WOSU’S ANN FISHER TO KEYNOTE WOMEN’S LUNCHEON OCTOBER 1

Ann Fisher, host for “All Sides with Ann Fisher” on WOSU, will keynote a public policy luncheon sponsored by a group of organizations on Friday, October 1, at Fawcett Conference Center, 2400 Olentangy River Rd. Her topic will be “Women and Political Power: Have we moved forward?”

The event will be held from 12 noon till 1:30 p.m. Cost is $30 per person. Reservations may be made by contacting ACTION OHIO Coalition For Battered Women, event organizer, at 614 825-0551 or actionohio@sbcglobal.net. RSVP deadline is September 22.

Organizational co-sponsors include AAUW/Ohio, The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, Amethyst, Incorporated, OSU Department of Women’s Studies, John Glenn School of Public Affairs NEW Leadership Ohio Program, League of Women Voters of Ohio, New Directions Career Center, Ohio National Organization for Women, Ohio Women, Inc., Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Ohio, Women Have Options/Ohio and The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio.

For more information, contact any one of the organizations involved.

 #####

CONTACT:    Phyllis Carlson-Riehm, ACTION OHIO Executive Director

                       614 825-0551

                       actionohio@sbcglobal.net

Philanthropy is putting your money where your passion lives. 

Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates put forth a challenge – Billionaires pledge at least half of your riches to charity.  They hope to reinvigorate the trend of philanthropy once headlined by Carnegie and Rockefeller. Estate tax eats up 50% of wealth after you die anyway – why not reduce the tax by 50% and give that money to a good cause? Forty Billionaires agree to the challenge.

The Women’s Funding Network did their own version with the Women Moving Millions campaign in 2008.  High-net worth women put their money where their passion lives – toward social change for women and girls.  The campaign, Women Moving Millions, raised $177 million- greatly exceeding its original goal of $150 million.

Our own Women’s Fund had four women become Women Moving Millions.  Now you may not have millions to donate, and you can be inspired by those that do.  Think about where you passion lives and become a philanthropist.  Every dollar counts.

A local woman elected official and friend of mine sent me the link to this video yesterday.  Please take the time to watch it.  I hope it reminds you why you give to the Women’s Fund and inspires you to continue to change the world by funding social change for women and girls.  Rock on!

– Liz Shirey

Click here to view the history of women and philanthropy.

Money doesn’t make a man.

Nor does it make a nation, according to a recent study, Human Development Trends Since 1970: A Social Convergence Story. Educated women do.

Looking at developments tracing back to the 1970s, researchers George Gray Molina and Mark Purser found the wealth of a nation has less impact on its standard of living than its gender roles do. It seems the more women are allowed to participate in their country, the more that country prospers (no surprise there). The greater decision-making power women are allowed to have regarding issues such as childbirth and their own education, the greater the country performs. “Demographic transitions, urbanization and declining fertility rates have accelerated life-expectancy and literacy achievements over the past half-century,” the authors write. “We believe the underlying drivers of these changes are linked to individual and household-level decisions concerning fertility and female schooling.”

Digging even deeper, the authors state that, “Human development trends fit into a larger story of demographic change since the 1950s, driven by initial levels of human development and changes in fertility and female schooling.” Women and girls, it is proven, can transform entire nations. Those are the implications of investing in them.

http://backspace.com/notes/links/2010/06/girl-power.php

OTHER EXCERPTS:

When the population of literate women was closer to or exceeded that of males, countries tended to have higher life expectancy in 1970. However, this relationship disappears in 2000.

We find that income is not a significant predictor of life expectancy –once we account for urbanization, fertility and female schooling.

Demographic transitions, urbanization and declining fertility rates have accelerated life-expectancy and literacy achievements over the past half-century (UNDESA 2009). We believe the underlying drivers of these changes are linked to individual and household-level decisions concerning fertility and female schooling. Although correlated, we do not find evidence to suggest that human development trends can be explained by factors associated with economic growth. Holding income constant, social factors seem to be driving the aggregate human development story.

