Fifty/Fifty Leadership

While at one of my clients' offices, I was offered the opportunity to try some hand lotion. Not only did it smell wonderful, but it is made by a company dedicated to the fair trade movement. Anti Body - Anti-poverty, Beautiful body. Founders Tamara Johnston and Shelby & Steven Moser dream of advancing the fair trade movement by making their natural products a desirable and convenient option for consumers. Together they created a full line of luxurious affordable skin care that ultimately empowers people across continents. Visit them online at www.anti-body.com or email them at anti-body@anti-body.com

And from Brazil, Natura sells 600 kinds of soaps, perfumes, shampoos, lotions and other products, all of them based on about 900 ingredients found in nature -most of which are sourced from farmers or individual growers in the Amazon rain forest. The company promotes itself as an ethical company that puts emphasis on ensuring that its growers harvest their products in an environmentally sensitive way. It also makes a point of using biodegradable packaging. They will be coming to the U.S. soon, but if you want to get the ball rolling, you can visit their website at www.natura.com and shop now.

Yeowoman!
Even in my hometown of London, England, one of the bastions of men-only positions, the yeoman warders patrolling the Tower of London - the beefeaters - has been broken through! An un-named woman will replace a retiree in late summer.

Still eating meat?
Margalo Ashley-Farrand, Attorney sent in an article on the environmentally damaging effects of the heavily carnivorous diet we eat.

Last month, the United Nations published a report on livestock and the environment with a stunning conclusion: "The livestock sector emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global." It turns out that raising animals for food is a primary cause of land degradation, air pollution, water shortage, water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and not least of all, global warming.

Not just a cooler planet, also a cleaner one. Animal agriculture accounts for most of the water consumed in this country, emits two-thirds of the world's acid-rain-causing ammonia, and it the world's largest source of water pollution --killing entire river and marine ecosystems, destroying coral reefs, and of course, making people sick. Try to imagine the prodigious volumes of manure churned out by modern American farms: 5 million tons a day, more than a hundred times that of the human population, and far more than our land can possibly absorb. The acres and acres of cesspools stretching over much of our countryside, polluting the air and contaminating our water, make the Exxon Valdez oil spill look minor in comparison. All of which we can fix surprisingly easily, just by putting down our chicken wings and reaching for a veggie burger.

As a result of lawsuits regarding unlawful collection of telephone tax, you can claim $20, $30 or $60 on your income tax --you can get more if you have your bills from 2/03-12/06. Check out these sites for more information and ask your tax preparer:

A $700 scholarship is available for students attending college in Nebraska . This is being offered by the Board for Women's Ministries and Friendly Service of the First Plymouth Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Lincoln , Nebraska

For applications contact Rev. Nancy Erickson, United Church of Christ, 2000 D Street , Lincoln , NE 68502

Please let us know of events in YOUR area that we can post here. If you know of conferences, programs that will inform, educate and inspire, we will consider them for publication. Ed.

Now thru March 17th
Five Women Sculptors

Edgemar Center for the Arts and Michael E. Napoliello Gallery

FEATURING:

Lori Cozen-Geller
Lilli Muller
Lee Silton
Maddy Le Mel
Trine Wejp-Olsen

2437 Main Street, Santa Monica
310.399.3666

EdgemarCenter.org

Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 12-5 pm

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Monday, February 5
"NOW THAT SHE'S GONE"

Gloria Steinem says, "Ellen Snortland's one-woman play, "Now That She's Gone," is what good theater is all about. Her funny and tragic, particular and universal story sends us home with a better understanding of our own."

Benefit* Performance in Pasadena!

Mon., Feb. 5, 7:00 p.m.
Throop Memorial Unitarian Church
300 S. Los Robles
Pasadena , CA 91101
(street parking & additional parking across the street in lot)

General Admission: $25 (tax deductible donation)
Students, Seniors and Limited income: $10
Tickets available at the door

Now That She's Gone is a play that explores Ellen Snortland's often wacky, irreverent and sometimes torturous relationship with her Norwegian-American mother. Now That She's Gone has been described as a Lily Tomlin/Garrison Keillor/Eve Ensler hybrid...passionate, poignant and funny in turns. A memoir piece with Eleanor Roosevelt, sex, drugs and lutefisk, the play and performance have received rave reviews and standing ovations in California , New York , and Washington , D.C.

