Here is an interesting email from my dear friend Fridah Mubichi in Meru, Kenya; she runs the Kanana Mubichi Memorial Foundation that I work with on mission trips:
Today is our annual general meeting so it will one of my longest days. We have 2 new board members plus election of officers. I am feeling so tired already and I am thinking when this is all over tonight, I will sleep for 12 hrs straight. So say a special prayer for me that my headache goes away and that I find the strength needed to just see me through.
I just came back from a deaf awareness campaign; Kenya organized this event for the very first time this year. Despite sitting in a tent, the dust and sun made me love my cold office which often feels like a freezer and has me always in a jacket.
I keep hearing such sad stories of how people are starving. I have seen it too but today, during the celebration, a young girl who was nicely dressed and was working as a cameraman's assistant fainted. As I rushed to assess her -- thinking she was epileptic -- I had the weirdest feeling that maybe she had fainted from hunger. When I asked her the last time she had eaten, she kept quiet.
The sad thing is that we tend to assume the poor and hungry are the ones also walking around in rags but this young girl has taught me a good lesson. She looked really smart in her black pants and yellow t-shirt but when she collapsed we all realized she was really, really, really SKINNY.
Kenya is in its third year of severe drought and the situation is very dire. I am wondering how far we can stretch out the feeding program that our foundation finances at area primary schools. Often our mid-morning snack is the only meal these children have each day. Food is expensive and hard to find. People are really really desperate.
On second thought, forget about my prayer request; my troubles are small. Let's pray for these people and the thousands of innocent kids who don't understand why they don't have any food to eat.
God save us all.
Fridah
fridah@kananamubichifoundation.org
Miriam Kanana Mubichi Foundation:
Equiping communities for sustainable development
NOTE: You can support the efforts of this remarkable Kenyan foundation by donating through its American counterpart - Seeds of Grace. Just click here to make a donation. Thanks and God bless you.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Nonprofits: Use TechSoup to Get Donated Windows 7 Upgrade
If you are a nonprofit and not yet a member of TechSoup - The Technology Place for Nonprofits, go join now! There are many benefits you can receive. For example, Microsoft will be donating Windows 7 software upgrades to eligible nonprofits and libraries through TechSoup beginning on October 22. Read more here.
Franciska Issaka, Centre for Sustainable Development Initiative, speaks at OU
I was terribly sorry to miss Franciska Issaka's talk at OU recently. She is a truly remarkable woman leader filled with important messages. Lucky for us Julianna Parker Jones with the Norman Transcript has written and article about the event. You can the Norman Transcript articleby clicking here.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
+ From the YWCA of Oklahoma City:
Join the YWCA for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this year the YWCA has more planned than ever before!
As the only shelter for battered women and children in Oklahoma County, the YWCA answers the call for help year-round. See how you can join us this October.
Oklahoma Capitol Dome Lighting
The dome of the State Capitol building will be lit in purple on Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m. in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join the YWCA CEO Jan Peery and Attorney General Drew Edmonson at at this presentation. Find out more about the event!
Honoring the Silent Witness
Join us for a Domestic Violence Awareness Month presentation and breakfast at the YWCA Mcfarland Branch Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. A continental breakfast will be provided and the Silent Witness display will be on exhibit. Several speakers will discuss domestic violence in our community and take questions from the audience. RSVP and find out more about Honoring the Silent Witness!
Special Group Projects
Get your group involved this October by raising awareness in your community or hosting a collection drive to benefit the YWCA. Your group can collect old cell phones or clothing for the sexual assault closet or put on an awareness project to bring more attention to the issue. Sign up for your special project today!
The Hidden Truth exhibit
71 percent of Americans know someone who has been a victim of domestic violence. The YWCA's new exhibit, The Hidden Truth, gives you the opportunity to honor the victim who has touched your life. Send in an item to honor the victim you know.
Dinner for Delores
The fourth annual Dinner for Delores will be held on Oct. 26 at Cafe 501. The event will raise money for the Delores Fund, which helps victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking across the state. Join Attorney General Drew Edmondson and other members of the Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault for this great event! Find out more and buy your ticket today!
For more information about how you can get involved for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, contact Katie Hurst at 951-3381.
+++Kathy Taylor to be OK Governor's Top Education Advisor
Yeah for Oklahoma. Kathy Taylor reports she will be helping Governor Brad Henry on education matters after she leaves the position of Mayor of Tulsa. And she is bringing her wonderful assistant, Amy Polonchek, with her. Yippee. Here is her message:
Dear Friend,
I want to be the first to tell you what I plan to do when I finish serving as your mayor this December. A few minutes ago, Governor Brad Henry named me his top education advisor!
I’ve gotten so many emails, letters and phone calls asking what I plan to do AFTER my term is over and Bill and I return from our Route 66 Trip, and I am absolutely thrilled to spend 2010 working to improve Oklahoma’s schools.
Governor Henry and I have one year left to bring change and continue improving our schools. I can’t imagine a better way to spend my time than as the Governor’s Chief of Education, Strategy and Innovation so that I can help make Oklahoma one of the top states in the country for education!
The governor was kind enough to say, “I’m thrilled that Mayor Taylor has agreed to serve my administration and the state in this new and important role. As she does with all of her endeavors, Kathy will bring great expertise, high energy and a laser-like focus on the task at hand. I want Oklahoma to enhance its reputation as a national leader in educational innovation, and Kathy Taylor has the skills to help us accomplish that goal.”
As I think you’ll agree, our public education system is critical to the future of this state and many important decisions about its direction will be made in the next year. With the federal government encouraging and rewarding innovation with the Race to the Top grants and other initiatives, we have a small window of opportunity to make a great difference for our state.
