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MCSW MONTHLY
Where Women Are Always On The Front Page
November 2022
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Dear Colleagues:
As November dawns on us, I’m thinking: How has this year flown by so fast? And yet the crunch of time reminds me to slow down a bit, to instead notice the crunch of leaves underfoot finishing their splendid colors as Autumn passes by.
This time of year always reminds me of Election Day – the final few weeks of fall canvassing that will lead us to November 8, 2022. This year’s elections in Massachusetts are a great opportunity to get involved. Voters not only have the opportunity to decide key local races, but also to consider casting their ballots for a woman Governor, in addition to some critical ballot questions. While the MCSW does not endorse candidates, we do endorse policy solutions that improve the lives for all women and marginalized genders across the state.
That’s why we need you. Your input, your voices, and your experiences ultimately inform our 2023-2024 legislative priorities. Everything we do, from data collection in our regional districts to public hearings across the state is focused on listening to – and responding to – the needs of women. We strive to represent the incredible diversity of all women across the Commonwealth in our work.
As a result, we’re focused on GOTV efforts in preparation to welcome in a new administration for the 193rd Legislative Session that begins in January of 2023. Whomever they may be, we will welcome them, and work with them to present a wide array of legislation co-sponsored by key government, grassroots, and business allies.
If you need objective, nonpartisan information on voter deadlines, your registration status, ballot questions, and more, be sure to check out the MA Secretary of State’s Election Division page or the League of Women Voters Vote411 tool available in both English and Spanish.
MCSW is using this winter to prepare, to build. For the first time in more than 20 years, MCSW’s staff is growing, enabling us to participate in community coalitions across the state, grow our regional commissions to full strength, and support more events both in-person and with hybrid options as we seek to be more accessible (while we collectively navigate this ever-changing digital world).
Three things you can do right now to join us:
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RSVP now for our next in-person public hearing in Pittsfield, MA on 11/17/2022 or join us remotely. Share testimony on what issues matter most to you and your families.
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Plug in: Follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn), share the MCSW Monthly newsletter with a friend, or tag us in the latest #mapoli info you see across the state.
- Encourage folks in your life to get out there and VOTE!
Happy November,
Shaitia Spruell
MCSW Executive Director
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Save the Date for our next Public Hearing | |
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Congrats Commissioner Clark!
Join us in congratulating MCSW Commissioner and Immediate Past Chairwoman Denella Clark! As President of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation, she was selected as the Outstanding Fundraising Professional awardee from the AFP Massachusetts Chapter.
Register or learn more about the Massachusetts Gives Awards.
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Congratulations Linda!
Congrats to MCSW Commissioner Emerita Linda Cavaioli, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network at their annual conference. Linda served as ED of the YWCA Central Massachusetts from 1992-2021. The presentation of the awards took place during MNN’s 2022 conference, “Impact. Realized."
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Commissioner Miller featured as a Power 50: Movement Makers
The Boston Business Journal has named its annual list of Boston-area businesspeople who are making the biggest impact on the region. Congratulations from the entire MCSW team to our very own Commissioner Dr. Aisha Miller, featured on this year's BBJ Power 50 List: Movement Makers.
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Updates from the Coalition Corner | |
Register now: The 5th Biennial New England Women's Policy Conference is scheduled for 12/2/2022 at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute. This hybrid event, "Building an Intersectional, Inclusive, and Equitable Future," will focus on anti-racism, intersectionality, and promoting women's leadership. The conference sessions will address relevant policy-related challenges and opportunities highlighting economic security, health, and well-being of women, their families, and their communities. | |
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Join the YWCA of Central MA on 11/15 for their 2022 Virtual Fall Forum featuring MCSW Commissioner Mary-Dith Tuitt and many more. This forum will discuss the history of Roe v. Wade and the recent SCOTUS ruling overturning the constitutional right to abortion. Speakers will examine what this ruling specifically means in black, brown, transgender and gender diverse communities and what we can do about it.
Reproductive Equity Post Overturning Roe v Wade: What's Next?
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
6:00 PM EST | via ZOOM - Register Here.
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Celebrate Art and Activism for Menstrual Justice! This pop-up art project at Boston City Hall is in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement. On Display: Oct 12-Nov 18, 2022. Reach out to Sasha Goodfriend at sasha@massnow.org with questions or ideas to collaborate! Artwork: Blood Moon is the Best Moon by Sarah Gay. | |
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Survival during and after trauma including domestic and/or intimate partner abuse or child abuse comes from getting the proper support from friends, family, and organizations like Alianza. #PowerWomenPodcast host, Olivia, sits down with Alianza's Executive Director Carmen Nieves to talk about the resources they have to offer and dive into some of the hard questions about what to do if you are experiencing intimate partner violence, witnessing it, or even partaking in it. Tune into episode 6.
