Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund

Drumroll please…. Top 10 Auction Items for 2015!

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 11:32:45 -0400

Who doesn’t love a Top 10 List?

You’ll want to bid early and often to get to take home these special items. Buy your event tickets today since the RSVP deadline is September 24^th! Join our event on Facebook to stay updated leading up to and after the event!

10. Thomas Hooker Brewing Company

The brewery owner says that during the holidays, nearly 50% of the sales come from people with the name Hooker. You don’t need a last name of Hooker to bid on four passes for a brewery tour and tasting.

9. New Britain Museum of Art

You can snatch up four guest passes to use for family members that come to visit you for a weekend. You can show off this museum as the first designated museum in the country of strictly American art. Go USA!

8. Christina’s Cookies

I’m in a sugar trance just looking at all the cookies that I could savor from Christina. You can take home a gift certificate to choose the ones you want to dunk in milk.

7. Gouveia Vineyards

Cheryl Curtis won our online quiz contest guessing this location. Hints: This location adheres to skills of Portuguese wine making. The town of this location starts with a W. None other than the beautiful Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford where you’ll enjoy 5 wine tasting passes.

6. CT Science Center

Did you know it is the first science center to generate most of its needed power from an on-site fuel cell? Bid on four admission passes to entertain your whole family for the day.

5. Mark Twain House & 1^st Edition Mark Twain Book

You can transport yourself to late 1800s Hartford with two passes to the Mark Twain House and then curl up at home with your 1^st edition of one of his most popular tales.

4. Lunch w/ Congressman Joe Courtney & Alice Pritchard

That’s right. You get to bid on a spectacular lunch date with our Congressman Courtney and CWEALF’s Executive Director Alice Pritchard. No doubt the value of this item is priceless!

3. Okemo Mountain Resort

Take the trip to Ludlow, VT to enjoy what Parents Magazine named its Top US Family Snow Resort. You’ll bid on two 1-day lift passes to take on the 1,700 vertical foot trails.

2. Hartford Stage

Kevin Bacon may be making the box office sizzle, but any production is worthy of a sell-out. Two tickets to a Hartford Stage production are up for grabs to the highest bidder.

1. ?

What is the #1 auction item this year? Stay tuned to Facebook for a behind the scenes look at the items you can bid on to support CWEALF!

Get to Know 2015 Awardee Karissa Niehoff

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 20:00:34 -0400

The Basics

Dr. Karissa Niehoff has worked in Connecticut public education since 1989 as a teacher of physical education, health and Latin; a K-12 Wellness/Exercise Science Department Coordinator; coach of multiple varsity sports; athletic director; middle school assistant principal and high school principal. In 2010 she was named Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Schools-Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference.

She also served for four years on the Education Committee of the United States Olympic Committee, is co-founder and Dean of the “Passing The Torch” Academy For Youth Sport Leadership, and is currently a member of USA Field Hockey’s Board of Ethics.

Karissa earned a BS in Health and Physical Education from the University of Massachusetts, a Masters in School Health Education from Southern CT State University, a Sixth Year degree in Educational Leadership from Central CT State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut. As Executive Director of CAS-CIAC, Karissa is only the sixth woman in US history to lead a state high school athletic association.

Who is one woman that has made a difference to you and why?

There are so many…but if I have to name just one I would have to say my mother. She is the consummate model of goodness. She cares for people, animals and the Earth. She rescues each- the student struggling to learn, the squirrel that lost its mama, or the last, saddest looking flower in the flat. She will do anything to help others to thrive; never seeking recognition; and always underestimating her impact. She is principled, honest, kind, talented, and has a terrific sense of humor. Her strength lies in the consistent, gentle way she is in the world. She lives her middle name- Grace.

If you could sum up your life philosophy is one sentence, what would it be?

I believe that we are put on this Earth for a reason; we have a purpose and a moral imperative to pursue it; to combine passion with contribution; to look, listen, choose and act.

Looking back on your own leadership path, what advice would you share with younger women today?

Leadership can be at once rewarding and extremely challenging; sometimes a lonely place. So, one of the first pieces of advice I would offer is to develop self-confidence. One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go. Everyone has talent and potential. Everyone is meant to shine. But feelings of inadequacy can sometimes be our deepest fear and can cause us to shrink away from that potential lest others feel insecure around us or be judgmental about our choices. If we can model confidence and grace, then others will be encouraged to do the same; to recognize their own talent and potential.

Other great advice comes from Pegine Echevarria, MSW, CSP. In Female Leadership in Manufacturing, STEM and Sales she says that leaders should demonstrate “The Four A’s”- Appreciate, Acknowledge, Accept and Applaud.