By: Eleanor Rooke

Liz Shirey of the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University shared her thoughts on the recent conclusion of this year’s NEW Leadership Ohio program:

It’s been almost five days and I’m still buzzing from the emotional high I get from participating in the NEW Leadership Ohio Program.  It is by far my favorite time of the year, and this year’s class did not let me down.  I was amazed at the diversity in the room.  The 2010 class consisted of 29 women ages 19 through 40+, from 17 different colleges and universities and seven different countries, and majors ranging from biological sciences, international business and environmental pre-law to psychology, political science and organizational leadership. 

Some of the highlights from the week include a $tart $mart salary negotiation workshop facilitated by the founder of WAGE (Women Are Getting Even), aimed at eliminating the gender wage gap for every woman in America;   a very intimate and inspiring session with Supreme Court Justice Eve Stratton; a panel discussion about the ups and downs of campaigning and serving in office with Democratic and Republican women currently running for local and statewide elected office;  and a speed networking event with women working in the public and non-profit sectors, co-sponsored by Ohio Women in Government.  Speaking of “networking,” that seemed to be the unofficial theme of the week.  We heard over and over again from our speakers, panelists and facilitators that professional success depends upon the strength of your network, and that it is especially important to build and nurture a network of positive, passionate and supportive women.  One of our participants described it as a “Sister Circle.”  

 We were so honored this year to have Anne Kornblut, Washinton Post political correspondent and author of Notes from the Cracked Ceiling: Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin and What it Will Take for a Woman to Win, as a guest on our panel for our keynote dinner.  Joining her were Janet Carson, Geauga County Democratic Party Chairwoman, and Traci Saliba, former candidate for State Representative in the 2^nd House district.  It was an engaging and enlightening discussion about what is being done to identify and cultivate women to run for office and what it will take for a woman to be President in the near future.

The week came to a very emotional end on Friday.  We started out with time for the women to reflect on their experiences. Many of them responded by saying that they had never been part of such a diverse, supportive, and close-knit group of women.  Some shared personal stories of overcoming shyness while learning to network with women throughout the week; others talked about the ways in which they will take their newly formed leadership tools back home and use them to affect positive and lasting change in their community.  We had more than half of the group announce that they were running for office and the other half volunteering to manage their campaigns.  We also heard an impassioned plea from one woman for everyone to stop and think about giving a financial contribution to support NEW Leadership instead of buying that next cup of coffee from Starbucks or that pair of shoes they don’t need.    As we walked to our closing luncheon featuring guest speaker TaKeysha Sheppard Cheney, founder and CEO of The Women’s Book, the women were exuding confidence and camaraderie, the likes of which I did not expect to see.

Words can’t describe our gratitude to the Women’s Fund for continuing to fund and believe in this program that literally changes lives.  It changed mine, and one of the greatest gifts in my life is being able to share it with other women.  Thank you WFCO for being part of the NEW Leadership Ohio Sister Circle!  

Written by: Liz Shirey

Millions of people worldwide fall victim to governmental oppression, war, terrorism, and adverse living conditions each year, forcing families from their homes to seek refuge elsewhere.

Women comprise a surmountable group of such refugees. In many cases, women are forced into displacement through violent acts including physical attack, sexual slavery, kidnapping, prostitution, and rape. Sadly, some of these operations are facilitated by governmental and military groups when a country is at war. When a woman must leave her home by the hand of her own governing body, she needs somewhere to turn.

The Women’s Refugee Commission is a member of the Nongovernmental Organization Working Group on Women, Peace and Security (NGO WG). Their work advocates on the behalf of women refugees to attain social change through the full implementation of a United Nations resolution for women. Worldwide, governments overlook women’s issues, especially when women do not fully participate in the conversation.

A UN resolution geared specifically towards women will guarantee a greater sense of peace and security and hopefully lead to the end of violent displacement. Although some strides towards abolishing this string of violence have been made, a long road remains.

