NOW Alaska

National Organization for Women - Alaska

[alaska-now]

Photo: Two of the Mat-Su NOW protesters hold their banner on the Parks Highway in Wasilla on 9/6/03.

We're celebrating and defending our workers and unions for Labor Day coming up on September 4, 2017. Here's a story of a Mat-Su NOW action from their 2002-2003 Mat-Su NOW Newsletter:

Mat-Su NOW Supports NOW’s Wal-Mart: Merchant of Shame Campaign, Gets Message to Wal-Mart Customers on September 6th

On the first Saturday in September 2003, from noon to 2:00 p.m., NOW members met in the Wal-Mart parking lot and proceeded to walk through the store aisles, handing out palm-sized "Merchant of Shame" flyers to customers. NOW members managed to hand out almost all flyers before the manager found them and told them to leave the store. The NOW members left the store and took their position at the intersection of the Parks Hwy. and Seward Meridian in front of the store on a beautiful day. It was a very successful action; members received positive feedback from customers and passers-by and apparently only annoyed a carload of teen boys and Wal-Mart management. Mat-Su NOW was proud to help raise awareness of Wal-Mart's well-documented policies of under-paying, under-promoting, and under-training their women workers.

[alaska-now]

Some Alaska History on Suffrage

As the U.S. House of Representatives debated details of the law that would grant Alaska its first Legislature, in 1912 a Socialist Congressman from Milwaukee rose to insist that the Alaska Legislature ought to be allowed to give women the right to vote. "The time has gone by when all women looked after the kitchen and the dining room," said Rep. Victor Berger. "Now they go into offices, school rooms and factories, where they do a man's work, and they should have the same economic and political rights as men. . ." The debate took place on April 24, 1912, nine days after the sinking of theTitanic, where the priority for lifeboats was "women and children first."

With this in mind, one of the Congressmen who thought women should not be allowed to vote, asked, "If they got the same rights as men would they enjoy the same privileges as they enjoyed on the Titanic?" Berger said yes because "the saving of the race is left to the women."

For decades, women's groups in the United States had fought for the right to vote, making the most headway in the American West. Rather than directly grant Alaska's women the right to vote, Congress gave that power to the Alaska Legislature when it approved the law creating the Territory of Alaska, signed by President Taft on Aug. 24, 1912.

When the First Territorial Legislature met, its first act was to unanimously approve a bill to allow women to vote. 

Legislators said that women had proven themselves in Alaska and did much to support its development. Others believed that allowing women to vote was important because it would increase the number of voters, which would impress government officials who questioned the stability and the future of Alaska. Sen. Henry Roden of Iditarod said it was an easy issue to deal with because it did not "cost any member anything, nor their friends."

Gov. Walter Clark said there had been no demand from Alaska women to vote, but he signed the bill "without hesitation." He said it would only be important if women took the time to vote as "we have a large enough inactive citizenship already -not only in Alaska, but in the States as well."

This Alaska action was praised by supporters of women's suffrage in the United States. The Seattle Sun commented that "Alaska is nothing if not progressive." At that time only nine states (Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Washington, California, Oregon, Arizona and Kansas) had granted women the vote, but the trend was turning. Two years after Alaska joined that list, Gov. John F. Strong said the practice of voting by women had not "unsexed them nor caused them to take on 'unwomanly attributes' or unfitted them to become wives and mothers, or to attend to their domestic duties generally." The 19th amendment, extending suffrage to all women, became part ofthe United States Constitution on August 18, 1920.

Photo: Women’s History Project Gazette

Article:  http://www.akhistorycourse.org/governing-alaska/the-territory-of-alaska

[alaska-now]

IN FLOOR DEBATE, ALASKA LEGISLATOR STATES HE “FIGHTS” BASED ON HIS SELF-SELECTED AND INTERPRETED RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.

On May 10, 2017, the Alaska House of Representatives debated censure of Rep. David Eastman for his recent unfounded and degrading abortion-related remarks against Alaskan women and little girls as well as his pattern of expressing sexist and racist value statements on the house floor. 

Of many legislators who contributed to the debate, Rep. Lance Pruitt of Anchorage was the only speaker who cited his religious beliefs as a consideration for his vote for or against censure. But where in Rep. Pruitt’s oath of office did he state, “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend my personal religious beliefs?”

