California NOW

CA NOW Welcomes Kimberly Danek Pinkson

The Eco-Feminism Committee is delighted to announce that the founder of The Ecomom Alliance, Kimberly Danek Pinkson will be on their panel at the California NOW State Conference.     

From the EcoMom Website ~
You can help create a sustainable future. For millennia, indigenous peoples have known that that we are all connected. That what we do to the ocean, we do to ourselves, and so on and so forth. So how you treat your self, your family and your home adds up to how we collectively take care of our planet. As we always say, Sustain Your Home, Sustain Your Planet, and Sustain Your Self. By taking one, or all, of these 10 First Steps For A Sustainable Future, you can help to leave a positive legacy for your children, your grandchildren, and all of the children to come.

Seneca Falls Film Premiere in SF

Saturday, March 29th, at the Brava Theater Center (24th St@York, San Francisco) come to the premiere and benefit screening of the independent documentary, Seneca Falls.

The film chronicles the remarkable journey of nine teenage girls -- a struggling multicultural theater troupe -- as they travel from San Francisco to the birthplace of women's rights in America to stage their original play.  Part teenage road trip, part shocking history lesson, the film is, above all, an awakening of young hearts and minds.  

The film's premiere is part of a new international holiday called SWAN Day - Support Women Artists Now.  SWAN Day is being organized by The Fund for Women Artists, a non-profit organization that helps women artists get the resources they need to do their creative work. Over the past decade, The Fund for Women Artists has raised over $4 million and built a website that serves 500,000 visitors a year.

Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors/students. There is a wine and cheese reception, silent auction and Q&A with the filmmaker following the film.

The filmmaker, by the way, is Louise Vance, who made CA NOW's films Passion for Justice and Action for Justice.

Tell your legislators how you feel

Have you ever wanted to meet the people who represent you in the State Capitol? Most of us don't get the chance to let our legislators know the changes we really want to see.

Join us at the California NOW Legislative Reception on March 25th and meet your legislators in person! 5-7 p.m. in room 125 in the State Capitol building for hors d'oeuvres and a chance to mingle and speak with the people who make the laws that affect you!

We will be presenting State Senator Sheila Kuehl with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and State Assembly Member and Majority Floor Leader Karen Bass will be recognized for her commitment to young women and women of color.

Thanks to the Honorable Friends of California NOW who help to make our legislative work possible:

Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Nuñez
State Senator Carole Migden
State Controller John Chiang
State Senator Joe Simitian

List of 2008 sponsors coming soon!

Community Conversations

Tuesday, March 25: 6 to 8pm
Berkelely City Club
2315 Durant Ave. Berkeley, CA

This community forum aims to:

1) Engage support for the passage of a CEDAW/CERD county-wide resolution

2) Determine the most pressing needs of women and girls in Alameda County for potential community and legislative action

3) To encourage partnership and dialogue on issues of women’s equality

The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) has been successfully passed as an Ordinance in San Francisco. Discover how this treaty will be integrated with, and strengthened by, the already signed Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and how its local passage will impact you and your organization.

Participate in a forum where your voice is heard. Help design a plan of action, define creative ways to work together, and aid in the establishment of a virtual resource center and clearinghouse through the use of the Internet and networks to link groups and individuals.

Refreshments will be served, please arrive promptly. No fee to attend, but reservations requested. Subsequent monthly meetings will be held in each Alameda Supervisorial District through April 2008.

Co-sponsored by the California Commission on the Status of Women. For more information, call Lorraine Provost, COSW @ (510) 259-3871.

Forum: Undocumented Immigrants and Domestic Violence

From the National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles:

In conjunction with our Women Helping Women Services, Advocacy and the Center for Pacific Asian Families have partnered to present a free community event that will bring to light how undocumented victims of domestic violence can learn to identify barriers and service gaps that put them and their children at risk.

What is the effect of the current political climate on services for undocumented immigrant families? Does a victim of domestic violence who is undocumented have access to the criminal justice system or social services for her and her children?

Do service barriers for undocumented immigrants have a ripple affect on community violence, public health or education?

What barriers to services and protections affect not only the women, but also their children and the community at large? What rights and services ARE available?

Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (Bring your “brown bag lunch” and we will provide refreshments and dessert), at NCJW/LA’s Council House: 543 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles 90036 (One Block South of Melrose – SW Corner of Clinton & Fairfax)

Panelists are:
♦ Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
♦ Sheila Neville, Senior Attorney, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)
♦ Joann Lee, Directing Attorney, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA
Moderator: Councilmember Jan Perry

For information and reservations call: (323) 852-8503 or e-mail ruth@ncjwla.org

Empowering Women of Color Conference

Check out this amazing event. I highly recommend it! 

Ani DiFranco is Awesome; Don't Miss This

Diversity Committee welcomes Ausma Khan to the 2008 State Conference

Ausma Khan, PhD, writer, human rights lawyer, activist and the editor in chief of Muslim Girl Magazine will be on a panel about growing up Muslim for teenage girls in America.  Her magazine features real-life inspirational stories of teens and college students. It also focuses on education and empowerment highlighting the lives of Muslim women who are making positive contributions to the world.

The premiere issue of the magazine featured girls who joined the Peace Corps and volunteered in Indonesia. Advice columns tackle everything from boyfriends to divorced parents to anti-Muslim discrimination. Regular departments range from Qur’an Notes to Hot List reviews of TV shows like The CW Television Network’s ‘Gilmore Girls.’ And a special feature on the hit show ‘24’ directly confronts the biggest elephant in the room—the association of Muslims with terrorism.

Don't Miss: LADYPARTY IV with Heather Woodbury's: 'Nani' Reese & Nellie McKay

If I lived in Los Angeles, I'd be at every single LadyParty. I'm jealous!

Young Fem Committee Proudly Welcomes Jessica Valenti to 2008 State Conference

Jessica Valenti is coming to Hollywood.  West Hollywood, to be exact.  CANOW is gearing up for our State Conference to be held April 19th & 20th, hosted by the Hollywood & Pacific Shore Chapters. 

The Young Fem Committee is proud to welcome Ms. Valenti to speak to current issues and interests of young women.  She will be sharing her work, signing books, and all-around kickin’ a$$ for young women. 

Make sure to save the date!