In our efforts to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of women to our community, the Education Committee of the Gainesville Commission on the Status of Women, Inc. invites you to submit nominations for our 2009 Ida B. Wells and Elizabeth Cady Stanton Awards. For the past two decades, these awards have honored women who, in working for women’s and/or civil rights, have also benefited the community, but whose efforts have not yet received recognition.

Ida B. Wells (1863-1932) was a crusading journalist who fought against racial injustice and lectured around the world about the lynching of African Americans. She also worked for suffrage and helped to found the first black suffrage organization. Despite segregation, Wells argued that black and white women should work together to achieve equality.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) was instrumental in calling the first women’s rights convention at Seneca Falls, N.Y., in 1848 and became a leader of the women’s movement. The convention passed the Declaration of Sentiments, which set the agenda for the women’s movement well into the 20^th century. Stanton also helped to found the National Woman Suffrage Association and edited The Woman’s Bible.

Last year the Commission was pleased to present the Ida B. Wells Award to Deloris E. Rentz for her educational outreach programs and her community leadership activities. Mickie Edwardson received the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Award for her leadership in the Gainesville Chapter of the United Nations Association and her work with the Social Justice Council of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

This year the awards are scheduled to be presented at a special celebration of Women’s History Month on Thursday, March 25 at the UF President’s House.  The event is co-sponsored by both the University of Florida and many community organizations. Please find the nomination form enclosed, and note that the nominations are due by February 12, 2010. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at 378-4853 or ejrenner at hotmail dot com.

Sincerely,

Lisa Renner

Chair, Education Committee

GCOSW Nomination Form

The Gainesville Commission on the Status of Women

cordially invites you to our

 

Annual Holiday Dinner*

Tuesday, December 15^th, 2009

 

Cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 pm

Northwest Grill

5115 NW 39^th Avenue

 

 

Cost $25.00 per person

 

 

Please RSVP by December 10, 2009

 

 

Checks should be made payable to GCOSW, Inc

Please send this response form below and payment to:

 

GCOSW, Inc

PO Box 13245

Gainesville, FL 32604

Or via email

joann.wilkes@sfcollege.edu

 

 

_______________________ will be attending the Holiday Dinner on 12/15/09

          I plan to bring_______guests. (Please list name(s))

 

_______________________unable to attend but would like to make a donation for the work of The GCOSW, Inc.

 

I would also like to include my annual membership renewal for 2009-2010(please add $25.00)

 

 

 

* Meal includes salad and soft drink or tea: guest may choose from a selection of menu items including vegetarian, meat and fish options.

Come and be social with the Gainesville Commission on the Status of Women (GCOSW). Join us for a meet and greet at The Top Restaurant, 30 N Main Street, Tuesday September 22^st at 5:30pm. “Meet up” for members and those interested in finding out more about us.

The Gainesville Commission on the Status of Women is accepting applications for its mini-grants program starting in August 2009. Check out the Mini-grants page for more information!

Challenging Interpersonal Violence: Creating Safe Connections in Communities.

Start Time: 8:00 am
Date: May 21, 2009
End Time: 5:00 pm

Location:

Trinity United Methodist Church
4000 NW 53rd Avenue
Gainesville, Florida

Click here to view program brochure.

Purpose
This program provides a forum to discuss the impact of interpersonal violence and trauma in our communities and to explore the various pathways to healing for the purpose of intervening, preventing, and promoting recovery from various forms of oppression including child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, hate crimes, and murder. This conference is relevant for those who work in law enforcement, child advocacy, mental health, victim services, domestic violence shelters, education, medical settings, the judicial system, and for survivors and other members of the public who are concerned with these issues.