Times of disruption, like the current pandemic, are challenging, uncomfortable and sometimes terrifying. But they are also the perfect environment for innovation and positive change.
We are in a moment of both risk and opportunity. New research finds that advances made by women may be rolled back as much as ten years by the pandemic, as women are forced to give up jobs or work fewer hours to care for and teach children who are now learning at home.
On the other hand, we’ve never had a broader, more engaged group of stakeholders grappling with issues that have historically been “women’s issues”, such as how to provide care for our kids. Suddenly, workplaces have been confronted with the need to wade into the childcare arena in an attempt to keep their labor force at work. Some are offering childcare in the workplace, childcare credits to help pay for more care for their employees at home, and more. And that’s just one example. Workplaces have implemented far more remote work options, and many are offering more flexible work hours.
It has never been more apparent that women’s issues are, in fact, all of our issues. And it has never felt more possible that we as a society might work together to provide solutions for all.
While many of us are feeling stuck at home, by some measures systemic change is happening faster than it has in decades. And when there are systemic changes in the works, we need diverse and representative voices at the table providing the most innovative solutions possible.
As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment that first guaranteed some women’s right to vote in America (see more below), we recognize that now, more than ever, we need all our citizens voting, participating in school and community meetings, and running for office. We cannot afford to be complacent at a time when decisions are being made in so many areas that will shape our future for years to come. This is an all hands on deck situation.
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Not sure where to start? Check your registration to vote here.
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Want to learn more? Join us for a webinar on Women’s Equality Day, Wednesday, August 26th.
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Want to do more? Learn about how Montana Women Vote can give you tools to help your friends and family get registered to vote and fill out the census.
Together we can ensure that the new workplaces and leadership that emerge from the pandemic are more diverse and representative than ever before.
Onward,
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P.S. - We want to hear your voice! We're celebrating 100 years of Suffrage with a video compilation of why voting matters to YOU. For more info, click here!
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Why Women Matter in Politics
It goes beyond the question of fair representation (which, of course, is important) and towards the idea that the policies women help to enact improve social infrastructure and society overall.
“The shorthand of it is that women run for office to do something, and men run for office to be somebody,” said Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. “Women run because there is some public issue that they care about, some change they want to make, some issue that is a priority for them, and men tend to run for office because they see this as a career path."
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Montana and the 19th Amendment |
The U.S. ratified the 19th Amendment to give suffrage to women on August 18, 1920, but there was a long road that led up to huge progress for women.
Beginning in the 1800s, women organized, petitioned, and picketed to win the right to vote, but it took them decades to accomplish their purpose. Between 1878, when the amendment was first introduced in Congress, and August 18, 1920, when it was ratified, champions of voting rights for women worked tirelessly to advocate for voting rights for all Americans.
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Why does the Census matter for us in Montana?
The U.S. Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year. Montana receives an estimated $2 billion in federal funds each year based on Census data. For every Montana resident counted, a Census study estimates the state will receive $20,000 over 10 years for things like schools, healthcare, and highways.
The five minutes it takes for you to fill out the Census will ensure $20,000 towards Montana's future.
The deadline to complete the Census is September 30th. For more information about why the Census matters, and to fill out the Census, click here.
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Grantee Spotlight: Montana Women Vote |
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Montana Women Vote has always worked to increase voter participation in the state, and especially the number of women voting. Social distancing measures mean that they have fewer opportunities for face-to-face conversations about voting and the issues that matter most, but Montana Women Vote is adapting to the times.
MWV is training volunteers from all over Montana to use ‘Reach,’ a new tool to make connecting with neighbors, friends, and family, from the comfort of home, simple and effective. When talking about voting, MWV knows the most effective messenger is the trusted friend, family member, or coworker. Volunteers are encouraged to use their own social networks —pre-existing relationships with friends and family — to take collective action and organize for change.
You can use ‘Reach’ to make sure your friends, family, and neighbors are registered to vote at their current address and have completed the 2020 Census!
WFM is a proud supporter of Montana Women Vote!
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PowerHouse Montana Meetings and Gatherings
Our PowerHouse Meet-ups have all been transitioned to online gatherings for the near future. Check out our calendar here for the full line-up!
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Wednesday, Aug 26th @ 10:00 AM
Power Hour: Celebrating 100 Years of Women's Suffrage
Online Event
Join Montana Senator Diane Sands and Representative Geraldine Custer in celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave some American women the right to vote. They will share the story of the women who worked tirelessly to secure the vote, why women voting and in political leadership is vital to our future and what you can do to advance women's opportunities today.
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Thursday, Aug 27th @ 4:00 PM
PowerHouse Flathead: Diverse Perspectives and Finding Your Voice
Location: MontaVino Winery
Join us at MontaVino Winery to listen to the experiences of Samantha Francine and Tanya Gersh, two women who have been thrown into the public eye during recent events in Whitefish.
We’ll be discussing what polarization looks like in our community and actively listening to connect with women from diverse backgrounds. Please come with an open-mind and an open-heart as we welcome Samantha and Tanya to share their story with us!
