California NOW

Forum: Undocumented Immigrants and Domestic Violence

From the National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles:

In conjunction with our Women Helping Women Services, Advocacy and the Center for Pacific Asian Families have partnered to present a free community event that will bring to light how undocumented victims of domestic violence can learn to identify barriers and service gaps that put them and their children at risk.

What is the effect of the current political climate on services for undocumented immigrant families? Does a victim of domestic violence who is undocumented have access to the criminal justice system or social services for her and her children?

Do service barriers for undocumented immigrants have a ripple affect on community violence, public health or education?

What barriers to services and protections affect not only the women, but also their children and the community at large? What rights and services ARE available?

Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (Bring your “brown bag lunch” and we will provide refreshments and dessert), at NCJW/LA’s Council House: 543 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles 90036 (One Block South of Melrose – SW Corner of Clinton & Fairfax)

Panelists are:
♦ Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
♦ Sheila Neville, Senior Attorney, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)
♦ Joann Lee, Directing Attorney, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA
Moderator: Councilmember Jan Perry

For information and reservations call: (323) 852-8503 or e-mail ruth@ncjwla.org

Happy Leap Day!

Every four years, we are blessed with an extra day.

Yes, a whole new 24-hours! Why not use this day to do all those things you have dreamed of, all those things we seem to make excuses for? The time is now! Helen Keller once stated, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."

LEAP for it!

I'm going to use this leap day, to leap into action on planning women's herstory month events. What about you?

California NOW Conference is proud to present, Helen Reddy!

California NOW is proud to announce that Helen Reddy will address our annual membership and state conference, Women in the Public Eye on her new Spring 2008 speaking tour on ~ Adapting to Global Transformation.

Helen Reddy will take us into the world of healing, encouragement and self-empowerment. At a time when many feel disjointed and unaware of how they can affect the challenges in the world, Helen, with wisdom, wit, and spiritual clarity, helps us discover a latent power within us all to help us influence our own reality with courage, truth and hope. Helen clearly demonstrates how as we progress consciously, the world around us transforms with us. Learn how to harness that perceptual power with the woman who has always been a sacred catalyst for positive change. 

Helen Reddy: the unforgettable voice that became the lightning rod for feminist consciousness in the 1970's,  celebrates with us on her cross-country speaking tour in Spring 2008, to once again bring a critical message of hope and change to all.  Join us April 19th at the Hyatt West Hollywood to celebrate Ms. Reddy. 

CaL-Poly San Louis Obispo to Discriminate Against Saudi Women

For the past year, Cal-Poly, San Luis Obispo has been engaged in talks with the Saudi Arabian government to set up an engineering program at Jubail University. The catch to this seemingly great international opportunity is that women will not be able to attend classes or teach in the program. This is a giant step backwards for a progressive educational institute that is one of the top schools in the state. Women make up 44% of the student body and should be represented in equal numbers at any counterpart school. In addition women faculty members would be passed over when the administration places professors in Saudi Arabia. Respecting another country’s customs is one thing, but sacrificing women’s rights in a field of study that needs more women, is just wrong. It also sends a dangerous signal to Saudi Arabian women- we are not willing to support women beyond our borders.

Cal Poly is a state school that relies on government funding. If Cal-Poly were to suggest an educational program in California that did not allow women, the proposal would never be accepted. Both Saudi Arabian women and American women would be discriminated against, as neither would be allowed at the school. We all know the value of studying aboard. One can learn and benefit a great deal from immersing themselves in foreign cultures. However, the point is that everyone should get an opportunity to experience these fundamental global exchanges--not just the men. Tell Ca-Poly how you feel about this!

CA Gets First African American Woman as Speaker

Assemblymember Karen Bass has the votes to become the next speaker of the California Assembly, elevating an African American woman to the post for the first time in California history!

Assemblymember Bass, a Los Angeles Democrat, is now second only to the governor in power and prestige in California government.

Bass, 54, has been a top lieutenant to the current speaker, fellow Los Angeles Democrat Fabian Núñez who has served as leader since 2004.

Go, Karen! Read the full story here.