October 2023

Dear WFM Supporters and Friends,

On October 5th, we observed Latina Equal Pay Day. For reference, March 14th was the National Equal Pay Day. Latina women working full-time, year-round are paid 57 cents and all earners (including part-time and seasonal) are paid 52 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men (Latina Wage Gap Fact Sheet, 2023).

In Montana, the median annual earning for Latina women is $36,685, while non-Hispanic white men earn $52,998. Montana is seeing the third-fastest growing Latinx population in the country. The 2020 Census shows the state’s Latinx population is close to 45,000 people.

Latinas face multiple structural barriers in the US that affect their earnings, including concentration in lower-paid jobs, lack of work-family benefits and discrimination and sexual harassment.

We believe that achieving pay equity is not just a goal, but a necessity. We need policies like comprehensive immigration reform, paid family and medical leave, paid sick time, and stronger equal pay laws in place to achieve equal pay and economic security for Latinas. 

So, how can you help? You can email Congress today to call on them to close the wage gap.

It is crucial to urge federal lawmakers to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. This act updates and reinforces the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which aims to combat pay discrimination and bridge the wage gap. The act shields workers from retaliation for talking about pay, prohibits the use of prior salary history, and formally establishes the collection of pay data.

WFM grantees and advocates are working to establish a paid family and medical leave insurance fund and paid sick days. Get in touch with us for more information about those efforts. 

Sincerely,

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS)

Domestic violence is a pervasive problem affecting all classes, genders, ages, religions, and races. As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in October, it is crucial to recognize the pressing need for awareness, prevention, and support for survivors. We must work together to promote safe and healthy environments for everyone. Over 30% of Montanans will experience violence from their intimate partner in their lifetime. It is time to take action and end the cycle of abuse. 

In honor of DVAM, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) invites you all to join in on our #1Thing campaign. We urge you to take a moment to reflect on what one thing you can do as an individual to help prevent domestic violence not just during this month, but year-round. It could be as simple as educating yourself and others about the signs of abuse, supporting local organizations that provide resources to survivors, or speaking out against harmful stereotypes. 

By taking action and supporting survivors of domestic violence with your #1Thing, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and valued. Let us all do our part to end domestic violence and promote healthy relationships based on respect, equality, and love.

Read more here.

Guest blogs are written by WFM grantees.

Photo Provided by Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS)

From the #1Thing Campaign

Red Ants Pants Foundation: 2023 Women in Agricultural Communities Well-being Retreat

On November 15th-16th in White Sulphur Springs, Red Ants Pants will host a free well-being retreat for women in agriculture. There are only 12 spots available to participate in this retreat. The application will close on November 1st, 2023. All applicants will be informed of the status of their application by November 6th, 2023.

W.E.L.L. Women’s Business Center: Pursue Your Passions Course starting Oct. 30

Explore the possibility of starting something- a business, nonprofit, or project at your work- even if you’re considering buying a business. Think deeply and connect with women across the state pursuing entrepreneurship! Registration for the Pursue Your Passions Course closes on Oct. 29.

Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies “Mother Love Podcast"

Season 3 Available Now

Mother Love is a safe space where moms and caregivers share their stories and experiences. Whether listening to an episode of the podcast, attending a live (or virtual) event, or simply being present with a mama friend on a tough day, Mother Love hopes to connect mothers in as many meaningful ways as possible.

Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition

We get to celebrate Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition, WFM grantee and leaders in the work of creating more just financial institutions, who were recently awarded a grant from Wells Fargo to support small business growth. Wells Fargo Awards Nearly $11 Million In Grants Through Invest Native Initiative | MENAFN.COM

Montana Budget & Policy Center and Montana Book Company Present (Helena, MT)

On November 20th, Stephanie Land, author of Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will, will be in conversation with Chelsia Rice, co-owner of Montana Book Company, and present and read from her newest memoir - Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education - and sign books for attendees.

P.S. We can’t wait to see actress Lily Gladstone, Blackfeet/Niimi’ipuu, in Killers of the Flower Moon. Lily grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation and plays Mollie Burkart in the heartbreaking story about the mass murders of the Osage over oil rights in the 1920s. 

• Code Girls United was highlighted in an article by KPAX in Missoula.
• The Yellow Bird Life Ways and Pretty Eaglewoman Resource Foundation were highlighted in an article in the Missoulian.