Memorial Day 2018

memorial_day_2018

Although many of us mark the end of May as the official beginning of summer, we have this rare occasion to reflect on and honor those who so freely gave the ultimate sacrifice to provide us the freedoms we enjoy today.

As you prepare for Memorial Day, keep these traditions in mind:

  • The American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff.
  • Since 2000, when Congress passed legislation, all Americans are encouraged to pause for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.

Please remember to honor all those Americans who have given their life in military service to our great country.

Remember to recognize the service of those who still serve.

Federally Employed Women salutes you for your service and sacrifice!

As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation’s wars.
~ John McHugh

National Stroke Awareness Month

May is National Stroke Awareness Month

Figure 1: http://daysofyear.com/national-stroke-awareness-month/

Stroke happens when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells die.

Some facts about strokes:

  • A stroke happens every 40 seconds.
  • Every four minutes someone dies from stroke.
  • Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented.
  • High blood pressure equals higher risk of stroke.
  • Strokes kill more than 133,000 Americans annually.
  • Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability.
  • Each year, about as many Americans have a stroke as a heart attack.

Risk Factors for Stroke

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Diet high in fat and cholesterol
  • Low level of physical activity
  • Obesity
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Carotid artery disease
  • Peripheral Artery disease
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Heart Disease
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Age (higher risk as we age)
  • Family history of stroke
  • Race (African Americans at higher risk)
  • Gender (more women than men)
  • Prior stroke, TIA, or heart attack

The National Stroke Awareness Month program places emphasis on making the public aware about Acting FAST.

According to the National Stroke Association, a person experiencing a stroke can be treated if people have acted FAST – 80% of strokes can also be prevented.

FAST is an acronym for things to check in a suspected stroke victim:

  • F – Face / Does the face droop on one side when the person smiles?
  • A – Arm / After raising both arms, does one of the arms drift downwards?
  • S – Speech /After repeating a simple phrase, does the persons speech sound slurred or strange?
  • T – Time / If any or all of the above are observed call for 911 and ask for medical assistance.

Additional stroke signs include: sudden severe headache with no known cause; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; or sudden confusion or trouble understanding.

Can Strokes Be Treated?

There are several treatment options for stroke depending on the cause of your stroke. If you are having an ischemic stroke or a stroke that is caused by a blood clot your healthcare professional may recommend drug treatment.

Drug Treatment

There is only one Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is given via intravenous therapy (IV) and works by dissolving the clot and improving blood flow to the part of the brain being deprived of blood flow. tPA should be given within three hours (and up to 4.5 hours in certain eligible patients)of the time symptoms first started.

Mechanical Devices

Some ischemic strokes are treated with small mechanical devices that remove or break up blood clots. If clot-busting drugs are ruled out, another option one of the many FDA approved mechanical devices. A surgeon inserts a small mechanical device into the blocked artery using a thin tube. Once inside, the tool traps the clot, and either breaks it up or the surgeon pulls it out of the brain, reopening the blocked blood vessel in the process.

A hemorrhagic stroke (sometimes called a bleed) occurs if an artery in your brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). The first steps in treating a hemorrhagic stroke are to find the cause of bleeding in the brain and then control it. Some of the options for treatments include surgical clips or coils inserted in aneurisms (weaknesses in the blood vessel wall), controlling high blood pressure, and surgery to remove the bleeding vessel and blood that has spilled into the brain.

Medical advances have greatly improved survival rates and recovery from stroke during the last decade. Your chances of survival and recovery outcomes are even better if the stroke is identified and treated immediately.