Visit http://womensrefugeecommission.org/ for news about and ways to help women refugees.

Over the past four decades and counting, Maya Angelou’s name tops the list of inspirational role models to women and girls. Her message transcends generations, encouraging her audience to “…go out and grab life by the lapels.”

Although Angelou works to convey her strength and persistence, the generation gap remains a surmountable barrier for young women looking to bridge stereotypes on their respective paths to success. Women, though comprising more than half of eligible voters, only hold six of the nation’s 50 governing positions. Even worse, only 17 of 100 senators are women.

Despite raising percentages of women earning bachelor, graduate, and professional degrees, men still have a stronghold in the career world. Women’s mean income is also on the rise, but nowhere near the average men earn yearly.

As a current college student, these humbling facts serve not as a deterrent to my career goals, rather as motivation. Sure, my generation has now witnessed a presidential campaign for the history books- entering our adulthood with the first African-American president, beating out a ballot with a woman vice presidential candidate and a female partisan competitor, but that is not enough. If women make up half of the population, why don’t women make up half of everything else? Why aren’t we half of the governing system, medical field, business owners, and so forth?

I am a firm believer in the notion that I control my own destiny. I refuse to let anyone- male or female- tell me I can’t do something. It is my hope that more young women, now and those to come, view the world from my side. What do we have to lose?

After all, Angelou hit the nail on the head, stating, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

To read more about Maya Angelou, her work and point of view, follow this link:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/06/02/sanchez.angelou.women/index.html?hpt=C2

Written by: Hallie Kloots

We are happy to announce that applications for our Fall 2010 Grant Cycle are now open. The application process begins with submitting a Letter of Intent. In addition to the LOI, applicants are also invited to attend a grant workshop in order to gain a better understanding of creating a successful grant application. Full grant applications are by invitation only.

This Fall, we are able to award $200,000 in grant partnerships. Funding is available up to $20,000 for Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union Counties.  Thanks to continued generosity in donations, our grant funding is thriving!

For more information about past grant recipients, access to LOI and application forms, and a calendar of grant-related events, please visit the What We Fund section of our website.

In an age where women’s issues are often lumped together as “feminist,” it appears there is even separation within this labeled group. According to the article, “Sisters! Some of us are Mothers, too!,” there are two groups of female issues: Women’s issues and feminist issues. These two categories draw different crowds and varying opinions.

What the public may not see is that these two platforms should be one. Women’s issues should be feminist issues, and vice versa. Often times, problems facing mothers are shoved into the “women’s category” that does not carry importance. Some Feminists diminish motherhood – the idea that a mother automatically assumes the responsibilities of staying at home to raise your child, giving up freedom and voice at the table in professional and social circles.

Women’s issues generally carry a connotation of softness. These ideas are often ignored by the mainstream media, or pushed aside to one solitary column within an entire newspaper.

Feminist issues, on the other hand, tend to gather a vocal, more organized crowd. The feminist argument can always be found on blogs, internet news, or headlining newspapers. Delivered with an attitude, they demand attention.

Women’s issues and feminist issues need to be one in the same, because, mothers are in fact a special group of strong, determined, and selfless women that deserve the same attention and respect every other subgroup of females demands.

This Mother’s Day, remember your mother and everything she stands for, contributes to the world, and her home.

Click here to read the full artcile on mothers.

Written by: Hallie Kloots

This week is National Volunteer Week.   As many of us can probably relate to, it always feels like there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish our never-ending lists of TO-DO’s. Although it might seem impossible, I think there is always room to give a little bit of yourself to someone else. Volunteering comes in many forms, and does not have to take very much time.

As a non-profit organization, The Women’s Fund relies on the help of community members in order to achieve our collective goals of improving the lives of women and girls living in central Ohio. Look below for some of the activities of volunteers.

