and we'd relocated to Oklahoma City when he was asked to help coordinate the project. He got out agendas, kept committee meeting minutes, and otherwise provided daily staff support - so he is in a unique position to tell this really extraordinary story.

His book outlines the challenges faced by the Oklahoma City Public Schools in the decades following the imposition of the "Finger Plan" of forced busing. It chronicles the conception and organization of Projects KIDS (Keep Improving District Schools); the work of the committees on governance, facilities, student achievement, and community inclusion; and the MAPS for Kids campaign and election that resulted in the unprecedented renewal of the school district's facilities and the beginning of its renaissance.

So come on down to the Full Circle Bookstore at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, September 9 and say "Hi" to Larkin and me. We hope to see you there!

OK Employment Security Commission has a new website

A new look, easier navigation, faster content control and a new Web site address has accompanied the new Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) Web site now located at http://oesc.ok.gov.

At the new OESC Web site, visitors can easily:

• search for jobs;
• file for unemployment benefits;
• find qualified workers;
• view labor market statistics;
• learn about unemployment insurance;
• and find information about employment and training.

"The system we use to build and update our Web site gives us more content control and allows us to update our content much more quickly than our previous means," said John Carpenter, OESC Public Information Officer. "It is a great advantage, because we can communicate with our public in an instant with just a click of a mouse."

OESC launched their new Web site utilizing OK.gov's Content Management System. The site is designed to meet and exceed Oklahoma's web accessibility standards, as well as have a common look and feel as many other Oklahoma government Web sites.

OESC invites Oklahoma citizens to visit their new Web site and learn more about employment and training, unemployment benefits, labor market data, and much more.

Source. OESC

Sept 10 - Attend REI's 2009 Women's Business Expo in OKC

You can register online now for REI's 2009 Women’s Business Expo at www.ruralenterprises.com. Seating is limited to 120 people so act now. Lunch and materials are provided.

The program is entitled “Growing your Business -- sowing the seeds, harvesting the rewards.”

The program runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and takes place at the Presbyterian Health Foundation Conference Center, 655 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

Speakers include OK Lt Gov Jari Askins, Dr. Kathy Goff, President of McGoff Creativity and author of “Creativity for Success,” Amy Walling, owner of The Marketing Company, Sharron Jackson, Director of the Economic Development Center at Metro Tech in OKC and Frankie Walters. The event is presented by REI’s Women’s Business Center in Oklahoma City.

Click here to view 2-page event flyer.

Sept 3 - Come to State Capitol to Discuss Women Incarcerated

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 29, 2009

Meeting to Address Female Incarceration, Re-Entry and Expungement

Sen. Constance N. Johnson announced on Friday that legislators, Department of Corrections (DOC) officials, members of community-based organizations and the public will meet in the Senate Chamber on Thursday, Sept. 3, for a discussion on the impact of the state’s high incarceration rates.

Johnson said there is an immediate need for the state to begin addressing this issue with a comprehensive plan, as Oklahoma currently incarcerates more women per capita than any other state, and is the third highest incarcerator of both men and women per capita. In 2009, the state spent $503 million on corrections costs, including an additional $24 million in emergency supplemental funding to cover increasing offender growth and operating costs.

“We can no longer set this issue aside while the cost of our high incarceration rates continues to take a toll on our state, our communities and our families,” said Johnson, D-Oklahoma City . “In order for us to correct this problem, we must examine the causes that lead to incarceration and methods to reduce recidivism and ensure successful re-entry. By doing so, Oklahoma is uniquely positioned to be on the cutting edge in developing a comprehensive plan to address the impact of incarceration on our communities.”

According to statistics from the Department of Corrections, Oklahoma ’s incarceration rate ranks first nationally for females and fourth for males. Of the 25,120 prisoners currently in Oklahoma correctional facilities, 2,587 are women. Of those women, 77 percent are non-violent offenders. Johnson noted that since 1986, the Department of Corrections (DOC) budget has grown 250 percent, more than twice the rate of increase for education spending.

"We want to be tough on crimes that warrant a tough response, but we must be “smart on crime” when dealing with non-violent offenders who, with comprehensive rehabilitation and education, can be fairly punished and then return to society to be productive taxpaying citizens. Through a collaborative effort between legislative leaders, state agencies, mental health advocacy groups and community-based service organizations, I’m confident we can develop a smarter plan to reduce our overall prison population while keeping violent offenders off the streets,” Johnson said. “It’s time for us to finally acknowledge this issue as a pressing legislative and social concern and begin addressing it accordingly.”

“It’s time to develop a system that works both fairly and equitably, while reducing our economically unsustainable prison population.”

The group will meet from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. in the Senate Chamber on Sept. 3. The meeting will be open to members of the public.

Sept 11 - Women's Financial Seminar in Tulsa

On Friday, September 11, 2009 join the Oklahoma Society of CPAs for a special financial event designed by women for women -- "A Journey to Financial Freedom - A Women's Financial Seminar."

This conference will take place from 8:30 am to 4 pm at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown in Tulsa.

Feature speaker is national expert Marcia Brixey, "The Money Therapist." For 26 years, she worked for the Social Security Administration, where she met thousands of women with financial difficulties resulting from personal crises, including death, divorce, and job loss.

Brixey, along with local financial experts, will discuss financial information that all women need to know, including how to reduce expenses, increase income, pay off debt, boost credit scores and much more.

This conference is not recommended for CPE credit. The conference fee is $15 and free parking is available. Questions: Contact OSCPA CPE Coordinator Shaina Greuel at 405/841-3800 or 800/522-8261, ext. 3829, or by e-mail at sgreuel at oscpa.com.

