Fifty/Fifty Leadership

THE EQUALITY STANDARD

This is the newsletter on women's issues, local and global,
published by Fifty/Fifty Leadership, a non-profit organization promoting women's equal leadership.

Edited by Pauline Field

Subscribe to the Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2008

In this issue:

1.	Leadership Circles Begin in Los Angeles
2.	What's New at 5050Leadership
3.	The Equality Standard Blog
4.	In The News
5.	Women in Business
6.	Resources for Job Hunters . And a Few Openings
7.	Scholarships Available
8.	Nominations for Jewels of Glendale
9.	Women's Health
10.	This Woman Looks Happy
11.	And a Good Time Was Had By All
12.	Events
13.	Wish List
14.	Volunteer Opportunities
15.	Membership - Subscriptions - Tell a Friend
16.	Final Words - Send us your favorite quotes

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LEADERSHIP CIRCLES BEGIN IN LOS ANGELES

Saturday, March 8th, the first Leadership Circle will begin!
The first group of women to take this self-contained leadership development course is starting.

Have you ever thought that you would like to take a class in leadership? If so, A Leadership Circle might be just what you need. It is a fully self-contained program that meets weekly for 12 weeks and will empower you as a leader - no matter what level you are currently.

Want to know more? Want to start your own Leadership Circle? Want to join a Circle that is starting in your area? CLICK HERE or contact us at 818.243.2322 or pfield@5050Leadership.org

WHAT'S NEW AT 5050Leadership?

We have turned a corner!
With a successful fundraising campaign in the last quarter of 2007 and with Volunteers flooding in from across the country and around the world, 5050Leadership is moving ahead!

As you can see from the Volunteer section below, we have been lucky to have a number of women and men volunteer their time and talents to help us promote women's equal leadership.

With so much help, we are now able to turn our attention to taking 5050Leadership from an all-volunteer organization to a professionally managed one. To this end we have taken on a budget that will allow us not only to implement and expand our programs, but to hire full time professionals to direct our programs, promote the organization, and create sustainability.

Can you help?

Have you heard of Six Degrees of Separation? It is the theory that we are all connected to everyone else on the planet by way of 6 other people. To this end, we are asking you to consider who you know to help 50/50 Leadership with introductions.

Please take a moment to look down the following list and see if there is anyone you know - friend, family member, co-worker, colleague, aunt, uncle, cousin, neighbor- that IS one of the people listed below, or who might know one of them.

Please call 818.243.2322 or e-mail pfield@5050Leadership.org. Or, if you prefer, have your contact call or e-mail us directly.

Do you Know Someone Who Knows Someone?

Attorneys who work with CEOs
Celebrities
CEOs
Successful Business Owners
CPAs who work with CEOs, Celebrities, Successful Business Owners
Stockbrokers or other financial services professionals who work with CEOs, Celebrities, Successful Business Owners
Person at your bank in charge of their Community Service funding
Successful women leaders
Tyra Banks
Maria Shriver
Anyone who has an interest in promoting women's leadership and also has the financial resources to donate to our programs.

Thank you.

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THE EQUALITY STANDARD BLOG

Have you taken a look at our blog yet? There is only so much room in this monthly newsletter, so when a particularly good article, for instance, comes across our desk, the Blog is where we will put it so you can take a look.

Just posted are two such articles: one by Fifty-Fifty Leadership Co-Chair Ellen Snortland on how women "diss" other women, the second article is by Robin Morgan on how double standards are still going strong. Two articles well worth your time to read.

Another great thing about a blog is that you can go on a rant yourself! Think we're full of it? Agree with us wholeheartedly? Either way, let us know. You too could be in print in the blog!

Check it out: The Equality Standard Blog

IN THE NEWS

Justice? You may remember Tory Bowen's case where a Nebraska judge barred the word "Rape" in court, for a sexual assault case. The case received national media attention as a silencing of a rape victim.

After two mistrials in the past 3 years, the DA threw out the case recently. The man who was arrested for rape 3 times for 3 different women, got away again - all three cases were somehow dismissed.