Video:  http://www.360north.org/gavel/video/?clientID=2147483647&eventID=2017051081&eventID=2017051081&startStreamAt=4800&stopStreamAt=4870

[alaska-now]

The Alaska State Senate Majority Stalls HB31, a Bill to Address Alaska’s Unprocessed Rape Kit Problem

The Alaska House has passed HB31, an act to require rape kit processing. HB31 was sent to the Senate on April 10 and has been languishing in the Senate State Affairs Committee ever since, with no activity on record. Now the Alaska Legislature is working in overtime on the budget. Really? Must we really wait another year for the Senate to, hopefully, pass HB31 to force various reluctant agencies to process their backlogged rape kits in compliance with the Governor’s order? Let's call and ask them.

Video:  Watch Rep. Tarr do a terrific job describing the issue and the urgency to pass HB31 before this session ends.

Contact Senate State Affairs Committee Members at these numbers.

(By the way, none of these senators are in the Sen. Finance Committee that is working on the budget. So what are they doing? Isn't there time for them to hear this bill?):  

Sen. Kevin Meyer - 465-4945

Sen. John Coghill - 465-3719

Sen. Dennis Egan - 465-4947

Sen. Cathy Giessel - 465-4843

Sen. David Wilson - 465-3878

 See HB31 details here: http://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/30?Root=HB%20%2031

[alaska-now]

[alaska-now]

Alaska National Organization for Women and Mat-Su College Present their Third Annual Equinox Women’s Film Festival

Film Schedule:

Friday

6:00PM – 8:00PM

Grace  

Knowing she could never prepare her for everything the future holds, a mother tries to impart life’s most essential lessons to her daughter in a single letter.

 Under A Stone

A woman returns to her hometown for a family obligation. She reunites with her brother, but they clash in how they cope with their awful past.

 Color

A young woman tries to create a piece of art.

 Rosetta's Blues

‘Rosetta’s Blues’ is the story of a young woman finding it difficult to come to terms with her father’s passing. Acting out in theatrical and amusing ways as methods of coping, this is a coming of age tale of how Rosetta is inspired to move forward in life rather than being weighed down by her loss.

 Won't Somebody Think of the Children?!

Amanda and Catherine, both in third grade, are writing a comic book together about feminist superheroine Sergeant Laser. They are hurrying to finish as their deadline approaches, and their "publisher," their classmate Andy, refuses to give them another extension.

 Everything It Takes

Shortly before Mary Helwig signed up to fulfill her dream of running the 2016 Iditarod, a 1,000- mile long sled dog race across Alaska, she lost her home and her dogs' houses, plus almost all her racing gear and possessions to the Sockeye Fire. Everything It Takes documents the year of Mary's life leading up to race day as she and her dogs struggle to ready themselves for the challenge of a lifetime.

  Saturday

BLOCK I - 10AM - 12:50PM

You're Just Projecting

Shot in Paris, and later projected in Rhode Island onto walls and objects, You’re Just Projecting is an intentional fragmentation of the female body wherein legs, breasts, stomachs hands and feet have been placed in or near pieces of architecture that give the illusion of being separate from an actual body to create a sense of entrapment. The concept of the popular image of women in the 1950's-60’s, and today is repurposed by altering and satirizing the male gaze which is only accentuated by the incorporation of the male voice.

 Nanny

From the writer of Solo Dios Sabe (Diego Luna, Alice Braga; Sundance 2006), Niñera looks at the bitter ironies many nannies face.

 Emerald Ice

Emerald Ice is a cinematic journey exploring the mind of the American poet Diane Wakoski. This experimental short brings to the screen her work--the sprawling beauty that is Diane's emotional spectrum.

 Five Awake

Five Louisiana women -- outraged over husbands shooting their wives-- set out to strengthen domestic violence laws, including a controversial proposal to restrict the gun rights of domestic abusers. In Louisiana, this was considered lunacy. Not the part about armed abusers. The part about wanting to disarm them. This is the story of what happens when women, armed with passion, pluck and political savvy, wake up and refuse to take no for an answer.

 Midnight Poetry

A young mother, Tilda, has escaped London with her 7-year-old daughter in order to end an abusive relationship. In Sydney, the pressure of guilt and memory challenge her new life.

 Home Invasion for the Holidays        

A freshly divorced mom and her daughter foil a dimwitted burglar's plans.

 Real Artists    

Real Artists, a dark tale set in the near future, is based on Ken Liu’s short story of the same name. Sophia just scored every animator’s dream interview at world famous Semaphore Animation Studios. Was it Sophia’s rebel ethos and creative instincts that landed her the invitation?

 Crocuses        

On the final day of packing up her home, Rita can’t shake the regret she feels about her late husband, Bernard.

 Alice

One night, eight-year-old Alice is forced to stay with her distant father, after overhearing a big fight between her parents and witnessing her mother leave.

