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DFL Women's Hall of Fame

June 6
Minneapolis Hilton


Women honored at this event are chosen by a statewide nominations process, and are in two categories. "Rising Stars" are newly active in the DFL and "Women of Distinction" are trailblazers. Over 100 women have been honored as Women of Distinction in the last nine years, and 34 Rising Stars have been named.

This year another group of women will be named to the Hall of Fame,
and the process starts at the local level.

Nominations must be postmarked March 15, 2009.

Nominations forms and additional information about qualifications are
available at www.DFLWomensHallofFame.com

The awards luncheon is sponsored by the Minnesota Women's Summit
Committee, Tammy Tesky and Alice Seuffert, Committee Co-Chairs.

 

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THE DFL FEMINIST CAUCUS WELCOMES YOU!

Welcome to the Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party (DFL) Feminist Caucus website!

The DFL Feminist Caucus is the only Feminist Caucus within the national
Democratic Party - all the rest are Women's Caucuses. We are very proud to carry 'Feminist' in our official title!

To keep our membership informed of what we are doing, we have created a Yahoo Groups list. You can do it directly at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DFLFC/.

News!     DFL FEMINIST CAUCUS     News!

Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto named
National Women’s History Month 2009 Honoree
for environmental leadership

Joins Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall, Sally Ride, and other “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet”

St Paul, Minnesota (February 25, 2009) – March is National Women’s History Month, and this year Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto will be a 2009 honoree of the National Women’s History Project for her work as a “Woman Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet,” the theme of the 2009 National Women’s History Month.

St Paul, Minnesota (February 25, 2009) – March is National Women’s History Month, and this year Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto will be a 2009 honoree of the National Women’s History Project for her work as a “Woman Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet,” the theme of the 2009 National Women’s History Month.
 
The 2009 Honorees include scientists, engineers, business leaders, writers, filmmakers, conservationists, teachers, community organizers, religious or workplace leaders or others whose lives show exceptional vision and leadership to save our planet.

Otto was chosen for her work as a legislator and leader on environmental issues in Minnesota, including her work to protect ecosystems, limit mercury emissions, protect groundwater, promote the development of commercial wind power, and ban the use cancer-causing arsenic-treated wood in playgrounds.

Otto lives in a passive solar, wind-powered, geothermal home she and her husband, screenwriter Shawn Lawrence Otto, designed and built with their own hands.  The home has been featured nationally and toured by thousands of people as an example of green design. Otto and her husband have been billed as “perhaps Minnesota’s highest-profile environmental couple,” and have worked to raise environmental awareness for years.

In addition to her work as an environmental speaker and legislator, State Auditor Otto released a Best Practices Review: Reducing Energy Costs in Local Government in July 2008.  

“By reducing energy use, local governments can save precious taxpayer dollars and at the same time have a positive impact on the environment,” said Otto.

The report provides in-depth case studies, cost-benefit analyses, and links to informational and financial resources for reducing energy costs for local governments, businesses, and individuals alike.  Over 300 local government officials and others from around the state gathered in St. Cloud on January 22, 2009, for a conference on Reducing Energy Costs in Local Government, where Otto presented the Office of State Auditor’s Best Practices Review.  The complete Review can be found here.

“I am very honored to be named a 2009 honoree of the National Women’s History Project,” said Otto.  “To be included as an honoree alongside Jane Goodall, Sally Ride, and Hillary Clinton is very humbling.”
 
The National Women’s History Project (NWHP) was founded in 1980 in Santa Rosa, California by Molly Murphy MacGregor, Mary Ruthsdotter, Maria Cuevas, Paula Hammett and Bette Morgan to honor and broadcast women’s historical achievements.

In 1987, Congress designated March as National Women’s History Month.
 