Nelson Nio is looking for input: this case seemed to reach a dead end. Steve Cooley (LA Co DA) has been approached a few months ago to write a brief to the Nebraska DA. What more can we do? Do we talk to other representatives here? Do we stage another national protest? Do we use Hollywood star power to get attention? We simply CANNOT let this slide!
Send Nelson your suggestions: Nelson Nio, nnio@shieldselfdefense.com

Women in India now have their own political party. "We do not have enough women in decision-making and in the political process. A few women here and there cannot make much of a difference" says Suman Krishan Kant, the President of the party. For the complete story from Women's ENews: Click here

Women in Mexico City now have their own buses. Groping and verbal harassment is an exasperating reality for women using public transportation in this sprawling capital, where 22 million passengers cram onto subways and buses each day. Some men treat women so badly that the subway system has long had ladies-only cars during rush hour, with police segregating the sexes on the platforms. The city rolled out "ladies only" buses, complete with pink signs in the windshields to wave off the men.

Women-only buses or subways have been rolling for years in India , Brazil , Japan and other countries. Mexico City finally took the action as part of a growing responsiveness to complaints about discrimination against women.

Thanks to Ken Gruberman, Composer for letting us know about this.

2007 California Laws Affecting Women . www.women.ca.gov and click on "Legislation".

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Hurry! Want to see the Spring Collection from Carlisle ? Call Mary Lin Dedeaux at 626-432-1765. Monday, February 4 th is the last day!

Need a new brochure for your business? New logo? For the month of February Alice DiPirro at the PR Store of Pasadena is offering $100 off. Call her at 626.793.1411 and tell her 5050Leadership sent you to get the discount.

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VOLUNTEERS

Thanks to Volunteer Match.com we have had the pleasure to have many people join us as volunteers. Here are a few of them - and more are joining us every day!

Sherry Merryman	Research	Southern California
Aarti Kumar	Research	UC Davis , California
Leslie Colston	Grant Writer	Michigan
Emily Nilsen	Research	Pennsylvania
Rasa Isaacson	Grant Writing - Research	Wisconsin
Lizette Ochoa	Mentoring; Translation	Guadalajara , Mexico
Roberta Boone	Grant Writing	Michigan
Loreto Barbara Catoira	Dubbing for Documentary	Northern California
Scharlene G	Mentoring	Illinois
Kelley Aziz	Marketing/Design	North Carolina
Kelly Buck	Marketing/Design	Southern California
Lori Jacoby	Event Planning	Southern California
Whitney Walsh	Grant Writing	Southern California
Sue Bartel	Mentoring	Minnesota
Britt Mackey	Mentoring	England & Washington , D.C.
Jody Perkins	Mentoring	Ohio
Linda Li	Research	Michigan
Amy Cahill	Grants Researcher	Colorado
Claire Edgar	Marketing/Design	North Carolina
Esther Morrell	Research	New York
Sonia Amin	Event Planning	Southern California
Cassie Pendleton	Event Planning	Southern Calfornia
Lesha Ewers	Grant Writing / Research	France
Ley Ung	Doo Dah Parade	Southern California
Javier Chen	Research	New York
najiba kharufeh	Legal Researcher	Northern California

Come join this great group! 5050Leadership is the place to be! Email pfield@5050Leadership.org or call 818.243.2322 today and let us know you'd like to join the fun and make a difference in helping to promote women's equal leadership.

RESOURCES FOR JOB HUNTERS... And Openings

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Women at Work in Pasadena and learning about their services. For almost 30 years this organization has been focused on helping women of all ages find jobs. Whether it is part time or full time, entry level or executive level, they are a resource center that is worth checking out. They receive approximately 500 new jobs per week and they are available to view in hard copy and soon they will all be available digitally.

Need career counseling? They have that too, and they have a sliding scale so you pay only what you can afford. If you live anywhere in or around the Pasadena area or are looking to move there and are looking for a job, a career, or both, call them at 626.796.6870 or visit their website: Women at Work

Thanks to Margalo Ashley-Farrand, Attorney and Feminist for letting us know about this resource:

The Feminist Majority has a Weekly Feminist Jobs Digest. Check it out at Feminist Majority Jobs Digest

Thanks to Ria Severance, Executive Development Consultant and Therapist for letting us know about these opportunities:

Casting Call: A production company is looking for a Host to lead an animal show. The ideal candidate must have a dynamic personality and sense of humor, be willing travel extensively and have some on-camera reporting experience. Applicants need to email contact information, photo, available video clips and job experience to send_it_here333@yahoo.com .

Casting Call: The same production company also needs a Host for a green issues show. The best candidate must have an appealing personality, be willing to travel some, have on-camera reporting experience and be interested in environmental topics. Applicants need to email contact information, photo, available video clips and job experience to send_it_here333@yahoo.com .