 Klocked: Women with Horsepower

The desolate, alien landscape of the Bonneville Salt Flats, barren, gleaming white…in the distance, the faint, high whine of motorcycles shifting through gears…and then three-woman stream into view on their roaring machines. Designed as a feature length documentary, Klocked: Women with Horsepower focuses on women motorcycle land speed record holders Laura Klock and her two daughters Erika and Karlee Cobb.

 BLOCK II - 1PM - 4PM

Proclamation Punctuation

“Proclamation Punctuation” is an enthralling fashion film centered on a fabulously fascinating woman reciting a short soliloquy paying homage to her love for using exclamation points in her missives.

 Feeling Wanted          

Charell, age 6, woke up to find herself alone. She made breakfast, dropped her baby sister off with a neighbor, and walked to school. With a dad incarcerated for murder, a mom on drugs and a childhood in foster care, Charell knew it was time to break the cycle.

 Love Somehow          

"Genius is a terrible thing.”  Caitlin Thomas was a dancer, writer and woman behind the famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas. She partied as hard as him, advised him, loved him, kept him sober enough to write and brought up their family on no money, finally surviving his early death. Very little is written about Caitlin, her role in their legend or her recovery, and most portrayals are laughably inaccurate. This is Caitlin’s lyrical version of her life with Dylan, adapted from a one woman play written by Welsh poet Phil Bowen.

 Relation Shipwreck: The Great Boob Debate

Brooke has to make a difficult decision regarding her most recent acting role.

 Chill

Chill is an inspirational documentary about a single woman fighting to preserve her fertility and dreams of motherhood through egg freezing in her mid-thirties. Weeks before she decided to freeze her eggs, actor, Jennifer Frappier began documenting her thoughts on fertility and parenthood.

 Aether

A young artist, dissatisfied with her efforts to draw, opens a portal that absorbs her within the pages of her sketchbook.

 The Highway

All Henley wants to do is get home in time for his anniversary.  He has a 17-hour drive from his last business trip stop. He tries to drive straight through, but he gets too tired, and he decides to stop for the night.

 Silent No More - Louise Pentz: A Voice for Social Change  

No longer willing to remain silent about the injustice she sees, Nova Scotia ceramist Louise Pentz uses her art as a force for social change. Her sculptures give voice to women around the world who are silenced by social, political, religious or family circumstances.

 Mom

'Mom' is about Alex--a young woman who rents a room in a house with an older woman, with what little money she has left. But Alex must ultimately decide what she is willing to do for money.

 Northfound

Iris and Finn are two sisters with a special affinity for hot dogs and sexy cartoon animals. Devastated by Iris's recent diagnosis, the two are left to navigate their time left together.

 Find Me

After the death of his father, a young man falls victim to the darkest parts of his own mind.

 BLOCK III - 5PM - 8PM

The Last Farewell

An honorable soldier must choose between the woman he loves or the country he had pledged to die for. The story takes place in the year 1973 when the Philippine republic is under Martial Law.

 In-between the Scripts

An experimental film about A male suffering from mental health issues, and his physical and psychological experience with anti- psychotic medications.

 The Baby Lu`au

Brooke Cho, an ambitious young attorney, confronts her estranged family after a 5-year absence, only to discover that not everything is what it seems to be. She soon must race against time to uncover the truth or lose what she loves most.

 America Heard: Refuge of Hope

Syracuse, New York is an unlikely home to over 10,000 former refugees. Two women at the forefront of this community reflect on what their presidential vote means to those whose only true home is the American town that took them in.

 Earworm

A lonely man does battle with a relentless piece of music.

 Hole

After moving into a new apartment, a young woman discovers a hole in her living room wall.

 Tucker Noir

Take a brief look into the life of Northern California's drag king sweetheart, Tucker Noir. Watch as he hosts Chico California's 2016 gay pride weekend and gives us a little insight on what performing drag is all about.

 Bombing

Sophie is an unmotivated comedian. When her estranged young daughter is unexpectedly thrust back into her life, Sophie's plans have to be reshuffled.

 BETWEEN

Shades of Winter’s BETWEEN, a Red Bull Media House co-production, is the latest film by Austrian pro skier and filmmaker Sandra Lahnsteiner who keeps redefining women in action sports movies since her first release in 2010. Between earth and sky, ocean and snow, old friends and new, between the day-to-day challenges and the once-in-a-lifetime thrills of travelling to some of the most exotic and challenging slopes in the world and then mastering them, not missing the moments between. The new UHD 4K action sports feature film with a documentary aspect, not only follows the crème de la crème of female skiing including Olympic gold medalist and alpine skier Julia Mancuso and many more on compelling journeys and to thrilling destinations; it also features three-time world surf champion Carissa Moore. For Between, the long-term duo Sandra Lahnsteiner and director of photography Mathias Bergmann teamed up with German film editor Thomas Kohler known for the documentary “Cerro Torre” (2013).

