Chair’s corner August 2020
We are thrilled to share that Katherine Huang has been elected our new co-chair! Read her first chair’s corner now:
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Chair’s Corner: Socially distanced, but still engaged
Well, it looks like we won’t see each other in person for a while due to Covid-19. Fortunately, the Women’s Caucus has lots of experience overcoming physical distance. Just as we won’t let an ocean stand in our way of being active in US politics, we also won’t let social distancing interfere with our commitments to activism, education and the community we all cherish.
This month, our comms team has put together some social and political actions you can easily take from home. If it’s inspiration, motivation or food for thought you seek, be sure to check out our Women’s Caucus Reads — and let us know what you’re reading, watching and listening to during those long hours at home!
We’re looking forward to sharing more ways to stay active and engaged from afar, but in the meantime, we know these are stressful times and it’s more important than ever to maintain our social bonds, even if it’s from a healthy physical distance.
To this end, we invite all our members to join us on Slack, the virtual “water cooler” of the Women’s Caucus. There we have also set up a new channel called #copingwithcovid, where we invite all members to share, vent, laugh, stay connected and seek help and support during these trying times. We’re also planning on some virtual hangouts in the near future, so stay tuned!
In closing, we send our best wishes for strength, solidarity, hope and good health in the challenging period ahead. If we stick together, we are confident that distance need not mean disengagement, and isolation can give way to activation.
Best wishes,
Meghan Feeks & Steph Ryde
Co-Chairs, DAUK Women’s Caucus
Educate yourself: Why white people must take responsibility for understanding Black History
By Laura Donohue and Sadie Kempner
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Making the vote more accessible
By Steph Ryde
The right to vote has always been something that I have taken for granted. As a non-disabled, white, cis woman I have never had an issue requesting or casting my ballot. So I admit that I was shocked and surprised as I researched disabled access to the vote: how is it that in 2016, 137 polling places were reported as having an impediment restricting people with disabilities from voting?
Read MoreChairs’ Corner: An activist to-do list for working women
Dear Members,
As we turn our focus to “Women and the Economy” this month, we recognize the contributions and achievements of all working women: not just women working in the paid labor force, but also women doing unpaid work that plays a vital, if undervalued, role in our economy.
We also recognize the challenges facing working women and commit to doing our part to address them. Following are 4 things you can do this month to support working women, whether their workplace is the home or the C-suite:
- Attend our October 16 meeting on Women and the Economy. Led by WC members Jihann Pedersen and Wen-Wen Lindroth, this event will explore the benefits of women’s full participation in the economy. Guest speaker Mitesh Sheth will discuss his successful strategy for closing the gender pay gap at his investment firm, highlighting the importance of diversity, inclusivity and sustainable work culture. We’ll close the meeting with an overview of setbacks to working women under the Trump administration and what we can do to fight back. RSVP now for this can’t-miss event!
- Join the “Activists Who Lunch.” Back by popular demand, our next “Activists Who Lunch” meeting will be held October 25 in central London. These lunch-hour meetings bring our members together to discuss politics, current events and activist activities in an informal setting. The brainchild of WC founder Carol Moore, these daytime gatherings are intended to make the WC more inclusive of moms and other members who may be unable to make our evening events. To RSVP for our next lunch on October 25, please send an email to events@womenscaucus.co.uk.
- Support the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The erosion of protections for working women under the Trump administration has underlined the importance of the ERA, which would write gender equality into the Constitution. If Dems manage to flip just one seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates in the November 5 state elections, Virginia could become the 38th state to ratify the ERA, paving the way for the amendment to become law. Having written hundreds of postcards to Virginia voters in partnership with our Global Women’s Caucus colleagues and VAratifyERA, now is the time to start making calls and sending texts. To join VAratifyERA’s phone banking and texting campaign, click here. To learn more about the ERA and why it matters, watch this fun and informative clip from Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
- Support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Earlier this week, Elizabeth Warren was in the news because a conservative publication “proved” her story about being fired for getting pregnant while she was a teacher was untrue — because the school didn’t write, “Fired for getting pregnant” in its records. But as we all know, this is exactly how pregnancy discrimination works. Call on your representative to co-sponsor H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and help put an end to discrimination against pregnant workers.
