Work Your Image!
As your clients head back to school or start new jobs this fall, help them look their best with Women Work!'s Work Your Image! curriculum.
Since 1999, Work Your Image! has helped more that 250,000 women across the country gain the information they need to create a professional appearance. This versatile resource can be easily integrated into existing workforce development programming or used as a stand alone course.
Work Your Image! is a FREE resource for Women Work! organizational members. To order Work Your Image! today, visit the Resources & Service section of www.womenwork.org and download the resources order form.
To receive a sample set of Work Your Image! materials reply to this email abarks@womenwork.org.
National Stress Øut Week
Women Work! is proud to be a co-sponsor of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America's (ADAA) National Stress Out Week, November 12-18, 2006. National Stress Out Week is a time to de-stress, relax and learn about the differences between normal stress and anxiety and an anxiety disorder. This year, National Stress Out Week is taking on the workplace.
Between heavy workloads, meetings, business presentations and deadlines, workplace stress is something almost everyone can relate to. The 2006 Stress & Anxiety Disorders Survey indicates close to half of U.S. employees report experiencing persistent stress or excessive anxiety in their daily lives. Additionally, women are twice as likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder as men, according to the survey.
It's natural to experience a certain degree of anxiety when faced with a stressful event or situation. However, some people experience anxiety that is persistent and irrational during seemingly routine, everyday activities. Affecting over 40 million American adults - 18.1 percent of the adult population - anxiety disorders are real, serious and treatable medical conditions that fill people's lives with overwhelming anxiety, worry and fear. They include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) and specific phobias.
If you or a loved one relate to any of these anxiety disorders, talk to someone who can help. Visit the ADAA website at www.adaa.org to take a self test, read more about anxiety disorders, learn about treatment options and find a therapist or support group in your area
Helpful Tips for Stress Management at Work:
- Practice time-management
- Ask for help Communicate with your boss
- Stay organized Take breaks
- Congratulate yourself (and others) on a job well done
- Be healthy, exercise, eat well, catch up on sleep
- Accept that there are events you cannot control
- Take a deep breath and count to 10
- Try to keep a positive attitude
- A good laugh goes a long way
For more information on distinguishing between normal stress and an anxiety disorder and to learn more about tips for managing anxiety download these PDFs:
Women Work! in the News
Jill Miller, Women Work! President and CEO has been skillfully fielding questions from the press all summer! In August, she was asked by Washington DC's NBC News to comment on the controversial Forbes Magazine article "Don't Marry Career Women." Miller's response questioned the article's data interpretation and explained that women's contributions to the workforce are crucial to the American economy.
She told Monster.com that "trying to return to work after time away is enormously difficult, because when employers are hiring they look for examples of a candidate's recent paid employment." She advised women entering the workforce about presenting a professional appearance in Rumbo, a Spanish language newspaper, discussed caregiver tax credits in Women's eNews and detailed the inequalities women face in the workforce the Standard-Times and the Seattle Times.
IDA Education Program
Women Work! is pleased to announce a partnership with our affiliates in Wisconsin, New York, Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina to implement an education campaign on Individual Development Accounts (IDAs).
IDAs were established in 1998 under the Assets for Independence Act to promote financial security among low-income individuals by providing matching funds to their savings accounts. The matched funds can double or even triple the amount of money individuals save. Matched funds must be used to acquire assets, such as purchasing a home, starting a business or obtaining a post-secondary education.
Women Work! has the opportunity to directly increase women's economic self-sufficiency by educating them about IDAs. The project will launch in January 2007, and is made possible by the generous support of the Commercial Real Estate Women's Foundation.
Support Women Work!
What if you could create change for Women Work! each time you searched the Web? Now you can when you use GoodSearch! GoodSearch is a search engine, with a unique social mission... every time you use it, you generate money for women's economic justice and equality without spending a dime! GoodSearch is powered by Yahoo!, so you get proven, high-quality results. Plus, each time you search, GoodSearch's advertisers donate a penny to Women Work!. The change starts with you, but if every member of the Women Work! Network searches just twice a day, together we can raise more than $8,000 per year to help fund technical assistance for education and training organizations around the country.