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release March 3, 2009
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
With passion and courage, women have taught us that when we band together to advocate for our highest ideals, we can advance our common well-being and strengthen the fabric of our Nation. Each year during Women's History Month, we remember and celebrate women from all walks of life who have shaped this great Nation. This year, in accordance with the theme, "Women Taking the Lead to Save our Planet," we pay particular tribute to the efforts of women in preserving and protecting the environment for present and future generations.
Ellen Swallow Richards is known to have been the first woman in the United States to be accepted at a scientific school. She graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1873 and went on to become a prominent chemist. In 1887, she conducted a survey of water quality in Massachusetts. This study, the first of its kind in America, led to the Nation's first state water-quality standards.
Women have also taken the lead throughout our history in preserving our natural environment. In 1900, Maria Sanford led the Minnesota Federation of Women's Groups in their efforts to protect forestland near the Mississippi River, which eventually became the Chippewa National Forest, the first Congressionally mandated national forest. Marjory Stoneman Douglas dedicated her life to protecting and restoring the Florida Everglades. Her book, The Everglades: Rivers of Grass, published in 1947, led to the preservation of the Everglades as a National Park. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993.
Rachel Carson brought even greater attention to the environment by exposing the dangers of certain pesticides to the environment and to human health. Her landmark 1962 book, Silent Spring, was fiercely criticized for its unconventional perspective. As early as 1963, however, President Kennedy acknowledged its importance and appointed a panel to investigate the book's findings. Silent Spring has emerged as a seminal work in environmental studies. Carson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1980.
Grace Thorpe, another leading environmental advocate, also connected environmental protection with human well-being by emphasizing the vulnerability of certain populations to environmental hazards. In 1992, she launched a successful campaign to organize Native Americans to oppose the storage of nuclear waste on their reservations, which she said contradicted Native American principles of stewardship of the earth. She also proposed that America invest in alternative energy sources such as hydroelectricity, solar power, and wind power.
These women helped protect our environment and our people while challenging the status quo and breaking social barriers. Their achievements inspired generations of American women and men not only to save our planet, but also to overcome obstacles and pursue their interests and talents. They join a long and proud history of American women leaders, and this month we honor the contributions of all women to our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2009 as Women's History Month. I call upon all our citizens to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the history, accomplishments, and contributions of American women.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA

 

Cecile Richards: The selection of Senator Clinton represents an important first step down a new path for American foreign policy -- an enormous shift represented by the selection of a champion of women's health and rights to be in charge of America foreign policy. As first lady and as a U.S. senator, Hillary Clinton visited more than 80 nations, but for a majority of the world's population, her unique quality may be her gender. Senator Clinton understands that improving the status of women is not simply a moral imperative; it is necessary to building democracies around the globe. Improving the status of women is key to creating stable families, stable communities, and stable countries. Women's ability to control the size of their families, regardless of economics, nationality, or culture, has a direct impact on their economic well-being and that of their children. Senator Clinton understands that women's quality of life directly affects the major issues confronting the globe: national security, environmental sustainability, and global poverty. Click here to read more.
 

Please call your congress person and ask them to support  'The International Violence Against Women Act'. An issue brief from Amnesty International covers the background on this important legislation. Senators Biden and Richard Lugar have authored this bi-partisan International Violence Against Women Act (S2279) or (HR5927). Click here to read the Issue Brief.

Help Minesota Protect Victims and Children!
The League of Women Voters of Minnesota asks you to urge your legislator to support bills that protect victims and children and prevent violence. Here is a quick summary of two of the current bills:

SF3441, authored by Sen. Mee Moua, would provide that a
domestic violence advocate may not be compelled to disclose
any opinion or information received from or about a victim
without the consent of a victim. A court could compel the
disclosure after conducting a balancing test. A companion bill,
HF3850, is authored by Rep. Michael Paymar and Rep. Steve
Smith. The bill has had a second reading in each house and
awaits floor action.


SF2598, authored by Sen. Kathy Saltzman, would increase the
penalties for violation of domestic violence no contact orders.
A companion bill, HF3101, is authored by Rep. Karla Bigham.
The bill had no hearing in the Senate, but has progressed to
the House Public Safety Finance Division.