Program Coordinator
National Council of Jewish Women/ Los Angeles seeks a dynamic and energetic Program Coordinator with BA (related field). Minimum 2 years' experience in programming/outreach. Responsibilities include program ming , event planning, outreach, membership, working with grant writer, some database management. Excellent written & verbal skills, Word/Excel. Experience with donor database and Photoshop/illustrator preferred. Familiarity with Jewish community/progressive social issues. Flexible team player. Fulltime, some evenings and weekends. Salary $37,000-$42,000 DOE, excellent benefits. Reports to Executive Director. Fax Resume with cover letter to: 323-852-4920 (no calls) OR email as word doc to: hillary@ncjwla.org . E.O.E.

MSW Social Worker:

NCJW/LA Women Helping Women Services seeks a F/T MSW to conduct individual and family counseling sessions, support groups, case management, community outreach, and train and supervise volunteers/interns on counseling talkline. Opportunity for professional development in a wide range of areas with an established non-profit agency. Clinical supervision for licensing and comprehensive training program.

$40,000 to $45,000 salary range, plus generous benefits package.

Bilingual Spanish preferred. Fax to 323-651-5348 or email to leslie@ncjwla.org

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SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) is now accepting applications for the 11th Annual Patty Iron Cloud National Native American Youth Initiative which will be held in Washington D.C. , June 21 - 29, 2008. American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) high school students, ages 16- 18, who have an interest in the health careers and/or biomedical research are encouraged to apply. The NNAYI scholarship pays for travel, lodging, and most meals during the program. NNAYI's curriculum is strategically designed to prepare students for admission to college and professional schools, as well as for careers in health and biomedical research.

To accompany the students, AAIP is accepting applications for counselors, age 21 and older, to serve as role models during the nine-day program. AI/AN college students and health professionals are encouraged to apply.

Feel free to share this information with other interested parties. Deadline for st udent applic ation is April 18, 2008 and for counselor application is March 21, 2008. Please visit the NNAYI website: www.aaip.org/programs/nnayi/nnayi.htm to obtain detail information and to access the on-line application.

AAIP Mission "To pursue excellence in Native American health care by promoting education in the medical disciplines, honoring traditional healing practices and restoring the balance of mind, body, and spirit"

AARP Women's Scholarship Program

AARP has created this program specifically for women 40 and older who have hit a wall when it comes to their work and financial lives. We're looking for women who would be able to get a etter-paying job, re-enter the workforce, or improve their lives with more education or training.

Whether you have not worked outside the home, dropped out of the workforce to raise families or care for loved ones; if your work is in a low-paying job with few benefits and you need a helping hand, then AARP wants to lend you a helping hand.

Simply log on to www.aarp.org/givewlc to learn more about the program and how to apply.

NOMINATIONS FOR JEWELS OF GLENDALE

The nomination period for the Commission on the Status of Women's 2008 Jewel of Glendale Award is open. The nomination packet and more information can be found at the City of Glendale website: www.ci.glendale.ca.us/women or interested parties can call 818-548-4844 or email women@ci.glendale.ca.us . Each organization is encouraged to nominate up to two women to be recognized as a Jewel of Glendale.

The Jewel of Glendale Award recognizes our City's outstanding women by shining a spotlight on their extraordinary achievements in the face of overwhelming hardships and challenges that they have overcome. Awardees will be recognized at the Jewel of Glendale Awards 2008, which will be held on March 27 at the Oakmont Country Club from 1130am - 130pm. Tickets are $50.00 per guest.

The Commission on the Status of Women encourages you to nominate an extraordinary woman in your life!

For more information on the Jewel of Glendale Award or sponsorship opportunities for the Jewels of Glendale event, please contact Lana Haddad at 818-548-4844 or women@ci.glendale.ca.us .

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Bleeding Disorders in Women

Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is the most common bleeding disorder in women and girls with 1% to 2% of the population affected (approximately 1.4 to 2.8 million individuals nationwide), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. VWD is an inherited bleeding disorder genetically transmitted from generation to generation caused by a defect or deficiency of an essential blood clotting protein called von Willebrand factor.

The National Hemophilia Foundation estimates that annually many of the 30,000 women and girls who have a hysterectomy due to heavy menstrual bleeding may in fact have VWD. Once detected, Von Willebrand Disease is easily treatable; however, only a small percentage of women with VWD are diagnosed. Women with untreated bleeding disorders face serious and unnecessary risks. Symptoms of VWD include heavy menstrual periods; frequent or prolonged nosebleeds; easy bleeding; and prolonged bleeding following injury, surgery, dental work or childbirth.

