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.

Montgomery Women's Shining Star Award

I was extremely honored to receive Montgomery Women's 2015 Shining Star award. Montgomery Women is a non-partisan leadership and political action committee started in 2001 by a diverse group of experienced and emerging leaders who recognized the need to provide a forum for women's voices in Montgomery County. I'm proud to have been a founding member of this important organization. I also want to congratulate Planning Board member Natali Fani-Gonzalelez, who received the Rising Star award.

"You've come a long way, baby." Remember that? Since the Virginia Slims slogan debuted in 1968, the number of women serving in state legislatures has more than quintupled. That's the good news. The bad news is that the proportion of women in state legislatures in 2015 is only 24 percent. Maryland is slightly ahead of the average at 31 percent.. So yes, we've come a long way, but we haven't come nearly far enough. That's why I am such a fan of Montgomery Women and its mission to support women's efforts to serve in elected and appointed office as well as other leadership positions.

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."

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.