Oklahoma Broadband Mapping Initiative Seeks Oklahomans Assistance

The state of Oklahoma recently launched a new initiative undertaking a massive effort to collect and process data related to broadband availability across the state at http://BroadbandMapping.OK.gov.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) directed the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop and maintain a comprehensive nationwide inventory map of broadband service capability and availability and to make the map publicly available via the Internet. NTIA has awarded a grant to the State of Oklahoma to collect and verify statewide data about the availability, speed, and location of broadband Internet service.

The ultimate goal of this project is to build a statewide broadband map showing usage and access to broadband technology. Understanding where broadband is available, and where it is not, is an integral part of determining where to focus additional broadband stimulus funding.

Mapping the state’s broadband access will require the participation of all levels of state, county, and local government as well as Oklahoma citizens. This new website makes it easy for any Oklahoman to contribute to this massive effort.

All Oklahomans are invited to test their Internet connection speed at the Broadband mapping website by selecting ‘Test Your Speed’ in the top navigation. Visitors can then select their location (work, home, or other) street address, zip code, and what Internet provider they utilize. All data collected will be consolidated onto a map of Oklahoma depicting what areas of the state are served, underserved, and unserved by broadband.

The Oklahoma Broadband Mapping Initiative is being conducted under the direction of the Secretary of State and a partnership of several state agencies. The Oklahoma Broadband Initiative home page was developed in a collaborative effort with OK.gov, Oklahoma’s Official Website.

Here is what I got on the test:

Test Your Speed Today

Source. OK.gov website

What Do You Expect When you Order a Vegetarian Meal?

I attended a lovely banquet last night that cost $50 per person for the dinner. I sat next to a friend who is a life long vegetarian.

As we were eating our salads, she quietly motioned for one of the servers to come over to our table. Then she said to the server softly, "I justed want to mention that I specifically ordered the vegetarian plate."

He smiled and said, "No problem. I'll take care of that."

Dinner arrived.

I got a huge steak, mashed potatoes and green beans.

My friend got mashed potatoes and green beans.

I ask you; is that a vegetarian plate -- really?!?

Women Prime Ministers: Making Progress, Making News

Australia's First Woman Prime Minister Sworn In
It's About.com;s Women's History email this week they feature a "Wordless Wednesday" image; if you click on the photo, you'll get to the more wordy page that talks about this women's "first" and some of her background.

Icelandic First
Johanna Sigurdardottir became the first woman in Iceland to hold the position of Prime Minister in February 2009. On June 27, 2010, she got married -- read more to find out why that's so notable as a "first" in modern history.

Women Prime Ministers and Presidents: 20th Century
In the latter half of the 20th century, a few women broke through the glass ceiling in political leadership and became presidents and prime ministers of their nations. Here's a list of the women who made it to that position before the close of the century and millennium.

# Women Who Ran for President
# Women in the United States Senate

Source. About.com: Women's History

You Should Be Reading the "Living With Grace" Blog

Seriously. I think this is one of Oklahoma's best blogs.

Especially now.

You should take a minute to read "Living with Grace" and then bookmark it and stay tuned.

We are in for a ride!

http://www.gracielane.com/

Info on Women Running for the Oklahoma State Legislature in 2010

More women seeking seats in Oklahoma Legislature

by: MICHAEL McNUTT NewsOK.com
Monday, June 28, 2010
6/28/2010 7:17:07 AM

OKLAHOMA CITY — More women are running for legislative offices this year in Oklahoma, the state with the second-lowest percentage of female lawmakers in the country.

If every female candidate wins her race, the number of women in the Legislature could nearly double after the November elections. That is unlikely, though, as some female contenders face an uphill battle against male incumbents.

Still, the nearly 40 female legislative candidates are an encouraging sign in Oklahoma, said Sheryl Lovelady, director of the Women's Leadership Initiative at the University of Oklahoma's Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center.

Oklahoma has 17 female legislators among the 149 serving in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. Five women are in the 48-member Senate and 12 are in the 101-member House. Oklahoma's percentage of female legislators is 11.4 percent, slightly more than South Carolina's 10 percent.

Click here to read the complete article at NewsOK.com.

---

WOMEN AND LEGISLATIVE SEATS

Women re-elected to the House of Representatives who drew no opposition: Reps. Lee Denney, R-Cushing; Marian Cooksey, R-Edmond; Lisa Billy, R-Lindsay; Leslie Osborn, RTuttle; Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa; Rebecca Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City; and Anastasia Pittman, D-Oklahoma City

Female senators in the middle of their terms: Sens. Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa; Susan Paddack, D-Ada; and Connie Johnson, D-Oklahoma City

Female senators leaving in November: Sens. Debbe Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, and Mary Easley, D-Tulsa

Female legislative candidates Senate: Janica Edmonds of Morris, District 8; Donna Spring of Ardmore, District 14; Sharon Parker of Norman, District 16; Janice Aldridge and Kim David, both of Wagoner, District 18; Susan Hardy Brooks of Tuttle and Linda Molsbee of Newcastle, District 24; Liz Donnelly of Oklahoma City, District 40; and Sen. Connie Johnson, DOklahoma City, District 48.