Register Now for Oklahoma Woman of the Year Banquet

Hey everyone! It is time to make your reservation to attend the Journal Record's 2009 Woman of the Year Banquet on the evening of October 1st in Oklahoma City. Fifty Oklahoma women will receive the Journal Record's "50 Making a Difference" award and one will be named 2009 Woman of the Year.

In addition, scholarships will be announced and four programs will be honored for their contributions to women in the business and nonprofit communities. This year's "Programs Making a Difference" include:

* National Education for Women's Leadership program (N.E.W. Leadership) - The award-winning N.E.W. Leadership educates and encourages women to participate actively in politics and public service.

* YWCA - Founded in 1907, the Oklahoma City YWCA has worked tirelessly on behalf of women and minorities for nearly a century. More than 20,000 women and children receive help each year through the Oklahoma City YWCA's programs, including crisis services, counseling, child care, transitional housing, domestic violence and sexual assault victims assistance and education.

* World Neighbors - The Oklahoma City-based international development organization strives to eliminate hunger, poverty and disease in the poorest, most isolated rural villages in Asia, Africa and Latin America. World Neighbors invests in people and their communities by training and inspiring them to create their own life- changing solutions through programs in agriculture, literacy, water, health and environmental protection. Since 1951, more than 25 million people in 45 countries have transformed their lives with the support of World Neighbors.

* Peace Through Business-Rwanda - An entrepreneurship training program for women business owners in Rwanda. The Institute for the Economic Empowerment of Women program exists to develop commercial bonds between the United States and Rwanda in an effort to bring about a stronger relationship and consequently peace between the two nations.

You can read more about this fun evening and register to attend by clicking HERE.

OKC YWCA Women's Equality Day = Great Success!

On August 24th, the YWCA hosted its Inaugural Women's Equality Day Celebration which was a huge success! A panel of local women leaders discussed women's equality in our state and the future of the women's movement, followed by an networking reception. Plans are already underway for next year's event! >Learn more about Women's Equality Day and see pictures here!

God Bless Ted Kennedy

Senator Ted Kennedy has died and tonight the skies over Oklahoma City weep. Maybe you had to have lived through John Kennedy's assassination, Martin Luther King's assassination, and Bobby Kennedy's assassination -- not to mention lived through the Civil Rights Era - to appreciate Ted Kennedy. Or maybe you have to appreciate civil rights legislation, disability legislation, domestic violence legislation, etc, etc to realize the amazing contribution Ted Kennedy made to this nation.

I also personally love this man because he was so generous to me when I was doing research on my doctoral dissertation on Capitol Hill. Senator Kennedy allowed me to go through - and photocopy - all his files leading up to passage of the law creating the Corporation for National Service. His law. Another of his contributions - youth service programs and service learning.

Some of you will call him a Nazi or a Communist or something worse - because that is what this nation has descended to these day. Except Ted Kennedy was famous for working in a bipartisan manner for the greater good of America. Thanks for all you have done to make the USA a more humane place to live, Senator Kennedy. Rest in Peace, youngest Kennedy brother.

Sept 19 - AAUW/OK Hosting Tulsa Rally for Equal Pay

The American Association of University Women (Oklahoma Chapter) is hosting a Rally for Pay Equity in Tulsa on Sept. 19, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

The meeting will be held at the Buddy LaFortune Community Center 5202 S. Hudson Ave. adjoining the Herman and Kate Kaiser library in Tulsa. Coffee and rolls will be provided for welcome reception at 10 a.m. (the facility opens at 10) and then the program will start at 10:30 am. The program should run 1 hr. 15 minutes.

The goal is to rally support for the U.S. Senate to pass The Equal Pay Act. Currently neither of our Oklahoma Senators is a co-sponsor of the bill. The U.S. House earlier this year did pass this piece of legislation. The Senate vote remains the final hurdle to passage.

Special guest speaker will be Lisa Maatz, AAUW Director of Public Policy and Government Relations. As AAUW's top policy adviser, Lisa Maatz works to advance AAUW's priority issues on Capitol Hill, through the Executive branch, and in coalition with other organizations. She previously served as legislative aide to U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). Her grassroots advocacy career began when she was the Executive Director of Turning Point, a battered women's program recognized for excellence by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Maatz is a sought after speaker on Capitol Hill and across the country, and regularly provides testimony before Congressional committees. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Ohio University, has two Master's degrees from Ohio State, and holds an adjunct appointment with the Women and Politics Institute at American University. Awards include the Women's Information Network's Young Woman of Achievement Award, as well as the Public Leadership Education Network's Mentor Award. She also is the recipient of a mayoral appointment to the Washington, DC Commission on Women.

If you'd like to attend, just leave a COMMENT on this blogpost or email me directly and provide your contact information; I'll forward your information on to AAUW/OK.

NYT Magazine: Why Women's Rights Are The Cause Of Our Time

Today's New York Times Magazine is dedicated to the need for women's equality worldwide. Check it out here!

(Thank you, Serena, for calling this to my attention; I'm off to Barnes & Noble to buy several copies to share with friends.)

~ ASAP: Help put Oklahoma back in 1st place to win 50,000 children's book

Until yesterday, Oklahoma was winning the "First Book Contest" but yesterday Kentucky moved into first place. Please act NOW to help Oklahoma win 50,000 children's books. Just go to the link below, list the book that got you hooked on reading and then vote for Oklahoma.

http://booksforkids.firstbook.org/whatbook/

Please pass the word to friends and groups (church groups, schools, agencies, library staff, etc.), too. Thanks!

