Celebrating the Oklahoma Women's Coalition

At the January 2011 board meeting of the Oklahoma Women's Coalition, we took time to review all the things we have accomplished since our founding in the fall of 2008. Ergo - a celebration cake!

Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards Events is April 2 in Tulsa

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits has announced the finalists for its fourth annual Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards. The event, which takes place April 2, 2011, at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, honors outstanding nonprofits throughout the state for their work in one of nine categories. The finalists (listed according to category) include:

Arts & Humanities Art on the Square Association (Mangum)
Black Liberated Arts Center, Inc. (Oklahoma City)
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Community Latino Community Development Agency (Oklahoma City)
Neighbor for Neighbor (Tulsa)
Rebuilding Together Tulsa
Education Gloria Ainsworth Child Care & Learning Center, Inc. (Ardmore)
Leadership Oklahoma, Inc.
Oklahoma Arts Institute (Norman)
Seniors Health Services Foundation, Providence Place Assisted Living Center (Woodward)
LIFE Senior Services (Tulsa)
Rebuilding Together OKC
Self Sufficiency Altus Armed Services YMCA
Resonance Center for Women (Tulsa)
Stand in the Gap Ministries (Tulsa)
Large-Scale Health Services Children’s Hospital Foundation (Oklahoma City)
Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa, Inc.
St. Anthony Hospital, Behavioral Medicine Center (Oklahoma City)
Community Health Services Associated Centers for Therapy (Tulsa)
Center of Family Love (Okarche) Health for Friends (Norman)
Sports and Recreation Schools for Healthy Lifestyles (Oklahoma City)
Shiloh Camp (Oklahoma City)
YMCA of Greater Tulsa
Youth Development Multi-County Youth Services (Clinton)
Tulsa Boys’ Home Youth Services for Oklahoma County

Out of 70 organizations nominated for this year’s awards, only 27 were selected as finalists.

The ONE Awards Selection Commission, a group of prestigious community leaders from across Oklahoma, determine the finalists for the ONE Awards. The commission meets annually in different parts of the state to expand awareness of charitable work in all communities. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship information for the 2011 ONE Awards, please call 1-800-338-1798.

OK Rep Lisa Billy Condemns Education Board Members for Misogynist Remarks

Misogynist

According to sociologist Allan G. Johnson, "misogyny is a cultural attitude of hatred for females because they are female." Johnson argues that "[Misogyny] is a central part of sexist prejudice and ideology and, as such, is an important basis for the oppression of females in male-dominated societies. Misogyny is manifested in many different ways, from jokes to pornography to violence to the self-contempt women may be taught to feel for their own bodies."  Source. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misogyny

Example: Two members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education denigrating the value of a prospective woman employee because she is pregnant. This incident is just one more example of why I say that, in terms of women's rights, moving to Oklahoma can seem like time-traveling back to 1959. Representative Lisa Billy's press release about the Board of Education incident (below) provides details:

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Lisa J. Billy today joined the chorus of officials condemning the actions and sexist comments of State Board of Education members and called for their immediate resignation to “restore the integrity of the Board of Education.”

“I am utterly disgusted by the sexist comments and unprofessional actions of State Board of Education members,” said Billy, R-Purcell. “The board has embarrassed the state of Oklahoma and its members have disgraced themselves.”

During a discussion on the possible hiring of a woman expecting her first child at yesterday’s meeting, board member Herb Rozell referred to the woman as being “worthless” because of her pregnancy.
Board member Tim Gilpin immediately added, “Can we have a motion that she not have her baby in April or May?” In a subsequent interview with News 9 in Oklahoma City, Gilpin referred to the same employee as being an “individual in a less than full capacity.”

Billy noted those comments appeared to violate employment discrimination laws.

“For these men to claim a woman is ‘worthless’ if she is pregnant ranks among the most repugnant things I have ever heard any state official say,” Billy said, “and that alone justifies their immediate resignation.”
Billy noted board members engaged in bullying behavior throughout the meeting, and directed most of their fire at women.

The board refused to hire Jennifer Carter as chief of staff, even though Carter is an attorney with a higher level of educational attainment than her predecessors. Carter previously worked as Assistant Insurance Commissioner for Government Relations for Democrat Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland and as Director of Legal Services/Government Relations for the Association of Professional Oklahoma Educators (APOE). In that position, Carter mediated and filed grievances on behalf of teachers and represented educators at board hearings and in lawsuits.

Board members also refused to hire Jill Geiger for Director of Finance even though she was most recently a Deputy Director of the Division of the Budget at the Office of State Finance with six years experience in state education finances.