Resources:

https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/make-may-purple-action-on-stroke-month-2018/

http://www.stroke.org/stroke-resources/raise-awareness-stroke/national-stroke-awareness-month

http://www.stroke.org/stroke-resources/raise-awareness-stroke/national-stroke-awareness-month/resources#images

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/AmericanStrokeMonth/American-Stroke-Month_UCM_459942_SubHomePage.jsp#

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/AmericanStrokeMonth/American-Stroke-Month-Infographic_UCM_463277_Article.jsp#.WjqqXd-nG1s

http://newsroom.heart.org/news/may-is-american-stroke-month

http://www.whathealth.com/awareness/event/stroke.html

http://www.stroke.org/we-can-help/survivors/just-experienced-stroke/stroke-treatments

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/LifeAfterStroke/ForFamilyCaregivers/CaringforYourLovedOne/15-Things-Caregivers-Should-Know-After-a-Loved-One-Has-Had-a-Stroke_UCM_310762_Article.jsp#.WjqrKN-nG1s

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/UnderstandingRisk/Understanding-Stroke-Risk_UCM_308539_SubHomePage.jsp

Happy Mother’s Day

There are many words we use for “mother” regardless of the language we speak, however the one word that springs to mind exemplifying mother the most is LOVE. Who provides unconditional love regardless of our situation? Who best demonstrates love through the sacrifices she makes so that we may grow and flourish?

Federally Employed Women (FEW) would like to recognize all our mothers, or mother figures, on Mother’s Day and acknowledge the contributions our mothers make to our success. Reach out to all the women you know who have touched your life, whether your mother or not, and remember to celebrate them on this special day and every day.

“I realized when you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know.” ~ Mitch Albom

Public Service Recognition Week 2018

Public Service Recognition Week graphis

During Public Service Recognition Week, I want to express my gratitude to all of Federally Employed Women’s (FEW) civil servants.  As a result of your hard work, dedication, and passion for service to the public our nation is made greater on a daily basis.

Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) has been celebrated in May since 1985 beginning on the first Sunday of May, and is organized by the Public Employees Roundtable and its member organizations to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees. FEW is a proud member of this organization and supports its mission to promote government employment and careers, educate Americans about the value of public servants and the services they provide, and recognize excellence in public service and promote the spirit of public service.

Please visit http://publicservicerecognitionweek.org/ to find out about upcoming events celebrating public service.

Financial Literacy Month

save money graphic

Today, a majority of consumers are experiencing some sort of financial difficulty causing a significant impact on their everyday lives. In fact, Americans carry more than $2 trillion in consumer debt and 30 percent of consumers report having no extra cash; making it impossible to escape the burden of living paycheck to paycheck.

April has been declared National Financial Literacy Month; and for good reason. Too many Americans are insufficiently educated about their personal finances.

The first and most important step in developing and following a financial plan is to examine your attitudes about money. Are you ready to accept responsibility for changing your financial situation? Do you believe that you can and will change the way you make financial decisions? Can you identify at least one benefit you hope to gain by changing your money management behavior? (http://www.financialliteracymonth.com/)

How to Keep a Budget
As soon as you start spending your own money, it’s time to start tracking your spending so that you can create and follow a personal budget. Keeping track of expenses, while sometimes tedious, is the best way to find out exactly where your money is going.

The simplest way to keep track of your finances, especially your cash, is the low-tech way, with a notebook and a pen. By carrying around the notebook with you, you can track exactly where every dollar is going–from a small coffee on your way to work to a spending splurge at the mall. If you’d prefer, on a daily or weekly basis, you can transfer your handwritten notes to a computer spreadsheet.

Once you have collected information for about a month, you’ll have a good baseline of information to use to create your personal budget. Some major categories that you’ll want to include are housing, utilities, insurance, food (groceries and dining out), gasoline, clothing, entertainment, and “other”. Using a spreadsheet program (such as Excel), online service, or other personal finance program, add up the expenses that you’ve been tracking, and then calculate what you’d like to budget for each category. Keep in mind that you’ll need to budget for some items, like gifts and automobile repairs, which will be necessary but won’t occur every month. You can either create a budget for each individual month, with variances for irregular expenses (e.g., heating expenses which will be higher in winter months, or car repairs and gifts), or a standard monthly budget where you include an average amount for expenses such as car repairs, heating, and gifts.

Your budget should also contain some personal savings amounts for retirement savings, college savings, an emergency fund, long-term savings, and any other savings goals you may have. Don’t wait until the end of the month to see what’s left – budget for your savings first.