The following is taken from her article:

“Appreciate:

Appreciate what you have and who surrounds you. Appreciate the people you have on your team, as a support network and as advisers. Appreciate where you are in your career and what got you there. Be mindful how you notice people. Appreciate what they do for you, how they help you and figure out why this person is in your life. When you figure out what you have learned or gained from their involvement in your life, you will truly appreciate their value

Acknowledge:

Acknowledge a job well done. Acknowledging a leap past a fear or acknowledging a thoughtful note makes a world a difference to you and to them. Acknowledging someone is a key leadership tactic, because it reminds you that you can’t do what you do alone. To be an effective leader you have to be able to delegate, to delegate you have to trust people. You gain trust when you start noticing what they have done and are currently doing. It takes more vigilance, vision and virtue to identify and acknowledge what is being done for the good of the organization as opposed to identifying what is being done wrong. Great leaders acknowledge others.

Accept:

Accept where people are and accept your relationship with them. Often times conflict comes because you like doing things one way, they like doing things a different way. Accept them as they are and the current situation and focus instead on the outcomes. Did they accomplish the task? Was it done on time? Was it well done? Did you communicate your wishes, effectively? Once you accept things as they are, then, and only then, can decide how you will change. It is through your changing that they change. Your communication style, tactics and point of view will transform the results. People know when they are being accepted. Their guard goes down and the team wins. Your stress level will also decrease, a win for you.

Applaud:

Develop visible ceremonial ways to applaud people. Applause is a great way for people to experience your power and share it with others. The applause can be for something small. The applause can be a sticky note on a person’s cubicle. Those sticky notes, over time, can create a culture of applause. People notice the notes and say congratulations to others. The applause engages, excites and builds morale for teams. Think about how you can applaud your team.”

What is your favorite quote by a woman?

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” - Anne Frank

Interview by Kate Farrar, CWEALF Special Events Coordinator

Get to Know 2015 Awardee Sue Murphy

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 19:00:44 -0400

The Basics

Sue Murphy is executive director of the Wethersfield-based Liberty Bank Foundation, which she has managed since its inception in 1997. From 1997 until 2008, she also served as Liberty Bank’s communications manager. Before coming to Liberty, she was director of development communications for the University of Hartford and marketing and public affairs for Fleet Bank of Connecticut

Sue’s volunteer affiliations include the Middlesex County Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, the statewide Reaching Home steering committee, the Middletown Rotary Club, Middlesex United Way, the Meriden/Wallingford Coalition on Housing, and the Greater Windham Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. She serves on the board of trustees and the Education Council of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, and on the board of directors and the affordable housing committee of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. She currently chairs the board of directors of the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy.

Who is one woman that has made a difference to you and why?

My former boss and mentor, Susan Scherer, who taught me the principles of leadership:

Share the credit; keep the blame for yourself.

You can get your strongest opponent on your side if you can just get him/her to say “yes” to you three times.

Everything can be improved with chocolate.

If you could sum up your life philosophy is one sentence, what would it be?

Whatever you do, give it your best. It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing the next great American novel or cleaning a toilet—if it’s worth doing at all, it’s worth your best effort. Mediocrity is for the mediocre.

Looking back on your own leadership path, what advice would you share with younger women today?

Take every opportunity to learn. Read, watch, listen, and explore everything. Understand that life is going to mess with your life plan, and go with the flow. If you’ve prepared yourself, it will take you to an even better place.

Interview by Kate Farrar, CWEALF Special Events Coordinator

Get to Know 2015 Awardee Felice Gray-Kemp

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 15:00:28 -0400

The Basics

Felice Gray-Kemp is Deputy General Counsel of Amphenol Corporation, a Fortune 500 electronics manufacturer for which she and her team provide global legal support for all matters globally. Prior to joining Amphenol, Felice held several legal leadership roles at Chemtura Corporation, Honeywell International, and United Technologies Corporation. While at UTC, Felice co-founded the Aurora Women and Girls Foundation with a group of dynamic, accomplished women who serve as her mentors to this day.

Felice is a New Bern, NC and Long Beach, NY native who came to Connecticut in 1987 to obtain her B.A. in English from Yale University. She has considered Connecticut her home ever since. She received her J.D. from the University of Connecticut and an LL.M. in taxation from Boston University.

Who is one woman that has made a difference to you and why?

Of course, I would have to say my mother. She is my template for enduring strength, creativity and resilience. She met my father at age 13 and was married and a mother in her twenties. She was my parent, best friend, supporter, and coach. Over the years, the relationship has evolved from me being an adoring fan who thought Mommy was a superhero, to bratty teenager to a woman with my own child who has a fresh appreciation for the sacrifice and devotion that she showed me. I come from a line of strong, no-nonsense women with incredibly generous and self-sacrificing spirits.

If you could sum up your life philosophy is one sentence, what would it be?

Never look back in regret, only forward in hope and wisdom that the lessons of the past will provide the road map for success in the present and future.

Looking back on your own leadership path, what advice would you share with younger women today?

Find your authentic voice–what works for you, keeps you grounded and true to yourself. It is the voice that guides you so that you think and do things in a manner of which those who came before and after you would be proud. Don’t try to be someone else. That job is taken. Be the most authentic, turned on about life person you can be.