House: Traci Barnes of Poteau, District 3; Annie J. Goolsby of Gore, District 15; Carolyn McNatt Hill of McAlester, District 18; Rep. Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa, District 23; Rep. Skye McNiel, R-Bristow, District 29; Donna Marie Voegelpohl of Sapulpa, District 30; Emily Virgin of Norman, District 44; Amy Corley of Newalla, District 53; Maya Torralba of Anadarko, District 56; Rep. Ann Coody, R-Lawton, District 64; Jadine Nollan of Sand Springs, District 66; Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, D-Tulsa, and Molly McKay of Tulsa, District 78; Brittany M. Novotny of Bethany and Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, District 84; Gail Vines of Oklahoma City, District 85; Dana Orwig of Oklahoma City, District 87; Wanda Jo Peltier of Oklahoma City, District 93; Zana Williams of Oklahoma City, District 94; Elise Hall of Oklahoma City, District 100.

Read About Oklahoma's Wonderful Hannah Atkins (1923-2010)

Here are a few more places that you can go to  read about Oklahoman Hannah Atkins who died June 17, 2010. She was such a smart, gracious woman and brave, honest public servant. I have only the warmest memories of working with her. I am so sad that she is gone. My thanks to  Diane Blank with the League of Women Voters of Norman, OK who provided the links below:

BlackPast.org: Remembered & Reclaimed

Remembering Hannah Atkins, 1923-2010, United Nations Association of Greater Oklahoma City

Hannah Atkins Obituary, The Oklahoman

Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture

(Women) Judicial Candidates Online

Because the Oklahoma Women's Coalition is still very new, it is still documenting "firsts."  (I remember the day I read an obituary and noticed that - at the bottom - it read "In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Oklahoma Women's Coalition." Whoa, that was a nice surprise.)

Today the Oklahoma Women's Coalition had another first. Mind you, I'm not endorsing any candidate; but check out Jackie Short's campaign flyer (image right; click to enlarge).

I'm betting this is the first time a political campaign has mentioned that the candidate is a member of the Oklahoma Women's Coalition. Several Coalition members are running for office but I am not sure they are advertising the fact that they belong to the Women's Coalition in their campaign materials. So, thanks, Jackie; that's very cool. (If you run across others, dear readers, please let me know.)

The Coalition is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and can't/doesn't endorse candidates. Since I have mentioned one candidate in this race, let me note that there are six people running for the District 7, Office 7 seat. Two of them are women (see http://www.jackieshortforjudge.com and http://cindytruongfordistrictjudge.com).

FYI, by the number of campaign websites that I am finding, it appears judicial candidates this time around "get it" and are all getting their name out there on the Internet. Many of them are also using social media -- i.e., have "Follow me on Twitter" buttons and special pages on Facebook.  My, my. Even stodgy old judges using Facebook. It certainly is a new world!!!!

Annie Joy's Blog

Thanks, Annie, for telling me about your blog. I've added it to my "OK Women Blogger" list. Hey everyone, check out Annie Joy's Letters. She describes it as "a personal blog" but notes that she does include posts about Oklahoma events, authors, etc. For instance, her latest post is about the OKC Museum of Art's Hollywood costume exhibit.

Drawing the Motmot Recounts the Tornado That Wiped Her Out

I am terribly found, almost possessively fond, of Debby Kaspari (see http://www.debbykaspariart.com/) who writes the blog "Drawing the Motmot" yet I've never met her.

Funny how we think we have "friends" through things like Twitter and Facebook and blogs. But Debby and I have friends in common so I feel entitled to claim her as a friend as well.

So I grieved - as all her friends did - when her home was blown away by the tornado that hit the Norman area on May 10. She is a remarkable artist and I consider her a state treasure. The idea of her art studio and every thing in it blown hither and yon broke my heart.

Debbie's drawings are amazing but her writing is pretty powerful as well. She is beginning to tell the story of living through the tornado on her blog. It is worth a minute or two of your time. You can begin with Anatomy of a Tornado and also read this  http://drawingthemotmot.wordpress.com/2010/05/18/a-most-unearthly-sound/. It is one woman's story - and her husband's and the cat's - but we Okies can all relate. Ironically, Debbie and her husband has recently installed an in-slab, underground storm shelter in their garage floor. (Not sure of the brand but that link shows a typical shelter.) It probably saved their lives.

PS I confess I took note of Debby first when she posted on her blog this adorable video of her dog making snow angels; doesn't this just look like so much fun that you want to get down there and join in?

New York Times Reviews the ZOMM (Invented by Tulsan Laurie Penix)

I love my ZOMM. It was a little pricey but NOTHING compared to replacing a lost iPhone. And with my ZOMM, I never get more than 30 feet away from it without it letting me know. Now The New York Times has given it a nice review and you can read the review here. This product was invented by Laurie Penix and her husband - who live in  Tulsa; you can follow Laurie on Twitter (@theZOMM).
 

South African Doctor Invents Anti-Rape Device

Above is a photo of South African doctor Sonette Ehlers who has invented a female condom that she says serves as an anti-rape device.

South Africa has the highest rape rate in the world.

According to an article in the NY Daily News, Dr Ehlers calls it the Rape-aXe and explains that it "latches itself to..."

(Well - you can figure it out.) Read the full article here. 

So, what do you think? Cruel and unusual punishment or fair play in a cruel world?