Creating a personal budget is a good first step, but the most important thing is to follow the budget. Make time weekly or monthly to track your spending, and start to see if you are actually keeping to your budget. Using a personal finance program or an online service is probably the easiest way to do this on an ongoing basis, but make sure you continue to track where your cash is going. You may be surprised to find out how the frequent small amounts you spend actually add up to big money.

After tracking your personal budget, you may notice some areas where you’ll have to make changes. Don’t just increase your budget without considering alternatives. While you may have no choice, if prices or expenses go up, shop for better deals before giving in to the extra expenses.

Resources:

https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/index.html
https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/young.html
https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/olderadult.html
https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/business.html
https://www.moneymanagement.org/Budgeting-Tools/Credit-Articles/Money-and-Budgeting/Make-a-Personal-Budget-and-Keep-Track-of-Spending.aspx
https://www.moneymanagement.org/Community/Blogs/Blogging-for-Change/2009/April/FLM-Step-2-Gerri-Detweiler-discusses-the-importance-of-assessing-your-financial-situation.aspx?RCTAG=FLM
https://www.moneymanagement.org/Budgeting-Tools/Credit-Articles/Money-and-Budgeting/Five-Things-You-Need-to-Know-About-Money-and-Personal-Budgeting.aspx

Membership Month

April is FEW Membership Month which means it’s time to celebrate membership, recruit new members, and take advantage of the benefits provided to you as a FEW member.

Some ideas to think about during Membership Month:

  • Provide information about your successes with other Regions or Chapters so everyone can share in your accomplishments. We can build a better, stronger membership if we continue to communicate what has worked well.  Providing information on productive membership drives, chapter meetings, fundraisers and the like will help other chapters grow and flourish.
  • Connect with others via your social network and let them know you are a proud member of FEW and tell them what the organization means to you. You can also tell them about the organizational milestones we have achieved through our 50 years of existence.
  • Be sure to visit the Member Benefits page (under the Newscenter link) on the FEW website and take advantage of the various benefits and discounts provided by our partners.
  • Check out News & Views on a regular basis to see what’s going on at the National, Regional and Chapter level. Our Sponsors and Partners take an active role in providing you with “news you can use” as well.
  • Take advantage of the member savings for the NTP and join us in Atlanta, Georgia, July 16-20, 2018. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the organization with a Gala on Tuesday, July 17, 2018.
  • Tell others how FEW has made a difference by listening to all of FEW’s Past Presidents on the FEW Video Archives page (under the Events links).
  • Get involved in the Legislative process and let your voice be heard by using CapWiz to communicate with Members of Congress and promote the needs and concerns of women in federal service.
  • Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, GovLoop and LinkedIn.
  • Don’t forget our 50 for 50 campaign as we look to add 50 Diamond Lifetime members. You can login to the FEW website, click on the My Account link at the top of the page, and click Online Dues to upgrade your membership profile!

“Whatever community organization, whether it’s a women’s organization, or fighting for racial justice … you will get satisfaction out of doing something to give back to the community that you never get in any other way.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Social Media Week

Make your plans to join in Federally Employed Women’s (FEW) Social Media week, April 2-7, 2018, as we will be trending to the world of social media using the hashtag #FEWNTP2018. Whether you’re on Blogger, Facebook, Flickr, Gallop, Google+, Gov-Loop, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter, YouTube, or Vine, join us using your social media accounts from April 2 through April 7, and let’s start trending about FEW and the 2018 National Training Program (NTP).

Below are just a few of the messages that you can use for the social media week to post or tweet on your social media of choice:

  • Looking for training? Check out Federally Employed Women’s National Training Program at www.few.org #FEWNTP2018
  • I’m looking forward to attending FEW’s National Training Program www.few.org
  • I will be attending the Federally Employed Women’s National Training Program #FEWNTP2018

We appreciate your support of FEW and the NTP – even if you can’t attend, we would love for you and your Chapter to spread the word and share pictures and experiences about FEW’s NTP!