[alaska-now]

Today, in commemoration of Black History Month we spotlight trailblazing Alaskan, Mahala Ashley Dickerson

Biography Mahala Ashley Dickerson 1913-2007 Achievement In: Law

Amidst her long and distinguished career in the law, Mahala Ashley Dickerson achieved many “firsts”. She was raised on a plantation owned by her father in Alabama. She attended a private school where she began a lifelong friendship with Rosa Parks, who would become a hero of the civil rights movement. After graduating from Fisk University in 1935, she married, raised triplets and, in 1945, graduated from Howard University Law School. She became the first African-American woman admitted to the bar in Alabama, in 1946, the second African-American woman to be admitted to the bar in Indiana, in 1951, and in 1958, was the first African-American female admitted to the Alaska bar. In her many years of practicing law, until she was 91, she was known for fighting for the rights of women and minorities. In 1975, she successfully prosecuted a precedent-setting equal pay case on behalf of women university professors who received less pay their male counterparts. In 1983, she became the first African-American to serve as the President of the National Association of Women Lawyers. She even homesteaded in Wasilla, which undoubtedly was another first for an African-American woman!

She received many awards and honors over the course of her long career. In 1982, she was honored by the NAACP. In 1984, the University of Alaska Anchorage awarded her the degree of Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of her work in encouraging minority equality in Alaska and throughout the United States. In the following year, she received both the Zeta Phi Beta Ward for distinguished service in the field of law and the Baha’i Award for Service to Humanity. In 1995, she became a recipient of the prestigious Margaret Bent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. This honor, which “recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of women lawyers who have excelled in their field and have paved the way to success for other women lawyers”, succinctly summarizes the influence and achievements of her career. Attorney Rex Butler, whom Dickerson persuaded to come to Anchorage, summarized her successful career in this recollection, “I remember one lawyer telling me one time, he said, ‘Rex, you see those mountains out there?’ He said, ‘Those mountains are littered with the bones of lawyers who underestimated M. Ashley Dickerson.”

In 1998, M. Ashley Dickerson published the story of her life, Delayed Justice for Sale: An Autobiography.

Source: AlaskaWomensHallofFame.org

[yahooentertainment]

Kerry Washington opens the Screen Actors Guild Awards

[alaska-now]

NOW is committed to working to end racism.

[alaska-now]

Join Twitter Storm NOW Against DeVos Confirmation

Take Action! Use this hashtag: #DeVosFacts  and any of these tweets, courtesy of Pinellas NOW:

DeVos' lack of experience and fluency on current education + civil rights law was clear at her confirmation hearing. #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

In her hearing, DeVos refused to support Title IX enforcement guidance protecting student survivors of sexual violence. #DeVosFacts

During her hearing, @BetsyDeVos refused to support accountability for all schools receiving federal funds. #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

DeVos has failed to demonstrate that she's qualified to be Secretary of Education or that she understands what the job requires. #DeVosFacts

.@BetsyDeVos argues for an unaccountable education system which serves only to exacerbate inequality of opportunity. #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

.@BetsyDeVos has demonstrated no prior commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunity in schools. #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

Trump wants @BetsyDeVos to lead @usedgov. She has a record of supporting anti-LGBTQ causes. #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos http://bit.ly/2josu5t

.@BetsyDeVos doesn't have a record of working in schools. She does have a history of donations to anti-LGBTQ groups. #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

School vouchers have had the impact of perpetuating racial segregation. @BetsyDeVos has been a strong supporter. #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

Yes, @BetsyDeVos is the wrong choice to lead a civil rights agency or American public education. #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

DeVos would undermine bedrock American principles of equal opportunity, nondiscrimination + public education itself. #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

.@BetsyDeVos is neither an educator nor someone who has ever had to administer a school or a district. #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

Your Daily DeVos: A vote tracker, a gay marriage statement and where  Trump’s picks went to high school  http://www.chalkbeat.org/posts/us/2017/01/23/your-daily-devos/ #DeVosFacts

For educators, the nomination of @BetsyDeVos is a personal affront. https://medium.com/school-house-voices/devos-doesnt-speak-for-responsible-charter-schools-f60b205fc246#.r4oyher1x #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

Don’t invest such immense power in one who has made destruction of public ed the calling of her life. https://medium.com/school-house-voices/a-horrifying-prospect-for-public-schools-c2baa35076cd#.71hqgcrmk #DeVosFacts