****

National Organization for Women PAC Endorses Obama-Biden

STATEMENT OF KIM GANDY
Chair, National Organization for Women Political Action Committee (NOW PAC)

September 16, 2008

It is with great enthusiasm that I announce today, on behalf of the nation's oldest and largest women's rights organization, that the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee (NOW PAC) proudly endorses Sen. Barack Obama for President of the United States.

It is no coincidence that I am joined in this announcement by so many allied organizations that collectively represent a broad and diverse cross-section of U.S. women. From teachers to social workers, from business owners to college students, women in this country are lining up behind the candidate who is out there every day standing up -- clearly and consistently -- for women. Women of all ages, races and ethnicities are coming together in support of Sen. Obama and his pledge to fulfill this country's promise of equal opportunity for our daughters as well as all our sons.

Although it is very unusual for us to endorse in a presidential election, this is an unprecedented candidate and an unprecedented time for our country. The NOW PAC reviewed Sen. Obama's record and public statements on issues that disproportionately affect the women of this nation, and I spoke with him at length about his commitment to women's equality. For example:

On pay equity. Sen. Obama is a co-sponsor of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation to end wage discrimination against women.

On reproductive rights. Sen. Obama is a co-sponsor of the Prevention First Act, to strengthen access to contraception and reproductive health care, and prevent unwanted pregnancies. He strongly supports Roe v. Wade and will oppose any efforts to overturn it.

On violence against women. Sen. Obama supports the continued reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act -- of which Sen. Joe Biden is the chief sponsor -- as well as the Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) Act, which is legislation to provide legal, medical and financial support to victims of domestic violence.

On the Supreme Court. Sen. Obama opposed the nominations of George Bush's extreme right-wing nominees to the Supreme Court, who have consistently ruled against women's rights,

For more than a decade, Barack Obama has said "yes" to women's rights, while John McCain has consistently said "no" - NO to pay equity, NO to contraceptive access and reproductive rights, NO to appointing Supreme Court judges who will uphold women's rights and civil rights, NO to funding shelters and other anti-violence programs, and NO to supporting working moms and dads with policies that support work/life balance.

NOW supported Sen. Hillary Clinton in the primary, and now we join with her in saying "NO" -- No Way, No How, No McCain! And we proudly stand arm-in-arm with her in putting our hopes and our dreams, our hard work and our hard-earned money, behind the next President of the United States -- Barack Obama, and his running mate, longtime friend and ally of women, Sen. Joe Biden.

For more information, visit the NOW PAC Obama website.

 

DFL FEMINIST CAUCUS
ENDORSES AL FRANKEN FOR U.S. SENATE

This morning,[06.07.2008] the DFL Feminist Caucus announced its endorsement of Al Franken for U.S. Senate.

Jackie Stevenson of the Feminist Caucus released the following statement:

”As political director of the DFL Feminist Caucus I’m very pleased to announce that after screening both candidates, Al Franken and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, that the caucus board voted 72% to endorse Al Franken for U.S. Senate.  Al very strongly demonstrated an understanding of our issues and we know he’ll represent us in Washington.”

Al Franken said:

"I am so tremendously honored to have the support of the DFL Feminist Caucus. And I promise to go to Washington and fight for women from every party, their children, and their families. I'm looking forward to joining Senator Klobuchar and giving women two Senators who are on their side."

 

An Open Letter From The DFLFC President

Greeting everyone,

The DFL Feminist Caucus took no part in the  recent StarTribune article or other similar efforts regarding any type of protesting the Democratic candidate. It was as much of a surprise to us as it was to you. 

We have never spoken about this or any other "protest"  inside or outside our meetings nor has anyone addressed it with us.   As president, I would have aggressively discouraged such an effort. It violates everything we believe as a DFLers.

If you have any questions... please contact us.   Let people know that we are as offended and shocked  as you are!!  If we, the people who fight for equality, cannot find it in our own hearts to celebrate the success of our own friends...than "who are we."   

The Obama Campaign has been contacted to help clarify this situation...!