That comes with knowing what you want. In the din of the world telling you what you want or should want, come to know yourself well enough to separate the noise from the truth. Then, experiences, relationships, jobs, will all feel natural rather than forced; things to celebrate rather than tolerate. The energy that you would otherwise expend into forcing a fit into others’ idealized versions of who you are and what you should be is then transferred to the truth and joy of being who YOU want to be.

To the extent the person you want to be is a positive, open person (even open to being proven wrong sometimes), you will attract more good experiences and people to share life’s ups and downs with. That will help you build confidence not only in yourself but the goodness of others—because we need others, like it or not. There is not one good thing that any of us have or did alone.

That confidence and positivity will be your sword and shield when you have to speak truth to power (including to your subordinates, who you will find have a power of their own) or otherwise experience self-doubt. But the confidence cannot extend into arrogance; a negativity that will distract everyone, including you, from achieving your personal and career goals.

Work life balance is often illusory. I think of it as more of a see-saw of work-life integration. You cannot have it all at the same time. We must prioritize.

Outsource what you comfortably can to save your time for what matters most to you and others whom you care about.

Sometimes leading is best done by either doing nothing or following; letting others “step up." Wonder Woman is a comic book character. Let’s just aim to be wonderful women.

What is your favorite quote by a woman?

“I can show you better than I can tell you.”

This is a complex saying by my grandmother, Bessie V. Dobbins. She was a domestic by profession, but also an entrepreneur. Among other things, she sold Avon and was among the top 10% of sales in the North Carolina county in which I grew up. She was a consummate networker and, had she been born in a different time would have been honored by others more frequently than I.

The quote means "my actions will tell the truth with a level of specificity and consistency that my words cannot." It also can serve as a slight threat, "If you jump on that couch one more time….well, I can show you better than I can tell you….”

Interview by Kate Farrar, CWEALF Special Events Coordinator

CWEALF turns 42

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 14:23:50 -0400

CWEALF was incorporated on August 17, 1973, making it one of the oldest women’s rights organizations in the country.

Over lunches this summer the CWEALF staff has been looking through old photo albums filled with pictures of the founders, early board members and staff, interns and volunteers—all the people that have made CWEALF the vital organization it is today. Along with all the black and white photographs are newspaper articles compiled by a clipping service CWEALF hired to collect news stories mentioning CWEALF and any news related to feminism. It’s been fun and informative to learn about CWEALF’s early work and how times have changed.

Here’s a story worth sharing again. Former CWEALF Executive Director, Susan Meredith, wrote the following piece for CWEALF’s 25^th Anniversary publication.

One day in 1976, I came back to the CWEALF New Haven office after lunch to find a reporter and cameraman from Channel 8 in my office. It turned out that the Supreme Court had just announced a decision regarding women’s employment rights, and the television station wanted my comments for the evening news.

The case was Gilbert v. General Electric, in which the Supreme Court decided that discrimination against pregnant people was not discrimination against women forbidden by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Although we had been anticipating a decision in the case, I had not heard the decision before I faced the television camera. It was quite a challenge to make a quick, articulate response to Judge Rehnquist’s conclusion that pregnancy was not related to gender!

The Gilbert case was my first introduction to the fax machine. I was going to New York University on the following day to talk to the Women’s Law Association about women’s legal issues. I had to talk about Gilbert but there was no way to get a copy of the decision in time. (Unimaginable in these days of the Internet, but true). Judith Maynes, who was on our board, was counsel to SNET. She said that she could have someone in Washington pick up the decision and send it to her over the telephone. She did, I read it on the train, and the law students and I talked about it. I don’t know whether they were more impressed that I had read the decision or that I had received it on the telephone!

CWEALF is proud of the work we have done to help women, girls and their families, and we are indebted to the many staff and board members, volunteers and funders who made this work possible. Read more about our history and impact and view a timeline of CWEALF’s work through the decades here.

Pictures: Former Executive Director, Susan Meredith at CWEALF’S 2013 Annual Awards Dinner, CWEALF Summer Open House 1973, CWEALF former Executive Directors Anne Stanback, Leslie Gabel-Brett, current Executive Director Alice Pritchard, and Susan Meredith.

Written by Meg Dubois, CWEALF Development & Communications Coordinator

Get to Know 2015 Awardee Karen DeMeola

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 10:55:50 -0400

CWEALF is honored that Karen DeMeola is one of our 2015 One Woman Makes a Difference Awardees. As we countdown to the October 6^th event (get your tickets here!) we have a chance to learn more about our honorees. To get beyond their impressive bios, we’ve asked each of the awardees several questions that illuminate even more about their own leadership journeys. Get to know 2015 awardee Karen DeMeola:

The Basics

Karen DeMeola currently serves as Assistant Dean of Student Life at UConn School of Law. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from UConn and her J.D. from UConn School of Law. After graduation from law school, she was a civil rights litigator whose practice focused primarily on employment discrimination, police brutality and housing discrimination.