New Orleans should be a cautionary tale for Betsy DeVos. http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/01/what-new-orleans-can-teach-betsy-devos-about-charter-schools-214610 #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

.@SenWarren to DeVos: There is no precedent for an Ed Sec nominee w your lack of experience in public ed https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2017/01/09/elizabeth-warren-takes-aim-donald-trump-pick-for-education-secretary-betsy-devos/bsPfL1JE2Zun4P2ItobDcO/story.html #DeVosFacts

Betsy DeVos has not been shy about advancing her goals by funding campaigns against her foes. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/09/us/politics/betsy-devos-education-secretary.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share&_r=0 #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

Like Kochs, DeVoses are generous supporters of think tanks that evangelize for unrestrained capitalism https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/09/us/politics/betsy-devos-education-secretary.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share&_r=0 #DeVosFact

.@BetsyDeVos is a billionaire Republican who has worked assiduously to weaken public schools in Michigan http://www.newsweek.com/betsy-devos-trump-education-department-538533 #DeVosFacts

.@BetsyDeVos Is Coming for Your Public Schools http://www.newsweek.com/betsy-devos-trump-education-department-538533 #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

In Detroit, parents have plenty of choices. What remains in short supply is quality. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2016/12/08/a-sobering-look-at-what-betsy-devos-did-to-education-in-michigan-and-what-she-might-do-as-secretary-of-education/?tid=pm_local_pop&utm_term=.bb5d50f8db94 #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

What’s the worst that could happen with Betsy DeVos as education secretary? Two scenarios. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2016/11/27/whats-the-worst-that-could-happen-with-betsy-devos-as-education-secretary-two-scenarios #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

Conflicts of interest matter and @BetsyDeVos has tons of them.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/education/wp/2017/01/10/ethics-office-director-says-proper-vetting-of-ultrawealthy-cabinet-nominees-can-take-weeks-sometimes-months/?utm_term=.eba7f11bcb73 #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

Nominating @BetsyDeVos is proof positive that Trump doesn’t get schooling https://medium.com/school-house-voices/devos-proof-positive-that-trump-doesnt-get-schooling-65f3d840de61#.xo3jbpsod #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

This is the 21st century envisioned by those who embrace the for-profit model of education. https://medium.com/school-house-voices/devos-proof-positive-that-trump-doesnt-get-schooling-65f3d840de61#.xo3jbpsod #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

The nomination of @BetsyDeVos risks reigniting the education wars http://educationopportunitynetwork.org/will-betsy-devos-restart-the-education-wars/ #4pillars #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

Another sign of the oncoming ed war is the resurgence of vilifying teachers, unions and public schools http://educationopportunitynetwork.org/will-betsy-devos-restart-the-education-wars/ #DeVosFacts

Even charter school advocates don't think Betsy DeVos is right for the job. http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/2017/01/charter_advocates_tell_liz_warren_betsy_devos_may_not_make_grade #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

@BetsyDeVos has no experience in public ed, how can she be expected to be in charge of it? https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/12/us/politics/betsy-devos-education.html?emc=eta1&_r=0 #DeVosFacts

Americans don't support @BetsyDeVos' nom, Congress must take note & follows the will of the people https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/12/us/politics/betsy-devos-education.html?emc=eta1&_r=0 #DeVosFacts

Americans love their neighborhood public schools and want them to thrive. @BetsyDeVos doesn't https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/12/us/politics/betsy-devos-education.html?emc=eta1&_r=0 #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

#6 is pretty spot on. http://www.politico.com/gallery/2017/01/the-nations-cartoonists-on-the-week-in-politics-002393?slide=9 #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

New 5 Questions for @BetsyDeVos: http://www.usnews.com/opinion/knowledge-bank/articles/2017-01-10/5-questions-for-betsy-devos-donald-trumps-education-secretary-nominee #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

The real target of @BetsyDeVos isn’t teachers unions, or even the edu establishment. It’s the Democrats http://edushyster.com/the-red-queen/ #DeVosFacts

In the most diverse country in the world, where 90% of kids attend public schools. https://medium.com/school-house-voices/the-promise-of-public-education-1a657fb3a4c5#.gylk7i5dv #DeVosFacts

Profit is the top priority for too many charters in MI. This is not a model to replicate across the US https://medium.com/school-house-voices/devos-doesnt-speak-for-responsible-charter-schools-f60b205fc246#.2906iuh8r #DeVosFacts

DeVos' wealth assures they can steamroll their way to victory on issues incl ed reform & workers' rights http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/01/betsy-dick-devos-family-amway-michigan-politics-religion-214631 #DeVosFacts