Mari Pokornowski

President, Feminist Caucus


 

-Thank You, The DFL Feminist Caucus Board.
 

DFL Women's Hall of Fame 2008 Annual Awards Luncheon

Saturday, May 31, 2008

2008 DFL Women of Distinction Marie Alena Castle Marcy Doyle Marion Fogarty Kathy Hegstrom H. Sage Holben Hedy Joachim Luanne Koskinen Bonnie Moilanen Posthumous Award Viola Kanatz  

2008 DFL Rising Stars Erin Campbell Cristina Diaz Cathy Harrison Kim Kang Nicque Mabrey Amanda Tempel

more info: http://www.dflwomenshalloffame.com

 

Some DFL Feminist Caucus Board members last week Minnesota's Attorney General Lori Swanson over lunch.

back L-R, Natalie Volin, Mari Pokornowski, Lori Swanson, Jane Miles, Skylark Miles

front, L-R, Jackie Stevenson, Cheryl Poling

Note the 'Wall of Men' above. The picture show 150 years of Minnesota's Attorney Generals (all Male). Lori Swanson is the first women to be elected to the office in Minnesota. She is one of only four women Attorney Generals out of the 50 United States.

Above, Lori Swanson's picture as the first women Attorney General in Minnesota's history.

Recommended Reading from NOW

Iraqi Women Take On Roles of Dead or Missing Husbands-Ernesto Londono, Washington Post

Campaign Sexism Angers Women- Fran Wood, Star-Ledger

PostFeminism and Other Fairy Tales- Kate Zernike, New York Times

Hillary Clinton and the Fourth Wave- Amanda Fortini, NY

The DFL Feminist Caucus Endorses Hillary Clinton for President!

First-ever endorsement of a presidential caucus candidate

The Minnesota DFL Feminist Caucus (DFLFC) broke with tradition today to endorse Hillary Clinton for President of the United States.

“It is exciting that the best qualified, most prepared candidate to be President in this election cycle happens to be a woman,” said DFLFC President Marni Pokornowski. “Hillary’s ready to lead this country and deliver change for America’s families on day one.”

This is the first time in the 35-year history of the DFLFC that the organization has endorsed during a caucus or primary.

"Minnesotans have a chance to help Hillary make history this year, and we’re honored to be a part of it," said former State Representative Betty Folliard

.

Over seventy percent of the board members voted to endorse Hillary Clinton.

Show your support by signing up at www.HillaryClinton.com

 

LOBBY FOR PRO-CHOICE MARCH 4, 2008 FROM 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM.

Join with Pro-Choice Activists from throughout Minnesota to give your voice for Choice!

A complete listing of participating organizations and registration information will follow shortly. More information at the PRO-CHOICE Website!

 

MORE ON THE DFL FEMINIST CAUCUS

In addition we send out updates and newsletters. Join us! Please subscribe to our yearly membership.

We are an officially chartered caucus of the DFL party, an entity affiliated with the Party, which addresses issues of interest to women. Our members and supported legislators have been responsible for progressive legislation including battered women's programs, sexual assault programs, displaced homemaker programs, child health care legislation, anti stalking legislation, and other issues important to women. We are an active, visible presence in the legislature, proposing legislation, testifying on behalf of issues related to our principles, and working to defend safety net and reproductive freedom issues. To see our principles, please click here.

The DFL Feminist Caucus has worked hard to complete endorsements for the upcoming elections. We have been screening candidates to ensure that they support the principles of the DFL Feminist Caucus. We endorse and support candidates for public office, mentor potential candidates, and work for a climate in which equity and justice are valued. Please click here to see the candidates that support our principles.

Interested in attending a DFL Feminist Caucus board meeting and getting more involved? We invite all persons who are interested in furthering our principles to come and meet with us.

Please also consider becoming a member. It does cost a bit of money to run this website, do mailings, and to keep our membership informed when issues arise. We also undertake activities to support candidates that uphold our positions and these also require funding.

Join us!

 



DFL Feminist Caucus
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Website last updated August 5, 2006
info@dflfc.org