Use GoodSearch just as you would any search engine. Go to www.goodsearch.com and support Women Work! when you search.
Women Work! and MassMutual Promote Free Life Insurance
Women Work! is teaming with Massachusettes Mutual Life Insurance Company to spread the word about FREE life insurance available to low-income working parents. Through its program, MassMutual pays the premiums for all policies issued under the LifeBridge Free Life Insurance Program. There is no out-of-pocket cost to any covered insured or his/her children. Each term life insurance policy awarded under the LifeBridge program will have a $50,000 death benefit. Find out more about the LifeBridge program at MassMutual's web site or by calling 1-800-272-2216.
Women Work!'s New Look on the 'Net
The new year brought a new look to www.womenwork.org! The December launch of the Women Work! Job Finder, was just the beginning.
The new design is geared to make the site more accessible and to allow for future expansion. We will revamp and expand sections in coming months including the Resources & Services section. The new home page highlights key resources for women and organizations and provides a daily news feed of stories about women, employment and advocacy.
Also coming soon are new components for member and resource services. The online directory of organizations will be integrated with our database allowing for improved referral services for women looking for local resources. Additionally, members will have their own area for easy, online profile updates and renewals. Members will even be able to log-in and download a variety of publications and curricula for free!
New Faces at Women Work!
In 2006 Women Work! added four talented new staff members to the team in Washington. They look forward to working with you in the future.
Samantha Yarbrough will join Myia Welsh as a Membership and Field Services Manager. Samantha, a graduate of Oberlin College and the Oberlin Conservatory, has spent the last year working as an organizer for the United States Public Interest Research Group.
Allison Mitchell will join Tamika Hodnett-Johnston as a Development Manager. Allison holds a master in public policy from George Washington University and comes to us from the Development department at the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty.
Our new Director for Public Policy, Erin Mohan, holds a master in public policy from George Washington University and worked most recently as a Policy Analyst for the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.
Sarah Rose-Jensen, our new staff assistant, is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington . Prior to joining Women Work!, she taught high school English, worked for an insurance agency and volunteered as an adult literacy tutor.
Women Work! Profiled in Washington Woman
Women Work! was honored to be profiled in the October issue of Washington Woman magazine. Reporter Carrie Smoot highlighted a number of Women Work!'s current and upcoming projects including work to support the Women Work! policy agenda, the launch of We Work! magazine and the development of a new, online Career Center.
Women Work! CEO Jill Miller talked about the challenges many women face when attempting to enter, re-enter or advance in the workforce, "They are intimidated and worried that their skills aren't up to date. With appropriate training and education, women can explore nontraditional or higher-paying professional careers."
Interviews with representatives from member organizations, the Training Source Inc. and YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, illustrated actions by organizations across the Women Work! Network to address these challenges. The positive coverage encouraged Washington area women to contact Women Work! for more information about membership and resources.
Read the article here
Arizona Luncheon Puts the Fun in Fundraising
Women Work! member organization Arizona Women's Education and Employment (AWEE)'s annual luncheon raised $150,000 to assist women in the Phoenix metropolitan. The luncheon gathered more than 1,000 attendees including politicians, business leaders, supporters and former program participants. Wells Fargo, the largest event sponsor, provided both funding and hundreds of volunteers.
Keeping the event fresh and fun was a key to AWEE's success. Hosted by local radio DJs, the luncheon included a raffle and lots of door prizes. Throughout the event, attendees won prizes for performing special skills or producing different items. For example, one attendee won airline ticket vouchers when she was able to produce a plane ticket stub on the spot. After two hours, people left exhilarated by moving speeches and by the fact that they had supported an important organization.