When I start in January, I will be working full-time since this is a cabinet-level position in the executive branch, but I’ve decided to volunteer my time so we can direct more dollars to our classrooms. And I am taking my fantastic chief of staff Amy Polonchek with me to continue as my right hand.
Please know that I will be as focused and determined to be the best mayor possible until my final minutes serving you. And since this position will only last one year, I am not closing the door on working for you as an elected official in the future.
As always, I’m honored to be your mayor. You’ve been the backbone of my successful tenure in City Hall. I hope you will join me in making life better for our children, grandchildren, and future leaders of our great state by working to improve education in 2010!
Stay tuned for ways to get involved by going to our website (www.TaylorforTulsa.com) or follow me on Facebook and Twitter. I will also continue to keep you updated with periodical emails.
Sincerely,
Kathy
Dear Friend,
I want to be the first to tell you what I plan to do when I finish serving as your mayor this December. A few minutes ago, Governor Brad Henry named me his top education advisor!
I’ve gotten so many emails, letters and phone calls asking what I plan to do AFTER my term is over and Bill and I return from our Route 66 Trip, and I am absolutely thrilled to spend 2010 working to improve Oklahoma’s schools.
Governor Henry and I have one year left to bring change and continue improving our schools. I can’t imagine a better way to spend my time than as the Governor’s Chief of Education, Strategy and Innovation so that I can help make Oklahoma one of the top states in the country for education!
The governor was kind enough to say, “I’m thrilled that Mayor Taylor has agreed to serve my administration and the state in this new and important role. As she does with all of her endeavors, Kathy will bring great expertise, high energy and a laser-like focus on the task at hand. I want Oklahoma to enhance its reputation as a national leader in educational innovation, and Kathy Taylor has the skills to help us accomplish that goal.”
As I think you’ll agree, our public education system is critical to the future of this state and many important decisions about its direction will be made in the next year. With the federal government encouraging and rewarding innovation with the Race to the Top grants and other initiatives, we have a small window of opportunity to make a great difference for our state.
When I start in January, I will be working full-time since this is a cabinet-level position in the executive branch, but I’ve decided to volunteer my time so we can direct more dollars to our classrooms. And I am taking my fantastic chief of staff Amy Polonchek with me to continue as my right hand.
Please know that I will be as focused and determined to be the best mayor possible until my final minutes serving you. And since this position will only last one year, I am not closing the door on working for you as an elected official in the future.
As always, I’m honored to be your mayor. You’ve been the backbone of my successful tenure in City Hall. I hope you will join me in making life better for our children, grandchildren, and future leaders of our great state by working to improve education in 2010!
Stay tuned for ways to get involved by going to our website (www.TaylorforTulsa.com) or follow me on Facebook and Twitter. I will also continue to keep you updated with periodical emails.
Sincerely,
Kathy
Oct 21-22, Tulsa: OK's 1stChild Sex Trafficking Conference
Oklahoma's first conference on human trafficking (YES it DOES happen in Oklahoma!!) will be held in Tulsa on October 21 and 22. Read all about it here and register for the event here. For more information, contact Mark Elam, Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans (OATH) Coalition, P.O. Box 2545, Claremore, Ok 74018; Phone (918) 341-8344; Email: OATHcoalition@hotmail.comWeb Site: www.OATHcoalition.org
Who Are Oklahoma's Famous Hispanic Women?
About.com's Women's History blog notes that September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage month, honoring Hispanic Americans in history.
The've listed a few of the many famous Hispanic women of the New World, and especially in the United States, in honor of Hispanic Heritage month.
1.) Click here to see who they list. Honestly, how many of these women did you know about?
2.) Leave a COMMENT (below) and tell us who are Oklahoma's famous/extraordinary Hispanic women? (I'll start by nominating Patricia Fennell with the Latino Community Development Agency in Oklahoma.)
The've listed a few of the many famous Hispanic women of the New World, and especially in the United States, in honor of Hispanic Heritage month.
1.) Click here to see who they list. Honestly, how many of these women did you know about?
2.) Leave a COMMENT (below) and tell us who are Oklahoma's famous/extraordinary Hispanic women? (I'll start by nominating Patricia Fennell with the Latino Community Development Agency in Oklahoma.)
Will Oklahoma end discrimination against domestic violence victims?
A recent press release from the Oklahoma House of Representatives reports:
Oklahoma is one of only eight states that allow health insurance companies to classify domestic violence as a “pre-existing condition.”
Democratic state Rep. Eric Proctor and Republican state Sen. Randy Brogdon are calling for an end to the immoral practice of classifying domestic violence as a pre-existing condition. In Oklahoma, currently there is no law protecting survivors of domestic violence from being denied insurance coverage, as a result of domestic abuse.
“Banning insurers from using domestic violence as a pre-existing condition is a common sense solution,” said Brogdon, R-Owasso. “We must work together to help folks, not make their lives more difficult.”
The bipartisan effort will stop the practice of denying health insurance to battered women, because of domestic violence.
“Regardless of party, everyone can agree that this is the right thing to do. Our moral obligation to protect life demands action,” said Proctor, D-Tulsa. “Our mothers, sisters, and daughters depend on us to do the right thing. They need not worry about being denied insurance coverage, when they are trying to rebuild their lives.”
Proctor added, “When this bill becomes law, survivors of domestic violence will no longer fear being denied care.”
Oklahoma is one of only eight states that allow health insurance companies to classify domestic violence as a “pre-existing condition.”
Democratic state Rep. Eric Proctor and Republican state Sen. Randy Brogdon are calling for an end to the immoral practice of classifying domestic violence as a pre-existing condition. In Oklahoma, currently there is no law protecting survivors of domestic violence from being denied insurance coverage, as a result of domestic abuse.