Dean DeMeola is the Vice President of the Connecticut Bar Association and serves on the board of the Family Equality Council. Her prior volunteer board service has included True Colors Inc.; the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity; and the Law School Admission Council Subcommittee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Issues.

Who is one woman that has made a difference to you and why?

My grandmothers both made significant difference in my life. They shared similar stories; immigrant parents and siblings, financial difficulties and the necessity to quit school in their early teens to work at the Seamless Rubber Factory in New Haven. Through both of them I learned that despite what life might throw at you, whether poverty, the loss of a job, a spouse or a child, we all have the strength to persevere. We might not all use that strength or know, in our darkest hour that we possess that power, but it is there. Their stories shaped how I think about love, loss, family, faith, and life. I miss them terribly but they are so much of who I am and how I see the world.

If you could sum up your life philosophy is one sentence, what would it be?

Live the best life you can, laugh a lot and let people know they are loved.

Looking back on your own leadership path, what advice would you share with younger women today?

I often tell young women to be true to themselves, to not compromise (too much), to learn from everyone they encounter and mentor those behind you. I realize that I say this from a privileged vantage point. It is not easy to stay the course and be outspoken about issues that are important especially when you are just building a professional identity. It is not easy to jump in and be a leader when there are political and social barriers to doing so. Young women who are hesitant to lead in their current workplace or who are unable to do so for other reasons should find other avenues to gain the experience whether through volunteer work, participation on boards of directors or community involvement. Watch leaders to determine what style works and what doesn’t. Be authentic and listen.

What is your favorite quote by a woman?

“The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom.” - Maya Angelou I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Interview by Kate Farrar, CWEALF Special Events Coordinator

One Woman Defying Convention

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 14:13:38 -0400

As CWEALF honors our One Woman Makes a Difference honorees at our Annual Awards Dinner, there is actually one woman’s name that is a part of every year’s celebration. Since the start of the annual event, Maria Miller Stewart is the name that has adorned each award.

Maria Miller Stewart is not a name often known in our country’s history. But, once you start to learn about her it is easy to see why Maria was chosen to be a part of CWEALF’s legacy and inducted into the CT Women’s Hall of Fame in 2001.

Maria’s life was one of domestic servant, activist, and educator but, she is most widely recognized as the very first known American woman to lecture publicly on any political issue. Imagine that. In 1832 in our country, no woman before her had stood up in a public forum to share her political beliefs. Maria is also the first African American woman to lecture about women’s rights and black women’s rights, the first American woman to speak to a mixed race and gender audience, and the first African American woman to make public anti-slavery speeches.

For Maria in her time, just using her voice was seen as a defiant act. CWEALF is grateful that Maria led the way for our organization and each of our honorees to use our voices to stand for gender equality.

Written by Kate Farrar, CWEALF Special Events Coordinator

An overview of CWEALF’s Legal Education Program from July 1,...

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 13:26:25 -0400

An overview of CWEALF’s Legal Education Program from July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015.

2015 Legislative Report

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 16:11:30 -0400

2015 Legislative Report

Victory for Same-sex Couples

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 10:09:52 -0400

Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the fundamental right to marry in every state. In the historic 5-4 ruling, the Court declared all states’ same-sex marriage bans unconstitutional under the U.S. Constitution’s 14^th Amendment’s Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses. The Court also found that same-sex couples have the right to have their marriages legally recognized in every state.

This case,Obergefell v. Hodges, was first brought in 2013 by a same-sex couple who married legally in Maryland but lived in Ohio, which banned same-sex marriage. When one husband was not permitted to be listed as the other’s surviving spouse on an Ohio death certificate, he filed suit, claiming that the state law was discriminating against same-sex couples legally married in other states.

This Supreme Court decision means a number of important changes for same-sex couples who now can marry in all states. They will now be able to adopt children, be put on their spouses’ health insurance and visit their spouses in hospitals. They also have access to all governmental rights and benefits always accorded to straight married couples, including tax benefits and immigration status protection, as well as rights to Social Security, military and veteran benefits, and pensions.

When CWEALF helped to establish Love Makes a Family in 2000, we expected a long journey to full equality. We worked hard to educate legislators, community leaders and members of the faith community about the importance of marriage equality for same sex couples. We held rallies, press conferences and house parties to drive home the need to protect and respect same sex couples and their families. When Connecticut’s Supreme Court decision came down in 2008 declaring same-sex marriage legal in the state, we were elated but we all knew that the real fight was at the federal level. Last Friday will go down as one of the most important days in our country’s history and we are so proud to have played a part in this national movement.

Congrats again to all who made this victory possible, especially Mary Bonauto from GLAD in Boston who argued the case before the Supreme Court.

Love Wins!!!!!!!!!

Written by Alice Pritchard, Executive Director of CWEALF and Sheree Levine, CWEALF volunteer.

