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The Connection
The e-newsletter of the Girls Coalition of Southwestern Pennsylvania
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Dear ,
Peggy Orenstein, acclaimed author, will be speaking about
her new book, Cinderella Ate My Daughter,
and the state of girlhood (and parenting girls) today. This speech is open to the public during the Girls Coalition of Southwestern
Pennsylvania's conference on Thursday, January 29, 2009.
Peggy will share her unique and inspirational viewpoint. We
invite you to share this time with your daughters, nieces, granddaughters or a
special girl in your life. Peggy
Orenstein's keynote will be held at the Sheraton Station Square hotel from 3:30 -
4:30p.m. Arrive by 3:15p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by clicking here. The cost is $15 per adult and $5 for youth and students. Space is limited. Read more about Peggy here.
General Conference Information and Announcements
Where: Sheraton Station Square Hotel
Time: 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m. registration)
Cost: $90 (lunch, coffee break and snack included)
What: A day focused on promoting the health, well being and empowerment of girls
- Featuring
national and local speakers, including Peggy Orenstein, columnist and
author, and Leslie Bonci, Director of UPMC Sports Medicine Nutrition Program, Dr. Kristin Anderson Moore, Senior Scholar and Program Area Director for Child Trends and Leslie Kantor, Assistant Professor of Clinical and Population Health, Columbia University. Read speaker bios.
Who: Managers and staff of girl-serving organizations as well
as concerned parents, educators, policy makers and others who work with girls and who want to know all they can
to empower the young women they care so much about!
EARN CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS!
We will be
offering continuing education credits through Carlow University. All participants must attend the entire day
of the conference to receive continuing education credits. We will have sign in and sign out for those seeking
CEUs. There is a nominal processing fee of $10 required to receive credits
(payable on the day of the conference either by check made out to Carlow University
or cash).
NBCC
Carlow University's Department of Psychology &
Counseling is an NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider and is
co-sponsoring this event. This program is offered for 5.5 continuing education
credits. Carlow University maintains responsibility for
the content of this event.
Social Workers
Continuing
Education credits will be offered through Carlow University Department of
Social Work, a co-sponsor of this event.
Carlow University Department of Social Work is a pre-approved provider
of continuing education credits for social workers by the State Board of Social
Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. This program is approved for 5.5 continuing
education in social work credits.
Education Professionals
Six hours of Act
48 credits are available through Carlow
University, Department of
Education, a co-sponsor of the event.
Educational professionals must bring a copy of their teaching
certificate and social security number.
To find out more about the conference, listen to our new podcast, or visit www.girlscoalitionswpa.org.
Watch Comcast Newsmakers!
Look for the Girls Coalition on Comcast Newsmakers during the entire month of January! Comcast provides a free forum for non-profit organizations and community leaders to present events and issues important to the Pittsburgh
Region. The
Girls Coalition is
pleased to take part in this worthwhile program. Comcast Newsmakers can
be seen at 25 and 55 minutes past the hour on CNN Headline News, only on Comcast
Cable.
The conference is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors:
Champions: Adagio Health, Comcast, The Ellis School, FISA Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, Women and Girls Foundation
Advocates: Elsie H. Hillman Foundation, The Grable Foundation
Mentors: Carlow University, Jewish Healthcare Foundation, Winchester Thurston School
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Monthly Poll
January Poll
By answering three short questions, you will
be able to share with us your thoughts and insights on issues that
affect the
girls in our region.
Click here and push the "vote" button to take the poll. It takes less than a minute to make your voice heard!
December Poll Results Summary
In
the December edition of the monthly Girls Coalition poll, we asked our
readers about risk behaviors among girls in the community. More than
half of the respondents (52%) stated that sexual behavior is the most
common risk behavior, followed by drugs and smoking indicated by one
third of the poll respondents (33%). Only 14% of respondents indicated
that unhealthy nutrition is a common risk behavior observed among girls.
The
second poll question asked about factors contributing to these risky
behaviors. Respondents indicated that low self-esteem and peer pressure
are equally important causes of risky behaviors (35%, respectively).
Lack of decision-making skills was only a slightly less important
factor leading to risk behaviors, as indicated by 30% of the
respondents. These responses suggest that not one specific factor but
rather a combination of all three, low self-esteem, peer pressure and
lack of decision-making skills, may lead girls to engage risky
behaviors.
If
you are interested in finding out more about trends observed among
girls and learning strategies to create effective programming that
empowers girls to become healthy adults, come join us at the First
Annual Girls Coalition Conference for Professionals who Work with Girls to be held on January 29, 2009 at
the Sheraton Station Square. For further details, please check the
Girls Coalition website.
If
you have questions you would like to have answered in a monthly poll or
have comments you would like to share with the Girls Coalition, please
email info@girlscoalitionswpa.org. |
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Events and Announcements
Call for Program Ideas for
2009!
The Girls Coalition invites YOU to be
part of our future programming in three ways:
GIRLS NEEDED FOR FOCUS GROUPS!
Are young girls more violent today than in years past? Is the problem growing or is it a matter of perception? Are adequate resources available and accessible? How can we make a difference?
The Girls Coalition is working with the Youth Crime Prevention Council (Youth Futures) and United Way of Allegheny County
to explore the timely issue of violence related to girls as
perpetrators and instigators. Our goal is to compare information
collected on a local level with findings from national
research-resulting in the development of a strategic plan to address
the issue locally. We would like to hear from girls regarding their
attitudes, opinions and experiences and need your help to identify and
convene these groups.
We
are seeking a cross-section of girls, ages 10 and up, who represent
various geographic locations (within Allegheny County), socio-economic
backgrounds, levels of academic achievement and who may or may not be
known perpetrators of violent activity. You'll
provide a group of 10 girls to participate in this research study at
your site, and we'll provide refreshments and incentives. We will also
conduct a select number of one-on-one interviews.
If
you are able to assist with this project, please contact Jada Shirriel,
Project Manager for Community Initiatives and Partnerships at the
United Way of Allegheny County at 412.456.6740 or jada.shirriel@uwac.org.
Member Announcement: Pennsylvania Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy at Chatham University
Isn't it time?
We are right off the heels of a historic
election. Isn't it time we make history right here in Pennsylvania?
We have big challenges ahead of us. Isn't
it time we have a say in where our state, city, and communities are heard?
We have the opportunity to make our government more
representative of its citizens.
Isn't it time your voice is
heard?
RUN FOR OFFICE and CAMPAIGN! The Winning Edge
Campaign School
can give you the tools to win. Sign up or come with your friend, neighbor
or sister/daughter/mother to gain the SKILLS & CONFIDENCE to start your
own campaign or jump into one already in progress at this training.
Learn the tools of the trade by campaign experts and elected officials.
It
is time!
Register today! Limited space is still available. Contact the Center for more information.
View conference flyer.
Registration accepted by mail (PCWPPP, Chatham University, Woodland Road, Pittsburgh,
PA 15232),
fax (412-365-1515) or email (pcwppp@chatham.edu).
Checks or Money Orders may be made out to Chatham University.
NEW for Pennsylvania Attorneys:
Attending the Winning
Edge can earn you Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credit.
Member Announcement: Young Men and Women's African Heritage Association
Young Men
and Women's African Heritage Association, Inc. (YMWAHA) welcomes you to celebrate
another year of Black History Month with 4-weeks of family friendly Friday
nights. Each week will highlight African American contributions in the arts:
film making, poetry and dance as well as historic accomplishments made by extraordinary
men and women of African decent. Click here to view the calendar of events. |
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Get Connected!
Call for Members
Join the Girls Coalition and enjoy these benefits to membership:
- Raise the profile of your organization through a detailed profile in the Annual Resource Directory of Girl-serving organizations
- Post and promote your events on the Girls Coalition website
- Reach Girls Coalition members with eblasts about your organization's monthly events and special opportunities
- Learn about the latest information, resources, and trends about girls
- Receive advanced notice for all Girls Coalition professional development and educational events
- Connect and collaborate with a network of like-minded agencies and individuals on projects and amplify the regional profile of girls and girls' issues
Download Girls Coalition membership application now.
Welcome, New Girls Coalition Members!
See a full listing of Girls Coalition members. |
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Profiles
Amazing Girl Destiny
Destiny is a
seventh grade student at South
Hills Middle
School and has been a Gwen's Girl since November
2007. In her short life, Destiny has
weathered a number of adverse family issues, and currently, she resides in
foster home while working to heal her relationship with her mother.
Some young women
who have experienced similar struggles turn to negative coping strategies, but
not Destiny! She uses her amazing resiliency,
strength and creativity to express her feelings in positive ways. She is active in the Arts Ministry at
Lighthouse Cathedral of Pittsburgh where she participates in both Dance and
Mime. Destiny also writes poetry about
her life experiences and hopes for the future. Writing is a way Destiny has found to process her feelings about her
past and to describe her dreams for the future.
Education is of
primary importance to Destiny. She works
hard to maintain honor roll grades every quarter and aspires to one day enroll
into veterinary school. Her favorite subject
is math, and she names her math teacher, Mr.Creo, as a major source of
encouragement for her.
Staff at Gwen's
Girls have identified Destiny as an Amazing Girl because she is a positive
influence and a leader in the after-school program. Destiny inspires other Gwen's Girls to exude
confidence and make positive choices in life.
Call for Amazing Girl Nominations
The Girls Coalition of Southwestern Pennsylvania is always accepting nominations for "Amazing Girls" to be featured in our newsletter. We have established broad criteria to consider when submitting an "Amazing Girl." We are interested in showcasing girls who
demonstrate the following characteristics: leadership; commitment and willingness to work hard; perseverance; the
drive to excel despite challenge; and creativity. The purpose of this feature is to hear about
girls who may be "truly amazing" but have not yet been recognized. Please share your recommendations, and we can all see how she shines! Send us an email about an Amazing Girl you think we should profile.
Member Profile: The Midwife Center for Birth & Women's Health
Our Mission: The Midwife Center provides exceptional woman-centered pregnancy,
birth, and well-woman care in an independent birth center in Southwestern
Pennsylvania.
Our Vision: The
Midwife Center (TMC) will be a part of the solution to the crisis in birth in
the United States
by providing exceptional, personalized, woman-centered care in a growing, diverse
clientele. Recognized for providing the highest quality care, TMC will
participate in research, provide midwifery education to future providers, and
advocate for improved regulations and reimbursements for midwifery. These
activities will further the field of midwifery and meet the growing demand for
midwifery services, which will contribute to better health outcomes for women
and infants.
History: Since 1982 The Midwife Center for Birth & Women's Health
has provided well-woman care thousands of women living in the tri-state area
and welcomed more than 3,500 babies into the world. The Midwife Center (TMC) is
southwestern Pennsylvania's
only licensed, accredited freestanding birth center. For much of its 26-year
history, TMC operated as part of a larger parent hospital, most recently as
part of Allegheny General Hospital (AGH). In early 2000, AGH announced a restructuring plan that eliminated
several non-core operations, including TMC. The Center's staff, clients, and community members immediately organized
to build a new, independent, non-profit birth center. With community,
volunteer, private donor and foundation support, TMC purchased and renovated an
historic brick building in the Strip District to open a state licensed,
nationally accredited birth center in 2003.
Services: Each of the TMC midwives is a
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), a registered nurse with additional education as
a midwife, and licensed by the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine. TMC CNMs provide well-woman gynecological care,
pregnancy and birthing care and educational classes for women and families from
puberty through menopause. The midwives
provide care for women throughout labor and delivery at TMC birth center and at
Allegheny General
Hospital, where they have
staff privileges and 24-hour physician consultation and back-up. TMC midwives also have privileges and
physician back-up at Magee
Hospital.
Insurance: TMC accepts most private
insurance, as well as Medical Assistance and Medicare. It is also affiliated
with Adagio Health, Inc, which enables women who are uninsured or underinsured
to receive well-woman care and family planning services on a sliding scale.
TMC Statistics: TMC clients consistently experience better outcome
statistics than women and infants nationally. In 2007, only 17.5% of women in
the practice had c-sections, compared to 31.1% nationally. In 2007, 2.4 % of the babies born in the
practice had low birth weights, compared to 8.3% nationally. The rate of premature births was 2.8%,
compared to 12.8% nationally. (National data is for 2005.)
Funding: The Center is a private, non-profit practice supported in
part by patient fees, United Way Contributor's Choice, and contributions from
individuals, businesses and foundations.
For more information about the Midwife Center, visit http://www.midwifecenter.org/tmc/tmc/content.asp. |
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Opportunities
Pro
Bono Grant Writing Offer from HEART Resources, LLC
In celebration of the Girl's
Coalition first year of service to our community, HEART Resources, LLC will
write one grant proposal, without charge (free and without obligation) for an agency
affiliated with the coalition.
Qualifications:
- Organization
must have 501(c)3 status.
- Small
or grassroots agency (under $1M operating budget).
- Target population for the project is underserved girls.
- Proposed project expands health or mental wellness activities for girls OR (in response to the current economic crisis) seeks to meet safety net needs of girls.
- Agency is willing to apply the cost savings from this offer to direct services to girls.
Send an email to PMgrants@aol.com with "Girl's Coalition
Grant Offer" in the subject line, and a message containing: (1) a brief purpose
and description of the proposed project with target group and service area, (2)
agency name, (3) agency's web address or brief statement of mission and
services, and (4) a contact person name and phone number.
All respondents will receive
consideration and a decision will be made before the Girl's Coalition Conference.
