HARTFORD  –  The Connecticut chapter Foundation of the National Organization for Women will host a workshop entitled “Empower Yourself: Pay Negotiation Seminar” for women. One of the key reasons women are paid less than men is because they do not negotiate their salaries. In the current economic climate, women may think they are lucky to get a job offer, any job offer, and not even consider negotiating on salary or benefits.

 “Many women feel uncomfortable negotiating. When they do negotiate, they will usually ask for less, and subsequently get less,” said Jessica Fenner, President of CT NOW Foundation. “We would like to provide women with an opportunity to build these essential skills.”

 The event will be held on Thursday, September 22nd from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Social Hall in the Hamden Public Library, which is located at 2901 Dixwell Avenue. (Enter at the back of the building). Tickets are $15 if registered by Monday, 9/19. The $15 cost is tax-deductible. This event–the first of a three part empowerment series sponsored by CT NOW Foundation–will help CT NOW fund a scholarship for a woman candidate to go to the Yale campaign school. Participants will have the opportunity to practice negotiation and receive feedback, providing them with some of the tools they need to boost their salary and/or benefits.

 This interactive workshop will be led by Dr. Shannon Lane, MSW, PhD, an Assistant Professor at the Adelphi University School of Social Work in Garden City, New York. Dr. Lane’s research focuses on political social work. She also conducts research and education around domestic violence and other issues that disproportionately affect women.

 To register, email president@now-ct.org  by 9/19.

 ”This is a sad day not only for the Wal-Mart employees who have faced systemic discrimination in the workplace based on their gender, but for all women in this country who do the same work as their male counterparts and deserve the same pay,” said Jessica Fenner, President of the Connecticut Chapter of the National Organization for Women.  “This highlights the importance of Congress passing the Paycheck Fairness Act which would make equal pay a reality.”

CT NOW CELEBRATES PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO BENEFIT WOMEN

Connecticut Makes History with Paid Sick Days, Domestic Violence and Other Policy Changes

Hartford, CT— The Connecticut Chapter of the National Organization for Women is celebrating the passage of landmark legislation that will benefit women across the state of Connecticut. At the close of the legislative session Wednesday night, the General Assembly had enacted legislation promising significant positive change for women’s health, safety, and economic and legal status. Noteworthy bills signed into law this session include paid sick days, domestic violence legislation, and bills to mandate insurance coverage for breast MRIs as well as prevent discrimination on the basis of gender identity. In March, CT-NOW hosted a lobby day at the State Capitol to advocate on behalf of this legislation.

The bill to require that certain businesses provide their employees with paid sick days (SB 913) is a first-in-the-nation, truly progressive measure that will help women who, as the primary caregivers in most families, have been disproportionately affected. The domestic violence legislation (HB 6629) makes multiple changes to the state’s response to domestic violence, including measures to strengthen access to restraining and protective orders, improve information sharing between state agencies, facilitate victims’ access to services, and provide law enforcement with better tools to protect communities.  SB 10, An Act Concerning Insurance Coverage for Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging, requires certain health insurance policies to cover MRIs for women considered to be at risk for breast cancer.  HB 6599 explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity in the state of Connecticut.

CT-NOW President Jessica Fenner noted that Connecticut is a leader on women’s rights at a time when those rights are threatened at the national level. “While funding for reproductive and other essential health services for women continue to be under attack in Washington, the state of Connecticut recognizes the importance of enabling women to provide for their families, improving women’s health and strengthening communities. We are proud to live in this state.”

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CT NOW believes that the personal is indeed political; therefore it strives to impact and change attitudes, beliefs, and policies that harm all women by fighting for political, economic, and social justice through education, organizing and action. This purpose includes, but is not limited to, equal rights and responsibilities in all aspects of citizenship, public service, employment, education, family life, and it includes freedom from discrimination because of race, gender or perceived gender, ethnicity, origin, age, marital status, sexual preference/orientation, physical ability/health status, or parenthood.   For more info, please visit our website, www.now-ct.org.

November 30, 2010

Dear CT NOW Supporter:

As we end yet another year of successful feminist activism in Connecticut we want to take time to thank you for your continued support. Our supporters give us the power to speak out about women’s issues and organize across the state.

Because of your support, CT NOW successfully organized our 2nd Annual Love Your Body 5K Run & Walk that was held on October 23, 2010. The goal of this event is to provide an empowering environment for women, men, girls and boys to celebrate who they are, just as they are.

The feedback from attendees was phenomenal. One attendee emailed us and said, “I ended up going to the race alone because a friend canceled, but I had so much fun, met such nice people and enjoyed a fantastic race. Thank you one and all for your hospitality and sending such a positive message to women!” Another attendee said, “My husband and I ran our first 5K’s this past weekend at your race. We wanted to thank you for fostering such a great atmosphere. It was very inspiring and we look forward to returning again next year.”

Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to the CT NOW Foundation to help us continue our work.

In addition to our 5K event, your support enabled the CT NOW Foundation to create a new program called Mission: Love Your Self. An educational program, Mission: Love Your Self’s goal is to fight back against unfair media standards that try desperately to inform how we see ourselves. Within the program there is a “Street Team” made up of activists of all ages and genders who participate in “guerilla style” activities – like leaving post-it notes with positive messages in public places. The program strives to encourage women & girls to love themselves intrinsically & holistically for the unique and beautiful individuals that they are.

Because of the positive response to Mission: Love Your Self and its Street Team, we have seen an increased interest in our enhanced website, www.now-ct.org. Mission: Love Your Self has also re-energized our blog, Say It, Sister as it serves as a support tool for the program. For information about any of the events or programs mentioned please visit our website.

Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to the CT NOW Foundation to help us continue organizing local events and actions that help make Connecticut a better place for women.

Thank you for your continued support of the CT NOW Foundation. We look forward to another year of great events and feminist activism!

Sincerely,

Jessica Fenner

President, CT NOW

P.S. To make a tax-deductible donation to the CT NOW Foundation, please send the form below and your check made out to “CT NOW Foundation”. If you would like to use your credit card to make a donation, please visit our website, www.now-ct.org.

Click for the Holiday Appeal 2010 Donation Form