Connecticut’s Step towards Justice for its Transgender Population

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 13:02:16 -0400

Amidst the media frenzy surrounding Caitlyn Jenner this month (who – fun fact - is a graduate of Newtown High School), Connecticut quietly joined the likes of Vermont, Rhode Island and at least five other states by adopting a law that will modernize the process for transgender people to change their birth certificate to accurately reflect their new gender. The bill, which would permit people to change the gender designation on their birth certificates by obtaining a statement from their physician or psychologist, now awaits approval from Governor Malloy, who has long been an avid supporter of transgender rights.

Connecticut policy currently requires a court order as well as an affidavit from a surgeon performing gender reassignment surgery to change a birth certificate, a law that does little to reflect an understanding of the challenges transgender people face in aligning their identified gender and documentation. The current law fails to take into account the experiences of the majority of the transgender population without the resources or celebrity of Caitlyn Jenner who are unable to undergo surgery for a variety of reasons, such as an absence of insurance coverage or a disqualifying medical condition.

The new change reflects an increasing awareness of the workings of gender dysphoria, a condition for which surgery is just one of multiple treatment options. Gender dysphoria, previously named gender identity disorder, is identified by mental anguish and distress resulting from a misalignment between an individual’s biological sex and one’s gender identity. Because relieving gender dysphoria is a highly individualized process, nonsurgical procedures are often more affordable, accessible and appropriate treatment plans.

Rather than requiring gender-confirming surgery, the change will enable transgender individuals to modify the gender marker on their birth certificates by instead providing proof of “surgical, hormonal or other treatment,” a more appropriate standard that better supports the needs of a diverse population. The bill will also align birth certificate amendment policy with requirements for changing other types of documentation in Connecticut, which surprisingly are not uniform. The bill’s requirements, for example, are the same as changing the gender indication on a Connecticut driver’s license.

The benefits don’t end there. Aside from the awkwardness of having to explain why an individual’s sex listed on his or her birth certificate does not match with the identity he or she projects, inconsistent documentation can also lead to denied employment or housing. As a result, transgender people are significantly more likely to rely on state assistance in both of these arenas. This change will lift an economic burden not only from the shoulders of transgender people, but from the state’s as well.

CWEALF, a historically strong supporter of LGBT rights, joined forces with organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union CT, Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition, Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective, National Center for Transgender Equality, Planned Parenthood Southern New England, Quinnipiac University School of Law Civil Justice Clinic, True Colors, and the UConn Rainbow Center, to advocate for the passage of the bill, An Act Concerning Birth Certificate Amendments. Its approval in both the House and Senate marks an important and progressive step towards justice for the transgender population. As one of the first states to acknowledge gender identity and expression in its laws, Connecticut achieved yet another step towards accepting people as they self-identify, especially with regard to their gender.

Madeline Granato is a social work Master’s student at the University of Connecticut and is a policy intern at the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund.

Living in Connecticut? Get involved during this legislative...

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 09:40:08 -0500

Living in Connecticut? Get involved during this legislative session!

If you’re reading this blog, chances are you are well aware of what’s going on in the General Assembly this legislative session and how reforms to policies regarding domestic violence, massive improvements to the state’s transportation system and “second chance” initiatives to restructure the criminal justice system will affect all of Connecticut’s constituents in some way. With the state’s looming debt forcing Governor Malloy to make what he’s labeled “tough choices,” it’s never been more important to become not only aware of this year’s legislative session, but also offer an active voice to the process.

Here at CWEALF, our priorities include initiatives that encourage economic success and increased access to justice. Among several other proposals, this year’s legislative agenda promotes workforce investments that assist Connecticut workers in securing and maintaining employment and supports efforts to close the civil justice gap by advocating for low-income individuals who lack meaningful access to the legal justice system.

Our nation’s democratic system gives Americans the right and privilege to both elect our own officials and vocally support or oppose important legislation that would directly impact our communities. Democracy doesn’t end with a trip to the polls every November – it also provides us the power to influence our elected officials through verbal or written communication, by offering oral testimony at a public hearing for a proposed bill or joining campaigns in either encouragement or opposition to a particular issue. By participating in the political process, we hold our legislators accountable to the people who elected them and keep sight of why they are in office; to promote the common good and give back to the districts that put them there.

Getting involved doesn’t necessarily mean devoting your life’s work to a particular cause, spearheading your own coalitions or running your own campaign. Even the simplest of gestures can make a difference. Recognition of the Campaign for Paid Family Leave, for example, has blossomed in recent months largely due to the participation of Campaign supporters: everyday people who can relate to the cause and have decided to share their story or contribute to the photo campaign.

The most meaningful political involvement isn’t always loud, and definitely doesn’t always include front page news coverage or large protests engaging thousands of people. The simplest gestures, such as calling or writing your legislator advocating for a policy you are passionate about, makes your voice heard. Today, it seems that the scope of our political involvement post-November begins and ends with social media, from ranting Facebook posts of constituent dissatisfaction to the widespread trendsetting of a single hash tag. In the time it takes to try to squeeze every political concern into 140 characters or devise a witty response to fellow users who may not agree with your stance, think of how many letters or emails could be written exactly to the source - the Representatives or Senators who actually have the power to do something about the issue you’re passionate about.