*The proceeds from this staged reading go toward the producing of the documentary film, "Beauty Bites Beast," fiscally sponsored by Fifty/Fifty Leadership, a 501 (c3) non-profit.

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Saturday, February 3rd, 9:30 to 1:00
Creating HeART Collages

AWAKEN YOUR

WITH ART

We'll be creating HeART Collages, writing love letters to ourselves and a group poem for peace. Feel free to invite friends and spread the joy of placing HeART and self-love at the center of your February celebrations.

The morning will be guided by SANDRA MUELLER, AWBW Community Arts Advocate and generously co-hosted by Ellen Sloan, a BeARTrageous attendee & AWBW friend.

Which means that there will only be a $10 materials fee added. Valentine's donations in support of the heartfelt work of AWBW are encouraged and appreciated.

Bring your playful self. No prior art experience needed. All art materials and a delicious breakfast tea will be provided.

"Fun people, a smorgasbord of art and food, a joyful leader what more could a gal want? Thanks for the delightful da y!"

RSVP please by email to Sandra Mueller beartrageous@charter.net]or sign up online at awbw.org/events or phone 310-459-1948.

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Saturday, February 3rd 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Opening Reception - Mixed Media Collage

Blue 7 Gallery

3129 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica

FEATURING:

Launa Romoff
J. Natasha Kosten

Exhibit runs through March 1st

Gallery hours: Mon - Fri 10-5, Sat 10-2

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February 7, 2007 730-900pm
The KoreanEducationCenter Presents "As Long As I Live"

A graduate student at the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia sent
this announcement

I am working with the House of Sharing- a Korean organization committed to spreading awareness about the plight of "comfort women" (Korean women abducted by the Japanese and used as sex-slaves for the military during WWII).

On February 7th, we will be presenting at the Korean Education Center, "As Long as I Live"-a presentation detailing the history and current situation of the "comfort women", followed by live testimony given by Koon-ja Kim, a "comfort woman" survivor.

We feel this issue to be of great importance, one that deserves continued attention, and ask for your help in publicizing this event to your organization menbers and concerned individuals.

Contacts for Press:
Hein S. Seok
hseok@alum.calarts.edu
House of Sharing Liaison
661.373.6225 [c]

Jacqueline Chang
jackee@enjam.com
323.230.5604
415.994.1349

The KoreanEducationCenter presents "As Long As I Live" Testimony of Former Sexual Slave Koon-ja Kim, 81, was forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during WWII.

She was among an estimated 200,000 girls forced to serve Japanese soldiers from 1937 to 1945. Called "comfort women" these girls were as young as 15. This event will provide a rare chance to listen to a firsthand account of an overlooked part of history and crime against humanity.

Koon-ja currently resides at the House of Sharing in Korea with eight other survivors. Every Wednesday for the past 15 years, they have demonstrated in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, waiting for an apology that never comes.

The Program
February 7, 2007 730-900pm
KoreanEducationCenter in Los Angeles
680 Wilshire Pl.
Los Angeles, 90005

The KoreanEducationCenter Presents "As Long As I Live"

4-part program:
1. Visual
      a. Slides of archival footage
      b. Paintings created by comfort women

2. Testimony
      Koon-ja Kim's experience as former comfort woman

3. Q&A
      Open floor to concerns and questions

4. Film
      Excerpt of "House of Sharing," a film by Hein Seok

For more additional information:
www.thehouseofsharing.com/event

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Thursday-Friday, February 15th -16th
2nd Annual National Task Force Training

Seminar on Human Trafficking

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina is located at:

1380 Harbor Island Drive , San Diego CA 92101

Keynote Address by the San Diego County Sheriff , Bill Kolender

Other tentative speakers include:
· Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition	· Heartland Alliance
· Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement	· U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
· Federal Bureau of Investigation	· San Diego County Sheriff's Department
· International Organization for Migration	· Caliber Associates Inc.
· Alliance for African Assistance	· Gardena Police Department
· Polaris Project · GEMS	· U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement

For additional information and registration, please contact: Carmen Verduzco , BSCC Administrative Assistant

Tel: (619) 336-0770, Fax: (619) 336-0791, E-mail: cverduzco@bsccinfo.org

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Saturday, February 17 & Sunday, February 18
Benefit For Victims Of Crime