.@BetsyDeVos is a billionaire who's spent her career & fortune rigging the system to privatize & defund http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/01/betsy-dick-devos-family-amway-michigan-politics-religion-214631 #DeVosFacts

Why did it take 20yrs to come up w features of charter accountability that still have so many loopholes? https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2017/01/betsy-devoss-accountability-problem/513047/ #DeVosFacts

Even @Cosmopolitan is out with 9 things you need to know about @BetsyDeVos http://www.cosmopolitan.com/politics/a8580091/betsy-devos-trump-administration-education-secretary/ #Questions4Betsy #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

Betsy DeVos is enemy #1 to children and to having a viable public ed system there to help all kids http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trumps-pick-education-secretary-reignite-education-wars/story?id=44678347 #DeVosFacts

All of the nation's youth—especially #LGBT students—are at risk with  Besty DeVos as Ed secretary http://www.advocate.com/commentary/2017/1/17/betsy-devos-threat-americas-children #DeVosFacts

See what DeVos did firsthand, in terms of buying off MI Leg, rewarding friends & punishing enemies http://www.rawstory.com/2017/01/teachers-union-chief-rips-trumps-education-pick-jeb-bush-likes-her-but-parents-dont/ #DeVosFacts

Why educators oppose DeVos http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc-news/watch/-public-schools-are-worth-defending-856401987578 #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

"I don't think Betsy DeVos understands public education at all, or what we do as educators" http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/michigan/2017/01/16/teachers-wear-red-protest-betsy-devos-confirmation/96634780/ #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

"You wouldn't go to a Dr who has no degree in medicine or have your car fixed by someone who isn't a mechanic http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/michigan/2017/01/16/teachers-wear-red-protest-betsy-devos-confirmation/96634780/

AMAZING video from @bravenewfilms on @BetsyDeVos. Must watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47OC7wZbwzM&feature=youtu.be #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

.@DianeRavitch on why Betsy DeVos is wrong for public education. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47OC7wZbwzM&feature=youtu.be #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

.@BetsyDeVos is one of Trump’s least qualified nominees. http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/1/17/1621428/-One-of-Trump-s-least-qualified-nominees-is-up-for-a-hearing-and-Republicans-seem-to-want-to-bury-it #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

Billionaire DeVos family created Wild West of the charter movement https://medium.com/public-school-proud/billionaire-devos-family-created-wild-west-of-the-charter-movement-13f3f3afba0f#.6ak7lcc01 #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

DeVos spent $1.5mill to ensure there was no quality control. https://medium.com/public-school-proud/billionaire-devos-family-created-wild-west-of-the-charter-movement-13f3f3afba0f#.6ak7lcc01 #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

Watch this Detroit student's emotional response to @BetsyDeVos. https://www.facebook.com/AFTunion/videos/10154534444179160/ #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

Detroiters made the trip to DC to make the case against @BetsyDeVos. http://www.aft.org/news/detroiters-make-case-against-devos #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

1 of @BetsyDeVos’ most stunning blunders came when she challenged the notion of fed disability mandates http://prospect.org/article/betsy-devos-alarms-special-education-advocates-parents #DeVosFacts

.@BetsyDeVos didn’t talk about how charter schools have fueled school re-segregation in urban America. http://www.citylab.com/politics/2017/01/what-betsy-devos-didnt-say-about-school-choice/513269/ #DeVosFacts

What grade would you give Trump's education secretary pick, @BetsyDeVos? Teachers say F. https://www.facebook.com/ajplusenglish/videos/881714118636763/ #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

.@Trevornoah Eviscerates #BetsyDeVos Over Her Confirmation Hearing http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/betsy-devos-daily-show-trevor-noah_us_58804285e4b02c1837e9c776 #DumpDevos #DeVosFacts

Doesn't even look like @realDonaldTrump is confident in his pick of @BetsyDeVos for Ed Sec. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2017/01/22/what-trump-said-when-he-signed-the-executive-order-on-betsy-devos-his-education-nominee/?utm_term=.ac91bff1d2b7

Another amazing piece out by @TeenVogue on @BetsyDeVos http://www.teenvogue.com/story/betsy-devos-confirmation-hearing-title-ix-concerns #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

What @BetsyDeVos' Nomination Means for Women and Girls on Campuses and in Classrooms https://www.buzzfeed.com/tylerkingkade/betsy-devos-title-ix #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

Add this to the list of conflicts of interest @BetsyDeVos would have as Ed Sec. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/20/business/dealbook/betsy-devos-neurocore.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share&_r=0 #DeVosFacts

