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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
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.
.jpg)
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!
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