Oregon's Woman of Achievement Award
Women Work! congratulates Serena Ota St. Clair, director of an Oregon displaced homemaker program, for winning the 2005 Woman of Achievement Award presented by the Oregon Commission for Women at the Annual Women of Achievement Awards Dinner last fall. Her programs at Rogue Community College, which foster personal success and academic achievement for single parents/displaced homemakers, women in major life transitions, and Hispanic youth and adults, have won local, regional and national awards for excellence and effectiveness.
As chair of the Cultural Diversity Task Force at Rogue Community College, St. Clair worked to open the Office of Diversity and Women's Resource Center, which provides support services for all students, particularly women and minorities. Serena Ota St. Clair has been a dynamic force enriching the lives of women and minorities by removing barriers to education in communities throughout the region.
Maryland Women Work! Legislative Day
Maryland Women Work! held its annual conference and legislative day in Annapolis, MD on March 23, 2006. During the morning program, Maryland State Treasurer, Nancy Kopp, gave a speech which was followed by an appearance by State Senator Exum, (D) District 24. Attendees participated in legislative advocacy training provided by the Women Work! national staff before visiting their legislator to talk about the benefits of the programs in which they are involved. Maryland Women Work! wrapped up its legislative day with a tour of their state capitol.
Women Work! Networks gets organized
In November, Women Work!'s Field Team met with job trainers and employment advocates to discuss the potential of starting a Community Works! Strategic Growth Initiative in New York and Arizona. The project, funded by Bank of America, allows Women Work! to assist developing state networks to conduct a strategic analysis and develop new approaches to support women's economic security throughout their state. The interest level in both states is promising and advocates in New York are planning a statewide retreat.
In December, Women Work! Vice President of Field Services, Rebekah Lusk facilitated an organizational meeting for Hawai'i Women Work! members and supporters. She led participants through the process of updating their network's vision and mission. They also created goals for the coming year including using technology to facilitate network communication.
SDWW! Pushes for Minimum Wage Increase
At the urging of South Dakota Women Work!, the governor proposed a bill to increase the minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $6.00 per hour on Friday, January 20th. Women Work!, state legislators and AFL/CIO representatives have been working on the bill, which includes a graduated increase over 3 years to $6.25, for the past five years.
Michigan Advocate Receives Winn Newman Award
On December 7, Pat Curran was awarded the National Committee on Pay Equity's Winn Newman Award in recognition of her invaluable contributions to advancing Michigan women's economic status. Curran was accompanied to the awards ceremony, held in Washington, DC, by Cindie Alwood, Michigan Women Work! (MIWW!) President. Curran was a founding mother of the MIWW! network, and Alwood enjoyed the opportunity to provide introductory remarks.
Curran is the retired Director of the Michigan Department of Labor's Office of Women and Work, where she spurred a study examining gender-based pay disparities in the Michigan Civil Service. When a sizeable wage gap was discovered, she led efforts that resulted in an across-the-board wage hike for Michigan's women workers. Curran is a long-time advocate for women's economic security and this recognition is well-deserved.
EnterpiseOhio Network Women's Conference
In October, women from throughout Ohio gathered at The Lodge at Sawmill Creek in Huron for a statewide conference, Celebrating, Promoting & Enhancing YOUR Success. "The strength of our network gives us the power to make real and lasting change for women," said Women Work! CEO Jill Miller during her keynote address at the conference.
Conference participants included counselors from community colleges across the state and many program participants, eager to use their voices to bring about change. In addition to learning about best practices through a variety of workshops, participants heard from a panel of exceptional women who overcame incredible barriers to achieve personal and professional success.
New Membership Structure Launched
In response to feedback from our members, Women Work! has restructured its membership options. Now there are even more ways to join the network. Our new membership structure is more affordable, more inclusive and more responsive to member needs! Under the new structure, both individuals and organizations can join Women Work! and become part of the nation's largest network of advocates for women's education, training and career advancement.