.@EdTrust opposed to @BetsyDeVos over ESSA enforcement, civil rights & college access/success policies https://edtrust.org/press_release/education-trust-cannot-support-devos-nomination-u-s-secretary-education-says-kati-haycock-senate-help-committee/ #DeVosFacts

.@DianeRavitch pens open letter to @SenAlexander "do the right thing regarding #BetsyDeVos" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/an-open-letter-to-senator-lamar-alexander_us_5884ebc9e4b070d8cad330ac?ncid=engmodushpmg00000004 #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

Watch: #BetsyDeVos' answers to questions regarding public ed like school funding, safety, special ed etc pic.twitter.com/KNIlFYkhqv #DeVosFacts

#BetsyDeVos was asked a lot of great ?s at her only hearing, but gave few great answers #DumpDeVos pic.twitter.com/KNIlFYkhqv #DeVosFacts

.@BetsyDeVos Reveals 102 Investment Ties That Could Pose Conflicts http://www.wsj.com/articles/education-secretary-nominee-devos-reveals-102-investment-ties-that-could-pose-conflicts-1484928283 #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

Michael Moore calls for mass opposition to @BetsyDeVos as pushback against her grows https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2017/01/21/michael-moore-calls-for-mass-opposition-to-betsy-devos-as-pushback-against-trumps-education-pick-grows/ #DeVosFacts #DumpDeVos

Secondary School Principals "cannot encourage the Senate HELP cmte to approve @BetsyDeVos” https://www.nassp.org/news-and-resources/media-relations/news-releases/nassp-statement-on-betsy-devos-nomination-hearing #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

Must-read letter from alumni and students at DeVos’ alma-mater - reasons she should not be confirmed https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2017/01/24/hundreds-of-students-alumni-from-devoss-christian-college-oppose-her-selection-as-education-secretary/ #DeVosFacts

How would @BetsyDeVos and @realDonaldTrump impact edu in your state? Find out: https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/education/reports/2017/01/25/296971/state-profiles-devos-and-trump-put-vulnerable-students-in-jeopardy/ #DumpDeVos #DeVosFacts

This isn't enough. We need to make sure our senators know we oppose #BetsyDeVos. Call them 202-224-3121.

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/betsy-devos-education-viral-social-media-233787

[alaska-now]

Videos: Women's Marches in Anchorage and Juneau

Thousands gathered for rallies in Alaska. Check out the sights and sounds of two.

What a day in Anchorage today! Despite the wet weather and deep snow, the fired-up crowd packed an entire block of the Anchorage Park Strip. We were treated to inspirational and energetic speakers there and back in the warmth and comfort at Williwaw on 6th Avenue. There was amazing free food, many groups with information tables, and a lovely three-woman musical group. It was a terrific event for all. We enjoyed discussing issues with all the folks who stopped by our table. And thanks to our really important team of volunteers. There's no doubt everyone got our global message today.

[newrepublic]

Watch the music video Pussy Riot was filming yesterday (2/19/20) when they were whipped and beaten by Cossacks

[alaska-now]

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/116668/pussy-riot-releases-new-music-video-sochi?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=3994716

[alaska-now]

We’re re-blogging this timely reminder of Vlad’s counterproductive, authoritarian management style.

[alaska-now]

Alaska House Majority Coalition Introduces Numerous Bills Helpful to Women and Families

See information below about 30th Legislature bills recently submitted that are particularly helpful to issues affecting women and families. Included is the bill number, short description, and URL for PDF of the entire bill as it reads currently. If you support these bills and want to see them actually move through the committees to floor votes, please be sure to let representatives know. To send a Public Opinion Message: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/poms/ Otherwise, call or write.

HB 13: "An Act prohibiting the expenditure of state or municipal assets to create a registry based on race or religion.” http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/30/Bills/HB0013A.PDF

HB 15: "An Act relating to marriage, adoption, birth certificates, state custody of a minor, divorce, dissolution, and legal separation; replacing the terms 'husband' and 'wife' in certain statutes relating to loans, trusts, spousal immunity and confidential marital communications, probate and nonprobate transfers, life and health insurance, workers' compensation, and property ownership; and making conforming amendments." http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/30/Bills/HB0015A.PDF

HB 25: "An Act relating to insurance coverage for contraceptives and related services; relating to medical assistance coverage for contraceptives and related services; and providing for an effective date." http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/30/Bills/HB0025A.PDF

HB 26: "An Act relating to breaks for employees who are nursing mothers." http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_fulltext.asp?session=30&bill=HB26

HB 28: “An Act relating to the disclosure of the ingredients in cosmetics; and providing for an effective date." http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_fulltext.asp?session=30&bill=HB28