• In a few short months, we will begin our Fall 2010 Grant Cycle. High School girls and women in all seven counties train and review grant applications.  It is the critical thinking and expertise our grant readers that help funding decisions about programs benefiting the women and girls of central Ohio.
• Committees such as Finance, Public Relations, Investment, and Keyholder fortify our work.  They bring to the table experience, wisdom, and direction. These women devote time and talent to help raise the level of efficiency and competency in our work. 
• The Women’s Fund is overseen by a board of committed, passionate women. Their leadership and commitment is ultimately what helps The Women’s Fund reach our goals, govern the work and maintain alignment with our values. They bring new ideas to the table and honor tradition, propelling The Fund forward.

For more information on these and other ways to donate your time to The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, please feel free to contact us.

Written by: Hallie Kloots

The Wage Project

April 20, 2010. That day marks the length of time it takes for a woman’s pay to catch up to a man’s pay of the previous year. Astounded by this fact, I was also deeply touched by the energy of the 50 powerful women I shared the room with. Each of these women shares my concern for the inequality we still face in the job market. Each of these women is determined to take this major societal problem head on and alleviate the existing wage gap. Each of these Women Are Getting Even! 

In the United States, women make 77 cents to a man’s dollar.  Ohio is even further behind with 73 cents. This inequality has plagued our nation despite the Equal Pay act of 1963 (wageproject.org). Across our nation, women are getting even through a movement called The WAGE Project. The WAGE (Women Are Getting Even) Project is a nonprofit organization founded with one purpose:  to end discrimination against women in the American workplace in the near future. WAGE accomplishes their mission through mobilizing women to take action and demand equal pay from their employers.  Through various workshops women will learn how to fight sex discrimination in the workplace, market their skill sets, negotiate fair pay, and learn the history and reasons behind the wage gap. The most important lesson I learned was that the gap exists in large part because women simply don’t ask. Many women are unaware that salary is a conversation, not just something that should just be blindly accepted without negotiation.

Working at The Women’s Fund has made me fully aware of the financial power that equal pay could bring for United States women. Imagine the possibilities of social change we can accomplish if women actually received the millions of dollars we lose every year due to the existing wage gap. As an advocate of social change, I believe it is integral for all women to educate themselves about the existing wage gap in the United States. I also encourage every woman and man to support the Wage Project and their passion for ending the gender based wage gap in America.

Want to take action? Wear red on Equal Pay Day (April 28^th) to show your support for equal pay for American women!

Visit The WAGE project to learn more and schedule a workshop near you!

Written by Ebony Richardson

As the director of Programs, I am responsible at The Women’s Fund for grantmaking, communications, and events.  I wanted to share what purchasing a ticket to Keyholder means.  We are a foundation  -  we raise dollars to give funding back into the community for social change for women and girls.   Each $50.00 ticket goes directly toward our grantmaking.  When you purchase a ticket to see Diane Keaton, you become a philanthropist supporting the 800,000 women and girls in your community.

• You help girls learn comprehensive sexual education which makes them 50% less likely to become a teen parent. 
• You teach college women how to take a seat at the table and run for office.
• You teach a girl self-defense – which doesn’t start with deflecting a punch – it starts with assertive communication and believing your worth defending. 
• You are helping a mature woman return to work after her husband left and her pension is gone.

The programs funded at The Women’s Fund are simply the best social change programs for women and girls in the central Ohio community.  If we don’t raise the money, we can’t make grants.  We want you to come celebrate women and girls on May 12^th at Keyholder 10:  Diane Keaton.  It means that we can continue to fund the programs you see above.  We also want you to join us as a philanthropist. 

As you know, when you purchase a ticket for Keyholder, you can make a tribute to someone who has influenced your life.

In anticipation for our upcoming Keyholder 10/Tributes: Diane Keaton event, the Staff at The Women’s Fund would like to take time to pay our own tribute to the wonderful women surrounding us each day.