As part of the transition to our new membership structure, we will soon be launching a new, web-integrated database that will give members direct access for updating their records, adding staff contacts and renewing online. In order to make the transition as easy as possible, existing members will be transferred to the new membership level at no additional cost! When it is time to renew your membership, you will be able to do so using the new membership levels and fees.
Read the Frequently Asked Questions and learn about the new membership categories. If you have additional questions about these improvements to our membership structure, please contact our Membership Department at (202)467-6346 or membership@womenwork.org.
Hurricane Response Must Address Women's Needs
While the President's proposals to support rebuilding efforts in the wake of hurricane Katrina are significant, it is also crucial that we consider the unique, long-term needs of women and families affected by this tragedy. Read Women Work!'s call for action statement.
Women Work! Releases Critical New Study at Capitol Hill Briefing
Women Work! released their critical new study, Chutes and Ladders: The Search for Solid Ground for Women in the Workplace, on February 17, 2005 at a Capitol Hill press briefing. The event was sponsored by Congresswomen Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-5th) and Hilda L. Solis (CA-32nd), co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues. The report provides an update on the economic and employment status of displaced homemakers and single mothers in the United States, and includes policy and workplace recommendations to support and retain women in transition in the workforce. Read more and download the full report...
Also now available: One-page reports on the status displaced homemakers and single mothers in every state and the District of Columbia. These user-friendly fact sheets make it easy to use this important data for advocacy. Download one today!
Remembering a founding mother: Cindy Marano
On April 28, 2005, Cindy Marano, founding President of The Displaced Homemaker Network, lost her battle with cancer. Because Cindy's imprint and community spanned from Washington to California, two memorial services were held, first in the San Francisco Bay area, and more recently in Washington, DC.
We at Women Work! honor and celebrate the life that she lived and the difference that she made to women all over the country, through her leadership, advocacy and tireless championing of laws and policies affecting women's economic security. Read more about Cindy.
Supporting Equal Pay Day - on Tues., April 19, 2005 and all yearlong
April 19 was Equal Pay Day! Due to the gender wage gap, nationally women earn 76 cents to each dollar paid to male counterparts. Over a working lifetime, this wage disparity costs the average American woman an estimated $500,000.
An annual event, Equal Pay Day is the perfect time to call attention to wage disparities in your community. Observed in April, Equal Pay Day indicates how far into the next year a woman must work to earn as much as a man earned in the previous year. Tuesday represents the day when women's wages catch up to men's wages from the previous week.
The wage gap isn't just a women's issue. Equal pay for women raises family income, and the whole family benefits. Nationwide, working families lose $200 billion of income annually to the wage gap. At the current rate, equal pay won't be realized until 2050. Equal Pay Day events took place across the country with advocates organizing rallies, lobby days, letter-writing campaigns, and more. On April 19, Women Work! joined a coalition of organizations for a rally on Capitol Hill to promote effective solutions for closing the wage gap.
For ways you can help throughout the year, visit the National Committee on Pay Equity's site for legislative and wage gap information; sample Op-Eds, Letters to the Editor and news advisory; activities; and more.
Download Women Work!'s 2005 Wage Gap Fact Sheet (pdf)
Women Work! Lights Up Times Square
For close to four weeks in August and September 2004, a special Women Work! video public service announcement (PSA) was displayed on the Panasonic Times Square astrovision in the heart of New York City.
Women Work! partners with Afterschool Alliance
On October 14, more than 6,000 communities will rally for afterschool by participating in the fifth anniversary of Lights On Afterschool! This nationwide event calls attention to afterschool programs and the resources required to keep the lights on and the doors open.
Women Work! is proud to be a National Supporting Organization for this year's Lights On Afterschool! celebration. Lights On Afterschool! is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities.
Participate in Lights On Afterschool! and help call attention to the importance of afterschool programs. Afterschool programs are key to kids' success; yet too many children and families are missing out on afterschool opportunities. On October 14, at Lights On Afterschool! events around the country, Americans will stand up for kids and call for afterschool for all.