Source. Leslie A. Gelders, Literacy Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of Libraries

~ Know the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

September is Ovarian Cancer Month -- Here are the Signs and Symptoms to watch for:

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often subtle and difficult to diagnose. Research suggests there are four symptoms that may be associated with ovarian cancer:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or Abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary urgency or frequency

Other symptoms may include:

• Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea
• Extreme fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Backaches

Talk to your doctor if symptoms last more than 2-3 weeks. You are your best advocate.

Source. http://www.ovariancancerawareness.org/

~ Forbes names the world's 100 most powerful women

Click here to read the article online.

~ More on Equality Day celebration Monday, Aug 24 in OKC

WOMEN STILL FACE CHALLENGES IN BUSINESS,
POLITICS 90 YEARS AFTER 19TH AMENDMENT

Oklahoma women leaders share their experiences, reflect on
equality at the Women’s Equality Day Celebration

Oklahoma City, Okla. (August 18, 2009) – Women’s equality has come a long way, but strides still need to be made, according to some of Oklahoma’s leading women in business and politics. With the anniversary of the 19th amendment, adopted on Aug. 26, 1920 providing women with the right to vote, some of Oklahoma’s leading women are reflecting on their personal journeys and on those of the next generation of women at the YWCA’s Women’s Equality Day Celebration on Aug. 24 at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library.

Featured panelists include Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins, Assistant Attorney General Joel-lyn McCormick, Claudia San Pedro, treasurer and vice president of investor relations at Sonic Corporation, and Jill Irvine, director of women’s and gender studies at the University of Oklahoma, Cheryl Borelli, Vice President of BancFirst and YWCA Board Chair and Martha Burger, Senior Vice President of Human & Corporate Resources for Chesapeake Energy Corporation.

The panel of local women leaders will discuss the status of the women’s movement in our community and address issues such as balancing work and family, discrimination in the work force and how women can support each other.

“Women still face challenges in some fields,” said Janet L. Peery, the CEO of the YWCA Oklahoma City, the only shelter for battered women and children in Oklahoma County. “We still see some of the ‘Good ol’ Boys Club’ in business and politics today. The fact that women are leading in those arenas speaks volumes about their intelligence, fearlessness and tenacity.”

Irvine knows first hand that the women’s movement still thrives in Oklahoma. Having taught on the issues facing women in politics and religion, she sees the future of the movement in the faces of her students every day.

“The issue of women’s equality did not end when suffragettes won women the right to vote in 1920,” Irvine said. “Though a monumental achievement, it was just one step in the women’s movement that has come a long way since the ‘votes for women’ era.”

Askins knows the struggles that women can face in the political world, especially in Oklahoma which ranks 49th in the nation for women serving on the state legislature. Askins has served in all three branches of government in Oklahoma, experience that has given her a unique perspective as a woman in politics.

Women in business also face unique challenges. San Pedro is no stranger to glass ceilings in the business world. She herself broke through several when she served in 2005 as the first female and first Hispanic to serve as Director of State Finance for Oklahoma.

Activism today may not be as obvious as taking up a picket sign or asking for the right to vote, but today’s “suffragettes” can be found climbing the corporate ladder, pursuing higher education or reaching out to help other women through volunteerism and advocacy.

The Women’s Equality Day Celebration is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24 at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library. The panel discussion will be moderated by Peery of the YWCA Oklahoma City. Questions from the audience will round out the hour-long panel discussion, followed by a reception and community fair of local women’s organizations, clubs and businesses. Tickets and more information are available at www.ywca.org/womensequalityday.

All proceeds benefit the YWCA, the only shelter for battered women and children in Oklahoma County.

Source. YWCA Oklahoma City

Equity Conference in Tulsa Sept 18-19

The Oklahoma Career and Technical Education Council is hosting their 2009 CTEEC/Equity Conference September 17-18. The theme this year is "Equity: Taking the Lead." The conference takes place at the Radisson Hotel in Tulsa.

There will be presentations of best practices that remove barriers to employment and enhance the success of displaced homemakers, single parents, single pregnant women, nontraditional students, at-risk females, pregnant teens and teen parents that give individuals opportunities in non-traditional careers, better jobs, better wages.

You can learn more at their website http://cteec.org/.

US Secretary of State Clinton Puts Spotlight on Women's issues

An article August 18, 2009 in the Washington Post entitled "Clinton Puts Spotlight On Women's Issues" by Mary Beth Sheridan begins:

She talked chickens with female farmers in Kenya. She listened to the excruciating stories of rape victims in war-torn eastern Congo. And in South Africa, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited a housing project built by poor women, where she danced with a choir singing "Heel-a-ree! He...

My favorite line in the story is (emphasis added by me):

Clinton's just-concluded 11-day trip to Africa has sent the clearest signal yet that she intends to make women's rights one of her signature issues and a higher priority than ever before in American diplomacy.

Thank you, Lord. Read the full story here.

Super Luncheon to focus on ovarian cancer, Kim Henry, Dr. Joan Walker

Oklahoma First Lady Kim Henry will be a special guest at the first annual "Super Luncheon," hosted by the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) the Governor's office reports.

The luncheon will be held at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the governor's
mansion in the Phillips Pavilion.

Attending the luncheon along with Henry will be OCRF ambassador Larry Bump, ovarian cancer researcher Dr. Joan Walker and various community leaders. The First Lady will speak about ovarian cancer research, while Dr. Walker will address the prevalence and incidents of the disease.

First spouses are participating in Super Luncheons at executive residences and designated venue spaces during the month of September, which has been designated Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological cancers in the United States. More than 22,000 women annually are diagnosed with it, and 15,000 lose their lives to the disease.

OCRF is dedicated to funding research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer. OCRF is the leading independent agency dedicated to advancing ovarian cancer research in the U.S.

For more information about the first annual Super Luncheon or OCRF, please contact Sabrina Schulz at sschulz@ocrf.org.