We pay tribute…

To the brave and visionary founders of The Women’s Fund who recognized the impact of investing in women and girls. It is our founders who had the dream of equality in philanthropy where only 7% of philanthropic dollars goes toward programs specifically for women and girls.

To our dedicated and tireless board members whose vision, energy, optimism, and drive provide direction and leadership.

To our vibrant, smart interns who bring a fresh perspective and sheer hard work to the office every day.  The time you volunteer means more dollars can go to grants for women and girls.  And, we truly enjoy you.

To our committed and thoughtful grant readers who provide an important and knowledgeable voice at the table about the best programs for women and girls.  To our high school-aged grant readers whose perspective is invaluable in the process, and without which, we would not have such impactful programs for girls.

To our creative, passionate, and dynamic committee volunteers who help us gather information, tell our story, and keep our processes professional.  The support you provide the staff and board cannot be measured – absolutely priceless.

To our generous and strategic donors who sustain us and recognize that an investment in women and girls is the single most strategic step you can do to make social change in your community.  So thank you - each and every one of you, for your continued effort, energy, and investment into The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio.

Take this time to think about who you want to tribute in your life.  If you have already purchased a ticket and did not make a tribute, please click here.  sfronczak@womensfundcentralohio.org.  Deadline of April 1.

Important Announcement: The date for Keyholder 10 has changed!

Due to an unforeseeable circumstance, the date of the Keyholder has been changed to May 12, 2010.

Although the date has changed, our focus has not. Keyholder 10 will celebrate the important lives of women and girls and will honor those who have inspired us to reach our full potential.

So gather your friends and secure your seat today for Keyholder 10/Tributes: Diane Keaton. Get your tickets today before they sell out at The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio website.

Connect with old friends and meet new ones as we celebrate the lives of women and girls with the smart and savvy Oscar winning actress and producer, Diane Keaton. Hear about the influence of her mother, her ability to age gracefully in the toughest field, and her bright outlook on the future for women and girls.

If you have already purchased your ticket, please note that your ticket will dated for May 5 will still be honored. Tributes (one per ticket) can be submitted to sfronczak@womensfundcentralohio.org until April 1. If you have any questions please contact our office at (614) 225-9926 or info@womensfundcentralohio.org

Mark your calendars for May 12 and come take part in the biggest celebration of women and girls in central Ohio!

February is National Youth Leadership month. It is a time to recognize those young people who have the courage to take on leadership roles. Youth today are given opportunities to be leaders in their schools, homes, religions congregations, sports teams, and so much more. This group of individuals gives promise to the future. The Women’s Fund is proud to have a connection to one program that excels in young women leadership.

 The Sister 2 Sister program is 36 week peer mentoring/leadership development program for girls. In partnership with Whitehall City Schools, Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council, The Mentoring Center of Central Ohio, and Yoga on High, the Sister 2 Sister program teaches girls to focus their energy on supporting each other rather than relational aggression. Serving as peer mentors, Sister 2 Sister participants learn very quickly how their actions can create a powerful impact within the Whitehall community. The high school girls are designing the project, surveying their fellow high school students about what is important for girls, and then designing a program to respond to the needs identified. 

Additionally, another grant partner is cultivating teen women into informed leaders about comprehensive sex education.  Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio has initiated a Peer Education Pilot. This unprecedented program will train 10 teenage women to serve as Peer Educators. The role of a peer educator is to communicate accurate information to 300-400 peers about teen pregnancy prevention and building healthy relationships. Additionally, peer education leaders are encouraged to advocate for changes in government and school policy that promote women’s rights and comprehensive sexual education. These teenage women become the next generation of informed advocates, the new champions for women’s reproductive health and human rights.

This important work also gives us a fresh perspective on the ways in which girls support each other. New and unique in approach, these programs are cultivating the future women leaders of tomorrow. That is social change for women and girls.  Watch this new leadership from young women to change the ideas of what can be accomplished.  They are after all, our future.

Written By: Hallie Kloots, Ebony Richardson & Liz Kowlaski