Since 1972, the National Women's Law Center has been working to expand the possibilities for women and girls at work and school, and in nearly every aspect of their lives. Under the direction of Helen Blank, Director of Leadership and Public Policy, with Jamie Ekatomatis, Field Manager,NWLC is now launching an initiative to connect and elevate a diverse group of new advocates nationwide working on issues that affect low-income women and their families.

The Progressive Leadership and Advocacy Network (PLAN) for Women will bring together up-and-coming advocates who have demonstrated a commitment to working on these issues in a professional capacity and help them to develop the skills and networks necessary to take their advocacy to new heights of effectiveness.

The Center is now calling for applications for our first class of rising leaders. We are seeking individuals who wish to become more effective advocates for low-income women and their families and to develop a more prominent role for themselves in the policy-making process. In order to apply, applicants must demonstrate the following: 1)a commitment to low-income women's advocacy in areas such as health care and Medicaid access, child care and early education, and non-traditional education and training for women, among others;2)demonstrable advocacy and leadership experience; and,3)a willingness to commit to attending the Spring Retreat and to ongoing participation in PLAN for Women.

As a participant in PLAN, you will have an opportunity to learn successful strategies and techniques from established leaders and skilled trainers, as well as engage in an ongoing dialogue with your peers across the country. NWLC will provide ongoing support for these new leaders, offering information, targeted skill-building and access to professional networks.

(Excerpt from our research report intro, by LaKeisha McKinley, age 16)

There are always many sides to a story. But the question is-whose story is believed the most?

This summer, YARG examined the problem of youth violence. We looked at the story that gets told most often to explain youth violence. The story we hear most, that gets the most air play, that gets taken most seriously, goes all around the problem but never addresses the root causes. The people who get blamed for the problem and those who are most affected don't get heard. Youth and youth workers aren't often asked to be part of writing the story because people think they don't care.

This summer we ran focus groups with youth who experience violence or know people who have.

We think it's important to examine these issues from the perspectives of youth, parents, and families because they are in the middle of violence and experience it every day.

Our experiences and ideas can help stop youth violence.

Come listen to what WE think.

For More Information, contact YARG at 202-462-5767

Access (disability troupes) company shows at Imagination Stage:

"I Thought the Rain was Supposed to Stop."
a performance by the pre-profesional adult troupe, Wings!
Nov. 4,5 and 6 at 7:30pm
Tickets $10
AND

"Big Feet"
A performance by the teen troupe, Pegasus.
Nov 18 and 19 at 7:30pm and 21st at 6pm.
Tickets $8

Group rates available:
Call the box office at 301-280-1660 for tickets, more info, and directions to Bethesda, MD.

Best,

Patricia E. O'Connor, Associate Prof., English
Senior Research Fellow, Center For Social Justice
Georgetown University

If you would like to share any announcements from your organization or campus with the CoRAL Network community, send a brief blurb to cbenitez@coralnetwork.org by close of business each Thursday for inclusion in the following Monday's Newsbits.