Disclosure: One of my dearest friends was diagnosed with ovarian cancer this spring so my eyes have been opened. It is the "silent killer" because there are virtually no symptoms until you are pretty sick! Today - against all the pundits' advice - I had a CA-125 test done. It is generally done AFTER you are diagnosed to track how well your chemotherapy treatments are reducing the cancer in your system. But I figured (and my dear physician agreed) if it made me feel better (and I was willing to pay the $148 for the test out of my pocket) - what could it hurt. Also, Dr joan Walker is my friend's surgeon in this battle and she pretty near walks on water in my book; AMAZING doctor. If you get diagnosed with this nasty sickness, fight like hell to get Dr. Walker as your surgeon (she's at OU Med Center)!

View HerStory Scrapbook for how US women got the vote

To commemorate the anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment, August 26th, the HerStory Scrapbook website (www.herstoryscrapbook.com) is a compilation of over 900 links to articles, editorials, and letters in The New York Times Archive regarding the final four years of the fight for women’s suffrage.

Those women were amazing. They were ... well, ah, um, oh-oh - I think they were ... look out - I'm going to use a dirty word --

community activitsts!

Become a member of the YWCA of Oklahoma City

More than 40 women in Oklahoma have been killed this year as a result of domestic violence. Now you can help battered women and children in central Oklahoma through the YWCA’s annual membership drive.

Today the YWCA Oklahoma City is kicking-off its annual membership drive. Become a supporter from now through Aug. 28. The YWCA membership movement is more than 135 years old and in more than 75 countries on nearly every continent.

“Unlike a gym or club membership, we don’t have a facility that you can use,” said Janet L. Peery, CEO of the YWCA. “But your membership makes sure that our facility – the emergency shelter – will be here for women and children in their darkest hour.” As the only shelter for battered women and children in Oklahoma County, the YWCA relies on member support to help victims of violence heal, grow and become survivors. Members receive invitations to member-only YWCA events, information on issues important to women, children and families in our community as well as a special member-only email newsletter with inspiring stories, important information and useful resources.

Become a member now by clicking HERE.

Remember how a bill becomes a law? Health care reform has a ways to go!

Bob Dylan Stopped By Cops Who'd Never Heard Of Him

Please tell me you have heard of Bob Dylan.If not, you won't get the article's lead:

"Rock legend Bob Dylan was treated like a complete unknown by police in a New Jersey shore community when a resident called to report someone wandering around the neighborhood."

If this NPR story didn't make me feel so OLD, it would be funny. Instead it is just poignant.

I may have missed Woodstock but I was at the Newport Folk Festival in July of 1965 when Bob Dylan came out on the stage with a band (he'd always played solo) and - God forbid - an electric guitar.

Over our grumbling, my dear parents had gotten me and my step-sisters there early that Sunday morning so even at 10 pm that night we still had great seats near the front.

Some in the audience booed as he sang and after what seemed like an abbreviated set (it WAS really late and everyone needed to get home), Dylan and the band left the stage. Then the booing got really loud!

I wasn't shocked because I'd already attended his concert at McCormick Place in Chicago in June so I knew he'd gone electric but the die hard folk music types were truly unhappy. The MC pleaded for him to come back and eventually he did return - alone - with an acoustic guitar but the wrong harmonica. He asked plaintively if anyone had an E harmonica and it was sight I will never forget!

Up out of the audience near the stage must have come 40 harmonicas, plopping down on the stage like huge locust. Dylan picked one up and sang a couple of his more familiar folk songs.

We all came to love Dylan's electric phase but it was a surreal night. You can read more abut the moment HERE. Now the police don't even know who he is. I think police cadets maybe need to be exposed to a fewe more Humanities courses! Here is a great take on the incident.

11-yr old Damon Weaver interviews President Obama

Well done, Damon!


Thanks, Mashable, for the heads-up.

More women legislators = more women & girl friendly social policy

The journal Poverty & Public Policy has an article that explores whether -- when you have more women cabinet ministers -- you get more "female-friendly social policy." Here is an abstract of the article (the emphasis in first line added by me):

A growing literature indicates that the representation of women in legislatures is positively associated with the passage of female-friendly social policy. However, there is little corresponding research concerning the effect of women in cabinet on female-friendly social policy. Yet, almost all advanced industrial democracies are parliamentary democracies, where policies typically originate within the cabinet and governments typically enjoy substantial control over the legislative process. Thus, to the extent that women promote female-friendly policy, women in cabinet positions should be ideally placed to do so, and indeed, possibly be more influential than women in legislatures. We find significant support for this argument in analyses of state guaranteed leave entitlement, in eighteen parliamentary democracies from 1980-2003.

The article citation is Atchison, Amy and Down, Ian (2009) "Women Cabinet Ministers and Female-Friendly Social Policy," Poverty & Public Policy: Vol. 1 : Iss. 2, Article 3.
DOI: 10.2202/1944-2858.1007. It is available at Berkeley Electronic Press.

Attorney Karen Long of Tulsa appointed today to OK Ethics Commission

Tulsa attorney Karen Long was appointed by House Speaker Chris Benge to the State Ethics Commission today. She replaces Commissioner Don Bingham whose term expired.

“Karen Long has a strong, diverse legal background that is coupled with a familiarity with the legislative process that makes her an ideal selection to serve in this vital position,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “Her experience gives her a unique base of knowledge that will serve her well in this new role.”

Long is a partner with Rosenstein, Fist and Ringold. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Christopher Newport College of the College of William & Mary, and a J.D. degree from Oklahoma City University. Her practice emphasizes collective bargaining, labor, employment discrim­ination, education law and federal and state court litigation involving those areas.