Thank you to Generative Leadership for making this work possible! *If this topic is triggering for you, feel free to skip this episode and tune in to the next podcast episode from the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts.
Learn more about Alianza:
Alianza Hotline: 1-877-536-1628
10 to 10 Helpline: 1-877-898-3411
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Even after Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) continually shares resources and information. SafeLink is Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline and a resource for anyone affected by domestic or dating violence. People who are Deaf and hard of hearing can reach SafeLink through mass.gov/massrelay. | |
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Happy Diwali from the MCSW! The Hindu Festival of Light is one of the most important festivals within Hinduism. An auspicious and joyous festival, it is a time for self-reflection and service to others.
दीपावली की शुभकामनाएं!
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Massachusetts Elections are coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022!
Are you registered to vote? Do you have questions about the four ballot questions this year? The League of Women Voters has an incredible tool called Vote411, with nonpartisan, objective information personalized for you and your city:
- See What's On Your Ballot
- Check Your Voter Registration
- Find Your Polling Place
- Discover Upcoming Debates In Your Area
- And Much More!
Additionally, the MA Secretary of State has resources that connect you directly to online voter registration, and make it easy to vote by mail, vote early, or update your registration status. Additionally, there are four question on this year's ballot. Read then in full to learn more.
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MCSW proudly supported Question 4 for Safer Roads will be on the statewide ballot November 8th, 2022 two years ago. A vote YES will keep in place the “Work and Family Mobility Act,” a current state law that allows all qualified Massachusetts residents to apply for a standard driver’s license, regardless of their immigration status.
Follow the campaign to learn more.
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Regional Commission Updates | |
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Our Regional Commissions have been active this fall, hosting a series of community discussions and launching new initiatives. Here's a glimpse of their work over the past month:
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The Berkshire County Commission is actively recruiting new Commissioner candidates and building relationships in their communities. For more information, please visit: Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women | Mass.gov
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The Bristol County Commission held a public presentation during their October meeting on the topic of domestic violence with guest speaker, Debra Robbin from Jane Doe, Inc. They also hosted an in-person meet and greet for 13 candidates who have applied to serve on their commission.
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The Cape Cod and Islands Commission recently discussed the findings of their fall listening circle which was centered on the topic of mental health and children - and will be compiling a report to share with their state and local legislators.
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The Eastern Regional Commission recently met in person for their annual organizational retreat where they held their elections, discussed legislative priorities, and planned their 2022-2023 programming.
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The Essex County Commission hosted a "Know Your Rights" session on the topic of domestic violence with special guests from HAWC (Healing Abuse, Working for Change) - and also welcomed ten new members to their Ginsburg Initiative, their youth advisory council.
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The Hampden County Commission hosted a discussion on general election ballot questions 1 and 4 during their October public meeting, inviting coalition partners and special guests who gave informative presentations regarding both questions.
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The Hampshire-Franklin Commission is actively discussing an event that includes their state legislators with a focus on the concerns of women in Hampshire and Franklin Counties.
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The MetroWest Commission Co-Chairs, Heather Panahi and Stephanie Deeley recently joined local news show, Access Framingham for a discussion on the topic of domestic violence, providing information and resources for women in the MetroWest region.
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The Plymouth County Commission will be electing new leadership soon and is looking forward to focusing on their legislative priorities and meeting with applicants who are interviewing for current vacancies.
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The Upper Middlesex Commission recently hosted an in-person "Coffee with the Commissioners" - one of a series of community conversations with constituents to learn more about the concerns of women in their region. They are also excited about the upcoming launch of their youth advisory group and are currently recruiting candidates for this initiative.
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The Worcester County Commission has been active in the community, attending regional conferences that are aligned with their legislative priorities and meeting potential partners. They held their October meeting in person, prior to the start of the Stepping up for Girls event in Worcester on 10/18/22.
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The Office of Economic Empowerment - Economic Empowerment for Women
The Office of Economic Empowerment provides several programs geared toward women of the Commonwealth, covering financial literacy, wage equality, and more.
Under Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, the Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) focuses on creating and implementing programs and initiatives that give women the tools to succeed at home and in the workplace. They provide quality workshops and opportunities for women to learn strategies for financial success and free resources.
Mass 2-1-1: This online directory is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help to pay your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals' parents, and families.
Massachusetts Girls in Trades was launched in 2015 by a partnership of educational, governmental and union organizations with a shared goal of supporting and encouraging female career and technical education students and alumnae to pursue careers in the building trades. Directory of Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers in Massachusetts.
Find LGBTQ Youth Resources: A comprehensive list of LGBTQ resources for youth throughout the state of Massachusetts, updated frequently, from our partners at Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth.
Local Women’s Commissions
There are currently 10 local Women’s Commissions that represent various cities and towns in the Commonwealth. While these Commissions are independent of MCSW, the Commission serves as a resource and partner for local commissions:
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