This Weekend All Proceeds From Bob's Old Fashion Ice Cream

Will Go To Crime Survivors To Benefit Victims Of Crime

** Stop By To Show Your Support **

Orange County Market Place / Swap Meet

Bob's Old Fashioned Ice Cream

Orange County Fairgrounds

88 Fair Drive , Costa Mesa CA .

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

For more information please contact

Patricia (949) 872-7895 or crimesurvivors@aol.com

Volunteers Still Needed

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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Monday, February 26
THE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP REVIVAL TOUR

Orange County 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Also on:

March 29 - Minneapolis , Mn

May 29 th - Chicago , Il

June 7 th - Louisville , Ky

Meg Wheatley of the Berkana Institute promises a wonderful gathering that will stimulate your curiosity about where your own leadership can be of most benefit and inspire you to offer it in service to the needs of this time.

The Berkana Institute, which connects and supports pioneering, life-affirming leaders around the world who strengthen their communities by working with the wisdom and wealth already present in its people, traditions and environment.

For exact locations and more information, contact Zoe and Patricia or call them, (949) 642-8295 for Orange County, lana@berkana.org for Minneapolis and Louisville, kygupta@uic.edu for Chicago.

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Tuesday, March 6th
Pasadena - Election Time!

Get out and vote - There are women running!

And if you would like to help with their campaigns, here's that information too.

Jacque Robinson, City Council, District 1
Checks made out to: Friends of Jacque Robinson
Mail to: 580 W. Howard Street , Pasadena , CA 91103
Online donations: http://voteforjacquerobinson.chipin.com/friends-of-jacque-robinson
Volunteers: Contact Adia at volunteer@voteforjacquerobinson.com OR call 626-394-6857

Margaret McAustin, City Council, District 2
Checks made out to: Margaret for City Council
Mail to: 969 Atchison St. , Pasadena , CA 91104
Volunteers: Contact Belinda Jacobs at 626-798-6841

Renatta Cooper, PUSD Board, Seat 2
Checks made out to: Renatta Cooper for KIDS
Mail to: 821 Merrett Street , Pasadena , CA 91104
Volunteers: Contact Renatta at 626-664-3065

Milena Albert, PUSD Board, Seat 4
Checks made out to: Friends of Milena Albert
Mail to: P.O. Box 93879 , Pasadena , CA 91109
Volunteers: Contact Milena at 818-636-6809 or 626-507-8036

Roberta Martinez, PUSD Board, Seat 6
Checks made out to: Friends of Martínez
Mail to: 1443 E. Washington Blvd., #218 , Pasadena , CA 91104
Volunteers: Contact Roberta at 626-791-7421 or roberta@martinez4pusd.org

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March 8th - International Women's Day
March - Women's History Month

What are you doing to celebrate? Please let us know so we can spread the word

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Wednesday, March 21
Take Action, Create Change: Reproductive Freedom Day

Sacramento Convention Center
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Hosted by the California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom. Register by January 31 at a special early bird rate - $40 by January 31. Scholarships available, visit registration page for details.

Join hundreds of pro-choice advocates from around the state for an exciting day of legislative visits and workshops. Educate your legislators about commonsense ways to prevent teen pregnancy and improve family communication.

EDUCATE your Legislators; CAUCUS with Women's Health Advocates from all over California ; PROTECT Women's Health Rights; LEARN about Emerging Issues

If you need hotel accomodations, CCRF has booked a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Sacramento Convention Center at 728 16th Street . Call 1-800-282-0204 and say you are with CCRF. Rooms are $99 per night and must be booked by February 27.

To contact the organizer, go to: http://ccrf.eventbrite.com/

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Thursday, March 22
Global Organization for Leadership and Diversity (GOLD)

Global Organization for Leadership and Diversity (GOLD)
"21st Century Women Leaders:
Building Bridges Across the Pacific

The New Otani Hotel and Garden
120 S. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles , CA 90012

This symposium is the first of a series of leadership development programs designed to strengthen the training and presence of women leaders in the 21st Century global workforce, and bring together women leaders from the United States and Japan .

The GOLD symposium will facilitate new networking opportunities for learning about global business models; stimulate new collaborations; and explore new economic opportunities.