She is a member of the Tulsa County Bar Asso­ciation, Oklahoma Bar Association, American Bar Association, National School Boards Association, and Council Oaks / Johnson-Sontag Chapter of the American Inns of Court. In 2002, Long was nominated for and elected to membership in the Fellows of the Oklahoma and American Bar Foundations. She has been honored as an Oklahoma Best Lawyer for the past eleven years, and has been recognized as an Oklahoma Superlawyer and one of the top 25 Oklahoma women lawyers since 2006.

In 2008, she received the John Athens Award from the Council Oak/Johnson-Sontag Inn in recognition of her work in Oklahoma’s Title IX litigation related to girls’ and boys’ sports. In addition, Long serves as the 2009-2010 President of the Council Oak/Johnson-Sontag Inns of Court.

She is a member and past President of the Oklahoma School Board Attorneys’ Association. She has served as one of three members of the Public Employees Relations Board, which is the Oklahoma state board respon­sible for resolving collective bargaining disputes between police and fire personnel and their municipal employers.

From 1979-1989, she served as the General Counsel of the Oklahoma Education Association, an affiliate of the National Education Association in Washington, D.C. She serves as a speaker regarding a range of legal issues including employee termination, sexual harassment, an employer's response to discrimination, family and medical leave, employer decisions involving employees with disabilities, religion and schools, Title IX and gender discrimination in school sponsored sports, and other issues.

Since 1999 she has served as an Adjunct Settlement Judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. In addition, Long serves as a lawyer with Tulsa Lawyers for Children, a non-profit organization that provides no-cost legal representation to children who have been identified by the court system as deprived and neglected. Her five-year appointment to the Ethics Commission begins Monday.

Source. Press Secretary, Oklahoma House of Representatives

Okla worksites that support nursing mothers

The Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Oklahoma Healthy Mothers,

Healthy Babies Coalition, and The State Chamber of Commerce honor select worksites that go the extra mile to support Oklahoma mothers and their breastfeeding infants by giving them Gold Star Worksites recognition. Of the 19 worksites honored so far, most are medical centers or health departments but also included are the YWCA (OKC), Rogers State University (Claremore) , Oklahoma Disability Law Center (OKC) and Center for Children & Families (Norman). View full list here.

Attend Oklahoma Turning Point's "Policy Day" on Oct 9

On October 9, 2009, the Oklahoma Turning Point Council is hosting their very first annual Policy Day event; it will focus on policy and advocacy. In the morning, participants will have an “Advocacy 101” primer to learn the keys to effective policy advocacy. Then all will participate in breakout sessions to discuss policy initiatives about tobacco, tobesity, mental health and substance abuse, and education and prevention. As a guide, they will be using the Turning Point Fundamental Solutions for Solving Our Poor Health Status document.

Public is welcome. The cost is only $15 andincludes lunch. The meeting location will be at the University of Central Oklahoma, Nigh University Center, Edmond, OK. The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m.

The purpose of the OTPC is to involve Oklahoma organizations, communities and consumers in creating a healthier future. Interested? You can click here to register!

Register your cell phone now or pay for telemarketers' calls!

Have you registered your cell phone yet on the national Do Not Call registry? Cell phones are "going public" -- ie, all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will soon start to receive sales calls - for which you may be charged depending on your calling plan.(I got my first telemarketing call on my cell phone last night!)

To prevent this, call the following number from your CELL phone:

888-382-1222.

This is the National Do Not Call list. It only takes a minute to block your number for five (5) years. But you MUST call FROM the cell phone number that you want to have blocked. (You can not call from a different phone number.) Spread the word, please!

YWCA-OKC hosts Women's Equality Day Celebration Aug 24, 6-8pm

Celebrate the day women received the right to vote--Women's Equality Day!

Go online now and purchase your admission ticket ($10 through August 17th; $15 August 18-24). All proceeds go to empower women in programs at the YWCA (women's shelter, rape crisis, etc).

At 6 pm on August 24, come to the Ronald J Norick downtown library in Oklahma City. Meet and mingle, browse women';s organization exhibit tables. Then enjoy a greal panel discussion featuring:

• Jari Askins, Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma. See Bio
• Joel-Lyn McCormick, Assistant Attorney General. See Bio
• Claudia San Pedro, Vice President of Investor Relations and Treasurer of Sonic Industries Services Inc.
  See Bio
• Cheryl Borelli, Vice President of BancFirst and YWCA Board Chair. See Bio
• Dr. Jill Irvine, Director of Women's and Gender Studies at the University of Oklahoma. See Bio

All proceeds raised by this event will go to benefit battered women and children in programs at the YWCA.
For more details on the Women's Equality Day Celebration e-mail Katie Hurst at khurst@ywcaokc.org

Who's your favorite Oklahoma blogger or blog expert?

Looks like there's going to be a blogging conference in Oklahoma Oct 3 (stay tuned for details). Who would make a good keynote speaker (someone who would really encourage people to sign up and attend)? There isn't a big budget for bringing in a famous person so look around Oklahoma and nominate people, please! (Click on COMMENT below and leave your thoughts). Thanks.

OK Dept of Human Services sets records

~ Record level participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or "SNAP" (formerly "food stamps") -- last month (July), 509,627 people received assistance which represents over 1 in every 4 children in Oklahoma!

~ Decrease in number of children in "out-of-home care" -- since July 2007, down by 2,700 kids.

~ Number of children involved in confirmed domestic violence cases -- down for the third year in a row.

~ In FY2009, Oklahoma set a record for number of finalized adoptions (1,482 kids). No more bouncing from foster home to foster home and, hopefully, placed in a loving, safe, stable home.

Thank you, DHS; keep it up.