Thanks for investing in your future,

Wanda V. Killingsworth
National President
Federally Employed Women

Adrianne M. Callahan
National Training Program 2018 Chair

“Working for the Advancement of Women in Government”

National Volunteer Month

National Volunteer month in the United States takes place in the month of April. This month is dedicated to honoring all of the volunteers in our communities as well as encouraging volunteerism throughout the month.  April became National Volunteer Month as part of President George H. W. Bush’s 1000 Points of Light campaign in 1991.

In the United States, volunteerism is instilled at a young age. In many parts of the country, it is the cornerstone of summer vacation or woven into after school programs. Most organizations in small towns, rural counties and the largest cities would not function without volunteers. In some families, the baton of volunteerism is handed down generation after generation.

Rural fire and ambulance departments remain staffed due to the efforts of volunteers. The underprivileged receive much needed medical care thanks to volunteers. Long overdue repairs and upgrades are made to a senior women’s home thanks to an organization’s annual call for donations and skilled workers. A woman answers a call on a suicide hotline because she cared enough to give up a few hours to train and listen to someone desperate and alone. A team sets up tables at a soup kitchen every week. Another group delivers meals to men and women who can no longer cook for themselves. Boys and girls sell ice cream sandwiches during a fair to raise money for a homeless shelter.

Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. They pick a cause and make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes the difference a drop in the bucket. Other times it creates a tidal wave of change. From the anonymous volunteers who donate their resources to those whose efforts are part of larger national organizations like 4-H, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, or American Red Cross or a local grassroots group, their missions provide valuable support to communities in times of need.

 

How to observe National Volunteer Month

Thank a volunteer.  Volunteer! Many volunteers will tell you it is a rewarding experience.  You don’t have to have a ton of time.  Do you have a special talent or skill that may benefit a charity or organization?  Offer your services or ask how you can be of help.  Use #NationalVolunteerMonth to share on social media.

Ideas for Volunteering

1. Recruit the kids or grandkids

Teach the value of volunteering to youngsters—or simply make your volunteer project a fun family affair—by enlisting children, grandchildren and other kids in the community.

  • No one knows school supplies better than kids! So encourage the ones you know to help children in need with a school supply drive. You can gather them together to lend a hand at a drive nearby, or hold your ownat a local school, library or community center.
  • Select a child-accessible service project, like organizing canned goods for a local food bank or gathering old toys and clothes to donate to a shelter.
  • Get kids and their friends outdoors for a cleanup around their school grounds and encourage them to take the lead in spreading the word around town.
  • Take a child to visit a community nursing home. Kids can share stories with residents, and seniors love to see young, energetic faces. Don’t forget to take along crafts and games to keep everyone entertained.
  • Inspire kids to help in their own ways. Tell them about your own volunteering experiences—or find a local celebrity, athlete or even family member known for doing good to share their stories.

2. Help seniors in your community

Not all of us are lucky enough to have a house full of family or the health to get out of the house and socialize. Reach out and show an elderly or lonely neighbor they aren’t alone.

  • Show a neighbor you care by offering to shovel the driveway or rake leaves—or surprise them by doing so without asking.
  • Share a meal. Create an extra portion at dinner or buy some additional groceries during your next trip to share.
  • Consider yourself a handyman or woman? Fix a leaky faucet, move a piece of furniture or even repaint a room.
  • Spending quality time is the best gift of all. Bring over a game of checkers to play, a classic movie to watch or old tunes to enjoy.
  • Invite others to join you in a service project in your shared community. Plant flowers with green-thumbed friends and neighbors, create or join a community garden or organize a trash pick-up.

3. Do good from home

It’s easy to make a difference from the comfort of your own home.

  • Get crafty in your living room—make visitor kits for senior center residents or holiday-inspired home decor for neighbors.
  • Turn on the stove and make some goodies for a senior or family in your area—but be sure to check on any dietary restrictions first!
  • Check in with seniors living alone to see if they need a hand with anything. A friendly phone call can go a long way.
  • Organize a volunteer group to carry out a project using our guides and other ideas to get started planning—all from your home computer.
  • Make an online donation to a favorite cause or save bottle caps, labels or coupons for a local charity.