“Banning insurers from using domestic violence as a pre-existing condition is a common sense solution,” said Brogdon, R-Owasso. “We must work together to help folks, not make their lives more difficult.”
The bipartisan effort will stop the practice of denying health insurance to battered women, because of domestic violence.
“Regardless of party, everyone can agree that this is the right thing to do. Our moral obligation to protect life demands action,” said Proctor, D-Tulsa. “Our mothers, sisters, and daughters depend on us to do the right thing. They need not worry about being denied insurance coverage, when they are trying to rebuild their lives.”
Proctor added, “When this bill becomes law, survivors of domestic violence will no longer fear being denied care.”
Oklahoma's HB1053 would negatively impact military spouses
Wanda DeBruler has an interesting guest post on the OK Policy Institute blog about Oklahoma House Bill 1053 entitled Will Oklahoma be first to discriminate against military spouses in divorces?"
Infant Mortality Report for OK County
Did you know that Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the United States? On average, two babies die every week in Oklahoma COUNTY alone!
I recently received from Mary Beth Cox with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department their their very first "Central Oklahoma Fetal and Infant Mortality Report." It makes for interesting reading (for instance, it appears Oklahoma County carries a disproportionate share of infant deaths). The report closes with excellent recommendations including:
~ Improve preconception, inter conception, and women's overall health
~ Help women stop smoking
~Help women achieve a healthy body weight
~ Help women access early and adequate prenatal care
~ Improve efforts to help families plan for pregnancy
~ Improve access to mental health services
Click here to read/download the report.
I recently received from Mary Beth Cox with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department their their very first "Central Oklahoma Fetal and Infant Mortality Report." It makes for interesting reading (for instance, it appears Oklahoma County carries a disproportionate share of infant deaths). The report closes with excellent recommendations including:
~ Improve preconception, inter conception, and women's overall health
~ Help women stop smoking
~Help women achieve a healthy body weight
~ Help women access early and adequate prenatal care
~ Improve efforts to help families plan for pregnancy
~ Improve access to mental health services
Click here to read/download the report.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Downtown Learning Center proposed for OKC by Pat Potts
There is an excellent "Point of View" column in today's Oklahoman authored by Oklahoma City community leader Pat Potts. She proposes the idea of a downtown learning center "that provides year-round, full-day care and education opportunities from birth through adulthood." This center would include a day care center based on the Oklahoma City Educare facility. The Potts Family Foundation promotes early childhood development but this proposal goes beyond to address other innovations is education as well. It is worth a careful read (click here to view article).
Friday, September 25, 2009
Happy "Unmarried and Single American Week"
This week is Unmarried and Single Americans Week and Women's Voices. Women's Votes President Page Gardner used the opportunity to publish a column in HuffPost on important issues facing unmarried women. She urged Americans to "recognize that America can and must do a better job to ensure that everyone-especially the woman on her own, who faces so many challenges in life and at work-has the opportunity to live a good, dignified, comfortable life."
Read the column by clicking HERE.
Page also has a recent column "On Labor Day and Every Workday, Single Women Struggle to Stay Even" which was just cited by Bella DePaulo of Psychology Today in her piece, "Enlighten Your Workplace: From Speaking Out to Buying an Office Kid." You can read that by clicking here.
Read the column by clicking HERE.
Page also has a recent column "On Labor Day and Every Workday, Single Women Struggle to Stay Even" which was just cited by Bella DePaulo of Psychology Today in her piece, "Enlighten Your Workplace: From Speaking Out to Buying an Office Kid." You can read that by clicking here.
Recent Remarks by US Secty of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Women's Issues
The US State Department sends out emails from time to time with remarks by US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton that have to do with women. Here are two from this week:
Opening Remarks at "Combating Violence Against Girls" Event
(9-25-2009, NY City)
Remarks at Female Heads of State and Foreign Ministers Luncheon
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York, NY
September 24, 2009
Opening Remarks at "Combating Violence Against Girls" Event
(9-25-2009, NY City)
Remarks at Female Heads of State and Foreign Ministers Luncheon
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York, NY
September 24, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Go see "Children of Eden" this weekend at OCU
"Children of Eden", a family musical inspired by the Book of Genesis and written by Stephen Schwarts - the author of "Wicked" and "Godspell," will be performed Sept 25, 26 and 27 at Oklahoma City University.Friday and Saturday's performances are at 8 pm while Sunday's matinee is at 3 pm.
Tickets are $12 to $25 (call 405-208-5227). There will be a pre-show discussion with director David Herendeed who says the show is "Inspiring!" and "Not to be missed." I'm going Sunday afternoon. Who's with me?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Oklahoma Improves Treatment of Children in Need
Here is some very GOOD news about Oklahoma!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Ron Peters
Capitol: (405) 557-7359
Oversight Committee Reports DHS Reforms a Success
OKLAHOMA CITY (September 22, 2009) – Fewer children are being traumatized by unnecessary admission into a children’s shelter because of DHS reforms enacted by the Legislature this past session, the committee overseeing its implementation reported today.
The shelter population in Tulsa is down to 26 children today and Oklahoma City’s shelter population is down to 19. Before the reforms were enacted, those numbers were between 75 to 80 in Tulsa and 65 to 70 in Oklahoma City, state Rep. Ron Peters said.
“The issue at stake was how many children were being needlessly traumatized by being placed in shelters when they could be staying with a relative or in emergency foster care,” Peters, R-Tulsa, said. “In Tulsa and Oklahoma City, law enforcement did not have to consult with DHS before dropping a child off at the shelter. I authored legislation that would get DHS involved in the removal decisions based on the recommendations of an independent audit of DHS.”
