The loss of two great Americans in recent days made us think of 1982. That was the year CAWP celebrated its 10th year with a special anniversary event featuring an appearance by actress Jean Stapleton. It was also the year that Frank Lautenberg was first elected to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate. Over the years, each made a significant difference for women - one through nuanced and thought-provoking performances, the other as a consistent supporter of women's rights. Both will be greatly missed.
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The South welcomes two new NEW Leadership™ programs
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NEW Leadership™ National Network partners in South Carolina and Mississippi offered their first programs in May 2013.
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Students from South Carolina's Greenville Tech met their state legislator, Rep. Chandra Dillard
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In South Carolina, Winthrop University, the College of Charleston, and Coastal Carolina University collaborated to present a four-day program at Winthrop for 17 inspiring, motivated students ages 17 to "45 plus" from seven colleges and universities. Highlights included a day in the state capital, Columbia, with drop-by visits with ten women state legislators and recognition for the students in both the Senate and House chambers. Participants also took part in a scavenger hunt, sharpened their skills at public speaking, networking, and resume writing, and joined in an exercise that tested their team-building and leadership capacities. Watching the three-part Makers video that chronicles the history of the modern women's movement stimulated lively discussion about feminism and politics. A closing session highlighted women leaders from South Carolina history. Moments after the students departed, the organizers were already hard at work planning next year's program! Hats off to the talented team who launched the program brilliantly and will be doing their best to change South Carolina's status as a perpetual laggard among the states when it comes to electing women.
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NEW Leadership MS Class of 2013 with Governor Bryant and Commissioner Cindy Hyde Smith on the steps of the Capitol
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In Mississippi,
the Mississippi University for Women (MUW) and the Stennis Center for Public Service partnered to bring 31 students from 15 colleges and universities to Columbus, MS (MUW) for a five-day program. Students learned the nuts and bolts of politics and public service, met nearly 40 women leaders - from legislative staff to lobbyists and elected officials, were trained in effective communication and leadership, and participated in an action project debating education reform in the state of Mississippi. Highlights of the program included a keynote address and reception with former Lieutenant Governor Amy Tuck, a day-long trip to the state capital (Jackson) where the students met Agriculture Commissioner Cindy Hyde Smith and Governor Phil Bryant (among other state leaders), and the students' action project presentations (and talent show performances!). Check out CAWP's latest guest blog post for highlights from program alumna Rachael Luckett and see more photos from NEW Leadership MS here. Congratulations to the inaugural class of NEW Leadership MS and kudos to the program organizers!
NEW Leadership programs continue across the country this spring. More and more students are stepping up to change the face of leadership! Congratulations to our partner programs who have already completed their 2013 institutes - OH, AZ, OK, MO, SC, MS, IA, ME, and NY!
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Changing the Agenda: Women now hold 7 of 26 seats (27 percent) on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and they have joined forces to confront the military on sexual assaults.
Still Striving for Parity:
Despite women's rising representation on the Senate Armed Services Committee, women still make up only 8 percent of the Senate Finance Committee, 11 percent of the Foreign Relations Committee, and 23 percent of seats on Senate Appropriations (including Chair
It All Starts with Voting: Yesterday in 1919, Congress, by joint resolution, approved the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote and sent it to the states for ratification. It would take an additional year to complete the ratification process.
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