4. Spend time with furry friends

Pets without homes need attention and care – especially during the colder months. Donate your time and love to abandoned or abused animals.

  • Find your nearest animal shelter and volunteer to walk dogs or play with the cats.
  • If you just can’t resist taking one home, why not try fostering an animal in need?
  • When it comes time for your foster pet to move to a good permanent home, send them on their way with an adoption kit stocked with food, a collar, a favorite toy and special treats!
  • Walk an elderly neighbor’s dog. For neighbors going on a trip, offer to check in and feed their pets—or give the animals a temporary home in yours.
  • Invite kids or grandparents along to walk pets at the shelter—the more the merrier!

5. Give to veterans and military families

It’s not easy being left behind while a loved one is off serving our country. You can help military families deal with the hardships they face each day, whether it’s getting settled in a new town or finding extra rides or childcare for young ones.

  • For a family that lives close by, cook a meal once a week. Whip up some extra snacks over the weekend. Or gather up the neighbors so you can each take a day of the week to cook.
  • Do something extra – an errand, a run to the store for school supplies or a day shuttling kids to and from school and activities.
  • Take an afternoon to give a new family a tour of town and the inside scoop on places to dine, shop and play. Or put together a local flavor guide so they can explore the area anytime.
  • Gather groceries or set up monthly donation for any family in need.
  • And don’t forget those who are away – send books to troops to help them pass the time until they are reunited with their friends and family.

Resources:

http://createthegood.org/volunteer-search

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-volunteer-month-april/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Volunteer_Month

Women’s History Month 2018

Theme: “Nevertheless She Persisted”:
Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

During this Women’s History Month we can take time to reflect on the commitment Federally Employed Women (FEW) has made over the past 50 years, and will continue to make in the future, to end discrimination of all forms.  As our Mission statement provides “Federally Employed Women works to end sex and gender discrimination, to encourage diversity for inclusion and equity in the workplace, and for the advancement and professional growth of women in federal service”. It is through persistence that FEW can, and will, fight against discrimination of all, whether through sexism, race and ethnicity, class, disability, sexual orientation, and other categories.  FEW remains committed to impact legislation against forms of discrimination and your role in that commitment is crucial.  During this Women’s History Month, please take the time to review the open legislative issues and let your voice be heard through the CapWiz tool (found under Our Focus / Legislative on the FEW website).

Let’s all celebrate the strides we have made throughout the years, take time to realize there is much more work to be done, and know that if we all persist together, we can certainly effect change.

Women’s History Month

NEVERTHELESS SHE PERSISTED:
Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms
of Discrimination Against Women

http://www.nwhp.org/2018-theme-honorees/

The 2018 National Women’s History theme presents the opportunity to honor women who have shaped America’s history and its future through their tireless commitment to ending discrimination against women and girls.

From spearheading legislation against segregation to leading the reproductive justice movement, our 2018 honorees are dismantling the structural, cultural, and legal forms of discrimination that for too long have plagued American women.