The audit shows Oklahoma has nearly twice the U.S. average of children in state custody and that 20 percent of children removed from their home were returned within one week of removal. In the Tulsa area, 40 percent of children removed are returned in that same timeframe. Furthermore, after the audit it was discovered that this rate routinely ran as high as 70 percent.
“These numbers show that there are instances in which children are unnecessarily being put through the system,” Peters said. “I’m pleased to see that the number of shelter admissions is down considerably thanks to our legislation and the intense cooperation between DHS, law enforcement, district attorneys and judges.
The oversight committee also reported that joint response protocols have been completed and signed in 11 counties and that more than 40 counties have developed rough draft protocols that are being reviewed by law enforcement, district attorneys and judges.
The DHS reform legislation called for law enforcement, courts and DHS to work together when removing a child from a home is under consideration; the creation of a passport program to allow information about a child’s physical and behavioral health and educational needs to be available electronically; implementation of a phase-down of public shelters; establishment of a centralized statewide hotline for all reports of abuse and neglect of children; and a reorganization of the department offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma CouChildrennties. It also called for improved and expanded training for DHS workers to better assess the risk to and safety of a child.
“It is a testament to all parties involved that they care enough about children in Oklahoma to move so quickly on implementing this reform,” Peters said. “This will not only minimize the trauma that children in Oklahoma suffer, but will benefit all of us down the road as these children grow up and become the next generation of parents in our community.”
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Media Division
Media Division
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Ron Peters
Capitol: (405) 557-7359
Oversight Committee Reports DHS Reforms a Success
OKLAHOMA CITY (September 22, 2009) – Fewer children are being traumatized by unnecessary admission into a children’s shelter because of DHS reforms enacted by the Legislature this past session, the committee overseeing its implementation reported today.
The shelter population in Tulsa is down to 26 children today and Oklahoma City’s shelter population is down to 19. Before the reforms were enacted, those numbers were between 75 to 80 in Tulsa and 65 to 70 in Oklahoma City, state Rep. Ron Peters said.
“The issue at stake was how many children were being needlessly traumatized by being placed in shelters when they could be staying with a relative or in emergency foster care,” Peters, R-Tulsa, said. “In Tulsa and Oklahoma City, law enforcement did not have to consult with DHS before dropping a child off at the shelter. I authored legislation that would get DHS involved in the removal decisions based on the recommendations of an independent audit of DHS.”
The audit shows Oklahoma has nearly twice the U.S. average of children in state custody and that 20 percent of children removed from their home were returned within one week of removal. In the Tulsa area, 40 percent of children removed are returned in that same timeframe. Furthermore, after the audit it was discovered that this rate routinely ran as high as 70 percent.
“These numbers show that there are instances in which children are unnecessarily being put through the system,” Peters said. “I’m pleased to see that the number of shelter admissions is down considerably thanks to our legislation and the intense cooperation between DHS, law enforcement, district attorneys and judges.
The oversight committee also reported that joint response protocols have been completed and signed in 11 counties and that more than 40 counties have developed rough draft protocols that are being reviewed by law enforcement, district attorneys and judges.
The DHS reform legislation called for law enforcement, courts and DHS to work together when removing a child from a home is under consideration; the creation of a passport program to allow information about a child’s physical and behavioral health and educational needs to be available electronically; implementation of a phase-down of public shelters; establishment of a centralized statewide hotline for all reports of abuse and neglect of children; and a reorganization of the department offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma CouChildrennties. It also called for improved and expanded training for DHS workers to better assess the risk to and safety of a child.
“It is a testament to all parties involved that they care enough about children in Oklahoma to move so quickly on implementing this reform,” Peters said. “This will not only minimize the trauma that children in Oklahoma suffer, but will benefit all of us down the road as these children grow up and become the next generation of parents in our community.”
Monday, September 21, 2009
Upcoming events of interest to Oklahoma women
Oct 1 – Journal Record's 2009 "Woman of the Year" Banquet
The Journal Record hosts the 2009 “Woman of the Year" banquet at 7 pm on October 1 at the Cox Business Services Center. Individual tickets are $150. Keynote speaker is Imaculee Ilibagiza, Rwandan genocide survivor and author of Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. Make reservations by calling Kari Koster at (405) 278-2820.
Oct 15 – Oklahoma Women’s Symposium, Cox Center, OKC
Registration, continental breakfast and exhibits begin at 7:30 am at Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. Speakers include Mary Ann Bauman (“Fight Fatique”), Sherri Coale (“Live with Purpose”, Cathy Keating, Linda Haneborg, Charlotte Lankard, Robin Marsh, and others. Thursday, October 15, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Tpo register, visit www.cafe.ou.edu/women of call (405) 325-6034. Registration fee $35.
Nov 13 – Women’s Leadership Conference , Nov 13, UCO, Edmond
The Edmond Chamber of Commerce and Edmond Medical Center will present a "Women's Leadership Conference" on November 13. The theme is "Women Helping Women." The conference will be held at the University of Central Oklahoma's Nigh Center. For information about the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, visit its Web site at www.edmondchamber.com or call 341-2808.
Nov 20 – Oklahoma Women in Higher Education 2009 Fall Conference
The Oklahoma Women in Education Conference will be held Friday, November 20, 2009 at the University of Central Oklahoma. The theme is “Women Transforming Higher Education: Attitude, Integrity, Humor and Power.” Contact Debbie Blanke at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education at dblanke@osrhe.edu.
Know of other women's events coming up? Send me an email and I'll post about them.
The Journal Record hosts the 2009 “Woman of the Year" banquet at 7 pm on October 1 at the Cox Business Services Center. Individual tickets are $150. Keynote speaker is Imaculee Ilibagiza, Rwandan genocide survivor and author of Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. Make reservations by calling Kari Koster at (405) 278-2820.
