The Maine Women’s Policy Center is very excited and appreciative to be one of these nine recipients.

As a public foundation, the Maine Women’s Fund has created lasting social change by investing in the power of women and the dreams of girls. They’re the only public foundation in Maine that invests in women and girls specifically. In the last 20 years they have granted over $1.5 million to organizations across Maine.

“We are helping Maine women and girls create their own stability so that they can pursue healthy, prosperous, independent lives,” said Stefanski. “When you change the life of one woman, you also impact the life of her children and indeed the community. The change can be tremendous.”

So, I started asking around … and here are some reflections from the women of the Maine Women’s Lobby:

Director of Public Policy, Laura Harper, and some of her lobbyists cohorts.

Here’s what Laura had to say:

I feel certain that my experiences lobbying for marriage equality will never be matched. Every day, I came out to legislators. I shared with them my commitment for my partner, Lauren, our engagement, and the fears and discrimination I have faced during our partnership because we can’t get married.

It was a rush. It was exhausting. It was scary. It was joyful.

When the Governor signed the bill into law, I was waiting with other advocates outside his office. When a member of his staff discreetly stuck her head around the door and whispered, “He signed it,” I knew I was a part of Maine history. I knew it would be a moment I would never forget, similar to when President Obama was elected or when we finally passed the anti-discrimination law in Maine.

I will return to that moment again and again. There will always be a part of me that will never age, there will always be a young woman standing there in her little suit with her sweaty armpits and rumpled tissue thinking, “Oh my God, we’ve actually won.”

Here’s Sarah, our Executive Director:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here’s Kim Simmons, one of our board members:

The highlight of the 124th Legislative session, for me, was the passage of the Marriage Equality Bill!  I am impressed with the cooperation that emerged in the 124th Legislature and with the fact that our leadership is female. Nevertheless, I was disappointed not to see more radical and progressive action taken to redistribute wealth in our state, to protect the poor, and to address the absence of paid sick leave which creates both the potential for a public health crisis and family emergencies on daily basis. It seems to me that we have a unique moment to truly push for tax policy that is rooted in social justice priorities and reflects the interests of most Maine people, and I hope that more progressive and innovative thinking will emerge in the second session of the 124th!

Charlotte at the State House

And, here’s what I think:

So, when I think back on the 124th session of the Maine Legislature, my first thought is, “phew … it’s over.” And don’t get me wrong, I love the excitement of the session. I love the exhilaration of the wins – and the opportunity of the losses. And, I guess in a lot of ways I would describe this past session as a roller-coaster ride – we were up, we were down, we were recessed, we were tabled … Oh yeah, I was paying attention to the play-by-play afforded to us by Laura, her Blackberry, and Twitter … and I was addicted! Check out our newsletter archive to review the roller-coaster ride.

So, enough about us. What do you think? Add your reflections today.

PS: Yes, “phew” is actually a word. It’s in the dictionary and everything.

Thanks everyone,

Charlotte

Check out what they had to say:

“Sarah Standiford is changing Maine. As executive director of the Maine Women’s Policy Center and its sister organization, the Maine Women’s Lobby, Standiford and her staff work tirelessly to make life better for women and girls statewide. They employ a twofold approach: enacting ground-breaking public policy to improve women’s lives, and empowering women to create change in their own communities. “We don’t simply advocate for women and girls. We also teach them to advocate for themselves through local and legislative action,” explains Standiford. Read more about how the Maine Women’s Policy Center is working toward prosperity for all.”

After this law took effect, many places, including the names of mountains and creeks, were changed. But, believe it or not, some people just couldn’t let it go. Their need to use a racial slur that degraded and dehumanized Native American women was too strong. Shorter versions of the word started to appear, such as “squa,” or the combination of “squa” with other more acceptable names.

I hope I don’t sound angry; because I’m not. I’m tired. I’m tired of debating fellow Mainers (and Americans in general) on discrimination, tolerance, and respect.