From now until June and as the legislative session continues to gain steam, every voice matters – from the Governor to the Speaker of the House to those of us who just really feel strongly about a particular issue. There has never been a better time than now to get involved.

Unsure of who to contact? Visit http://www.cga.ct.gov/ to find your legislator.

Written by Maddie Granato, an MSW student at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work and Public Policy intern at the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund.

Photo by Lisa Jacobs, “Details of the Connecticut State Capitol, Hartford, CT” August 8, 2012. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivsLicense.

The Service of Restraining Orders in Connecticut

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 10:00:16 -0500

Connecticut’s method of serving restraining orders has several flaws. It is incredibly burdensome to the people in need of the protection of restraining orders. Many of these people are women who are victims of domestic violence.

One of the most striking problems with the current system is that a large portion of restraining orders is never served. Of course, without service, restraining orders are not enforceable. Another problem is there is no reliable method of tracking the success or failure of service of these orders. This means that victims are oftentimes not notified of whether notice has been served, information that is critical to their safety planning.

Additionally, it is the responsibility of the person seeking restraining order protection to find a marshal to serve the order. Marshals are not easy to locate—they are only available at the courthouse at two 30 minute periods during the day. And when a marshal fails to serve notice in the limited time, victims are currently forced to start the tedious and time-consuming process from scratch. The current system asks too much of victims and fails to protect them.

Lawmakers should consider using law enforcement to serve notice of restraining orders in place of marshals. Connecticut is the only state in the country that does not involve law enforcement. While locating individuals is a major barrier to marshals, law enforcement’s access to criminal databases enables them to locate individuals easily and quickly. Also, law enforcement is armed and trained to deal with dangerous and/or armed individuals. Shifting the service of restraining orders from marshals to law enforcement is a big change. However, it is one that is necessitated by big problems. This change will result in more restraining orders served more quickly—an outcome we can all agree on.

Written by Jessica Becker, a Graduate Social Work Student at the University of Connecticut and a Research & Evaluation and Public Policy Intern at the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund.

Photo by BRIAN IMAGAWA, “PORT AUTHORITY POLICE CAR.” AUGUST 28, 2008. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivsLicense

Military Families and the Case for Paid Family LeaveOne of the...

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 16:28:37 -0500

Military Families and the Case for Paid Family Leave

One of the projects that CWEALF is works closely on is the Connecticut Campaign for Paid Family Leave. The Campaign, which CWEALF co-chairs along with the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, is a coalition of organizations, unions, businesses, and other groups across the state that are in favor of a system of paid leave for Connecticut workers. Employees are currently able to take up to 12 weeks of leave under the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). However, that leave is unpaid. It can be difficult or impossible for some families to go three months without a paycheck. A system of paid leave would allow employees to be compensated if they took time off to take care of a new child, an ill spouse or family member, or their own serious illness.

When we talk about paid family leave, many people think of maternity or parental leave, with new parents taking time off to care for their newborn. However, there are many other kinds of families and caregivers that could benefit for paid family leave.

For example, consider the story of Sarah Wade, who speaks in the video above about her husband’s recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained during his tour in Iraq. Her story is common. According to the RAND Military Caregiver Study, 5.5 million people take care of a veteran spouse, parent, or child, and a fifth of those people are caring for veterans who served post-9/11.¹ Traumatic brain injuries, lost limbs, PTSD, and other combat-related conditions profoundly affect veterans, their spouses, and their families. Recovery can be a slow process rife with pitfalls, and the support of caregivers is important and needed every step of the way.

Despite this, there is little support for military caregivers. One in every four military caregivers reports a moderate to high degree of financial hardship.² This is unsurprising, as the vast majority of caregivers of post-9/11 veterans are still in the workforce, and 43 percent of military caregivers report spending over 40 hours a week caring for a veteran.³Balancing two full-time commitments (caregiving and working) is quite a challenge, but many caregivers cannot afford to take unpaid leave under FMLA.

This legislative session, Connecticut has the chance to address this issue and make a positive change for caregivers and veterans across the state by enacting a system of paid family leave. Veterans make great sacrifices for this country. The best way to honor that sacrifice, in my opinion, is to allow their loved ones to take care of them without having to worry about their paycheck.

1 Hidden Heroes: America’s Military Caregivers, Rand Corporation in collaboration with The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, 2014, p.30

2 Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update – The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving, AARP Public Policy Institute, 2011, p.6

3 Caregivers of Veterans – Serving on the Homefront, National Alliance for Caregiving, 2010, p.29

Written by Kim Cerullo. Kim is a graduate Social Work Student at UConn’s School of Social Work, and a Public Policy Intern at the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund.

Celebrating African American Women in Science!