To learn how you can get involved in rallies in your community or for materials and tips for hosting your own event, visit the Afterschool Alliance site.
Jill Miller Honored as a Leader of the 21st Century
On May 20, 2004, Women's eNews honored Jill Miller, Women Work! Executive Director, as one of "21 Leaders for the 21st Century" at a Gala event in New York City. Women's eNews has divided the group of "21 Leaders for the 21st Century" into three categories: "Seven Who Re-Cut the Fabric of Status Quo" "Seven Who Are Tilling Fresh Ground" "Seven Who Insist Women Have a Place at the Table." Jill Miller was honored as one of the "Seven Who Are Tilling Fresh Ground," though she can easily fit into any and all of these categories.
"At Women Work! we see firsthand the challenges women face in their effort to attain economic self-sufficiency," says Jill Miller. "My hope is that Women Work! member programs will continue to flourish and grow, increasing their capacity to serve women in transition. But even more, I hope for a day that it won't need to--a day when society values all the work that women do--in the workforce, in their communities, in their homes."
Visit the Women's eNews to read the Women's eNews article on Jill Miller and for a list of the other honorees.
Corporate Board Expands
On October 30th, 2002, Women Work! convened its Corporate Board of Advisors (CBA) at a meeting and recruitment breakfast in New York City. The meeting focused on an array of topics including the 2003 national conference in Washington, DC; Women Work!'s five-year Long-Range Plan; and new corporate partnerships and collaborations.
"The energy and enthusiasm of our corporate board is tremendous" says Executive Director Jill Miller."We are thrilled to report that the board is now 22 members strong and still growing!"
The morning session opened with a presentation and recruitment breakfast for companies interested in learning more about Women Work! and the corporate board. Invitees included Verizon, Browne & Co., iVillage, Ford Motor Company, Toys R Us, AOL Time Warner, and Spencer Stuart. Current CBA co-chairs, Elaine Baldwin of Philip Morris and Gaye Lindfors, formerly of Northwest Airlines, recognized the newest members of the CBA: Naomi Kelman of Johnson & Johnson, Troy Moore of 2wo One 2wo, Karen Murrell and Donna Purchase of Fannie Mae Foundation, Linda Brenner of Home Depot, and Zeba Hyder of SBLI USA.
The Corporate Board is integral to supporting Women Work!'s projects, including the national conference. "We are anticipating 100% corporate board involvement at the March conference," says Miller adding that 14 companies have already confirmed sponsorships: Panasonic, Fannie Mae Foundation, Northwest Airlines, BP, Philip Morris, Home Depot, Lockheed Martin, RSM McGladrey, CTFA, Unilever, Eastman Kodak, Northwest Airlines, Panasonic, and Youngblood Executive Search.
"We are already looking forward to the next meeting in May 2003," says Women Work! President Sharon Brown Harriott. "We can't wait to create even more partnerships that will continue to make a concrete and lasting difference in women's lives."
Background information on the CBA and a list of current members
30 Years of Girl Power
Title IX of the educational amendments of 1972 celebrates 30 years of gender equity in education! On this anniversary, the National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education (NCWGE) issued the Title IX at 30 Report Card, which examines the state of gender equity in education. Women Work!contributed to the career and education section of the Report Card and Chairs the Vocational Education and Training Taskforce.
Title IX ensures that girls and women have equal educational opportunities in all education programs receiving federal financial assistance. The law states that "No person in the United States shall on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." However, upon it's 30th anniversary Title IX faces great danger. The Bush Administration is not committed to the policies in Title IX and is re-evaluating and considering altering the law. Numerous programs that support gender equity in education have had their funding slashed, and the Women's Education Equity Act was not funded in President Bush's budget. Learn more about Title IX by visiting the National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education website, or download a copy of the Report Card (PDF, 2,134 kb).