Hat tip to Guy Kawasaki's Holy Kaw! post June 23

2010 Oklahoma Women's Coalition Annual Meeting & Issue Forum

Yesterday was the Oklahoma Women's Coalition Annual Meeting and Issues Forum. We met at Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City (Building 7) which was beautiful; I highly recommend this facility for events. Ned's catered and the food was perfect. We had a great turnout of extraordinary Oklahoma women leaders from across Oklahoma.  We began with a quick business meeting - elected new officers and board for 2010-2011. (I've stepping down as Chair but will stay on the board and chair the Leadership Development Committee,) We did special recognitions for Faye Henson's service as Treasurer, Quin Tran Dykstra's wonderful leadership as chair of the Communications Committee. And had a lovely award for Representative Kris Steele for his leadership sponsoring House Bill 2998 which creates a program that diverts non violence, low risk women offenders away from prison into an alternative facility where they can receive drug  treatment, job raining, etc.

And then we had three excellent panels during which you could hear a pin drop (so I think people were interested)! The first panel was "Legislative Update: What Happened This Session (That Impacts Oklahoma Women and Girls)?" Oklahoma State Senator Susan Paddack (pictured here with CEO of YWCA OKC Jan Peery (left) and Executive Director of Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma Karen Morgan (right) talked about the 2010 Oklahoma legislative session and offered tips on advocating, etc. while Jan Gilmore Loftis (left in second image), the Oklahoma Women's Coalition Administrator, talked about bills impacting women in the session just ended. Our Advocacy Committee (chaired by Jan Peery) and board of directors elected to be conservative this year and only officially support two bills and one budget initiative - all of which passed.

The second panel was entitled "Connecting the Dots Between Education, Poverty and Incarceration." I moderated and opened with statistics on women and poverty in Oklahoma. Erin Taylor, Academic Project Coordinator at the Oklahoma State Regents for higher Education described Project SMART (Single Mothers Academic Resource Team) which she directs. Debbie Boyer with the Division of Female Offender Operations, Oklahoma Department of Corrections gave a great talk on characteristics of incarcerated women in Oklahoma.

Our final panel was on "The State of Domestic Violence in Oklahoma." Jan Peery moderated and made opening remarks that set the tone. Jackie Steyn, LPC, Chief Programs and Compliance Officer at the YWCA of OKC and Andrea Hamor Edmondson, Administrative Program Officer with the Injury Prevention Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health (and the Coordinator of Rape Prevention Education Program) spoke. All three presentations were riveting.

Donna Lawrence (right in final image), incoming Coalition Chair, closed the program by sharing ways Oklahomans can get involved in the Coalition. I received the Coalition's first Pioneer Woman Award (see picture) - pretty sweet, huh?!?

Why are you not a member of this organization yet?!? $25; $10 for students. We'd love to have you as a member -- men,too! You can join the Oklahoma Women's Coalition online by clicking HERE.

Oklahoma of House of Representatives Announces Interim Studies

House Speaker Chris Benge today approved 68 interim studies that will be conducted over the summer and fall prior to the next legislative session.

The studies cover a wide range of issues, including child welfare services, agency consolidation, math education in Oklahoma schools, tax credits and incentives, and a review of recent government modernization efforts, among other topics.

“Interim studies give lawmakers an opportunity to investigate and flesh out potential legislative proposals before drafting bills,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “This year we have a good set of studies covering a diverse array of topics.”

Overall, 76 study requests were approved, although eight were combined with either similar or duplicate proposals, bringing down the total number of actual studies to 68.

Due to the budget situation, the number of days committees can conduct interim studies was limited to reduce costs.

“In light of the budget situation, we felt it was important to strike a balance between reducing expenses and allowing for legitimate examination of issues,” Benge said.

Committees and subcommittees assigned three or fewer studies will be required to conduct all of them in a single day.

Committees assigned four to five studies will have no more than two days to meet and those with six or more studies will have up to three days to meet.

As a result, 12 committees and subcommittees will have only one day of interim studies, four committees will be allowed no more than two days for review, and four committees will have three or fewer days to meet.

For a full listing of the approved interim studies, go to www.okhouse.gov and click on the “House Committees” tab on the left side of the screen, then select “interim studies.”

Source. Oklahoma House of Representatives, Media Division, June 24, 2010

Bringing Title IX to Classrooms and Labs

June 23, 2010 was the 38th Anniversary of Title IX!

Title IX has been credited for dramatic increases in the participation of women and girls in athletics programs; however, Title IX also covers equity in educational programs.

One federal group working hard to ensure equity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education programs is the Title IX Interagency Working Group. The Working Group is coordinated by the Department of Justice and currently includes representatives from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and Department of Education. They recently met to discuss effective strategies for their Title IX compliance reviews of STEM programs at institutions of higher education that receive federal funds from their agencies.

One of these effective strategies is to approach the compliance review as an opportunity to provide meaningful technical assistance to the institutions and programs under review. NASA and the Department of Energy have conducted nine compliance reviews each using this philosophy. NASA has developed a document summarizing some of the best practices discovered in Title IX and STEM: Promising Practices for STEM. The document highlights some of the practices that institutions have implemented in order to ensure participation of women and girls in STEM education programs and activities.