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 11:44:38 -0500

Shirley Ann Jackson was the first African American woman to earn her doctorate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in nuclear physics and become the eighteenth president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Shirley Ann Jackson has received many awards throughout her career; these include the Exceptional Black Scientist Award, the Richtmyer Memorial Award and in 1998, Jackson was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame for her “significant contributions as a distinguished scientist and advocate.” Additionally, Jackson was named one of the 50 most important women in science by Discover magazine. She is a true inspiration for any woman or girl who is considering pursuing a career in science!

Another notable African American scientist is Patricia Bath. Patricia Bath paved the way for women in the medical field, specifically in the area of ophthalmology, which is the science of the human eye. Bath was the first woman to serve on the staff of the Jules Stein Eye Institute, the first woman to head a post-graduate ophthalmology training program, and the first woman to be elected as an honorary staff member at the UCLA Medical Center. Additionally, she was the first African American person to receive a residency in ophthalmology at New York University and serve as a surgeon at the UCLA Medical Center. If that does not seem like enough accomplishments, Bath was also the first African American woman doctor to receive a patent - and now she holds four! Her Laserphaco Probe is still used to treat cataracts.

Although Patricia Bath was the first African American woman doctor to receive a patent, the honor for the first African American woman to receive a patent belongs to Sarah E. Goode for her invention of the cabinet bed. Goode, unlike Jackson and Bath, did not have a scientific background or a formal education. She did however have an inventive mind that was determined to solve problems! Sarah Goode and her husband, Archibald, opened a furniture store in the late 1800s. Many customers would come in complaining that they wanted more furniture but did not have space for it in their tiny homes. These complaints are what sparked Sarah to create and patent the cabinet bed – the first ever foldable piece of furniture. Her invention set way for inventions like the futon and the pull out sofa. She also laid the foundation for other African American women to receive patents and showcase their talents and brilliance.

Thank you to these extraordinary women for all their contributions to society – and thank you to the many other great women we did not have room to mention in this blog!

Written by Laura Callachan. Laura is a Graduate Social Work Student at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work and an intern at the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund working with the G2O (Generating Girls’ Opportunities) program.

An Intern's Perspective on Research & Evaluation

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 15:37:28 -0500

My name is Jessica Becker, and I am an intern in CWEALF’s Research and Evaluation program. I am also currently working towards my Master’s degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Public Policy, at UCONN. I have found that my work in the research and evaluation program has been stimulating, challenging, surprising, and inspiring. One of my favorite experiences was my work on the evaluation of Middlesex Community College’s Center for New Media program, a new grant-funded program designed to offer students Associate’s degrees and certificates in new media industries such as broadcast and cinema, graphic design, and communications.

I had the opportunity to conduct case study interviews with a few different students one-on-one. I had a guideline of questions to cover, but my supervisor, Lucy Brakoniecki, also encouraged me to allow the interview to become a fluid conversation. I enjoyed listening and interacting with each student as they relayed their stories to me. This experience helped me see how valuable qualitative research is to understanding the strengths and challenges of programs. Furthermore, as I did more interviews, I noticed my listening skills and my questioning abilities improve. I look forward to using these skills and abilities in my future career as a social worker.

Written by Jessica Becker, Research & Evaluation and Public Policy Intern at the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund.

A Staff Member Says Goodbye

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 07:00:00 -0500

CWEALFies:

After 4 years at CWEALF, I’ve decided that it is my time to leave. I will be leaving to pursue another employment opportunity, but I will always be grateful for my time here. I finished my Masters degree here, got married here, adopted my fur-baby Lance here and had my precious son, Maximo here. It’s a special place for me where I’ve learned a lot and made good friends. I will take all of my lessons and memories with me and cherish them.

I have been honored to meet so many of you who are relentless supporters of CWEALF’s mission. In my time at CWEALF, the Legal Education Program’s Volunteer Initiative launched and CWEALF expanded services into New Haven. In just a short time, volunteers have been able to completely sustain the Information & Referral line; giving CWEALF the ability to maximize resources and staff’s time and the New Haven client population has more than tripled. The Girls & STEM Expos have continued to be offered across the state and are beloved by all who attend. The girlsopp.org website was launched to continue education for girls after they attend the Expo.

In the past 4 years, we’ve celebrated many women together. Whether that be the women of our past at CWEALF’s 40^th anniversary celebration, the women of our present like Dean Jennifer Brown at our most recent “One Woman Makes a Difference” event or the women of our future at CWEALF’s “40 Women for the Next 40 Years” event. What I’ve learned through the celebrations is that Connecticut is very lucky to have the forward thinking, glass ceiling breaking, and determined women that populate the state. Even more so, it’s lucky to have CWEALF!

I assure all of you that your support of CWEALF is used delicately and to its fullest potential. Women and families across the state look to CWEALF as a true support system. The women who make up its staff are hard-working, passionate, gender equality advocates who make it their mission to be the voice of women in Connecticut. They operate daily with the intentions to bring about beneficial change for women and families in Connecticut, regardless of how hard the fight.