HB 30: "An Act relating to the payment of sick leave by employers; and providing for an effective date." http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20%2030&session=30

HB 31: "An Act requiring the Department of Public Safety to develop a tracking system and collection and processing protocol for sexual assault examination kits; requiring law enforcement agencies to send sexual assault examination kits for testing within 18 months after collection; requiring an inventory and reports on untested sexual assault examination kits; and providing for an effective date." http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20%2031&session=30

HB52: “An Act relating to providing a pre-elementary program within a school district; and providing for the certification of early childhood education plans." http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20%2052&session=30

HB 45  "An Act relating to an annual report concerning the payment of equal pay for comparable work; increasing the minimum wage; and providing for an effective date." http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/30/Bills/HB0045A.PDF

HJR 1: “Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to marriage.” http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/30/Bills/HJR001A.PDF

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[alaska-now]

Join Alaska NOW at Statewide Women Marches on January 21, 2017

[micdotcom]

Here’s what politics looks like if you take out the men 

Out of the 22 people running for president in 2016, only two of them are women. Elle U.K. is confronting this imbalance directly through the magazine’s #MoreWomen campaign, launched on Oct. 1 to celebrate women’s global power. Their eye-opening launch video shows how easy it is to make full rooms seemingly sparse.

[alaska-now]

Do you remember that October 28, 2013 ABC News poll that found that only 54% of Democratic men say it would be a good thing if more women were elected to congress?

[alaska-now]

Call Your Senators Tomorrow; Oppose Sen. Jeff Sessions for AG

[alaska-now]

WHAT NOW?

Throughout the 2016 general election campaign, Hillary Clinton repeatedly warned us, “We can’t go backwards,” referring to her opponent’s agenda. Today, twenty days from the 2017 presidential inauguration, the opportunity to protect and advance national women’s policy has passed and we’re now wondering what could happen under the new regime? We can look backward for some clues.

In 1984, Republican President Ronald Reagan instituted the Global Gag Rule (Mexico City Policy) that denies foreign nonprofits US funding for abortion information and services. Democrat President Bill Clinton rescinded the Global Gag Rule on January 22, 1993, his third day in office.  The next president, Republican George W. Bush, reinstated the Global Gag Rule on January 22, 2001, his third day in office. On January 23, 2009, President Obama rescinded the Global Gag Rule, his third day in office. Despite the horrible fact that pregnant women in rural areas have little or no access to critical health care and, as a result, many die from pregnancy and childbirth complications, our radical right politicians consider the Global Gag Rule their ideal, first-week, political attack on women’s health and safety .

As Donald Trump is arguably far more obnoxious toward women than his predecessors, we can expect he will reinstate the rule. But what other dangerous policies, imposed on women, here and abroad, may we anticipate while he is in office? What protections will he attack? Since his staff instruct us to merely take his statements “symbolically,” we can only guess what he will do until he actually manages to get through the inauguration and takes office. But by reviewing George W. Bush’s actions against women during his presidency, we may gain some insight.

In 2002, the National Organization for Women established its TruthAboutGeorge.org (TAG) website that tracked George W. Bush’s barrage of restrictive policies on women from 2001 through 2008. Alaska NOW compiled highlights from the TAG information in the following two-page document, Bush Administration Pushes Women Backwards.

(Of course this document excludes George W. Bush’s fraudulent and catastrophic 2003 invasion and war on Iraq, the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster, and the 2007 financial crisis. The high costs of these leadership failures were, and still are, borne by everyone on the planet.)

Bush Administration Pushes Women Backwards

Page 1

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=a517ba33b0&view=att&th=1595c738ee8dfdd3&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw

Page 2

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=a517ba33b0&view=att&th=1595c738ee8dfdd3&attid=0.2&disp=inline&safe=1&zw

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[alaska-now]

There are many serious choices to make on Alaska’s ballot in the next several days! Please don’t forget to finish the job and fill in those important ovals on the ballot’s back side!   Maybe you haven’t heard much about the “retention” election for judges and justices of the Alaska Court System. The engaging video shows us how it is an important part of our judicial system. And our judicial selection system, non-partisan and merit-based, is widely recognized as one of the best in America.

Surely most members of the Alaska feminist community know how much we must rely on our Alaska judges, our constitutional experts, to protect our individual liberties while providing a fair forum for all Alaskans to resolve disputes. (Imagine where we would be without them!) To protect and sustain that system, the protections we rely on, and our Constitutional heritage, please “Finish the Ballot!” and vote in this year’s judicial retention elections.

Need to learn more about our sitting Judges? Go to: http://www.ajc.state.ak.us/2016-retention-election