For more information, go to the following websites:

www.allaboutbleeding.com

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hbd/women.htm

www.hemophilia.org

www.projectredflag.com

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THIS WOMAN LOOKS HAPPY

Check out the Navy test pilot in the cockpit of the F/A-37...LT Kara Wade

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AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!

Ley Ung and Friends Leading the Charge

On Sunday, January 20th, many volunteers turned out to give 5050Leadership Co-Chair Ellen Snortland and her fiancé, Ken Gruberman, a wedding shower in the Doo Dah Parade in Pasadena , California.

l-r Winship Cook, the Groom, Ken Gruberman and 5050Leadership Board Member Mi Kim

For anyone who would like one of the aprons (as in the picture below) that have slices of tomatoes and herbs strategically located, there are a couple left at just $10.00 each, including shipping, contact Jana Kaplan at jkespritfort@verizon.net

Bride and 5050Leadership Co-Chair Ellen Snortland with shower volunteers

EVENTS

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.

February is Black History Month

Check out "Standing on My Sisters' Shoulders"
An award-winning documentary about courageous women in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement. Check out www.sisters-shoulders.org for additional information.

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Monday, February 4th 6:30 p.m.
An Edible Life

Ladies Who Launch present a panel of speakers - and some munchies before the program

Mary Sue Milliken, Kara Goldin, Laura Howard & Joanie Freeman -

at UCLA Korn Convocation Hall
(Located in the C building on the third floor of Entrepreneur's Hall)
UCLA Anderson School of Management

Admission is Free but RSVP is required. (Parking at UCLA is $8)

Contact Alexa Brandt, Senior Program Manager, at 213.382.8013 or alexa@suwn.org or Elena Schuber at eschuber@yahoo.com

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Wednesday, February 6th
Joan Rivers: A Work In Progress by a Life in Progress
Geffen Theater, Westwood

Fifty-Fifty Leadership members will be attending this show courtesy of the Geffen. Don't miss out on the next show: Join 5050Leadership today! www.5050Leadership.org/Membership.htm

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Thursday, February 7th 7:30 p.m.
We Love Purses

Pasadena Museum of History

Thanks to Lena Kennedy, Political Consultant for letting us know about this event

"We Love Purses! We Love Pasadena !" an evening of cocktails, treats and a silent auction to benefit the Pasadena Museum of History's education programs at CATZ (Competitive Athlete Training Zone), 801 S. Raymond Ave. , Pasadena

Purse designs by local artists and student designers;

Purses made from unique materials;

Beautiful purses from near and far

Tickets and Reservations:

The Pasadena Museum of History - 626-577-1660, ext.10

$60 non-members; $50 members

Please RSVP by February 5

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Friday, February 8th 11:00 a.m.
Ellen Snortland

Come hear 5050Leadership Co-Chair Ellen Snortland speak at the San Gabriel Valley Democratic Club.

Location: Private residence, address with RSVP to Maria Isenberg 626-433-3355

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Sunday, February 10th 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
IMPACT Assailant Defense Class

West Hollywood

Learn precisely what it feels like to haul off and defend yourself in what is considered the coolest self-defense course in the country. Sound too scary? We know...so we've done everything in our power to make it simple and powerful and exciting. A few scary hours will make the rest of your life a lot less so. Women who take IMPACT say it's one of the best classes they've taken in their lives, once they conquered the fear of walking through the door. We have yet to find a graduate who thinks it wasn't an "amazing", "life-altering" and "empowering" lesson learned.

To register call (310) 657-7181 or email info@absolutionla.com

Other Self Defense Classes being offered at Woodbury University in Burbank by SHIELD Self Defense. Contact Nelson Nio at nnio@shieldselfdefense.com

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Monday, February 11th 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join First Lady Maria Shriver at the 2008 We Connect Event

Los Angeles Trade Technical College

400 W. Washington Blvd , Los Angeles

First Lady Maria Shriver is kicking off her WE Connect Campaign which provides low-income working families and individuals in California with the resources they need to succeed. Visit the We Connect Campaign at http://www.weconnect.net/ for more information.