As we celebrate the anniversary of Title IX this week, it is important to remember that Title IX impacts much more than sports -- it affects every aspect of education. Title IX was passed to ensure women and girls were not excluded from any educational program or activity receiving federal aid. As President Obama said during his campaign, "I'm running for President to make sure that the American Dream is within reach for every young girl in this country. That, after all, is what Title IX is all about -- fulfilling our founding promise of equal opportunity for all. And that is the America we can build together -- an America where our daughters have the same opportunities as our sons."

Source. Jessie DeAro, Senior Policy Analyst in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. DeAro represents OSTP on the Council on Women and Girls. Posted June 24, 2010

About Title IX (and more)

In celebration of our 30th Anniversary and as a tribute to one of our co-founders, Mary Ruthsdotter, we are continuing the Ask Emily Ruth column she wrote for Network News.

Ask Emily Ruth

Question: Why was the passage of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not included in the significant women's history events in you June Women's History Calendar?

Answer: We apologize for this significant oversight. June 23, 1972 - Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, President Nixon signs one of the most important legislation initiatives passed for women and girls since women won the vote in 1920. This legislation guarantees equal access and equal opportunity for females and males in almost all aspects of our educational systems.

Question: Is there a complete history of the African American Women's Struggle in winning the right to vote?

Answer: The best resource we have so far is African American Women in the Struggle for the Vote, 1850-1920 by Rosalyn Terborg-Penn, who has been a pioneer in the field.
The essays in "African American Women and the Vote, 1837-1965," edited by Ann Gordon, fill in many blanks, as do those in the two-volume historical encyclopedia Black Women in America. Biographies of the leaders are also often rich sources of information, but much more needs to be done to write these women back into history.

Question: I understand that Kathryn Bigelow was the first woman to win an Academy Award as a film director. Are their any resources on women film directors?

Answer: The largest collection of films directed by women is the Lois Weber Collection named for the prolific director from the silent era. This collection is at the Grand Prairie Memorial Library and covers the dawn of cinema to current movies like Twilight. For more information contact Peter Sime, Circulation Librarian at psime@gptx.org

For resouces on 90th Anniversary of US Women Winning the Vote

National Women's History Project
3440 Airway Dr Ste F
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
http://www.nwhp.org
(707) 636-2888
nwhp@nwhp.org

Source. National Women's History Project

First Lady Launches President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition

WOW. Michelle Obama has put together a powerhouse group to serve on the "President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition" including Billie Jean King, Michelle Kwan, and Dominique Dawes.  
Read full press release by clicking here.

Title IX Turns 38

Every day in the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, my colleagues and I work hard to help ensure America's young people are free from discrimination in our nation's schools and colleges. Today is an important milestone in our work to protect students: the 38th anniversary of Title IX, the law prohibiting institutions that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating on the basis of sex. Thirty-eight years ago, courageous leaders came together to help pass this landmark legislation that has helped to end sex discrimination in our country.

Today, Secretary Duncan talked about some of the important accomplishments of Title IX since its passage 38 years ago:

“In 1972, less than 30,000 female students participated in sports and recreational programs at NCAA member institutions. Thanks largely to Title IX that number has increased six-fold since then -- and at the high school level, the number of girls participating in athletics has increased ten-fold since 1972.”

Indeed, the research is clear -- Title IX's impact has not only been felt on the playing fields, but also in the classrooms of colleges and offices of our nation's workplaces. While we've made some incredible progress providing equal athletic opportunities, we must continue to ensure that students in schools and colleges are protected from discrimination on the basis of their sex on the wide array of issues covered by Title IX. Our collective sense of urgency is great.

Here at the Department of Education, equity is woven through all of our work, and our reinvigorated Office for Civil Rights will continue to strengthen Title IX and enforce its protections. In the months ahead, among other issues, we will work to combat sexual violence and assault, ensure students learn in an environment free from harassment and bullying, provide greater access to courses that will prepare under-represented students for success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and ensure that women and girls have equal opportunities to participate in sports.

Today, as we reflect on the success of Title IX in safeguarding equality, we are reminded that there is more to do. Let us redouble our efforts, and continue to work tirelessly to help fulfill our nation's great promise of equality for all.

Source. Email June 23, 2010 from Russlynn Ali, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education. Ali also represents the Department of Education on the White House Council on Women and Girls.

Remembering Oklahoma Lawyer, Leader, Mother, Friend Prudence Little

Prudence Little died on the 22nd day of May, 2010 at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. I had the great honor of participating in a few activities with this remarkable woman and am deeply saddened at her passing. Pru attended Wellesley College and graduated with honors in economics in 1965. She then attended the University of Oklahoma College of Llw and graduated first in the class of 1968. She had a stellar legal career and contributed greatly to numerous Oklahoma programs and I urge you to honor her contributions by taking a moment to read her obituary (Click here to view Prudence Little's Obituary in The Oklahoman). Equally noteworthy is that she did it all with grace and kindness and patience and wisdom. Add to that the fact that she spent the past 35 "dealing with" cancer -- advanced melanoma (diagnosed in 1975), advanced breast cancer diagnosed in (1998), ovarian cancer (diagnosed in 2004), and advanced melanoma cancer again (diagnosed 6 months ago). I can't even begin to comprehend how to cope with that burden yet Pru dealt with it extraordinary grace and courage. I wish I'd known her better; I envy those who did; and I grieve her passing. I am making a donation to the Oklahoma Women's Coalition today in her memory. Who do you know who deserves to be remembered for the way they touched your life or the lives of Oklahomans? Take a moment to honor their life.

