Summer 2014
FCSW Connections
 
In This Issue
Message from the Chair
NACW Annual Conference
Public Policy
Public Outreach
Domestic Violence
Florida Conference
  
  
  
 
 
Florida Women's Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations
 
 

Nominations for the 2014-2015 Florida Women's Hall of Fame are now being accepted through July 15, 2014 by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. Since its inception in 1982, the Hall of Fame has recognized and honored Florida women who, through their lives and works, have made significant contributions to the improvement of life for all citizens of the state.

The Commission accepts nominations to the Hall of Fame annually between April 1 and July 15. Following deliberations, the Commission will recommend 10 nominees to Governor Rick Scott, who will select up to three women for induction into the Hall in a March 2015 ceremony.
  


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Welcome to the Summer 2014 edition of FCSW Connections, the e-newsletter of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. We sincerely hope that you will find this publication a useful and informative resource. Please share with us your thoughts and suggestions by e-mailing us at info@fcsw.net.
  
Sincerely,
  
Florida Commission on the Status of Women
  
Greetings from Commission Chair Yvonne Fry 

Greetings from the Florida Commission on the Status of Women! I am privileged to serve alongside very dedicated and accomplished women who are committed to improving the status of women in the great state of Florida. We are working on many programs, events and initiatives highlighted here in our newsletter but I wanted to touch on a few.

 

Recently, we were proud to stand with CFO Jeff Atwater to celebrate some great accomplishments in our state, including that Florida ranks #4 in the number of women owned businesses as well as 4th highest in closing the wage disparity gap nationally. We were joined by the Associated Industries of Florida, The League of Women Voters of Florida, all of the Jr Leagues of Florida, and Working Women of Tampa Bay as we highlighted the Centre for Women of Tampa which is representative of many organizations statewide focused on bridging the gaps at critical times in women's lives to give them the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.

 

We are very excited and honored to host the National Commission on the Status of Women's annual conference in Sarasota July 24-26th and invite you to join us for this dynamic event. We are also pleased to announce a "Listening Tour" around the state to connect with organizations and leaders to hear from them on the issues affecting women in their area. Our annual report of these findings will be presented to legislators at our Women's Day at the Capital on March 11, 2015 and will propel solutions, collaborations and ultimately help create shifts on these issues. The Florida Women's Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held that day also and we hope you will mark your calendars to be a part of this historic event.

 

We are working on a brand new website and rebranding the Commission as well as updating our communications plan and hope you will enjoy the new look and are looking forward to you engaging with us through social media. As we continue to expand our programs, we also are excited to offer formalized partnerships with organizations that support our work and want to be aligned and stay connected on all of our initiatives. The details of all of these programs and plans are further explained throughout our newsletter, but I cannot contain my excitement about the many new ways we can engage, connect and create meaningful dialogues and action plans throughout the state.

 

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm for our work. My fellow commissioners and I are thankful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Florida and believe that the status of women affects the status of cities, counties and our state in such significant and varied ways. We welcome your feedback, ideas and input and hope you will reach out to find out more on any of our programs or the many ways you can be involved. 

Waves of Change ~ Oceans of Opportunities

 

by Commissioner Barbara Wall, NACW Convention Committee Chair
 

This is an exciting time for us on the Florida Commission on the Status of Women as we prepare to host the 44th Annual NACW Conference & Business Meeting. The dates of July 24 - 26 are fast approaching so don't forget to register and make your reservations at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Sarasota.

  

Waves of Change ~ Oceans of Opportunities promises to be interesting and motivating with a stellar line up of speakers. Sessions will include such topics as Strategic Planning, Women in Politics, Women's Health, Networking for Women and much more. Commissions throughout the country will share information on programs and events that were successful in their communities.

  
Recipients of the 2014 FCSW Florida Achievement Award will be recognized during a special luncheon on Thursday, July 24th. Outstanding women and youth from around the state of Florida will be honored for their extraordinary contributions to their communities.

 

The 20th Annual Women's Equity Day Luncheon will be held Saturday, July 26th, celebrating the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving Women the Right to Vote. The event is being is hosted by the Manatee and Sarasota Commissions on the Status of Women and the League of Women Voters of Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Ms. Sally Matson will portray Susan B. Anthony the Invincible.

  

There will be time to explore and shop, as well as a special trip to the famous Mote Marine Aquarium. Those who are interested in extending their stay in Florida may want to visit Busch Gardens in Tampa or take a short jaunt down the road to Disneyworld. And, don't forget Florida's beautiful beaches!

 

This will be one conference you won't want to miss. For more information, contact the FCSW Office at 850-414-3300.  

FCSW Public Policy Focuses on Education

by Commissioner Deborah Cox-Roush
 

The Public Policy Committee is off to a great start. The Committee's mission is to encourage women from across the state to become educated about the legislative process and bills that are being considered that affect Florida's families.

 

We will be hosting our second annual  Florida Women's Day at the Capitol on March 24, 2015, so please mark your calendar. This is a day dedicated to informing and motivating women to engage in the legislative process. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the law-making process, and will given the tools needed to be leaders on policy changes impacting women. Hands-on training during the educational portion and will bring added value and education to the women in attendance. In addition, round table discussions are being planned with Legislators in conjunction with the fall public forums that will be help throughout the state this fall.

 

We hope to increase sponsorships and engage more women by reaching out to women's organizations across the state to partner with us in this important endeavor. If your organization is interested in joining us and supporting this event, please contact the Commission office at 850-414-3300.

 

The Committee  will also release the 2014 Summary of Florida Laws Affecting Women and Families this summer. This is an annual publication designed to encourage women from across the state to become educated about the legislative process and new laws that affect Florida's families.
 

We will continue to focus on plans to help Florida make an impact on women issues prior to the 2015 Florida Legislative Session.

FCSW Public Outreach
 

by Commissioner Chloe Gentry, Public Outreach Commitee Chair

This year, the Public Outreach Committee is focused on developing more tools and opportunities to distribute information in support of the empowerment and success of women.We continue to look for opportunities to build partnerships with organizations around the state that provide programs focused on issues affecting women. We are developing a stronger presence online via social media, blogs and e-newsletter in order to reach more women and leaders in the state of Florida. We will be bringing people together at some wonderful conferences and events throughout the year such as the Annual Conference for the NACW, Women's Day in the Capital and a series of local events throughout Florida. We are excited about the impacts that we can make as a commission with a network of women and leaders who come together to communicate their goals, celebrate their successes and look for synergies in their work.

Be sure to Like us on Facebook and get all the latest information on the work of the FCSW!  
FCSW Attends Domestic Voilence Prevention Conference

FCSW Assistant Director Michele Manning attended the17th Annual Rural Training Institute of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence on May 7 and 8, 2014, at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida. The conference entitled "Behind Closed Doors: Breaking the Silence in Rural Communities," brings together advocates and practitioners working to protect battered women and their children in rural communities. The conference addressed the systems' responses to domestic violence when the batterer and survivor no longer reside together however the abuse continues and/or escalates. Conference participants were afforded the opportunity to learn the latest information nationally and locally in domestic violence prevention. Participants learned from a wide array of inspiring and educational speakers designed to help domestic violence advocates, professionals and community member's work together to end violence.

Working Women Conference
Registration for the 2014 Working Women Conference is now open! Don't miss this extraordinary conferenc of one of the largest networking organization for professional women and women business owners in the state of Florida.
  
  
Florida Commission on the Status of Women
Office of the Attroney General
Tallahassee, Florida 32199