Source. Howard Hendrick, head of DHS at Children's Services Oversight Committee meting yesterday as reported by eCapitol in their Capitol News Now.

8 Ways National Health Care Reform Will Provide YOU Security/Stability

Here are 8 ways that any of the multiple incomplete, unfinished health care reform bills currently being worked on in the US Congress - if Obama signs them into law - will provide security and stability to those currently with or without health care coverage:

1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions

Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays

Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care

Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill Americans

Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.

5. Ends Gender Discrimination (that's against us, girls)

Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.

6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage

Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.

(One day in 1979, my ailing grandmother got a letter in the mail from her insurance company informing her that she'd exceeded the maximum coverage they were obliged to provide and that, infact, she owed THEM $155,000. This ends that.)

7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults

Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal

Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

You can learn more and get details at http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/

Yes, I am shilling for the Obama Administration because:

(1) the majority of Americans voted for him in large part because he promised to get us out of Iraq and he promised to bring us this sort of health care reform and

(2) even caring, courteous, kind, respectful mainstream Americans are getting a little confused by what the insurance industry shills are telling us through TV commercials and their "disrupt-confuse-and-shut-them-down" town hall political theater events. And it is really starting to piss me off. And I am speaking now as a private citizen -- not on behalf of any of the dozen organizations I currently belong to!

~ Empower women thru Suited For Success

Do you know about Suited For Success? This wonderful program provides professional clothing and career development services to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Clients are referred by a number of social service agencies and job readiness programs. They range in age from 18 to 65 and many are entering the job market for the very first time. 95% are single mothers. Many have been abused and many come from area shelters. The program also serves women coming out of the criminal justice system. Almost all of their clients report incomes of less than $10,000. Suited For Success is the only organization in central Oklahoma that provides these services and the services are available to clients at no charge.

How do they do it? On the 3rd Friday of each month from 9:00am until 4:00pm, area women donate new and gently worn clothing and accessories. All items arrive on hangers, clean and pressed because many clients go directly from Suited for Success to job interviews. You can also support the program by making a financial donation. Founded in 1997, Suited for Success is located at 4141 Highline Blvd in Oklahoma City. Susan Walton is founder and director of the nonprofit. Read more about Suited for Success HERE.

Susan Walton is a really remarkable woman. She started planning Suited for Success in the early 1990s but her plans were delayed when she was nearly killed in the Murrah Building bombing in April of 1995. You can read about Susan HERE and also HERE.

Read Jimmy Carter's recent article "Losing my religion for equality"

I have been "behind" for weeks (being ill does that). So I missed former US president Jimmy Carter's remarkable article last month on why he left the Southern Baptist Church nine years ago --> discrimination against women.

I think it was a July 12, 2009 opinion piece for London's Observer. You can read it at The Age (www.theage.com.au) where it is titled "Losing my religion for equality" and subtitled, "Women and girls have been discriminated against for too long in a twisted interpretation of the word of God." I recommend you read the full article HERE. It begins:

I have been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world. So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service.

NAFE was founded 37 years ago today

On August 12, 1972, Wendy Rue founded the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), the largest business women's organization in the US. Oklahoma is past of NAFE's Central & Southwest Region. Do you know any women in Oklahoma who belong to NAFE?

Leave a comment and tell us which women's organization(s) YOU have belonged to over time. Which was most helpful? Most rewarding?

View the art of Oklahoma artist Dana Tiger via YouTube

Here is a special treat - the art of Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame honoree Dana Tiger - plus a nice tribute to her father. Dana is Mvskoke Seminole Cherokee and paints in the tradition of her legendary father, Jerome Tiger. Enjoy!

Girl Scouts behind bars & in detention centers

Girl Scouts is dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. It provides girls with a network of caring adults and teaches girls self-esteem and life skills so they will thrive and succeed in life. I especially admire their effort to work with girls who have been impacted by the justice system through two programs - Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (which focuses its programming on girls whose mothers/fathers are incarcerated) and Girl Scouts in Detention Centers (where the focus is on girls who are themselves detained). You can read more about these programs HERE .

--> Announcing a great new blog by a great Oklahoma woman

Great news. Jana H* has started a blog. You MUST go read it at http://ablessedchild-ok.blogspot.com/. Jana is a jewel and wise and beautiful and it all shines through her blog posts. This one is a" must read daily" blog. Welcome to the blogosphere, Jana.

* On her blog, Jana doesn't list her last name -- but if you live in Oklahoma, care about ending racism and empowering women, listen to the radio -- well, I've given away her identity already!!!!

Ruth Bader Ginsberg - 16 years ago today

On August 10, 1993, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was sworn in as only the second woman in our nation's history to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. She is the 107th Justice to serve on our nations highest court.

Improving financial security for women (video)

Video: Forum Examines Ways to Improve Financial Security for Women

On July 17, the New America Foundation's Asset Building Program hosted a forum to address the unique challenges women face during these tough economic times. A panel of policy experts discussed financial empowerment strategies that would create asset-building and savings opportunities for women in California.

Speakers included California Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña (D-76), Mariko Chang, author of Shortchanged: Why Women Have Less Wealth and What Can be Done About It, Deborah Lindholm, CEO of the Foundation for Women, Claudia Viek, CEO of the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity, Forescee Hogan-Rowles, CEO of the Community Financial Resource Center, and moderator Olivia Calderon, California legislative director for the Asset Building Program of the New America Foundation.

To view video from the event, click here.

==

Some good Oklahoma news regarding health care services

Bryan Smith with eCapitol has a story today in their Flashback newsletter about how, unlike most states these days, Oklahoma has managed to:

"absorb budget cuts without significant cuts to vital health services.