I know that my time as a staff member is over, but I look forward to joining all of you as a supporter of CWEALF and seeing you at future events.

Thank you and I wish all of you and the organization the best of luck.

Happy Holidays!

Best,

Krystal Harrison

Krystal Harrison is the Development Coordinator at the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund.

To CWEALF, From Ana

Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:47:00 -0500

Ana is a client of CWEALF’s Legal Education program. Below is her story told in her own words.

Getting a divorce was one the hardest experiences of my life. After years of being in a stressful marriage, my health was starting to deteriorate. I have a painful musculoskeletal disorder, and my marriage was taking a toll on my body. To make things worse, I didn’t have a job, and my husband had was trying to kick me and our young son out of our home.

I didn’t know what to do. I had no family or friends I could turn to, and I could not afford an attorney. My world felt so small. I was lost. Alone…I wanted to just disappear.

Thankfully, someone told me to call CWEALF, and I got connected to your Community Advocate, Nilda. Nilda became my refuge, my hope. During such a painful time, she never left my side. She helped me come up with a plan, and because of her, I learned that my husband had no right to kick me and my son out, and I was able to stay in my home. I was empowered.

Sometimes I would think to myself, “How long before Nilda’s not able to take my calls or show up with me to court?” But no matter how many questions or court dates I had—Nilda was always there.

I am so grateful to CWEALF because your organization doesn’t allow women to feel alone. You don’t quit on the people who need you. You fill the gap for women like me who have nowhere else to turn.

I have my own business now, where I design beautiful pins made from broken pieces of jewelry. Through my art, I have been able to travel to different states and tell people my story. With my pins, I want to show women that even when our dreams, our hearts, and our lives are broken—don’t give up, for there is still something beautiful and wonderful to be made out of us.

Thank you CWEALF, for everything.

-Ana

Words transcribed by Denise Poventud, Legal Education and Outreach Coordinator.

Volunteer Spotlight: Rayane Azevedo

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 09:45:00 -0500

Rayane Azevedo joined CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) earlier this year and volunteers her time to our Information and Referral (I&R) line, a service that provides free legal information and attorney and community agency referrals to callers. Hear what she has to say about her experience!

Q: Where are you from?

I am originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and I am currently living in Hartford, Connecticut.

Q: How did you hear about CWEALF and what made you decide to volunteer with us?

I was looking for an organization where I could volunteer helping the community, gain experience in the legal field, and one that offered a flexible schedule. After meeting with my adviser at Bay Path University who mentioned the Connecticut Women’s Education And Legal Fund, I went on your website and thought that the organization was exactly what I was looking for.

Q: What are you learning from this experience so far?

I have been learning that the most valuable skills you can bring to any volunteer work are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do whatever is needed, and a positive attitude. Besides, this experience is giving me the opportunity to practice and develop my social skills.

Q: Tell us the best thing that’s happened to you while volunteering.

The best thing is when I hear, “Thank you for your help” on the other end of the line. I feel accomplished and engaged to learn more.

Q: So, what’s the future hold for you?

As a student studying Business Administration with a concentration in Paralegal Studies , volunteering on the I&R line is extremely helpful to my career. My goal is to attend law school when I finish my bachelors program, and be able to help the community with legal services.

Q: Aside from being an awesome volunteer, tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I love cinema! I studied foreign film a few years ago, and when I feel overwhelmed, or just need to relax, I watch foreign movies. French movies are my favorite–their art and creativity fascinate me. The Fabulous Destiny of Amelie Poulain is a great example that I can relate to volunteering; it tells the story of a shy waitress who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better. How does she do that? Well, it’s something that you will find out by watching it (smiles).

Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with CWEALF?

CWEALF is a great organization to volunteer for! I am thankful for having found such a wonderful place with amazing people dedicated to empowering women in our community. It is a very professional environment, and the staff is always committed to providing great resources. My volunteer experience at CWEALF even lead me to a job at a law firm!

Thank you for your commitment to equal justice, Rayane! To learn how you can get involved with CWEALF, contact Denise Poventud at dpoventud@cwealf.org or click here!

What’s New at the CT Science Center

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 10:26:57 -0400

We recently sat down with Amy Sailor from the CT Science Center to check out what’s new and exciting in the world of STEM. They have a number of exciting programs and exhibits for families and professionals to take advantage of.

As part of the Celebrating Women in Science program, held once a month on Saturdays, girls can meet real scientists and participate in hands-on activities. This is a great opportunity for girls to see all the possibilities for STEM careers and talk with women in the field! Join us on November 8 for Get Moving! with Physiologist Beth Taylor and learn how exercise impacts the body.

Looking for a fun new activity for your family or a unique field trip idea? Spend the night at the CT Science Center, if you dare! The next overnight is Saturday, November 15.

And don’t forget to check out the Grossology exhibit at the Science Center which explores the good, the bad, and the downright ugly behind the ways our bodies keep us healthy!

This is just a sampling of all that the Science Center has to offer. For more information, visit their website at www.ctsciencecenter.org.