The argument defending the use of this word (or parts therein) shocks me. Again, believe it or not, some of these defenders are Native Americans. What’s their argument? Their argument is that the ORIGIN of the word wasn’t offensive. And, I’ll concur, it wasn’t. It meant woman, female, chief’s wife, etc. And, that just because the word’s connotation over time became a slanderous assault against Native American women, doesn’t mean its original meaning or the original way the word was intended should be deemed inappropriate now.

The first thing that comes to mind, when hearing this argument, is the origin of MOST racial slurs. Almost 90% of racial slurs had an original meaning that was far from offensive. They were often derived from other languages, and their use was common place and accepted by all backgrounds. But, over time, the tone, pejorative connotation, and discriminative categorization, became racially demeaning, and yes, offensive. Some of these racial slurs are now so representative of hate that using them as an example here would be extremely unacceptable and downright wrong.

So, I say, where is the merit in the defensive of using the word squaw? Do they also feel that we should use ALL slang words with an original meaning that at one time was socially acceptable and in some respects harmless?

Hmmm … what do you think?

Corporate Voices for Working Families is the leading national business membership organization representing the private sector on public and corporate policy issues involving working families. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, improving the lives of working families by developing and advancing innovative policies that reflect collaboration among the private sector, government and other stakeholders.

Collectively their 50 partner companies, with annual net revenues of more than $1 trillion, employ more than 4 million individuals throughout all 50 states. 

Mrs. Obama gave a compelling speech (video below) commending the corporate partners and their business practices “giving employees flexibility and much needed support.” 

Click here to view the embedded video.

“This research is critical to empowering employers,” Mrs. Obama said.  ”This isn’t just about family balance it also makes workplaces stronger and more effective.”

Investing in these family supportive policies pays off for employers more than they may realize which, might explain, why the private, money making sector – caught on to the trend.

The Preble Street Report was staggering.

• 52% reported being victims of domestic violence.
• Of these, 67% had left their home to escape domestic violence.
• 29% lost their job due to harassment or sabotage from an abusing partner.
• 44% reported being a victim of sexual assault since becoming homeless.
• 63% reported a mental health issue such as post-traumatic stress disorder and mental illness.
• 49% reported co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness.

With the release of this report, strong and committed women from all over the state, and from all walks of life, joined forces with Preble Street in a campaign to end homelessness for women in Maine now.  The Maine Women’s Lobby is proud to have our very own Executive Director, Sarah Standiford, as one of those esteemed advocates.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sarah is one of the many strong and committed women helping to spread a compelling, meaningful, hopeful and progressive message.  Please view Preble Street’s new campaign ad (above) to end homelessness for women in Maine. And, as you do so, remember the words of Preble Street founder, Joe Kreisler, “I am a human being.  Part of my job, part of being alive, is making sure that other people are too.”

20th Anniversary Celebration
Join us for an inspiring weekend to honor Maine women and girls who are making change happen in our communities. Learn about the 2008-09 award recipients and grantees. And celebrate how far we’ve come!

Friday, May 1
5:00-6:00 pm Red Portfolio VIP Reception
State Farm Insurance invites Maine Women’s Fund event sponsors, leadership donors and volunteers to celebrate 20 years of lasting change!

Susan Maasch Fine Art Gallery
29 Forest Avenue, Portland
(near the corner of Forest and Congress Streets)
By invitation Only
Sponsored by State Farm Insurance

6:00-8:00 pm Dux Femina Facti: A Woman Is In Charge Art Show
Susan Maasch Fine Art Gallery
29 Forest Avenue, Portland
(near the corner of Forest and Congress Streets)
Free/Open to Public 

Saturday, May 2
1:00-4:00 pm Film Screening: WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS? and Art Panel Discussion
From the producing team that won an Academy Award for Born Into Brothels, comes Who Does She Think She Is?, a film that examines some of the most pressing balancing-act issues of our time: parenting and work, partnering and independence, economics and art. Who Does She Think She Is? follows five women artists as they navigate the economic, psychological and spiritual challenges of making work outside the elite art world.