The National Conference of State Legislatures reported Wednesday that while most states are making tough decisions to cut Medicaid eligibility, trim back children's health insurance programs and reduce services for the mentally ill, Oklahoma is among the few states that have been able to retain services and even attempt to expand coverage for children.

According to the report, Oklahoma is one of 14 states - including Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and West Virginia - that are trying to take advantage of $33 million in federal funding made available when Congress reauthorized the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These states have been further aided by administrative changes made by President Barack Obama's administration that have made it easier for states to expand coverage for children whose families make too much for Medicaid but who cannot quite afford private insurance."

That is some GOOD news for Oklahoma!!

Another Oklahoma woman murdered by her partner

Get out your black ribbon. Another Oklahoma domestic violence homicide (and attempted murder?) has occurred -- this time in Tulsa. The victim's name was Stacey Knapp. You can read more about it at http://tinyurl.com/n8us3h.

Oklahoma ranks #4 in the number of women murdered by men. Sadly, it looks like we'll hold that ranking position again in 2009.

~ View Dana Tiger's Legacy Cultural Learning Community

Oklahoma artist Dana Tiger has a video on YouTube that tells about her Legacy Cultural Learning Community in Park Hill, Oklahoma that serves Muscogee and Cherokee citizens. Dana founded the Legacy Cultural Learning Community in honor of the powerful art legacy left by her father, Jerome Tiger (1941-1967) and her brother, Chris Tiger (1967-1990).

You can view the video by clicking HERE.

You can also visit www.legacycultural.org/. (Donations are tax deductible and welcome.)

Come to Women's Equality Day Party Aug 24, 6-8pm

Come to a Women's Equality Day Celebration at the Oklahoma City downtown library August 24, 6-8pm. Visit the Oklahoma Women's Coalition exhibit ... there'll be chocolate :-) ... and stay for a great panel presentation. I'll be there; will you?

Almost 90 years ago, women who fought for equality were called suffragettes. Known for their picket signs and “votes for women” sashes, the suffragettes were often subject to negative media attention and criticism for their boldness to stand up for women’s rights. Today, women who fight for equality are called feminists and often face the same negative stereotypes as their forerunners.

This year the YWCA will host its first Women’s Equality Day Celebration to celebrate the accomplishments of our ancestors—the passing of the 19th amendment—and discuss issues facing the suffragettes of today.

The Women’s Equality Day Celebration will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday August 24th at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown library. The event will include a community fair of women’s clubs and organization and a panel discussion on women’s issues.

Panelists will include Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins and several other professional women. YWCA chief executive officer Jan Peery will moderate the discussion and take questions from the audience during the second half of the panel discussion.

Tickets for the event are $10 when ordered in advance and $15 at the door. All proceeds will go to benefit battered women and children in programs at the YWCA of Oklahoma City.

For more information and to purchase tickets,
click here--> http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=djIMI0POKvG&b=5353341

~ Check out new blog "Okie Notes"

Voices of Oklahoma has a blog now entitled "Okie Notes". You can view it at
http://www.voicesofok.org/blogs/okie-notes/

According to their website:

Voices of Oklahoma is a non-profit, non-commercial, non-sectarian media outlet for central Oklahoma.

Our content is locally produced and explores local art, music, and cultural events that are often immediately and freely accessible to community members. We showcase the talent and creativity that exists right here.

With the help of contributors from throughout the community, Voices of Oklahoma seeks to provide the information that is most relevant to you, whether it’s news concerning your children’s school, the latest developments in the city council, or how to access the services of local non-profits.

Oklahoma linked to fundamentalist cult "The Family"

I'm reading Jeff Sharlet's book The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power. Several past and present members of the US Congress from Oklahoma are associated with this elite Christian fundamentalist group that recruits followers at the highest levels of government to promote an evangelical agenda worldwide. Scandal-ridden Senator John Ensign (R-Nev) and South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford are both tied to "the C Street townhouse" where legislators who are friends of The Family reside while in Washington, DC. Oklahoma's former US Representative Steve Largent lived there and Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn lives there now. For more, check out this recent article in The Oklahoman entitled Largent says townhouse should be less secretive and one in the Washington Post entitled The Political Enclave That Dare Not Speak Its Name -- The Sanford and Ensign Scandals Open a Door On Previously Secretive 'C Street' Spiritual Haven.

African American Women's Health Forum Sept 12

On behalf of INTEGRIS Health
And
The Links, Incorporated

You are cordially invited to attend the
African American Women’s Health Forum

“Our Health is Imperative”
A Forum For and About African American Women: 2009

Saturday, September Twelfth
The Cox Convention Center
One Myriad Gardens
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Registration begins at 8:00 AM
The Forum begins at 9:00 AM
Lunch is included for registered attendees

To register please call 405.951.2277

It is not a “come and go” forum, space is limited
so you must be registered by September 7, 2009
to be able to attend.

Dear Friends,

The Third Annual African American Women's Health Forum is right around the corner. This event is free but you MUST reserve your space NOW. We expect over 1,000 attendees this year and look forward to seeing you. There is more information about this event at INTEGRIS Women's Health Forum website.

If this invitation does not apply to you -- please pass it on; or just share with someone who is certain to benefit by attending the forum. Thanks!!

Zora Brown

Have Lunch (and learn) with the YWCA of OKC

Join the YWCA for a Lunch & Learn session to learn more about the programs and services the YWCA Oklahoma City provides to the community. Lunch & Learns are held at the YWCA twice a month from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. The sessions include a free lunch, information session and a tour of our shelter. Each session can only accommodate up to 10 people, so sign up today! If you have a group of 10 or more that would like to attend a Lunch & Learn, a separate date may be able to be scheduled for you and your group.