Oct 15 – Oklahoma Women’s Symposium, Cox Center, OKC
Registration, continental breakfast and exhibits begin at 7:30 am at Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. Speakers include Mary Ann Bauman (“Fight Fatique”), Sherri Coale (“Live with Purpose”, Cathy Keating, Linda Haneborg, Charlotte Lankard, Robin Marsh, and others. Thursday, October 15, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Tpo register, visit www.cafe.ou.edu/women of call (405) 325-6034. Registration fee $35.
Nov 13 – Women’s Leadership Conference , Nov 13, UCO, Edmond
The Edmond Chamber of Commerce and Edmond Medical Center will present a "Women's Leadership Conference" on November 13. The theme is "Women Helping Women." The conference will be held at the University of Central Oklahoma's Nigh Center. For information about the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, visit its Web site at www.edmondchamber.com or call 341-2808.
Nov 20 – Oklahoma Women in Higher Education 2009 Fall Conference
The Oklahoma Women in Education Conference will be held Friday, November 20, 2009 at the University of Central Oklahoma. The theme is “Women Transforming Higher Education: Attitude, Integrity, Humor and Power.” Contact Debbie Blanke at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education at dblanke@osrhe.edu.
Know of other women's events coming up? Send me an email and I'll post about them.
Voices of Oklahoma's post: "Missing Voices: Oklahoma next to last nationwide in percentage of women legislators"
The "Voices of Oklahoma" website has a super article on the lack of women in the Oklahoma Legislatuere. You can read the post at http://www.voicesofok.com/2009/09/oklahoma-ranks-next-to-last-nationwide-in-percentage-of-women-legislators/
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Read about one remarkable young woman, Amanda LaMunyon of Enid
Amanda LaMunyon of Enid is a remarkable Oklahoman on a number of levels. You can read about her here: http://www.amazing-kids.org/akom7-06.html
I am developing a more and more respect for kids with Asperger's. Her story will surprise and impress you!
I am developing a more and more respect for kids with Asperger's. Her story will surprise and impress you!
OU program offers free breast & cervical cancer screenings to uninsured, low-income women aged 50-64.
The OU College of Nursing has a program called "Take Charge" that offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings to women who are uninsured, low-income and aged 50-64. They have a special $15 gas card incentive for those women who come into the clinic for a screening. View a fact sheet about this program as well as the coupon for their incentive program. Spread the word about this good program!!
Check out Karen Sisk's column on violence against women in the O'Collegian
Karen Sisk has a column in OSU's O'Collegian entitled "Women blamed for sexual, physical abuse they endure." Nice job, Karen. Check it out here: http://www.ocolly.com/women-blamed-for-sexual-physical-abuse-they-endure-1.475685/.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Help animals by voting for Oklahoma's Jody Harlan
With your help, Oklahoman Jody Harlan can become "The Animal Planet Hero of the Year" - we just need to work together to make it happen for her!
She is one of 10 national finalists because she co-founded "Pets & People Humane Society." This organization could get up to $10,000 to continue rescuing abandoned pets from local animal shelters---IF we help Jody win.
Here's how: Go to: http://animal.discovery.com/roar/hero-of-the-year/vote/. Click on the button beside “Jody Harlan.” (she's fourth down on the list.) Then scroll down and click “Submit.”
You can vote once every 24 hours until Sept. 27!!!
Ask your friends to do the same.
Here is what the website says about Jody:
Since Jody Harlan co-founded the Pets & People Humane Society in 1990, hundreds of volunteers inspired by her vision and leadership have found homes for more than 37,500 abandoned pets rescued from central Oklahoma animal shelters. Jody developed pet rescue and adoption policies, convinced vets to give 50 percent discounts, recruited volunteers, raised funds, handled media relations, wrote grants, negotiated with city governments and animal control staff, and found foster home and adoption fair locations. As Jr. Pets & People sponsor, she helped two 9-year-olds earn a national "Do Something!" grant, which funded responsible pet care and spaying/neutering education programs for 1,300 elementary students. The organization became the only humane society operated by children in the United States.
In addition to working full time, Jody feeds five feral cat colonies daily and traps-neuters and releases the animals to control the population. In the evenings, Jody operates a regional email group, which distributes photos and descriptions of pets on animal shelter death rows and other hard-luck cases for 150 rescue and adoption organizations. Jody has brought abandoned or injured dogs and cats home ever since she was a kid. They instinctively trust her. She jokes, "If dogs could vote, I'd run for office." Over the years, she has personally rescued and cared for 354 pets in her home to reduce their stress, overcome bad habits and leave space for more pets at the shelter. Those who are not adoptable remain with her family for life.
She is one of 10 national finalists because she co-founded "Pets & People Humane Society." This organization could get up to $10,000 to continue rescuing abandoned pets from local animal shelters---IF we help Jody win.
Here's how: Go to: http://animal.discovery.com/roar/hero-of-the-year/vote/. Click on the button beside “Jody Harlan.” (she's fourth down on the list.) Then scroll down and click “Submit.”
You can vote once every 24 hours until Sept. 27!!!
Ask your friends to do the same.
Here is what the website says about Jody:
Since Jody Harlan co-founded the Pets & People Humane Society in 1990, hundreds of volunteers inspired by her vision and leadership have found homes for more than 37,500 abandoned pets rescued from central Oklahoma animal shelters. Jody developed pet rescue and adoption policies, convinced vets to give 50 percent discounts, recruited volunteers, raised funds, handled media relations, wrote grants, negotiated with city governments and animal control staff, and found foster home and adoption fair locations. As Jr. Pets & People sponsor, she helped two 9-year-olds earn a national "Do Something!" grant, which funded responsible pet care and spaying/neutering education programs for 1,300 elementary students. The organization became the only humane society operated by children in the United States.