2018 Women’s History Honorees

  • Susan Burton
    susan_burtonMs. Burton is Founder and Executive Director of A New Way of Life Re-Entry Project. Her non-profit provides women ex-offenders a home and helps them stay drug-free, find work, and reunite with family. The organization has provided direct service to over 1,000 women. Ms. Burton was inspired to start the organization after serving multiple drug sentences and turning her life around.
  • Margaret Dunkle
    margaret_dunkleMs. Dunkle played a key role in the implementation of Title IX, guaranteeing equal opportunity to women and girls in education. Her groundbreaking 1974 report documenting discrimination against female athletes became the blueprint for the Title IX regulations on athletics. In 1975 Ms. Dunkle became the first Chair of the National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education.
  • Geraldine Ferraro (1935-2011)
    geraldine_ferraroMs. Ferraro was a politician, three term Congresswoman (D N.Y. 1979-85), and first woman major party candidate for Vice President (1984). President Clinton appointed her U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights where she served from 1993-96. She also served as vice-chair of the U.S. delegation to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing (1995).
  • Roma Guy
    roma_guyGuy is a leading LGBT and women’s rights activist. She co-founded multiple organizations including the Women’s Building, La Casa de las Madres, SF Women Against Rape, and the Women’s Foundation of California. Ms. Guy was one of the LGBT activists featured in the 2017 miniseries When We Rise. She is also an advocate for women’s access to health care.
  • Saru Jayaraman
    saru_jayaramanJayaraman is Co-founder and Co-director of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC United) and Director of the Food Labor Research Center at University of California, Berkeley. She is a leading advocate for restaurant workers, fighting for guaranteed sick and safe leave and an end the two-tiered minimum wage (a victory ROC has already won in 7 states).
  • Cristina Jiménez
    cristina_jimenezJiménez is Executive Director and Co-founder of United We Dream (UWD), the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the country. She was part of the team that led to the historic victory of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012. In 2017 Jiménez was awarded a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship “Genius Grant.”
  • Marty Langelan
    marty_langelanLangelan is a leader in the global effort to end gender-based violence and an expert in nonviolent action. Called the “godmother of direct intervention,” she pioneered feminist self-defense training, the direct-action toolkit to derail harassers at work and on the street, the first major city-wide anti-harassment campaign, and effective, comprehensive action for public transit systems. Her intervention toolkits are used around the world.
  • Pat Maginnis
    Maginnis is considered the first abortion rights activist in the U.S. She founded the Society for Humane Abortion in 1962 and the Association to Repeal Abortion Laws (the predecessor to NARAL) in 1966. She and two colleagues (known as the Army of Three) illegally mailed kits and information to women seeking abortions. At age 89, Ms. Maginnis remains politically active. (no picture available)
  • Arlene Mayerson
    arlene_mayersonMayerson is Directing Attorney of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF). She has been a leading force behind groundbreaking legislation including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Handicapped Children’s Protection Act. Ms. Mayerson has contributed to many key disability rights cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • Jill Moss Greenberg
    jill_moss_greenbergMoss Greenberg is a lifelong feminist activist, committed to ending social and educational inequity. She served as National Director of the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME) where she spearheaded efforts to address intersecting forms of discrimination. Ms. Moss Greenberg also served as Founding Executive Director of the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center.
  • Pauli Murray (1910-1985)
    pauli_murrayMurray was a groundbreaking women’s rights and civil rights activist and attorney. She coined the term “Jane Crow” articulating the combined sexism and racism faced by African American women. Ms. Murray served on the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women and was a co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW). In 1977 Murray became the first black woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest and she was among the first group of women to become priests in that church.
  • Elizabeth Peratrovich (Kaaxal-gat) (1911-1958)
    elizabeth_peratrovichPeratrovich was a civil rights activist on behalf of Alaska Natives. She was a leader in the Alaska Native Sisterhood and led the fight against the pervasive Lorettadiscrimination and segregation faced by her community. Ms. Peratrovich is credited as the leading force behind passage of the Alaska territory’s Anti-Discrimination Act in 1945, the first such law in the U.S.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9To3pgzh00
  • Loretta Ross
    loretta_rossMs. Ross is a feminist activist and leader in the reproductive justice movement. She was the Co-founder and Executive Director of the National Center for Human Rights Education and Co-founder and National Coordinator for the Sister song Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. In the 1970s, Ms. Ross was one of the first African American women to direct a rape crisis center.   http://www.lorettaross.com/
  • Angelica Salas
    angelica_salasSalas is Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and is a leading spokesperson for federal immigration policy reform. In C.A., she helped win in-state tuition for undocumented students and established day labor job centers that have become a national model. Ms. Salas is a coalition builder, connecting diverse groups at the state and national level.
  • Linda Spoonster Schwartz
    linda_spoonster_schwartzMs. Schwartz is a Vietnam veteran and activist for the rights of women veterans, testifying more than 24 times to Congress on women veterans’ issues. She served as Connecticut’s Commissioner Commandant of Veterans Affairs and was appointed by President Obama to serve as Assistant Secretary of Veteran Affairs for Policy and Planning.