Upcoming Lunch & Learn Sessions

*
Tuesday August 25
*
Tuesday September 15
*
Tuesday September 29
*
Thursday October 15
*
Tuesday October 27

RSVP to a Lunch & Learn session above or schedule your own group session by contacting Katie Hurst at 405-951-3381.

Sooner Cinema: Oklahoma Goes to the Movies

Kudos to April Chou for her recent review of the book Sooner Cinema: Oklahoma Goes to the Movies edited by Larry A Van Meter. She reminded me that I loved this book and have been meaning to share it with you.

It is composed of 19 essays that discuss movies filmed in Oklahoma and movies about Oklahoma (many of them -- "Oklahoma," "Cimarron," "Far and Away," "Oklahoma Crude," and others - NOT filmed in Oklahoma). And it asks"What does Oklahoma mean?" Gray Frederickson has it right when he observed, "Finally, a book about the wonderful contributions this state and its people have made to the motion picture industry."

Published by Forty-Sixth Star Press, this is a fun read that will leave you wanting to re-read many of the essays, again. My favorite was Arch Longwill's "The Wrath of Grapes." He notes that "while few Oklahomans have seen the film The Grapes of Wrath, nearly everybody has an opinion on it" and mostly complaining about how Okies are depicted. I agree with Arch that we need to recognize the "noble qualities exhibited by the words and actions of the Okies in the film." We are tough, resilient, determined, hard working, honest, and fair. Today these qualities are why businesses are relocating in Oklahoma. They like those qualities and see them in our citizens. Go rent the film and watch it; then quit apologizing for the Joads. Okies rock. (My grandson proudly wears an"Okie" tatoo on his arm because he already knows there's no need to apologize!)

There are lots of other good essay in this book as well! You can read about some of them in this review in The Oklahoman and also this one in the Oklahoma Gazette.

Happy 48th Birthday, Mr. President

I stole a Hawaiian themed birthday cakes off the Internet (sorry) because Barack Obama was born in HAWAII.

Oklahoma domestic violence at the hands of a police chief, mayor, cop

A few recent headlines make me wonder what it is about Oklahoma:

Police Chief in Maysville faces abuse accusation - July 22, 2009 (Robert Peterson is accused of slapping his girl friend around).

Officer faces abuse accusations - July 22, 2009 (Daniel Dominquez, a veteran Oklahoma City police officer, is accused to hitting his girl friend and threatening to kill her and their daughter).

Blanchard mayor released from jail - August 3, 2009 (Gregory Shupert was arrested on a complaint of domestic abuse in the presence of a child).

and meanwhile...

Tulsa woman dies weeks after burned by boyfriend - August 3, 2009 (Nicole Partridge died from the 2nd and 3rd degree burns she sustained when her boyfriend, Kenneth McCurley, set her on fire).

RIP Vivian Smith - aging advocate extraordinaire

Vivian Smith, a great Oklahoma woman, passed away on July 27, 2009. I hope you will pause a moment to read her obituary and remember her. By the time I knew her, Vivian Smith was a master advocate on behalf of Oklahoma's seniors. Almost 30 years ago, she was among a group of Oklahomans who organized the Oklahoma Alliance on Aging. But she did so much more than that for Oklahoma. She will be greatly missed.

More about the Early Childhood Education Conference

Last week I attended a wonderful conference in Oklahoma City on the value of investing in early childhood education. Here is a write-up on that event that appeared in The Oklahoman on 7-28-2009.

~ Oklahoman Allison Bailey has a new blog+website at Allioppe

Allison Bailey has a new website that also includes a blog. You can view it all at www.allioppe.com/. The website and blog offer area shoppers lots of good tips on where to find good boutiques and interesting products. Allison welcomes ideas and suggestions just send them to Allison@allioppe.com

Women's Equality Day resources available

On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment of the US Constitution was ratified granting women the right to vote. The National Women's History Project has resources available -- including a 15-minute speech for celebrating this important day for women.

Be All You Can Be: Leadership Program for Middle School Girls - Nov 20, 2009

In the beginning, the Carl Albert Center at the University of Oklahoma launched a leadership program for undergraduate women called the National Education for Women's Leadership program or N.E.W. Leadership. It continues to be a fabulous leadership development opportunity for Oklahoma women - if I DO say so myself. (Along with Dr. Cindy Rosenthal, I had the joy of designing and running N.E.W. Leadership for the first 3 years.)

Then the Carl Albert Center added "Pipeline to Politics" for adult women interested in running for public office.

And NOW they (Cindy Rosenthal and Katie Fitzgerald along with Cathy Stackpole and lots of other talented women leaders) have announced "Be All You Can Be! A Leadership Program for Middle School Girls." It is co-sponsored by Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center's Women's Leadership Initiative at OU, and Oklahoma City Public Schools. The first program will be held Friday, November 20, 2009 at the Oklahoma History Center and will:

1. Introduce girls to fields where women can be leaders and where women are underrepresented (politics, science, technology and math).

2. Engage girls in reflecting on their own level of leadership among their peers and challenge them to consider how they can be more of a leader in their circle of friends/school/community.

3. Expose girls to mentors (women leaders) who have made strides in STEM fields, politics and community leadership. Ensuring a common message that girls CAN achieve success in these fields and in their community.

4. Introduce and increase student knowledge in STEM and SELF ESTEEM through interactive workshops.

Congratulations to all who have worked to bring this program about. I know it will be a huge success.

Gloria Trotter Inducted as President of the OK Press Association

Yippee - Gloria Trotter (co-publisher of The Countywide & Sun in Tecumseh) assumed the presidency of the Oklahoma Press Association on July 1, 2009. Read more here. (Image is from the OPA website)