In addition to working full time, Jody feeds five feral cat colonies daily and traps-neuters and releases the animals to control the population. In the evenings, Jody operates a regional email group, which distributes photos and descriptions of pets on animal shelter death rows and other hard-luck cases for 150 rescue and adoption organizations. Jody has brought abandoned or injured dogs and cats home ever since she was a kid. They instinctively trust her. She jokes, "If dogs could vote, I'd run for office." Over the years, she has personally rescued and cared for 354 pets in her home to reduce their stress, overcome bad habits and leave space for more pets at the shelter. Those who are not adoptable remain with her family for life.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Women's Rights Activists to Speak at OU
Mark your calendar because you won't want to miss these great fall programs.
The Women's and Gender Studies Program at the University of Oklahoma is bringing five remarkable women's rights speakers to Norman this fall. Tell your friends and plan to hear these extraordinary women.
View/print the event flyer at http://tinyurl.com/l367wz.
Speakers, dates, locations and lecture topics are below:
Wed, Sept 23, 7pm
Scholar's Room, Oklahoma Memorial Union
Franciska Issak - "Realizing Women's Rights in Africa: The Interface Between Cultural and Universal Rights"
Monday, Oct 12, 7pm
Kerr Auditorium, Sam Noble Museum of Natural History
Mona Elthahawy (Activist and organizer; former elected and appointed government official in Ghana)- "Generation Facebook: How Young People and Women are Changing Religion and Politics in the middle east."
Thursday, October 22, 7pm
Gaylord 1140
Gini Reticker - "Film Screening: "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" - a film about the women's peace movement in Liberia.
Thursday, November 19, 4:30pm
Beaird Lounge, Oklahoma Memorial Union
Charlotte Bunch - "Women's Global Activism, Women's Rights as Human Rights."
Wednesday, December 2, 7pm
Regents & Associates Room, Oklahoma Memorial Union
Marina Nawabi - "Women's Rights in Afghanistan" Where do we go from here?"
The Women's and Gender Studies Program at the University of Oklahoma is bringing five remarkable women's rights speakers to Norman this fall. Tell your friends and plan to hear these extraordinary women.
View/print the event flyer at http://tinyurl.com/l367wz.
Speakers, dates, locations and lecture topics are below:
Wed, Sept 23, 7pm
Scholar's Room, Oklahoma Memorial Union
Franciska Issak - "Realizing Women's Rights in Africa: The Interface Between Cultural and Universal Rights"
Monday, Oct 12, 7pm
Kerr Auditorium, Sam Noble Museum of Natural History
Mona Elthahawy (Activist and organizer; former elected and appointed government official in Ghana)- "Generation Facebook: How Young People and Women are Changing Religion and Politics in the middle east."
Thursday, October 22, 7pm
Gaylord 1140
Gini Reticker - "Film Screening: "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" - a film about the women's peace movement in Liberia.
Thursday, November 19, 4:30pm
Beaird Lounge, Oklahoma Memorial Union
Charlotte Bunch - "Women's Global Activism, Women's Rights as Human Rights."
Wednesday, December 2, 7pm
Regents & Associates Room, Oklahoma Memorial Union
Marina Nawabi - "Women's Rights in Afghanistan" Where do we go from here?"
Friday, September 11, 2009
OU Study Is Seeking Formerly Incarcerated Oklahooma Women to Interview
Spread the word and tell your friends. Dr. Toby Hamilton MPH, OTR/L is leading a research study to identify variables making women successful at reentering their communities after being incarcerated. They need your help.
They have completed interviewing and gathering information from women who were not successful at reentry and have been re-incarcerated for other crimes. We would now like to locate women who have been successful so they can aid us in finding the supports and strengths they possessed to help them be successful.
They hope the findings of their study will be useful in helping other women in the future face the challenges of reentering the community after being incarcerated.
If you have ideas for how they can locate research participants, contact Dr. Toby Hamilton, Ph. D., M.P.H., OTR/L at 405. 271-2131 x47137 or email him at Toby-Hamilton@ouhsc.edu/.
For moree information about this research study, see http://bit.ly/pdVYB
They have completed interviewing and gathering information from women who were not successful at reentry and have been re-incarcerated for other crimes. We would now like to locate women who have been successful so they can aid us in finding the supports and strengths they possessed to help them be successful.
They hope the findings of their study will be useful in helping other women in the future face the challenges of reentering the community after being incarcerated.
If you have ideas for how they can locate research participants, contact Dr. Toby Hamilton, Ph. D., M.P.H., OTR/L at 405. 271-2131 x47137 or email him at Toby-Hamilton@ouhsc.edu/.
For moree information about this research study, see http://bit.ly/pdVYB
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In preparation for Domestic Violence Awareness month in October, the Oklahoma City YWCA is spreading awareness! Have the YWCA join you for a brown bag lunch at your workplace, school, church or civic group. They can do presentations on the effects of domestic violence and the programs offered by the YWCA. Or come to the YWCA for a "Lunch & Learn" session which includes lunch, a presentation and a tour of the YWCA facilities!
Click here to see the dates and to sign up for a Lunch & Learn today!
Click here to see the dates and to sign up for a Lunch & Learn today!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Event Oct 15 - OKC: Oklahoma Women's Symposium
Please help spread the word about a wonderful Women’s Symposium going on next month in Oklahoma City. This is one you will definitely want to attend!
Women from all walks of life will have a rare opportunity to share empowering strategies on managing the challenges of work, family and community at the first Oklahoma Women’s Symposium Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
The day-long event, “Reinvent, Reinvest and Reshape Your Life,” is presented by University of Oklahoma Outreach.
Featured speakers include OU women’s basketball Coach Sherri Coale; Mary Ann Bauman, M.D., director for women’s health and community relations at Integris Health; and former Oklahoma First Lady Cathy Keating. KWTV news 9 anchor Robin Marsh will emcee the event.
Registration is available online at www.cafe.ou.edu/women or by calling (405) 325-6034. The cost to attend is $35 and includes a continental breakfast. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m.; the symposium will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 4:30 p.m.
Exhibitor space and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call (405) 325-5101.
For a complete list of speakers or more information about the symposium, visit www.cafe.ou.edu/women.
Women from all walks of life will have a rare opportunity to share empowering strategies on managing the challenges of work, family and community at the first Oklahoma Women’s Symposium Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
The day-long event, “Reinvent, Reinvest and Reshape Your Life,” is presented by University of Oklahoma Outreach.
Featured speakers include OU women’s basketball Coach Sherri Coale; Mary Ann Bauman, M.D., director for women’s health and community relations at Integris Health; and former Oklahoma First Lady Cathy Keating. KWTV news 9 anchor Robin Marsh will emcee the event.
Registration is available online at www.cafe.ou.edu/women or by calling (405) 325-6034. The cost to attend is $35 and includes a continental breakfast. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m.; the symposium will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 4:30 p.m.
Exhibitor space and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call (405) 325-5101.
For a complete list of speakers or more information about the symposium, visit www.cafe.ou.edu/women.
Event Sept 23 – OKC:11:45 am-1:15 pm, Latino Community Development Agency's Annual Recognition Luncheon
The Latino Development Community Agency is celebrating its 18th Annual Recognition Luncheon “Latinos, Diversity and Economics” on Wednesday, September 23rd at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Keynote speaker is Esther Silver-Parker, Senior VP of Corporate Affairs, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Tickets are $40 per person; RSVP by Sept 16 to LCDA, 420 SW 10th, OK City, OK 73109.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Event Sept 13 – Moore: 2pm, South-Moore HS, “Stop Internet Predators Workshop”
Parents, grandparents and anyone else concerned about protecting kids will want to attend this workshop on how to protect children from Internet predators. It is sponsored by the Norman, Moore and Noble police departments, the Cleveland District Attorney’s office and other law enforcement groups. It will be held on Sunday Sept 13 at 2pm at South-Moore High School, 2901 South Santa Fe in Moore, OK.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Writing Women Back into History (NWHP)
The National Women's History Project has announced that "Writing Women Back into History" will be their theme for 2010. They'll officially launch this special campaign with the publication of their Writing Women Back into History Gazette this month.
When they began their work in the early eighties, less than 3% of the content of teacher training textbooks mentioned the contributions of women and when included, women were usually written in as mere footnotes. Women of color and women in fields such as math, science, and art were completely omitted. This limited inclusion of women's accomplishments deprived students of viable female role models. Today, when you search the Internet with the words "women's +history + month," you'll find more than 40,500,000 citations. These extraordinary numbers give testimony to the tireless work of thousands of individuals, organizations, and institutions to write women back into history.
Each new generation needs to draw information and inspiration from the last. If you plan to help write women back into history, send an an email to nwhp@aol.com and let them know what you are planning.
Source. The National Women's History Project, 3440 Airway Dr, Suite F, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 -- http://www.nwhp.org, (707) 636-2888 , nwhp@nwhp.org
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Sunday, September 06, 2009
Event Sept 11 - Women's Financial Conference in Tulsa
The Oklahoma Society of CPAs is having its annual Women’s Financial Conference. The Tulsa conference is next Friday, September 11th. The Oklahoma City conference will be October 9th. Click here to view the flier about these events. Get more information at www.oscpa.com & www.knowwhatcounts.org.
Darcie Harris, Sandy Garrett & stats on OK kids
Yesterday I took a little time to read through some back issues of newspaper. Here are some gems I found:
Darcie Harris, CEO and founder of EWF International in Oklahoma City is one of 15 finalists for the cover story in We Magazine’s fall issue.
Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sandy Garrett announced that she will not seek another term. Currently in her 5th consecutive term, Garrett is the first women elected to this statewide position. I know some great Oklahoma women who should run for this position.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services reported that – for the first time since they started collecting past due child support – the majority of its child support case load is related to clients who have never been on public assistance. “Deadbeat Dads” come from all strata of society. Call me old fashion but I am still shocked and disgusted that men with good jobs and impressive incomes choose to not support their own children.Thank goodness for the DHS Child Support Enforcement Division!
Good news - for the third straight year, the number of confirmed cases of child abuse in Oklahoma has dropped. There were 64,293 abuse and neglect cases confirmed (down by 3,000 from the previous year and down 5,000 from 2006); of those, 4,850 children were victims of abuse in the last year. Why are the numbers down? DHS says more kids are going into (safer) adoptive homes versus placement in the foster care system. Also, DHS has collected more child support money which translates into more financial security for those families - ie, less stress and strain. That is due in part to the fact that Oklahoma leads the nation in establishing paternity – which is needed to collect child support. Finally, one in four children in Oklahoma currently receives food stamps which averages around $4 per day (federal money) – not a lot but, again, this reduces stress on the family.
For girls and young women, poverty correlates with high teen birth rates, dismal school drop out rates and poor health. So it is bad news that the percentage of poor children in Oklahoma increased from 19 percent in 200 to 22 percent in 2007 and is very probably higher than that in today’s economic recession. A recent study ranked Oklahoma 44th among states in the well-being of America’s children – down from 38th place in 2005. Good news: we rank well in immunizations and are dropping rate of child abuse. But overall, Oklahoma sucks at kids.