On behalf of the DAUK Women’s Caucus, thanks for helping us do the hard work of democracy, on top of your regular work, wherever your place of work may be. Hope you’re all having a great fall and we look forward to seeing you at an event in the very near future!
Best wishes,
Meghan, Steph and Eva
Financial Literacy: Tips from our members
It has been well documented that women’s financial literacy is on average lower than mens. Alongside on average making less money than men, having longer employment gaps, and traditionally feminine skills being systematically de-valued, this gap in financial literacy –understanding and education around personal finances and money management – significantly contributes to gender-based financial inequity. A consequence of social conditioning, this exacerbates differentially gendered behaviours associated with risk, security and plain old financial know-how. We asked the Women’s Caucus – what are your top tips for improving your financial literacy or taking control of your personal finances?
Read MorePlanned Parenthood cuts through the noise: Takeaways from our September Webinar
by Courtney Plummer and Sadie Kempner
Last month we participated in a riveting webinar with Jenny Lawson, Vice President of Organizing, Engagement, and Campaigns at Planned Parenthood Action Fund & Planned Parenthood Votes. Here is what we learned from Jenny, leading into the 2020 elections.
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Chair’s Corner – September 2019
On the heels of Labor Day, we recognize the contributions of working women and men to our nation, economy and way of life. And we commit to getting back to work: not just because the summer holidays are over, but because democracy takes work — and it’s up to all of us to keep at it.
Caught in the Act: How the WC is making a difference — and how you can too
Here in the UK and back home in the States, summer days were hardly lazy for the Women’s Caucus! Find out what our members have been up to and how you, too, can get caught in the act(ivism)!
Review: Strangers in Their Own Land
By Steph Ryde
Last month, the DAUK Women’s Caucus Book Club met in the Waterstones Cafe in Piccadilly to discuss Arlie Russell Hochschild’s Strangers in Their Own Land.
Chair’s Corner – August 2019
As some of you may know, I am from El Paso and still in shock from the recent events. When my boyfriend told me that there was a shooting there and to call my family right away, I hesitated. A shooting? In El Paso? Texas? Really? What?!
Read MoreWhat’s Your Form of Activism?
How do you start becoming politically active? Women’s Caucus Members share their journeys and invite you to share yours!
Read MoreBe a Humanitarian: Notice Your Privilege with Social GGGRRAAACCCEEESSS
Be a Humanitarian
Tips by Laura Donohue
No, my cat didn’t just roll around on my keyboard (although he does do that sometimes). It’s a real acronym and it’s packed with information!
Social GGGRRAAACCCEEESSS is a shorthand way to recognize the diversity and difference that exists in our lives. Each letter stands for a different aspect of our identity. Some of these identities can be visible or invisible. To be competent, socially aware, and sensitive activists, it’s imperative that we take into account the impact that our identity can have on others, and vice versa.
Read MoreAmazing American Women
In honor of Independence Day last month, we asked you to tell us about American women who inspire you. You came back to us with some truly amazing ladies who’ve made their mark on everything from government and civil rights to medicine and sports. Is this your first time hearing some of these names? Don’t worry, you’re not alone — when we discussed them at our July social, many of us were shocked by how few we’d heard of before. Clearly, American “her-story” still has a long way to go. But there’s no question that the stories of our foremothers deserve to be told and celebrated, and we hope you’ll enjoy learning about these homegrown Wonder Women as much as we did!
Read MoreChair’s Corner – July 2019
Happy Fourth of July! The weather has been lovely from the start of July which makes outdoor picnics and bbqs a perfect way to celebrate our nation’s independence.
It is also a great time to reflect on the present state of our country and if the actions of our government are in line with our values as citizens of the United States.
Read MoreAmazing American Women Picnic
Join us at our July 2017 Social Meeting where we’ll be having a picnic at Hyde Park at 6:30 pm.
We’ll provide a few drinks and snacks; share the solidarity by also bringing more to mingle with fellow members. Remember to also bring a blanket and most importantly your favorite American Woman!
What do we mean?
July is the month where we celebrate our nation’s independence, a time to remember what our forefathers fought for, but what about our foremothers?
Read MoreWomen: Missing in Action from the 4th of July Speech
By Carol Graham
Carol Graham gives an honest critique of the President’s 4th of July speech and how women, particularly women in the military and Native Women, were excluded.
Read MoreDr. Jennifer Merchant’s Talk: “The Criminalization of Women’s Bodies”
By Carol Moore
DAUKWC member Carol Moore gives a recap of the informative and thought provoking talk by Dr. Jennifer Merchant about how women’s rights are being impacted by the current political climate and how we can become active in ensuring those rights are preserved.
Read MoreMember Spotlight: Sadie Kempner
We recently appointed two members to be Co-chairs of the Communications Committee for the Women’s Caucus. We chatted with one of the new Communications Co-Chairs, Sadie, about about her feminist role models, why she joined the Women’s Caucus and what she always brings back from the US. Here’s what she had to say.
Read MoreWhy We Must Keep Talking About Sexual and Reproductive Justice in Pride Month
by Sadie Kempner
The DAUK Women’s Caucus are passionately committed to the sexual and reproductive rights under attack from the present administration. If you’ve been reading the news or screaming into the void that is social media, you’ll know how important these rights are for straight cisgender women. But straight cisgender women are by no means the only group whose reproductive rights are on the line here. The LGBTQ+ community also faces alarming sexual and reproductive injustice and needs to be part of the conversation.
Read MoreThe Heartbeat Bill and Why It Matters
by Courtney Plummer
A ‘heartbeat bill’ proposes to ban all abortions once a doctor can detect a ‘heartbeat’ in the womb. This detection usually happens around six weeks of pregnancy, before many women realize they are pregnant. The heartbeat bill has gained considerable momentum in the US as conservative state legislatures are trying to challenge the issue with the Supreme Court and ultimately secure a reversal of Roe V. Wade. Many state legislatures have passed this bill and are also introducing a ‘trigger bill’, a bill that would automatically ban abortion once federal law is reversed.
Here is a current but not complete round-up of where the heartbeat bill stands in various states at the time of publication.
Read MoreOur WC Members Activism Back at Home
WC Leader Sylvia Squire is in the states doing an amazing difference back home. She shared with us as she’d love for you to read what she’s up to! If you are back home and being democratically active let us know as well at comms@womenscaucus.co.uk.
Read MoreTop Tips for Greener Living
Little choices we make every day can make a big difference for the planet. Here our members share what they do, tips and ideas for reducing waste, lowering carbon footprint and staying informed about environmental issues. Have your own ideas for helping the planet? We’d love to hear about them in the comments and/or Instagram Challenge.
Renew, reuse, recycle: A look back at environmental learnings
If 2018 was the year of the Blue Wave, 2019 is the year of the Green Wave, with the environment topping the list of progressive voter concerns as it becomes a defining issue for Democratic lawmakers.
At our meeting later this month, we’ll be taking a look at the Green New Deal and other ideas and policies that have emerged in both the public and private sector to address climate change, protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future. But in the meantime — and in the spirit of recycling — it’s worth taking a look back at some of our rich and thought-provoking resources from last year, when Women’s Caucus members turned out in record numbers to learn, share experiences and take action on the environment.
Read MoreMember Spotlight: Abigail Smith
In honor of Earth Day, WC member Abigail Smith will be leading our April 29 meeting on the environment. This month we chatted with her about why she’s a Democrat, what she’s reading and what she always brings back from the US. Here’s what she had to say.
Read MoreChairs’ Corner: In Like A Lioness
With the start of Women’s History Month, March has come in like a lioness at the Women’s Caucus — but shows no signs of going out like a lamb!
Stacey Abrams Wants You to Help Put Up a ‘Fair Fight’
The indomitable Stacey Abrams made London a stop on her crusade to end voter suppression last week, calling on US citizens abroad to help her put up a ‘Fair Fight’.
Read MoreMember Spotlight: Wen-Wen Lindroth
Our new Member Spotlight series celebrates the diverse and dedicated members of the Women’s Caucus! This month we chatted with Wen-Wen Lindroth, an investment strategist and mom who just might run for president one day.
Read MoreSolving Four Centuries of Institutional Racism in Twenty-Eight Days
by Ariadne Schulz
Each February, during Black History Month, my black friends report getting the same, cringeworthy question: “When’s White History Month?”
The answer to that question is that every month is White History Month — because part of institutional racism is erasure.
Read MoreICYMI: The Transformation of the Asian-American Vote
by Wen-Wen Lindroth
Last month, WC member Wen-Wen Lindroth and the DAUK Policy Network & Resolutions Committee organized a fascinating event on shifts in Asian-American identity and voting patterns with Prof. Catherine Liu.
On Monday, March 25th, Dr. Catherine Liu, Professor of Film and Media Studies at UC Irvine, spoke to DAUK about the evolution and current state of the Asian American electorate. Hosted by the PNR identities policy group, Prof. Liu presented her forthcoming paper: “Class AND Race: Asian Americans by the Numbers: The Political Transformation of an American Demographic.”
Say Yes to Asking for Consent: A Terrace House Story
by Laura Donahue
Whether if it’s to give someone a hug, kiss, or simply if you can pet their cat, asking for consent is always important. A lot of people worry it’ll ruin the moment or that it’s unattractive. But you know what’s worse? Crossing someone’s boundaries and making them feel like crap.
Read MoreFifty Shades of Feminism
Feminism — it’s a word that both unites and divides; inspires and instigates. It’s an ideology that some embrace, some reject and others are still trying on for size. It’s something that’s meant different things to different people at different times, so we wanted to know: what does feminism mean to you? Here’s our members had to say:
It’s still our ERA!
by Carol Moore
Last month, Virginia came close to becoming the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would guarantee gender equality under the law. Disappointingly (if unsurprisingly), four Republican legislators stopped a bill, approved in Virginia’s State Senate, from passing out of committee to a vote on the House floor.
In addition, bills have been introduced in 11 of the 13 state legislatures that have not yet ratified the ERA.
Continue ReadingThe March That Meant Much More
bJoining the Women’s March, held in London on January 19, was more than an exciting experience. It signified the coming together of diverse voices seeking the same progress and I count myself fortunate to be a part of this movement.
Continue ReadingDNC Chair Tom Perez Praises D.A. for Record Overseas Turnout in Midterms
by Meghan Feeks
‘When we have unity of purpose, that’s how we win’
In an upbeat address in London last week, Democratic National Committee(DNC) Chairman Tom Perez saluted Democrats Abroad for mobilizing record numbers of overseas votersin the midterms, which saw a blue wave sweep the nation up and down the ballot.
But he also warned that “our democracy is still on fire,”and called upon overseas Democrats to continue being “first responders” in the fight for American values.
Continue readingHave You Heard About the Exciting News About the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)?
CLICK HERE to add your support
IT’S BACK!! VIRGINIA could be the state to get it over the finish line.
by Shari Temple – DA ERA Project Coordinator
For those of you who have not been following the progress of this amendment that failed to get through Congress in 1977, here’s a brief history: The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex; it seeks to end the legal distinctions between men and women in terms of divorce, property, employment and other matters including equal rights to be heard in courts of justice.
From 1971 to 1977, the amendment received 35 of the necessary 38 state ratifications. With wide, bipartisan support (including that of both major political parties, both houses of Congress, and Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Carter) the ERA seemed destined for ratification until Phyllis Schafly mobilized conservative women in opposition, arguing that the ERA would disadvantage housewives and cause women to be drafted into the military.