Film introduced by Brenda Garrand, Garrand. Q & A with local artists will follow the screening from 3-4 pm. Women in Art Panel:

Ann Barrengos, Moderator
Tammie Grieshaber, L/A Arts Gallery 5
Laurie Hyndman, Port City Life
Kate Philbrick, Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
SPACE Gallery
538 Congress St, Portland
$15/ticket RSVP
8:00 pm – Midnight Brew Girls Live Benefit Concert
Join us with other activists for an evening of great music and beer – all for a great cause! Performances by Monique Bidwell, Sara Cox, Lynn Deeves, Vanessa Torres and Touching Ground, Kate Schrock, Katie Webber, and Megan Jo Wilson

SPACE Gallery
538 Congress St, Portland
$10/ticket or $15/ticket and Brew Girl pint glass RSVP
Hosted by the New Girls’ Network
Sponsored by WCLZ

Sunday, May 3
10:00 am – 1 pm Celebration Brunch
Join us for a delicious brunch where we will honor Maine women and girls who are making change happen in our communities. Also, learn about our 2008-2009 award recipients and grantees, celebrate how far we’ve come, and enjoy inspiring rhythmic drum session by Inanna.

Ocean Gateway Ferry Terminal
Commercial Street, Portland
$45/ticket for adults
$20/ticket for children under 12
Free for children under 2 RSVP

1:00 – 3:00 pm Past and Present Girl Scouts Beach Celebration
Willard Beach, South Portland
Free/Open to Public
Come share memories and make new ones. If you were ever or are presently a Girl Scout, join us at 2:00 pm for sign-in, song and fun getting together. We’ll be there from 1:00 – 3:00 pm rain or shine. Contact Troop 1921 with questions: 207-775-7501.

The New New Deal: Building an Economy That Works for All of Us
Saturday, May 2nd, 8:30 am – 3:00 PM

The University of Maine Hutchinson Center Route 3, Belfast

Join us for a conference exploring ways to strengthen our economy and create a better life for all. You can register online at this site. Questions? Call us at 207-208-8955, or email us at info@FrancesPerkinsCenter.org.

Speakers include:
• Teresa Ghilarducci, (Distinguished Senior Fellow at Demos working on issues of retirement security and social policy and the Schwartz Professor of Economic Policy Analysis at the New School for Social Research): “Picturing an economy that works for all”
• Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree: “The role of government in building an economy that works for all”
• Maine Commissioner of Labor Laura Fortman: “Lessons from Frances Perkins and the New Deal”

Workshop Topics and their leaders include:
• New Kinds of Work for a New Workforce – Leader: Cliff Ginn, president of Opportunity Maine
• Self-Employed, Part-Time, Under-Employed — Where’s my Safety Net? – Leader: Laura Boyette, director of the Maine State Bureau of Unemployment
• The Changing Shape of Retirement – Leader: John Christie, Manager of the Augusta Career Center and member of the Older Workers Task Force
• What Women Workers Want (and Need) – Leader: Sarah Standiford, executive director of the Maine Women’s Lobby and the Maine Women’s Policy Center
• Health Care for All – Leader: Garrett Martin, economic policy analyst at Maine Center for Economic Policy
• Unions in the 21st Century – Leader: Tim Belcher, executive director of Maine State Employees Association

Panel moderator: Ben Dudley, executive director of Engage Maine

Registration is $35 ($20 for high school or college students), payable by check in advance or at the door. Continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks included.

SPACE IS LIMITED – PLEASE REGISTER SOON

Make no mistake about it: April 24 will be the single most important day of this campaign outside of the final vote. The media, legislators, Governor, and people of Maine will be watching.  This is the day that will frame the rest of the campaign.

We need you, your family, your friends, and your neighbors to take the day off from work and join us there. Help us show legislators that their constituents want L.D. 1020 to pass.

Email april24@equalitymaine.org to RSVP for the marriage bill hearing.

Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and the names and contact info for any others coming with you.

Mark your calendar and get ready for a day you’ll never forget.

For more information about why marriage equality matters, check out http://www.mainewomen.org/learn.html

The case is the first out of Maine to deal with a relatively new area of employment discrimination law, which is based on the stereotype that mothers of young children neglect their jobs in favor of child-care issues.

This same area of discrimination is the subject of state legislation proposed by the Maine Women’s Lobby. The bill proposes that “family caregiver” be added to the list of groups protected under anti-discrimination law.