“No one can argue with a straight face that these women are not well qualified,” Billy said. “It appears to me the board’s actions were based on sexist views of women, and had nothing to do with job duties.
“As someone who has campaigned with her small children in tow and served as a legislator while pregnant, I know firsthand that women can easily handle job and family. Apparently, the board members can’t even handle just one of those two tasks.”

Source. Oklahoma House of Representatives, Media Division, January 28, 2011
Contact: State Rep. Lisa J. Billy; Capitol: (405) 557-7365

Sylvia Mahaffey of Putman City Schools Honored

Oklahoma's Sylvia Mahaffey, who teaches eighth-grade math at Capps Middle School (Putman City School District), is one of  only five teachers nationwide named as a 2010 Symetra Top Teacher. That's something to crow about, Oklahoma!

Facts About Stalking

January is Stalking Awarness Month

Every year over one million women are stalked in the United States. Offten victims of stalking are also victims of Domestic Violence. In fact, 81% of women who are stalked by an intimate partner are also physically assaulted by him and in 1 of 5 cases, the stalker uses weapons to harm or threaten a victim.

As the only shelter for battered women and children in Oklahoma county, the YWCA fights stalking every day and works with victims to safety plan, rebuild lives, and save lives. Stalking is one of the significant risk factors for female homicide -- and Oklahoma is 12th in the nation for the number of women killed by men.

What is Stalking?

Following victims, showing up wherever they are
Sending unwanted gifts, letters, cards, or e-mails.
Damaging your home, car, or other property.
Monitoring phone calls
Using technology, like hidden cameras or global positioning systems (GPS), to track where you go.
Driving by or hanging out at your home, school, or work.
Threatening to hurt you, your family, friends, or pets.
Finding out about you through public records, online search services, hiring investigators, going through your garbage, or contacting friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers.
Posting information or spreading rumors about you on the Internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth.
Other actions that control, track, or frighten you.

What are the affects of Stalking?

Anexiety, insomnia, social dysfunction
Depression
Missing Work
Losing a job

What can I do to help?

Raise awarness with daily posts as Tweets or Facebook status updates, from the National Stalking Awareness Month.
Raise awarness or fund raise with a YWCA Special Project at your school, work, church or civic group.
Donate to the YWCA to help provide services to women being stalked in Central Oklahoma.
For more information visit www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org.

Source: YWCA of Oklahoma City - http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=djIMI0POKvG&b=5710735

Old Feminist And Wild-Eyed Liberal (No, not me! An Okie Blog)

Check out Oklahoma woman blogger Maesz who authors the Old Feminist and Wild-Eyed Liberal blog. She describes herself as an pre-Baby Boomer feminist and "an entrepreneur, an oenophile (look that up in your Funk and Wagnall's), and a wine enjoyment teacher/guide who also writes wine notes at the Allen's Retail Liquors site."

She is currently delighting in her new Nook and laptop computer (she's has a computer since 1978!). She also writes about business at her daughter Becky McCray's blog, Small Biz Survival (which turned 5-years old January 17th). You can read Maesz' blog at oldfeminist.blogspot.com.

Rep Shelton to File Bill Honoring Hannah Digggs Atkins

Here is a bill we can all get behind and support. I consider myself blessed for having known this truly remarkable Oklahoman.

January 20, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Mike Shelton
Capitol: (405) 557-7367

Rep. Mike Shelton announced today that he will file legislation to honor the memory of former Oklahoma Secretary of State Hannah Diggs Atkins. “Hannah Diggs Atkins was, and remains, an inspiration for all Oklahomans, and it is fitting that we honor her memory,” said Shelton, D-Oklahoma City.

Atkins was the first black woman elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the first woman to chair a House Committee. She represented House District 97 from 1969 to 1980, and later served as Secretary of State.

Shelton’s bill will rename a section of Interstate 35 in her honor.

“Hannah Diggs Atkins is truly one of the very few people who truly broke down barriers for all citizens,” Shelton said. “She served our state at a time when the vestiges of racism and sexism were still strong, but she proved you can overcome prejudice. Her life and example will always be an inspiration to those who face seemingly insurmountable odds but refuse to yield, and I am pleased to carry this bill to honor her memory.

“The representatives who preceded me in House District 97 have all made their mark in history and it is an honor to follow in the footsteps of trailblazers like Hannah Diggs Atkins.”
The Oklahoma Legislature will convene on February 7.

Census Bureau Reports Women-Owned Firms Numbered 7.8 Million in 2007, Generated Receipts of $1.2 Trillion

A December 7, 2010 U.S. Census Bureau press release notes that:

"In 2007, women owned 7.8 million businesses and accounted for 28.7 percent of all businesses nationwide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Survey of Business Owners. These firms generated $1.2 trillion in receipts, about 3.9 percent of all business receipts nationwide. (See Table 1 [Excel].)
Businesses owned equally by men and women numbered 4.6 million firms (17.0 percent of all businesses) and generated $1.3 trillion in receipts (4.2 percent of all receipts)."

See also: Women-Owned Businesses (U.S. Census blog)

Eight To Be Inducted into Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame on April 7

The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women will induct eight women into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame during ceremonies at 3 p.m. on April 7 in the Oklahoma History Center.

2011 inductees are Dr. Laura Boyd, Norman; Chloe L. Brown, Tulsa; Joy D. Culbreath, Durant; Marcia J. Mitchell and Kathryn L. Taylor, both of Tulsa; Ardina J. Moore of Miami; Dr. Cynthia S. Ross, Lawton; and Helen Harrod Thompson of Ardmore. Ninety-six women have been previously inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame. A complete list of previous inductees can be found at: http://women.library.okstate.edu/hof.

Norman's Center for Children and Families Receive Kellogg Grant

Congratulations to the Center for Children and Families in Norman, Oklahoma, on being awarded a $385,000 3-year grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The Center provided services to 1,673 clients last year. Read about their services here.

John F. Kennedy Still Highest-Rated Modern President, Nixon Lowest

According to a Dec 6, 2010 press release from Gallup notes:

"Of the nine U.S. presidents who have served in the past 50 years, John F. Kennedy continues to earn the highest retrospective job approval rating from Americans, now 85%. Ronald Reagan ranks second, with 74%. While these presidents' ratings are largely unchanged from 2006, Bill Clinton's rating has improved, putting him in third place, while Jimmy Carter, at 52%, has dropped from third to sixth. Richard Nixon remains the lowest rated."

Do you concur? Who is your favorite president?

FYI: Mucinex Works

Forgive the digression but I gotta tell ya -- OMG, I love Mucinex!

I put off trying this product for the longest time. Now that I am recovering from my second devastating bout of bronchitis in 6 months, I've broken down and started taking it.

I won't get gross on you but suffice it to say it really DOES what the package says. Like nothing I've used before. It is amazing. Repeat: AMAZING! Mucinex is my over-the-counter drug of choice from now on!

Becky McCray Keeps Me Using Blogger.com

My tech friends are always trying to get me to switch to WordPress. Every time I start giving it serious consideration, Becky posts one of her terrific blog posts on why Blogger is so great. Here is her latest and it is filled with good tips and insights: Blogger Blogs Still Work For Small Business. So, I'm sticking with Blogger and committed to doing a better job of taking advantage of all Blogger offers.

Obviously, I don't do graphics - which is why my banner sucks. Any advice on how I might spruce it up?

January is Stalking Awareness Month

The YWCA of Oklahoma City wants you to know that January is Stalking Awareness Month. Here is their message:

Millions of women are stalked every year and over 80% of those women are also physically assaulted by their stalker. Stalking is not only scary, but dangerous and potentially life-threatening for a woman leaving an abusive relationship.

"The most dangerous time for a woman in an abusive relationship is when she leaves her partner," says Kristie Mitchell, Senior Director of Crisis Services. "It's also the time that the abusive partner begins to physically stalk her."

Advocates at the YWCA are trained to help women recognize the ways they have been stalked in the past, and to develop safety plans for the future.

Most commonly, women are stalked via technology -- social networking sites, email accounts, hidden cameras, online banking statements, GPS devices on cellphones and cars. Our advocates help women understand the role of technology in stalking and how to keep themselves safe.

"Clients come to us when no one believes their stories." says Mitchell. "But we believe them because we hear them every day and we know that if swift action is not taken, the outcome can be devastating."

Visit www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org or visit our website for more information on how you can help put an end to stalking.

"Big Bang Theory" Jim Parson Wins Golden Globe Award

The American sitcom "The Big Bang Theory" is my all time favorite TV show so I am thrilled that, with all the stiff competition this year, Jim Parsons won the Golden Globe award for Best Actor for a musical of comedy on TV.

Yeah Sheldon Cooper.

Yeah theoretical physics.

Bazinga!

14 Women Honored As Oklahoma's Most-admired CEOs

The Journal Record will host their second annual "Oklahoma’s Most-admired CEOs" event on February 17, 2011 at National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Thirty-three business and nonprofit leaders from across Oklahoma will be honored and an overall winner will be announced in each of eight categories. The honorees will also be profiled in The Journal Record's "Oklahoma’s Most-admired CEOs" magazine that is published on Feb. 18.

Among the 33 business and nonprofit leaders selected by an industry panel from dozens of nominations are the following fourteen remarkable Oklahoma women:

* Cathryn Hibbs, Deaconess Hospital
* Lynn Flinn, The Rowland Group
* Shirley Hammer, Hammer Construction Inc
* Karen Black, A Karen Black Company
* Teresa Moisant, Moisant Promotional Products
* Bliss Morris, First Financial Network
* Nancy Anthony, Oklahoma City Community Foundation
* Anne Masters, Pioneer Library System
* Robyn Sunday-Allen, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
* Dianna Bonfiglio, Prevent Blindness Oklahoma
* Sharla Hall Owens, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma
* Julie Knutson, Oklahoma Academy
* Jan Peery, YWCA Oklahoma City
* Valerie Thompson, Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City Inc.

Reservations for the banquet can be made by contacting Lesley Martin at(405) 278-2820 or lesley.martin@journalrecord.com. Individual tickets are $100 and tables for 10 are $1,000.

Source: The Journal Record/Dolan Media - http://www.dolanmedia.com/view.cfm?recID=659640

Wear A Black Ribbon in Memory of Cathy Bartlett of Bethany

Reginald Scott Bartlett, 58, will be booked into the Oklahoma County jail today in the death of Cathy Bartlett, 57, at their residence in the 7600 block of NW 25, police said. Bartlett called police about 6:35 p.m. Saturday saying he had returned home and found his wife fatally stabbed inside, police said. Investigators spoke with Bartlett and arrested him on the murder complaint at the conclusion of the interview, police said. Read more at http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=13816111

Mary Fallin Becomes Oklahoma's 27th Governor Today

Today is inauguration day! Congratulations, Mary Fallin, on becoming Oklahoma's 27th governor today. Swearing-in takes place at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Want to know more? Check out the "Official Inauguration Site of Governor-Elect Mary Fallin" at http://www.maryfallininaugural.org/.

The Oklahoman's "Extraordinary Women of 2010"

The Oklahoman had a lovely article Sunday on  "The Oklahoman's Extraordinary Women" of 2010. They honored 6 Oklahoma women - all of them pretty remarkable judging by their bios. You can read the article on each of them by clicking on their name.The honorees for 2010 are Governor-Elect Mary Fallin, Dr. Georgianne Snowden, Shouna Olson, Doris Row, Terri Smith, and Shirley Harris.

Rose Pearson Starts Up Switchblade Skate Company in OKC

Rose Pearson, aka "Switchblade Rosie" with the Oklahoma City Roller Derby team, has started a store that targets roller derby participants. Oklahoma City has three roller derby teams. Oklahoma has 10 teams. And there are many more all across Oklahoma. At the Switchblade Skate Company (2132 SW 74th Street in Oklahoma City) you can buy quad (4-wheeled) skates, elbow pads, helmets, etc.... for women and men. You can follow the store on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/eS9QvD. Watch for a website which is coming soon! Read more at http://bit.ly/gu8ExC.

Noma Gurich Is Oklahoma's Next Supreme Court Justice

Hurray.

Governor Brad Henry has named Judge Noma Gurich to serve on the Oklahoma State Supreme Court.

Gurich will succeed Justice Marion Opala who died in late 2010. She is only the THIRD woman ever appointed to the state supreme court!

You can read more about the appointment by clicking here. 

Reinhardt-Keever New Executive Service Corps CEO

Donna Reinhardt-Keeve, former CEO of Allied Arts of Oklahoma City, is becoming CEO of the Executive Service Corps of Central Oklahoma  (ESCCO). This organization of about 60 professionals (many of them retired), volunteer their talents to nonprofits, governments and schools. Bless her and all who work with ESCCO!

Rest In Peace Betty Boyd

Tulsa native Betty Boyd, one of Oklahoma's pioneer TV personalities and former a state legislator, died today at the age of 86. Boyd served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1990 to 2000 (Democrat - District 23/east Tulsa County).  Boyd co-authored the bill creating the Oklahoma State University-Tulsa campus, advocated reading programs in early grades and expanded school teacher and administrator training. As a breast cancer survivor, her legislative agenda also included health issues. According to the Tulsa World, "While serving in the House, Betty Boyd was the oldest member, the only great-grandmother and one of only a few women to chair more than one committee."  You can read the full Tulsa World article about Betty Boyd by clicking here. 

Oklahoma Women We Lost in 2010

Some really remarkable Oklahoma women died in 2010. First to come to mind are Hannah Atkins and Wilma Mankiller - both amazing women - one African American and the other Native American. We also lost actress Rue McClanahan. Who else can you think of? Leave a comment and let us know!

Marion Paden Elected to Lead OKC Downtown Rotary

Congratulations to Marion Paden on being elected the 2011 Vice President of the third largest Rotary club in the world (the OKC Downtown Rotary Club). This means that, in 2012, she will become only the second woman to serve as president of this prestigious organization. (Meg Salyer was the first female president of this 540 member club in 2003.) Dr. Paden is Executive Vice President of Oklahoma City Community College.