Continue ReadingLet’s get smart about healthcare reform: A nurse’s prescription
By Elizabeth Crocker, RN, MSc
I’m betting the farm that all of us believe that we control our own destiny. But how do we control our healthcare — how we access it, use it and benefit from it?
Feminist Takeover at Miss America
By Carol Graham
During the 1992 presidential campaign I was shocked by the vitriol aimed at Hillary Clinton by other women. But when she fought back speaking candidly (and somewhat testily) regarding her decision to pursue a career instead of ‘baking cookies’, the defense strategy of the Clinton campaign managers was equally shocking. Read More
5 Ways to Join the Fight for Women’s Health
By Meghan Feeks
With the endless stream of bad news for women’s health and reproductive rights these days, it’s easy to feel like you accidentally stumbled onto the set of The Handmaid’s Tale. Read More
DA Spain Leads International Mobilization against Trump’s Immigration Policy
Milan, 9 June 2018
On 26 May, news broke out of the US on the Trump Administration’s unprecedented “zero tolerance” policy, inhumanely detaining and separating immigrant children from their parents at the US border, sparking a wave of protests in at least 30 cities across the North American continent.
International protests and petitions quickly followed suit. Groups in London, Spain, Denmark, France, Switzerland, and Germany took swift action in solidarity with this movement. Spain was home to the first protests with overseas American citizens, holding demonstrations on 27 May and 1 June in Plaça Catalunya, Barcelona. London’s protest at the US Embassy occurred in solidarity with the Families Belong Together sister marches in the states on June 30th. Read More
Being an LGBTQ+ ally starts with the choices we make every day
In a brightly lit classroom, we sat in groups of four clutching handwritten index cards in our hands. Having learned a few basic things about our partners — their names, where they were from and their favorite color, for example — we were asked to introduce them to the group, using the unusual grammatical rules printed on our cards.
Because of Her
This month’s theme is close to the heart of our Co-Chair, Kate Van Dermark. Let her tell you why. Read More
She Should Run: Winner of May’s Member Spotlight
Last month, we asked DAUK Women’s Caucus members to tell us about their favorite woman who is (or should be!) running for office in the United States. This month’s winning submission is… Read More
LGTBQ+ Pride Series: Jason Jones Reception
On March 24, the LGBTQ+ Caucus launched its first Pride Month Series, a sequence of events marking the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and celebrating Pride, with a reception hosting Jason Jones, an inspiring LGBTQ activist from Trinidad and Tobago. Jones recently won an historic court case against his national government to overturn two colonial-era anti-LGBTQ laws that have been used for centuries to oppress the LGBTQ community.
Chair’s Corner: June 2020
This June we find ourselves in a time of extremes. Stuck at home without travel and social gatherings things have slowed, quieted even, while tensions in the world outside swirl in a fevered frenzy. Admittedly I had been shying away from the news. With less to do and more time to think the reality of the world weighed heavy on my chest. That very decision, to turn away and come back to it later, is a privilege, the privilege to say I can’t deal with that today, maybe I’ll look at it tomorrow. I struggled to look at news as face after face of black individuals killed and brutalised by police popped up on my newsfeed. Then I found the video of George Floyd automatically playing on my phone late at night and I realised I couldn’t hide anymore. There were no excuses for sitting back and burying my head in the sand. I had been repeating to myself ‘why doesn’t someone do something?!’ until I realised that I wasn’t doing anything. Sometimes looking around as the world whizzes by is daunting, where do we even start? But we need to start somewhere. No action is too small. What gives me hope in times like these is the knowledge of the amazing community of activists, of people who really care about what is going on and want to make a difference, that we have built here in the Women’s Caucus. You all inspire me to be better every day. As the post cards we have been colouring recently said – Individually we are one drop, together we are an ocean.
So let’s get this ocean moving and start turning some tides. We’ve put together an activist calendar for June. One action per day. Together we can rise up and support our friends, families, and neighbours in the states to end systematic racism. We need to start with ourselves and understand our privileges and biases, build ourselves a solid foundation and then go out into the world starting with families and friends to help drive change.
Let’s do this together.
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