Cost: $225 Early Bird (on or before February 15): $175

VIP Welcome Reception with Consul General Kazuo Kodama

E-mail: info@goldleaders.org

Phone: 310-294-3760

Web: http://www.GOLDleaders.org

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Saturday, March, 24
H.E.R. CONFERENCE TO CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Mark your calendars! The Health, Empowerment and Resources Conference for women and girls will take place Saturday, March 24 th at Woodbury University , Burbank , California . Fifty/Fifty Leadership is partnering with the YWCA of Glendale to bring educational and inspiring programs and speakers. More to come!

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April 28th - May 1st
15th Annual Advocacy Training Conference,
"Beyond Ribbons to Revolution"

Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington , Va.

Join hundreds of women and men from across the country and the world as you learn to be an educated and effective grassroots breast cancer advocate.

Interested in starting a local advocacy group in your community? Learn the ins and outs of forming and maintaining a successful community-based advocacy group from women who have accomplished just that.

Whether you are interested in learning more about the role of science in breast cancer or the importance of being an informed advocate, or both, the Annual Advocacy Training Conference has workshops for every consumer.

Click Here for Information and Registration

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Tuesday, May 22
Gala Benefit Dinner
Honoring 21 Leaders for 21st Century 2007

Cocktail Reception 6pm
Dinner 7pm
Tavern On The Green
Central Park West & 67th Street, New York City

To make a reservation or for more information on this event, email Natasha@womensenews.org

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Tuesday, August 14th
5th Women's Leadership Exchange® Conference in Long Beach , CA .

It promises to be our biggest and best conference yet!

All new star speaker lineup and workshops guaranteed to take your business to the next level. Seating is limited. MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND SAVE AUGUST 14TH. Plus an all-new In-between conference program designed to keep you on track all year long.

For more information visit www.womensleadershipexchange.com.

If you would like to help with the completion of the Leadership Circles documentation and packaging, please email us at info@Fifty/Fifty.us and let us know.

Leadership Circles are small groups, held in homes, offices, restaurants, church halls, community rooms, etc. They provide an opportunity to hone your leadership skills and learn new ones. Leadership Circles will help you recognize the leadership you already have and express it. "Leadership" has mostly been defined by men; through Leadership Circles we will add our voice to the definition of leadership. The program will be expanding nationally so that everyone who wants to be a leader will have a place to go to share successes, learn how to overcome barriers and break through the ceilings.

Becoming a member in Fifty/Fifty is your statement that you want to add your voice to help transform our culture such that when leaders are chosen, they are chosen equally - women to men. What else is in it for you?

• Your subscription to this newsletter, The Equality Standard so you'll have facts about women and girls locally, nationally and internationally, plus learn about events of interest in Los Angeles, New York, D.C., Sacramento, and more

• Your name will be added to our website as a supporter of the work we are doing

• Your membership may be tax deductible - please check with your tax professional

Can you be involved without becoming a member? Yes. Subscriptions to The Equality Standard are $12 per year. As a special offer for the launch of this new newsletter, if you subscribe between now and December 31, 2006, you will receive the newsletter until December 31, 2007. You can pay by check or credit card. Please send your check or the credit card information below to Equality Standard, P.O. Box 11202, Glendale, CA 91226 or you can call or email your credit card information to PaulineField@charter.net , 818-243-2322

Card # __________________ Expiration Date ___/___ 3 or 4 Digit on back of card_____

If you're unfamiliar with Giveline, it is an online retailer which gives an average of 16% (up to 33%) of sales to your selected nonprofit organization. It's simple: you shop in the online store, choosing from over one million bestselling name-brand products, and with each transaction Giveline will send Fifty/Fifty Leadership a significant cash donation.

Giveline.com is an online store created for the community-minded shopper, offering more than a million bestselling products including books, movies, music, electronics, housewares, gifts and more. Every purchase generates a substantial donation to Fifty/Fifty Leadership - an amazing average of 16% of store sales, sometimes as high as 33%. Giveline has great products, great service, and great prices - the only difference between Giveline and other major online retailers is that every purchase earns money for our organization. Check it out today, and if you decide to buy, remember that Fifty/Fifty Leadership will earn significant funds in support of our mission!"

Or if you are more comfortable shopping through Amazon.com, click on the Fifty/Fifty Leadership website and click on the link to Amazon. Every time you purchase something through Amazon, Fifty/Fifty Leadership is credited with a percentage of your purchase.

10. FINAL WORDS

Here' s a few quotes from Hilary Clinton, candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States: