FCSW Chair, Kathleen Passidomo, appointed Commissioner Marie Flore Lindor-Latortue to lead the newly created Public Outreach Task Force. The Task Force’s mission is to engage women’s commissions and organizations locally and nationally and to serve as a communication liaison between these groups. While continuing to strive to increase awareness of the work of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, the Task Force is planning numerous activities including outreach and media exposure, newsletters and publications, and encouraging joint community events with different commissions thereby expanding FCSW’s presence throughout the state.

The Task Force is also working to become a resource and information channel to guide youth by conducting community trainings. It is dedicated to building a team approach among commissions and members are excited about their vital function to the Commission and the women of Florida. The Task Force looks forward to what lies ahead. Members of the Task Force are FCSW Commissioners Blanca Bichara, Thelma Crump, Susanne Hebert, Allison Doliner Hockman, Esq., Mona Jain M.D, Ph.D., Juanita Scott and Debbie Sembler.

by Commissioner Thelma V. Crump

My name is Thelma Crump, and I am a newly-appointed Commissioner with the Florida Commission on the Status of Women (FCSW or Commission). I was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush in October 2005, and I am pleased to be a part of this Commission that represents millions of Florida women. Since my appointment, I have been asked by many of you, what is the FCSW? What do we do? What type of services do we offer? I’d like to share with you a few facts and describe some of our activities.

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women honored Valeria Robinson-Baker, Ilene Silverman- Budd, Roniece Weaver, Judy Katrina Wilson, Deborah Markham, and Mary J. Hughes with a FCSW Florida Achievement Award for their work in improving the lives of women and families in their Central Florida communities. They received recognition in a luncheon ceremony during the second quarterly meeting of the Commission on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at Noon at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, Orlando, Florida.

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women (FCSW), proudly presented $1,500 to both Girls Inc. of Sarasota County and Just for Girls, Inc., of Manatee County for their participation in the Girls E- Mentoring in Science, Engineering and Technology program (GEM-SET). The Commission will also be presenting Liberty County Schools with a $1,500 award in the fall.

This U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau's program, in partnership with the FCSW, encourages girls between the ages of 13 and 18 to participate in the program to increase their interest in science- related careers. GEM-SET is an online initiative that links girls with volunteer women mentors in the fields of science, engineering and technology via a Web site, e-mail messages and special events. More than 40 Florida girls participated in GEM-SET.

After years of planning, The Florida Commission on the Status of Women Foundation, Inc., has been formed to financially support various projects and programs of the Commission. The Foundation is a not- for-profit corporation and has now received 501(c)3 IRS status.

The funds will be used for programs such as the Florida Women's Hall of Fame, Women and Money financial seminars, and GEM-SET. For more information on how to contribute visit www.fcsw.ne t/foundation.

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women will hold its third quarterly meeting on September 7 - 8, 2006 at the University of South Florida in Tampa. The Commission will conduct business, honor outstanding individuals with the FCSW Florida Achievement Award, and will be addressed by University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft, among others.

All FCSW meetings are free and the public is encouraged to attend. Please visit www.fcsw.net for the latest meeting information.