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Sunday, February 17th 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Pole Dancing Class

Unleash your inner siren with the remarkable Sheila Kelley's S Factor. There's a reason the S Factor workout is by far the most respected "pole dancing" workout available. It's fun, surprisingly natural and you'll feel incredible after only two hours in a dimly lit room rocking out to great music and flying around a pole. Sound intimidating? We know, we know...we were nervous at first too (ok, we thought we would vomit from fear), but there is no nakedness (all rumor) and no vulgarity (again, rumor). Since we started, we simply cannot get enough of this incredible workout! We SWEAR by this movement! The extraordinary care the S Factor staff takes to make everyone feel comfortable and happy is out of this world.

To register call (310) 657-7181 or email info@absolutionla.com

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February 27th 5:00 p.m.
Civil Service Commission Meeting, City of Glendale

Council Chambers, 613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor

Women are on the front lines in Iraq , but for some reason, Glendale Fire Department does not see fit to hire women firefighters. Why is that? Join fellow Glendale residents who are also asking that question and make your voices heard.

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Tuesday, March 25th 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Reproductive Freedom Day - Sacramento

Come to Sacramento to learn about current reproductive health and justice issues, meet other activists from around the state, and tell legislators why reproductive rights are important to your community.
Your voice matters! Please join us to represent the diverse needs of the women of California .

REGISTER TODAY! http://reproductivefreedomday.eventbrite.com/
Early Bird Registration ends February 1st! Scholarships are available!
For more information email kelly@reproductivefreedomca.org or call 510-451-3381

Reproductive Freedom Day is sponsored by
The California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom

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Wednesday, April 9th
Bringing Your Vision To Life

Save the Date

International FieldWorks hosts Reverend Margaret Shepherd of Visionbuilders for an evening that promises to change your life.

A portion of the proceeds will go to 5050Leadership

More details next month or email pfield@fieldworks.net for more information

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April 11 - 12th
Summit on Economic Justice for Women
Atlanta, Georgia

Join the National Organization for Women Foundation, National Council of Negro Women, and the Institute for Women's Policy Research for the summit dedicated to "Bringing Together Research and Advocacy--from Local to Global--to Advance Economic Justice and Empowerment for Women"

Don't miss the reduced early registration fee. Make your plans now to join with grassroots activists, researchers, and academics to address the critical economic issues facing women in the U.S. and abroad.

To be a sponsor, exhibitor or advertiser, learn more online or contact us by email or phone at 202-628-8669, ext. 117.

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Tuesday, April 22nd
Equal Pay Day

What is Equal Pay Day? It is to show how far into each year a woman must work to earn as much as a man earned in the previous year.

For women of color, the wage gap is greater

National Committee on Pay Equity website at http://www.pay-equity.org/

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Saturday, April 26th
Annual Fundraiser and Recognition Luncheon

Honoring 2 Women of Distinction

Presented by

Soroptomist International of Los Angeles

Wilshire Country Club

For more information go to Soroptomist Los Angeles

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June 5 - 7th
New York City

National Council for Research on Women

Hitting the Ground Running: Research, Activism, and Leadership for a New Era

Thanks to Kelly Hayes-Raitt, travel and human-rights writer for letting us know about this upcoming conference

For more information and to register, please email Jessyca Dudley at jdudley@ncrw.org .

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WISH LIST
As we continue to grow, sometimes our needs are bigger than our budget, and I know that you want to know how you can help. So each month I will let you know our current needs. Here's our Wish List for this month:

Office Space:
Fifty-Fifty Leadership is growing and no longer fits in our houses. So, we are looking for office space. Do you, or anyone you know, have an extra office in their suite? Perhaps they would be willing to let us have the space as their donation. Or maybe someone you know has an extra office and could use a little (!) extra cash to help pay the rent. If you know of any such space, please call Pauline Field at 818.243.2322 or email her at pfield@fiftyfifty.us

MEMBERSHIP - Tell a Friend

MEMBERSHIP - SUBSCRIPTIONS - ADVERTISING
Become a member or subscribe to the Equality Standard today. Click here: www.fiftyfifty.us/Membership.htm Or call 818.243.2322 Or email us at info@fiftyfifty.us

ADVERTISING
This month as you can see, we have added paid advertising. If you are interested in advertising your product or service, please call 818.243.2322 or email us at info@fiftyfifty.us

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FINAL WORDS

Do you have a favorite quote?
We would love to hear from you - and we will even give you credit!

I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.

Happy Valentine's Day!

~ Author Unknown

Pauline Field
818.243.2322

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