Remembering Hannah Atkins

Hannah Atkins was the first black woman elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She was a truly remarkable woman and public official - filled with grace and poise and smart as a whip! Oklahoma State Representative Anastasia Pittman is quoted in today's Oklahoman article about Hannah that "She set the standard for how to represent one's constituents, how to lead. She also had poise and grace and was overall a very classy and remarkable woman and leader.” Atkins served in the Oklahoma Legislature 12 years. She later served as assistant director for aging services at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Under Gov. Henry Bellmon, she served as state Secretary of Social Services, Secretary of Human Resources, and Secretary of State. She was appointed by President Jimmy Carter as a delegate to the 35th General Assembly of the United Nations and went on to serve as Commissioner to the U.N. Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization from 1979 to 1982. Below are just a few of the many sights that sing praises to this remarkable woman:

~ June 19, 2010 article: http://stage.newsok.com/first-black-woman-elected-to-oklahoma-house-dies/article/3469633?

~ Hannah Atkins archival collection, Oklahoma State University: http://www.library.okstate.edu/scua/collect/atkins/index.htm

~ Wikipedia page on Hannah Atkins: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Atkins

! Oklahoma Historical Society's page: http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/A/AT002.html

Terry Neese Oklahoma Selected for Prestigious National Award

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 8, 2010 – Oklahoma City businesswoman, Terry Neese, will be honored at the 2010 National Association of Women Business Owners’ conference on June 10 in Washington, DC, with the Gillian Rudd Business Leadership Award.

Historically, the award recognizes a woman business owner who has made a significant contribution to the status and visibility of women-owned firms and to the empowerment of women entrepreneurs both nationally and internationally.

NAWBO leaders describe Neese as the perfect fit for the award for her blended entrepreneurial zeal and a sense of stepping up to do what is right for the greater good.

“Terry is the epitome of a business leader who has dedicated her professional career on the bedrock belief that when women are able to participate equally and fully in business, greater economic stability and peace ensues,” states the NAWBO Web site.

Neese, a serial entrepreneur, has been in business for more than 30 years, and most recently founded the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women, a 501c3 that aims to empower women worldwide economically, socially and politically. With its PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS program, the Institute provides long-term business and leadership training to women entrepreneurs from Afghanistan and Rwanda.

Neese, past national president of NAWBO, considers this award to be an ultimate honor, since Rudd personally inspired her to go beyond business and get involved in public policy.

“Gillian Rudd was my mentor,” Neese said. “Her work on the HR5050 legislation is what first broke the glass ceiling for women in business in the ’80s. Without her work, I truly can’t say I’d be where I am today.”

###

About The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women:
The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women is a 501(c)3 nonprofit empowering women to grow their businesses, pursue greater entrepreneurial ventures and become more active public policy advocates. The Institute accomplishes this mission by focusing on education, mentorship and coaching women in the United States and abroad who are seeking to acquire entrepreneurial skills to help start and grow a business.

Henry's Blog and OKC Blog Girl

I am adding some more Oklahoma Women's Blogs (see list on left side below).

Today I added Henry (the Blog) authored by Erin Taylor and OKC Blog Girl by Pink Diva. Pink Diva Cafe is "an organic effort to encourage women to find fabulousity in their marriages and family life!" PinkDiva also authors a blog on autism entitled Autism Women's Network.


Want to suggest any other blogs authored by Oklahoma women I should add to the list?

What is YOUR Favorite "Girly" Destination in Oklahoma?

"Girly" is what Jennifer Palmer calls the boutique The Cloverleaf (located in Oklahoma City, Ardmore, and Thackerville)  in a June 10, 2010 Oklahoman article entitled "'Girly' shops find niche."

Evidentally the shop is "pink, pink, pink." (You can read the story here.) The OKC store is at 2825 W Wilshire in Nichols Hills; go by and see for yourself.

Speaking of lace, bling and pink, pink, pink, what is YOUR favorite "girly destination" in Oklahoma?

"Trafficking in Persons Report 2010" released

Trafficking In Persons 2010 Report was released yesterday by the US Department of State and for the first time in the 10 years history of reporting the United States has listed itself among the countries being monitored for this crime of modern day slavery.

• The United States is listed as a source, transit and destination country for men, women, and children.

• More US citizens, both adult and children are found in sex trafficking than in labor trafficking.

• US citizen child victims of sex trafficking are often runaway and homeless youth.

• More Foreign National victims are found in labor trafficking than sex trafficking.

To view the full 373 page report go to: http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2010/142751.htm
and to view a 1-page PDF fact sheet entitled "Trafficking in Persons: Ten Years of Partnering to Combat Modern Slavery," CLICK HERE.

Source.

Three Oklahoma Women Inducted Into Oklahoma African-American Hall of Fame

The Ntu Art Association of Oklahoma recently inducted six into the Oklahoma African-American Hall of Fame including Nancy Randolph-Davis, Lilliantyne Williams-Fields and (posthumously) Emma Lee Jones-Freeman. Randolph-Davis was the first black enrollee at Oklahoma State University. Williams-Fields has served more than 23 years as a biological sciences educator, serving on two national committees for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The late Jones-Freeman was a veteran educator who won a lawsuit against the Oklahoma City School Board, which resulted in equal pay for black teachers in Oklahoma.

Source.  http://newsok.com/art-association-lauds-african-american-hall-of-fame-honorees/article/3467254

Congratulations to Emoly West, Miss Oklahoma 2010

University of Central Oklahoma senior Emoly West was crowned Miss Oklahoma Saturday. A major in dance performance, her talent was ballet. She beat out Miss Northwest Passage (really). Read about it at  http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20100613_11_0_Persis97415&archive=yes.

Human Trafficking Training Offered in OKC June 23

Think human trafficking doesn't happen here?
Think again...

OATH (Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans) is hosting a training on June 23. Here are the meeting details:

American Christian University, South Campus
3500 SW 119th, OKC, OK

No Cost - CLEET Certified
8 CLEET Hours & 1 Mental Health Credit

8:30am-12:00pm L.E. General Awareness
1:00-5:00pm Law Enforcement Training
Enroll (405) 671-8742 or www.orcpi.com

Is Oklahoma's Push for Early Childhood Education OVER?

From Dave Blatt, Director of Oklahoma Policy Institute:

Today's papers bring word that the $10 million annual appropriation to the State Department of Education for high-quality early childhood education may be facing elimination. On our blog, we look at a recent study showing Oklahoma as again the top state in the nation for pre-kindergarten education, and ask whether the state can make it through the crisis without reversing the tremendous progress that has earned Oklahoma top rankings and widespread acclaim. Please share this with others you think may find it of interest:
http://okpolicy.org/blog/education/pre-k-oklahoma-keeps-its-ranking-as-tops-in-the-nation-but-will-it-last/

Re Human Trafficking in Oklahoma, see Linda Caswell & All Things New

Linda Caswell of Oklahoma City is the founder of a nonprofit organization focused on ending human trafficking and helping victims of human trafficking. Her organization is called "All Things New" and you can read about it at her website: http://www.allthingsnewcampaign.org/. Here is the organization's vision statement:

The vision of All Things New Inc. is to see all of sex trafficking eradicated by joining forces with others who are dedicated to restoring the lives of women and children who have been sexually exploited.  We envision a blanket of shelters networking across the United States ready to receive victims and to help them receive holistic healing from sexual trauma.  We also envision teams of men and women educating the public about the destruction caused by pornography, and how it intertwines with and feeds the demand for sex slaves, hopefully resulting in a decrease for the demand.  Our vision includes developing a system of networks across the nation working hand in hand to create a safety net for all sex trafficking victims, and working to help shape public policy regarding sex trafficking/prostitution.

Oklahoma Rep Kris Steele Named Legislator of the Year by Women's Coalition

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Women’s Coalition will honor Oklahoma’s House speaker-designate this month for his leadership and efforts to reduce the high rate of female incarceration in the state.

State Rep. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, has been named the 2010 Legislator of the Year by the coalition and will be honored at the group’s June 24 annual meeting.

“I am humbled by this special recognition,” Steele said. “As policymakers, we have the responsibility to work toward creating a better future for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Women’s Coalition does a great job of advocating for the improved status of women and children in our state, and it is an honor to join with them in their cause.”

Steele authored House Bill 2998, legislation recently signed into law that authorizes reentry and diversion pilot programs for non-violent offender parents to receive community-based services in lieu of incarceration. Its intent is to encourage the state to allow primary caregivers of minor children to receive rehabilitative services while maintaining contact with their children, Steele said.

Oklahoma incarcerates more women than any other state in the nation. Its incarceration rate for women is 131 per 100,000 residents, almost twice the national average of 69 per 100,000. Most prison inmates, 68 percent, are in prison for non-violent offenses.

“Oklahoma ranks first in the nation for the number of women incarcerated per capita,” said Jean Warner, Ph.D., chair of the Oklahoma Women’s Coalition. “The coalition made this issue a priority this year. We partnered with other organizations, like the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, to examine this issue and look for solutions. Representative Steele has been a leader in moving this issue forward.”

Diversion programs could save the state approximately $56 per day, or $20,000 per inmate, according to the coalition.

“By implementing effective diversion and reentry programs, we’ll help stop the cycle of intergenerational incarceration and strengthen Oklahoma families,” Warner said.

All are invited to attend the Coalition's Annual Meeting and Issues Forum on June 24 in Oklahoma City. To learn more and to register online, visit the Coalition's website at http://www.oklahomawomenscoalition.org/.

Oklahoma Governor Signs Law Hiking Human Trafficking Penalties

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Brad Henry has signed legislation that enhances the penalties for human trafficking and gives law enforcement officials more tools to pursue criminals.
“I appreciate the governor’s support of this important legislation, which will help law enforcement officials aggressively pursue and prosecute criminals who horribly abuse women and children,” said state Rep. Pam Peterson, a Tulsa Republican who authored the bill. “The legislation provides for a victim-centered approach and clearly defines ‘human trafficking’ in state law, increasing our ability to prosecute perpetrators.”
Senate Bill 956, by state Sen. Todd Lamb and Peterson, aligns state law with the federal trafficking victims protection act, granting state law enforcement officials greater leeway to pursue human trafficking chargers against criminals.
“SB956 will help local law enforcement dealing with the issue of human trafficking, which has largely gone unnoticed and unreported due lack of awareness and a state law,” said Mark Elam, Executive Director of Oklahomans Against Human Trafficking (OATH). “This legislation will clearly define human trafficking and provide tougher punishment against those who make exploitation of human beings a criminal enterprise.”
Those convicted of human trafficking face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Senate Bill 956 increases trafficking penalties when victims are 18 or younger to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. Previous law only enhanced the penalties when victims were 14 or younger.
Just as importantly, the legislation allows law enforcement to seize “any vehicle or conveyance used in any manner to facilitate or participate in the commission of any human trafficking offense.”
“Because Oklahoma is located at center of three interstates, we have had major human trafficking issues,” Peterson said. “Senate Bill 956 gives law enforcement officials more tools to prosecute these crimes, particularly asset seizure. By increasing the penalties in terms of both jail time and personal financial loss, this law will better deter criminals and save innocent women and children.”
In 2003, the Department of Justice reported the largest concentrations of trafficking survivors who received federal assistance resided in California, Texas, New York and Oklahoma.

Source. OK House of Reps Media Division, June 10, 2010. For more information. contact Oklahoma State Representative Pam Peterson at her State
Capitol office ~(405) 557-7341

President Obama's Remarks on Anniversary of the Equal Pay Act

On June 10, 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed into law the Equal Pay Act, which sought to end wage discrimination on the basis of sex. At the time, women were paid 59 cents for every dollar earned by men. 47 years later, pay parity remains far from reality, as women in the United States still only earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. For women of color, this gap is even wider. This remains unacceptable, as it was when the Act was signed. All women – and their families – deserve equal pay. Women now make up nearly half of the nation’s workforce, most homes have two working parents, and 60 percent of all women work full-time. As we emerge from one of the worst recessions in American history, when families are struggling to pay their bills and save for the future, pay inequity only deepens that struggle and hampers our economy’s ability to fully recover.

But we have taken some important steps to address this inequality. I am proud that the first bill I signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which restored the right to seek a remedy for women who, like the law’s namesake, face wage discrimination during their careers. In my State of the Union address, I pledged to crack down on violations of equal pay laws, and I’ve created the National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force, bringing together federal agencies to improve the enforcement of equal pay laws. We’ve also increased funding for federal agencies charged with enforcing equal pay laws and other civil rights statutes. The agencies themselves have taken steps to address disparities. For instance, the Department of Labor Women's Bureau is conducting research and analysis, providing technical assistance, and building partnerships to increase women's incomes, narrow the wage gap, and reduce income inequality. And the White House Council on Women and Girls is actively working to close the wage gap.

More needs to be done. I appreciate the House acting on the Paycheck Fairness Act early last year, and I renew my call to the Senate to modernize and strengthen the Equal Pay Act by closing loopholes, providing incentives for compliance, and barring certain types of retaliation against workers by employers. On this anniversary of the Equal Pay Act, let us all renew and redouble our efforts.

Source. The White House Office of the Press Secretary

Come to the OK Women's Coalition Issue Forum on June 24

The Oklahoma Women's Coalition is hosting their 2010 Annual Business Meeting and Issues Forum on the morning of Thursday, June 24 at Francis Tuttle Career Tech Center in Oklahoma City. All are welcome to attend.

This event begins with a networking coffee and registration at 8:30 AM, followed by a brief business meeting at 9:30 AM. The balance of the morning features  issue panels and a special presentation. The program concludes at 12:30 PM.

Panel topics this year include:

 “What Happened This Legislative Session on Issues Related to Women & Girls?”
 “Connecting the Dots Between Education, Poverty & Incarceration”
 “Domestic Violence Services in Oklahoma: Red Flags & Help for Women & Girls”

If you have not already done so, I encourage you to register and participate in  a great morning

of information impacting Oklahoma women, networking opportunities and fun (there is a raffle for very cool stuff!!).  You can register online for the event at oklahomawomenscoalition.org.

Read more about the event here. Questions? Call the Coalition office at 405/286-0356.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Funds Women's Health

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged $1.5 billion on Monday in a joint push with the United Nations to improve the health of women and children, while launching a lobbying effort to get governments and other non-profit groups on

The program aims to cut across the "silos" of health initiatives focused on one thing -- AIDS, for example, or nutrition -- and get broader initiatives into place.

"That is in addition to grants that we already make in vaccines, diarrhea, malaria," Melinda Gates told reporters.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he would try to focus the Group of 20 meeting in Toronto later this month on the subject, adding the goal is to raise $15 billion.

"We may need an additional $45 billion by 2015," Ban said.

Ban and Gates described a comprehensive approach through 2014 to help women deliver babies safely and plan healthy families with access to contraception, while incorporating current vaccination and nutrition programs.

"The women and children are always last in line for health issues," Ban said. "It's just morally unacceptable ... This is a real human rights issue."

Ban said the United Nations would lean on developed nations and non-profits alike.

"We need all of the actors," he said. "Getting strong support from a foundation like Melinda and Bill Gates is a strong political tool for me."

Ban, in Washington for the international Women Deliver conference, said he hoped the United States would provide money and political push.

"I know the current economic situation is quite difficult. But the current economic situation should not give any excuse to pay less attention to this," he said.

POLICY CHANGES

Nor are poorer nations off the hook. Developing countries should devote at least 15 percent of their national budgets to health issues, Ban said.

"They can make policy changes that make an enormous difference to women and children," Gates said. "This is a government issue and it is going to take large-scale government funding to make it work."

She praised the Ethiopian government for opening 15,000 clinics, for instance, and hiring 30,000 visiting health workers.

The foundation, set up by billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates with his wife Melinda, said it would provide initial grants of $94 million for work in India and $60 million for Ethiopia. Some of the first groups funded include the non-profit Save the Children and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition.

Gates cited recent statistics showing it is possible to make progress.

In April, Dr. Christopher Murray of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington found that deaths of women in and around childbirth have gone down by an average of 35 percent globally.

And last month, the same group found that deaths among children under age 5 fell from 11.9 million in 1990 to 7.7 million in 2010.

World Bank managing director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said she hoped her institution could work with Gates on the program.

"The reason why I think this could work is this is one area where we do have solutions," she told Reuters at the conference. "We do know what works. Some of it has proven to be quite successful."

Source. Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65658R20100608

Women Lawyers: OK Bar Assoc hosting Women Helping Women (Lawyers) events

The Oklahoma Bar Association’s Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program Committee (LHL) is hosting a series of monthly meetings entitled “Women Helping Women” for all female attorneys in the OKC Metro and beyond, at whatever stage of life or practice.

These free meetings will be led by women on the LHL Committee and are intended to provide an intimate setting for the group leaders and participants to ask questions, provide support, and share information with fellow women of the Bar.  Meeting dates and topics are June 24 (The Loneliness of law), July 22 (Keeping Depression and Anxiety Away), August 26 (Finding Your Balance), and September 23 (The Best Plan for Me). All meetings are 5:30pm - 7pm. Details and registration information is available at the Women Helping Women page.

Questions? Contact Donita Bourns Douglas, Director of Educational Programs, Oklahoma Bar Association
1901 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152

Phone: 405.416.7028
Fax: 405.416.7092
Email: donitad at okbar.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/obacle

Kay Stout on Blog Talk Radio Tues June 8th @ 8 PM

Oklahoma City businesswoman Kay Stout will be on Blog Talk Radio tomorrow, Tuesday June 8, at 8:00pm Central Time on the "Behind The Mike Show" -- www.behindthemike.info.

The topic of discussion is “Get in the right frame of mind to move ahead, find a job, and get on with your life. Kay and Mike call it “Ideas for a Challenging Economy.” You can call in to the show Toll free from the USA and Canada @ 866-417-4359; Internationally: 646-716-8609. There’s also a live chat room. Mark your calendar and join them.

Governor Signs Legislation to Keep Non-violent Parents out of Prison, with Family

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 7, 2010) — The House author of legislation creating a reentry and diversion pilot program that will allow non-violent offender parents to receive community-based services in lieu of incarceration praised the governor for signing the bill into law today.

House Bill 2998, by Rep. Kris Steele, would encourage re-entry and diversion programs as opposed to jail time for certain non-violent offenders who are the primary caregivers to minor children. The change would allow them to receive rehabilitative services under strict supervision while maintaining contact with their children.

Oklahoma incarcerates more women—who often serve as the lone caregiver in the home—than any other state in the nation. The incarceration rate for women is 131 per 100,000 residents, almost twice the national average of 69 per 100,000.

Most women prison inmates, 68 percent, are in prison for non-violent offenses.

“This legislation will give parents a chance to receive community-based rehabilitative services that have proven effective while staying in contact with their children,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “We can be both smart and tough on crime with legislation like this.”

Gov. Brad Henry signed the bill today, which goes into effect Nov. 1, 2010.

Source. Oklahoma House of representatives, Office of the House Speaker Chris Benge

NOTE - This is one of the bills that the Oklahoma Women's Coalition supported during the 2010 Legislative Session

Compassionate Communication Course Offered in OK City

Would you like to:
• Be able to speak your deep truth without offending others?
• Be able to express disagreement without blame?
• Be truly heard to your satisfaction?
• Handle conflict with inner calm and confidence?
• Transform reactive anger into connecting communication?
• Calmly hear beyond other’s blame or criticism?
• Inspire willing cooperation?
• Deepen and better enjoy your favorite relationships?

Then you should take a Compassionate Communications Workshop! An 8-week course begins today that is cosponsored by Unity Church Spiritual Life Center in Oklahoma City and Compassionate Communication Oklahoma. Here are the facts:

Facilitator: Tom McLain ~ 405-823-7801, Tom@ConnectingCommunication.com
Investment In Self: $349 (If your life partner attends with you, s/he gets 50% off)
Where: 8 Mondays Beginning June 7, 2010; 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Unity Spiritual Life Center, 405-789-2424
5603 N.W. 41st St., OKC, OK, 73122

Too late to get into this class? Stay tuned for information about other classes coming up.