Friday, May 31, 2013
MWPC endorses Ayanna Pressley!
As many stay glued to their iPhones, televisions, and computers carefully watching the Boston mayoral race, incumbents and hopefuls alike are gearing up for what should be a lively election season for the Boston City Council as well. The Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus is proud to announce our endorsement for Boston City Councilor At-Large, Ayanna Pressley! We have previously endorsed Councilor Pressley for her first race in 2009, and when she ran for reelection in 2011 (and topped the ticket!). Given the Councilor’s proven record of supporting policies devoted to women and families and loyalty to her constituents, it comes as little surprise that the MWPC PAC Board voted to re-endorse her.
Councilor Pressley’s election into the Boston City Council on November 3, 2009 marked the first time that a woman of color was ever elected to the Boston City Council in its 100-year history. Understanding the gravity of such an important win, Councilor Pressley hit the ground running and got to work on issues that affect women, children, and families, all while bringing her genuine personal touch to each situation.
Councilor Pressley is founder and Chair of the Council’s legislative Committee on Women & Healthy Communities, which is devoted to stabilizing families and communities, reducing and preventing violence and trauma, and combating poverty. In addition, Councilor Pressley serves as the Chair of the Arts, Film, Humanities & Tourism Committee and the Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee.
In less than two terms, Councilor Pressley has passed legislation to improve access to construction jobs for women and people of color, held a first of-its-kind listening only hearing for survivors of homicide, led the Council’s efforts to combat human trafficking, and began an annual Raise Your Voice event to start a community conversation about sexual violence and empower girls and women. Councilor Pressley is fighting for increased access to adult education and for child care vouchers to help support working families and she is also working to support small and local business entrepreneurs.
Councilor Pressley’s tireless work with children and families in the community on violence prevention has earned her recognition from Ebony Magazine, The Root, the Boston Globe, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, Big Sisters of Greater Boston and countless others. Councilor Pressley is an Aspen-Rodel Fellow in Public Leadership (Class of 2012) and was selected as a Truman National Security Project Partner in 2012.
We salute Councilor Ayanna Pressley’s remarkable achievements and are very excited to work alongside her as she pursues another term and proudly represents the people of Boston.
For more information, please visit Councilor Ayanna Pressley’s website: http://www.ayannapressley.com/
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Welcome, Michelle Wu!
Following yesterday’s special election for state Senate in the First Suffolk Senate district (Congrats, Linda Dorcena Forry!), MWPC looks forward to upcoming Boston elections. That said, we are very excited to endorse Michelle Wu in her candidacy for Bostons City Councilor At-Large!
Though you may know of her through her work on US Senator Elizabeth Warren’s campaign, during which she directed the statewide outreach effort to communities of color, Michelle Wu is a truly multi-faceted individual. Michelle not only knows the importance of family—she is her younger sister’s legal guardian and traveled to Chicago to care for her ill mother—but she also uses her own experiences to make an impact on the community. While in Chicago, Michelle opened a tea shop that featured weekly poetry readings and open mic nights. After relocating her younger siblings to Boston, Michelle chaired the School Site Council for the Eliot K-8 School in the North End and volunteered with the Boston Latin Home and School Association. In addition, Michelle has donated her time to work with survivors of domestic violence and the Medical-Legal Partnership at Boston Medical Center, as well as other health centers around the city.
So, it should come as no surprise that two of her platforms descend from these practices. Focusing on housing and schools, Michelle advocates for accessible, high-quality public school education and for zoning and permitting to encourage residential development near transit stops. Having opened her own small business, Michelle promotes both preparation for jobs with livable wages and opportunity to start individual enterprises. Acknowledging the challenges of maintaining safety in a large city, she further pushes for clean, safe, and complete streets in addition to investment in public transit in hopes of developing sustainable methods of transportation.
Here at MWPC, we are awed by the well-rounded Michelle Wu. A true example of the American Dream, she embodies the characteristics of a woman destined for great leadership: humility, drive, awareness, and compassion. Stay tuned for more news on this inspiring candidate, as MWPC has the privilege of working with her throughout her journey to the Boston City Councilor At-Large position.
For more information, visit Michelle’s website: http://michelleforboston.com/
Friday, April 26, 2013
Woman of the Hour: Linda Dorcena Forry
Primaries? On April 30th? The First Suffolk District are having their primary election for the Democratic Senate seat that day, along with the primary for the Massachusetts US Senate Seat. This is a highly contested seat, and the MWPC has endorsed one woman who we believe is perfect for the job: Linda Dorcena Forry.
Here are ten reasons why Linda Dorcena Forry is our candidate...
1. She has been a member of the state House of Representatives since 2005 and knows all the ins and outs of the state government
2. If elected, Linda will be the first woman of color elected to the seat
3. We can count on her to stand up for women’s reproductive rights
4. She is an avid supporter of universal Pre-K and Kindergarten
4. She is an avid supporter of universal Pre-K and Kindergarten
5. With a voting record that supports the LGBT Community, Linda has been endorsed by MassEquality and DotOUT
6. She worked with the City of Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development for nearly a decade to strengthen our communities, while preserving their character
7. She is a native Bostonian – The 1st Suffolk’s issues are her issues
8. She is a supporter of the rehabilitation of the MBTA in and around Ashmont Station
9. LDF was instrumental in legislation that now prohibits bullying and cyber-bullying in schools
10. Linda has a really cute family
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Equal Pay Day
Today is Equal Pay Day. If you read any of our women's history month posts, it would be hard to argue that women haven't made huge strides in the advancement of equality. However, we haven't come far enough.
Today is about more than raising awareness - it is a call to action. Talk to you congressman or woman about the Paycheck Fairness Act. The legislation has been introduced numerous times but has never passed both chambers. The Act would create stricter punishments for employers who pay a man more than a woman for the same job and protect women who call employers out on pay disparities. Find your congressperson HERE.
Remembering Margaret Thatcher
It is with heavy hearts that we at the MWPC heard the news of the passing of former
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Born from humble means, Margaret
Thatcher was one of the most significant women in world politics in the last 50 years.
Known as the Iron Lady for her personal and political determination, she was elected leader of the Conservative party in 1975, and four years later became the first female prime minister of Great Britain. Mrs. Thatcher played a significant role in domestic politics and her international policies and decisions shaped Britain for years.
Thatcher had a close relationship with President Ronald Reagan, and helped to shape american politics with her influence as well. In a statement released by the White House President Obama remarked,
"She stands as an example to our daughters that there is no glass ceiling that can't be shattered... Here in America, many of us will never forget her standing shoulder to shoulder with President Reagan,
reminding the word that we are not simply carried along by the currents of history - we can shape them with moral conviction, unyielding courage and iron will."
She stood up for what she believed in and wouldn't back down; her memory will live on in strong women everywhere.
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