The recent Kids Count report shows Oklahoma ranks 5th in the nation in teen birth rates with 60 births per 1.000 females ages 15 to 19 years of age. Why? Lack of information; Oklahoma requires no health education in our schools. God forbid that – as they experience raging hormones, they might actually learn about sexuality and reproduction – and how to avoid getting pregnant
Darcie Harris, CEO and founder of EWF International in Oklahoma City is one of 15 finalists for the cover story in We Magazine’s fall issue.
Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sandy Garrett announced that she will not seek another term. Currently in her 5th consecutive term, Garrett is the first women elected to this statewide position. I know some great Oklahoma women who should run for this position.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services reported that – for the first time since they started collecting past due child support – the majority of its child support case load is related to clients who have never been on public assistance. “Deadbeat Dads” come from all strata of society. Call me old fashion but I am still shocked and disgusted that men with good jobs and impressive incomes choose to not support their own children.Thank goodness for the DHS Child Support Enforcement Division!
Good news - for the third straight year, the number of confirmed cases of child abuse in Oklahoma has dropped. There were 64,293 abuse and neglect cases confirmed (down by 3,000 from the previous year and down 5,000 from 2006); of those, 4,850 children were victims of abuse in the last year. Why are the numbers down? DHS says more kids are going into (safer) adoptive homes versus placement in the foster care system. Also, DHS has collected more child support money which translates into more financial security for those families - ie, less stress and strain. That is due in part to the fact that Oklahoma leads the nation in establishing paternity – which is needed to collect child support. Finally, one in four children in Oklahoma currently receives food stamps which averages around $4 per day (federal money) – not a lot but, again, this reduces stress on the family.
For girls and young women, poverty correlates with high teen birth rates, dismal school drop out rates and poor health. So it is bad news that the percentage of poor children in Oklahoma increased from 19 percent in 200 to 22 percent in 2007 and is very probably higher than that in today’s economic recession. A recent study ranked Oklahoma 44th among states in the well-being of America’s children – down from 38th place in 2005. Good news: we rank well in immunizations and are dropping rate of child abuse. But overall, Oklahoma sucks at kids.
The recent Kids Count report shows Oklahoma ranks 5th in the nation in teen birth rates with 60 births per 1.000 females ages 15 to 19 years of age. Why? Lack of information; Oklahoma requires no health education in our schools. God forbid that – as they experience raging hormones, they might actually learn about sexuality and reproduction – and how to avoid getting pregnant
1st American woman Nobel Peace Prize winner
Jane Addams -- founder of Hull House in Chicago (the first major settlement house in the United States) was the first American woman to receive Nobel Peace Price (in 1931). She was also a co-founder of the American Civil Liberties Union. She was born September 6, 1890 and died in 1935. What a gutsy woman. Read more about her HERE.
Who would you nominate as a gutsy women breaking new ground today -- in Oklahoma , in the US and in the world?
Who would you nominate as a gutsy women breaking new ground today -- in Oklahoma , in the US and in the world?
Saturday, September 05, 2009
~ Check out Septemberfest in OKC
Join Governor Brad Henry and first lady Kim Henry for a fun-filled day of exploring Oklahoma's rich heritage and diversity. This statewide free festival offers people of all ages a "hands-on" opportunity to explore and experience a wealth of attractions, activities, exhibits and demonstrations. It takes place at the Oklahoma History Center on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 10 am to 5 pm.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Ovarian Cancer Luncheon at OK Govenor's Mansion (followup)
For those of us who couldn't swing an invitation to the first annual Ovarian Cancer Research Fund's luncheon at the Governor's Mansion Pavilion this week, you can at least catch a glimpse on this video --> http://feeds.newsok.tv/services/player/bcpid4659235001?bclid=0&bctid=36742097001
FYI, click here to read an August 4 article by Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal entitled Toward Earlier Detection of Ovarian Cancer. It will give a little encouragement but the current statistics will break your heart. Tell your lady friends: a PAP does NOT screen for ovarian cancer (only cervical); our life time risk of getting this nasty thing is 1 in 70; this is "the silent killer" because there aren't any really clear symptoms; most cases are not detected until they are far along which is why only 45% of patients survive more than 5 years.
Thank God for physicians like Joan Walker who is doing important research and spoke at the recent luncheon (and who is my dear friend Florence's surgeon).
FYI, click here to read an August 4 article by Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal entitled Toward Earlier Detection of Ovarian Cancer. It will give a little encouragement but the current statistics will break your heart. Tell your lady friends: a PAP does NOT screen for ovarian cancer (only cervical); our life time risk of getting this nasty thing is 1 in 70; this is "the silent killer" because there aren't any really clear symptoms; most cases are not detected until they are far along which is why only 45% of patients survive more than 5 years.
Thank God for physicians like Joan Walker who is doing important research and spoke at the recent luncheon (and who is my dear friend Florence's surgeon).
45 years ago: women + Harvard + MBA
It wasn't until September 4, 1963 that Harvard Business School started accepting women. Going co-educational was a big step back then. It wasn't until 1969 that Harvard let women enrolled in the MBA program actually live on campus! Read about it here.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Indian Women Artists of Oklahoma poster
I saw this hanging on the wall at the home of my Stillwater friend Pauline and had to share it.
You can read the names of the women artists if you click on the image (it will enlarge).
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
~ September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
The Ovarian Cancer Awareness website says:
It is one of the most deadly of women's cancers. Each year, approximately 21,500 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In 2008, approximately 15,500 women will die in the United States from ovarian cancer. Many women don't seek help until the disease has begun to spread, but if detected at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 93%. Recent research suggests that together the four symptoms of: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and urinary urgency or frequency may be associated with ovarian cancer.
Read more at the Ovarian Cancer Awareness website.
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