Girl Power Writing Contest

Here's the full press release from the Commission for Women:

The Montgomery County Commission for Women is kicking off Women’s History Month in a unique way this year. The Commission is inviting residents of all ages to participate in the first annual Girl Power Writing Contest, “What’s It Mean to Be a Woman in 2017?” 

Children and adults are welcome to submit a short story, poem, drawing or anything else that reflects the contest theme. Girls and women can share their own experiences while boys and men can reflect on what they think life is like for the women in their life. 

Submissions can be intellectual, emotional, funny, spiritual or serious. Possibly inspirational themes include: I’m proud to be a girl/woman; battling stereotypes; breaking the glass ceiling; body confidence; I can do anything a boy/man can do. Creative entries are welcome, but entrants should refrain from using vulgarities and racist or sexist comments or images.

The Commission for Women will select winning entries from four categories: elementary school students, middle school students, high school students and adults. Entries will be judged on creativity and content.

Contest winners will be featured on the Commission for Women website and receive a swag bag, a photo with Commissioners, a congratulatory letter from County Executive Isiah Leggett and an invitation to be a guest of honor at a Montgomery County Commission for Women event of their choice.

Submissions will be accepted through March 31 and are limited to one per person. Written entries should be no more than 500 words. Entries should include full name, age, grade and school (if applicable), phone number, and e-mail address. Winners will be announced by April 14. 

Entries may be submitted by mail or email. Mail entries should be sent to Girl Power Contest, Montgomery County Commission for Women, 21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 330, Rockville, MD 20850. Email entries should be sent to cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov with “Girl Power Contest” in the subject line. 

Entries submitted by minors must include written permission from a parent or guardian and be the minor’s own work. All entries become the property of the Montgomery County Commission for Women and may be used for publicity purposes. 

For more information, call 240-777-8300 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw.

Women's History Month Proclamation

It is Gloria Steinem's birthday--an auspicious day for us to honor National Women's History Month at the County Council by presenting a Proclamation to the Montgomery County Commission for Women.

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the courage, foresight and creativity of women of every race, class and ethnic background who have contributed to our county and our country. Today, we took time to remember the many Montgomery County women, including Rachel Carson, mother of the modern environmental movement; Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross; and Emily Edmonson, freed slave and abolitionist, who figure importantly in our local and national history.

To learn more about Montgomery County women in history, check out the Commission for Women’s display in the Rockville Library or visit their history page on the Web.

And since it is her birthday, here's some wisdom from Ms. Steinem, "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

My Pick from WLB: Miss Representation

There were a lot of reasons I enjoyed yesterday's Women's Legislative Briefing, including serving on a panel about women in elected office with my friends, Nancy Navarro and Valerie Ervin. The Commission for Women always does a terriffic job with this event, and I particularly enjoyed the screening of Miss Representation, a documentary film that exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. While watching the film, I was stuck by how much our economy depends on selling goods at the expense of women and girls. If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, I encourage you to check it out, or you can see a list of the statistics featured in the film.

Apply Now to Commission for Women

Apply by May 17 for one of five spots on the Commission for Women. Three vacancies are for applicants that must be nominated and recommended by an organization within the County whose interests relate to the status of women, and this endorsement should be included with the application. Two of the vacancies are for individuals applying on their own behalf. Three incumbents are eligible to apply for reappointment.The primary responsibility of the 15-member Commission is to advise and counsel the County government on issues of concern to women.

Send your cover letter and resume, along with an endorsement from a women’s organization if applicable, to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD 20850, or by email to countyexecutive.boards@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Girls Power Up Computers

A couple of years ago, I chaired the Girls in Technology Task Force—a group of public sector, private industry and education professionals committed to increasing the number if girls involved in technology studies.

We learned that seven out of 10 of the fastest growing occupations projected from 2004-2014 are technology-related professions. However, by grade eight, half as many girls as boys show interest in careers that require math, science and technology knowledge and skills. As a result, far fewer girls are positioned for technology professions, and there is no evidence that numbers will increase under current conditions without a concerted effort to improve the situation.

So, get your girl over to Montgomery College for two-week camp sessions filled with creative and interesting projects designed especially for middle school girls. Campers will create cool digital graphics and design their own Web sites while using their creativity and sense of style. You can choose from sessions offered at each of the college’s three campuses. Best of all, you can apply for a limited number of scholarships available through the Montgomery County Commission for Women.

Women's History in Montgomery County

Tomorrow, Councilmembers Valerie Ervin, Duchy Trachtenberg and I will present a Proclamation naming March 2009 Women’s History Month in Montgomery County. As we join in the national celebration, we will take a look at women’s history right here in our own back yard.

The Montgomery County Commission for Women has researched and archived biographical information on 30 women of significance in Montgomery County. In the archives you’ll find women from all aspects of history, including civil rights, government, various social movements, athletics, and a lot more. Some of my favorites include Rachel Carson, mother of the modern environmental movement; Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross; and Emily Edmonson, freed slave and abolitionist. These women figure importantly in our local and national history.

I encourage you to take a look at these fascinating biographies.