Note: This will be an in-person event; social distancing and masks are STRONGLY recommended. For more information, click here.
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Have an event to submit to WFM? Email Erika at Erika@mtcf.org
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Empathy: The First Step Towards Inclusion
"Like any other professional development skill, empathy is one that needs to be developed and once developed, continually honed. For engineers, this skill is twice-blessed; it allows engineers to connect not only with the people they impact but also the individuals they work with, as they work in teams to solve problems, engage in design and innovate on technologies. While empathy is a human ability, possessed by everyone, studies suggest it can be enhanced or diminished in various instances." Explore more here
Montana: 10 Influential Women of the Century
"A few years before women across the country got the right to vote, the foundation of the 19th Amendment was being laid in Montana. Jeannette Rankin helped secure the right to vote for Montanan women in 1914, and used that political momentum to fuel her campaign to become the first woman elected to Congress. Two years later, she did just that." Full Article
This Black Women's Equal Pay Day, Addressing the Gender Gap is Essential Work
"More than any other year in the history of commemorating Black Women’s Equal Day Pay, 2020 has revealed how crucial it is to close the gender pay gap—and how intrinsically the imbalance is woven into not only sexism but systemic racism. Never has the disparity been more demonstrable—and dangerous—than during the crisis caused by COVID-19, which has wrought not only widespread unemployment but highlighted the importance of “essential workers,” which span from doctors and medical workers to public transportation drivers to mail carriers to cashiers and more." Find out more
The Pandemic is Taking an Enormous Toll on Working Moms--But Here's How Employers Can Help With Gender Equity
"Our findings indicate mothers are bearing the brunt of the pandemic and may face long-term employment penalties as a consequence,” says the study’s co-author. “Even among households in which both parents are able to work from home and are directly exposed to child-care and housework demands, mothers are scaling back to meet these responsibilities to a greater extent than fathers. Ultimately, our analyses reveal that gender inequality in parents’ work hours has worsened during the pandemic." Continue reading
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Leadership Opportunity Roundup |
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At WFM, we are focused on increasing the number of women serving in leadership positions, including statewide boards and commissions. Consider applying for one of these leadership opportunities!
Featured Opportunity: State of Montana Board, Council and Commission Openings, from the Office of the Governor
Location: Statewide
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Alternative Health Care Board
Description: Licensing and regulating naturopathic physicians and direct-entry midwives.
Position: Naturopathic Physician
Commitment: Low, 1-2 times a year as needed
Compensation: $50/day + travel
Take Away: Be an active part of the governing board for your industry. Get involved in setting education standards, licensee review and discipline and more.
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Board of Athletic Trainers
Description: Board is charged with licensing and regulating persons and businesses engaged in athletic trainer's professions and occupations.
Positions: Physician (preferably with sports medicine background) and Athletic Trainer who is employed or retired from a health care facility
Commitment: Low, 1-2 times per year as needed
Compensation: $50/day + travel
Take Away: Be an active part of the governing board for your industry. Get involved in setting education standards, licensee review and discipline and more.
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Board of Massage Therapy
Description: Board is charged with licensing and regulating persons and businesses engaged in massage therapy professions and occupations.
Position: Massage therapist with 3 years of experience, who does not own a school of massage therapy.
Commitment: Normally moderate (been meeting more often due to COVID concerns)
Compensation: $50/day and Travel
Take Away: Be an active part of your industry maintaining professionalism, rules, and educational requirements of licensees.
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Youth Justice Council
Positions: Multiple Positions for Youth under 28 (preferably someone who is or has been in the juvenile justice system, but not required)
Commitment: Low 1-2 times a year
Compensation: $50/day + travel
Take Away: Be the voice of youth on the Council charged with reviewing programs for improving justice outcomes for youth in Montana.
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Board of Outfitters
Description: Board is charged with licensing and regulating persons and businesses engaged in outfitting professions and occupations.
Positions: 2 positions for Sportspersons (non-outfitters)
Commitment: Moderate 4-8 times a year
Compensation: $50/day + travel
Take Away: Be an active part of the governing board for Outfitters. Get involved in setting education standards, licensee review and discipline and more.
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Funding Opportunity: Rural Tech Project from the U.S. Department of Education
The Rural Tech Project is a $600,000 challenge to advance rural technology education and prepare students for the careers of today and tomorrow. Deadline for submission is October 8, 2020.
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COVID-19 New Grants for Child Care Providers
The Early Childhood Services Bureau is offering new emergency grants to child care programs impacted by COVID-19.
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Statewide COVID-19 Resources for Montanans
We understand that the impacts of COVID-19 are being felt throughout the state, and that the economic impacts of closures are going to be significant - especially for our rural communities. We are here for you.
During this time, in addition to the creation of the Montana Community Foundation COVID-19 Resiliency Fund - we have partnered with a statewide Resiliency Task Force, including the Governor's Office, and MSU Extension, to provide the most current and descriptive resources available to all Montanans.
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Together we can empower Montana women and girls to pursue their dreams. |
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