HEART Resources, LLC is a
performance-based grant consulting practice founded by Katherine F.H. Heart,
M.Ed. that has helped to generate more than $3M in foundation, corporate and
government grant funding for local and national nonprofit agencies since 2001.
Opportunity for
your organization from the Coro Center for Civic Leadership
The
Coro Center
for Civic Leadership would like to invite member organizations of the Girls
Coalition to explore the opportunity to work with our talented, young Fellows
Program in Public Affairs (FPPA) participants.
As part of a
rigorous, 9-month program, Fellows complete consulting projects for local
organizations. With a variety of skills and interests, Fellows are able to
complete a variety of projects for each organization. We are currently seeking
organizations for the cycle beginning Monday, February 16. Past projects have
included feasibility studies, market research, business planning/ analysis,
outreach, marketing and much more.
Please contact
Misti McKeehen, Director of Recruitment &
Outreach, for more information on the program, and how to begin working with
the Fellows (mmckeehen@coro.org or 412.258.2676).
Become
a Junior League of Pittsburgh Project or Grant
Signature Project Application Deadline Extended to January 31, 2009
Members of the Junior
League of Pittsburgh collectively contribute 10,000
volunteer hours annually in the Pittsburgh
community. The League educates and trains its members to provide effective
volunteer service, to research challenging community needs, and to initiate
pilot projects or expand services to meet those needs. It provides
administrative, financial, and volunteer support for projects and facilitates
the permanent sponsorship of programs by other community organizations,
including the funding of a three-year Signature Project. Prominent projects that the JLP helped create include the
Pittsburgh Children's Museum, Vintage Adult Day Care Center, the
Pittsburgh
Center for Grieving Children, and
Everybody Wins!
A
Signature Project supports the needs of our community while providing
volunteer training and leadership opportunities to the JLP. The outcome of the
project will contribute to the economic development and sustainability of the
Pittsburgh
region in keeping with the JLP's position statements. Project implementation
and success relies 100% on JLP membership participation and accountability. Signature projects
are typically sponsored for a term of three [3] years. The range of financial
support for most projects is $3,000-$20,000 annually. Click here for more details and how to apply.
Member Job Opportunity: Adagio Health
Adagio Health, a non-profit health care agency headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh,
PA, provides services to women and their families in western
Pennsylvania. Adagio Health services include comprehensive gynecology
and obstetrics care, nutrition counseling, screening for breast and cervical
cancer, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, community
education, training, research, and a regional program to reduce teen
pregnancy. For more information regarding our agency please visit our
website at www.adagiohealth.org.
Seeking a
Research Associate to work on applied research projects. The job responsibilities
include day-to-day management of behavioral research projects, qualitative
and quantitative data collection and analysis, and report preparation. Position requires Masters Degree with Public Health or social science
research background, excellent communication skills and proficiency in
statistics and SPSS software required.
Salary
Range: $31,800 - $43,300
An attractive benefits package is available that
includes health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, pension,
employee assistance program, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. |
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Resources
Preventing Abuse in Teenage Dating Relationships
The
New York Times article, "A Rise in Efforts to Spot Abuse in Youth
Dating," by Elizabeth Olson sheds light about the realities of dating violence
that affects an increasing number of teens. The article points out
that teaching girls about healthy relationships along with research
and policy initiatives will help us prevent abuse in teenage dating
relationships. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/us/04abuse.html
Teen Birth Rate Increase
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has released its final 2006 teen birth data.
In sum:
The good news: the national teen
birth rate decreased 32% between 1991 and 2006.
The bad news: the national teen
birth rate increased 3% between 2005 and 2006-the first increase in 15
years-and most observers expect another increase between 2006 and 2007.
Additional bad news: 26 states reported a
significant increase in their teen birth rate between 2005 and 2006 and only
three states and the District of Columbia had significant decreases.
What's driving
the increase?
Decreases in teen sexual activity have come to a halt as have improvements in
contraceptive use-at least among teens still in high school. However, the
increases in the birth rate between 2005 and 2006 have been greatest among
those aged 18-19, a group for which there are no recent data on sexual activity
or contraceptive use at the national level.
Read an examination of the increase by Kristen Anderson Moore who will be speaking at the Girls Coalition Conference for Professionals who Work with Girls on January 29.
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Cool Stuff for Girls
National College Fair
The National Association for College Admission Counseling will hold a college fair on Thursday, February 5 and Friday, February 6 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Thursday, February 5
9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.
Friday, February 6
9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
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Check out this article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about our upcoming First Annual Conference! Sincerely,
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