Herland Sister Resources

Shirley Chisholm November 30, 1924 - January 1, 2005

“At present, our country needs women’s idealism and determination, perhaps more in politics than anywhere else.”

Shirley Chisolm, the first black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, as well as the first woman to run for the presidency, died January 1, 2005. She was 80 years old. Representative Chisholm served seven terms in the House of Representatives, from 1969 until 1982. In 1972, she sought the Democratic presidential nomination.

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The policy below was unanimously adopted by the County of Oklahoma County in December 2004. On January 20, 2005, the policy was re-affirmed by the Oklahoma County Budget Board, who voted down two proposals which would have removed “gender orientation” from the policy.

Credit and thanks go to County Commissioner Jim Roth for getting this fine, inclusive non-discrimination policy passed and reaffirmed. Additionally, we are grateful to Wanda Jo Peltier, Nathaniel Batchelder, and longtime Oklahoma City civil rights leader Clara Luper, Jim Nimmo, Phillippe Beaudette, and Ellen Kazmierczak, among others, for speaking up for the policy; and to the members of the community who flooded county offices with emails and phone calls supporting the policy. And to Court Clerk Priscilla Pressley, who was quoted as saying in regard to her votes to keep the original language, “I have never had the moral clarity that I feel today”.

Here’s the new Oklahoma County policy:

The County of Oklahoma County is committed to ensuring that no employee, applicant, or independent contractor, shall be discriminated against based
on sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, veteran status, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, gender orientation, use of family medical leave, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. This policy shall apply to all employment practices.

The County considers violation of this policy on the basis of any of these categories to constitute misconduct that undermines the integrity of the
employment relationship. Corrective action up to and including termination of employment shall be taken against individuals who violate any provision
of this policy.

April is nationally designated as Poetry Month, and Herland has several poetry events planned.

First, our April issue of the Herland Voice will be devoted primarily to poetry. Submission deadline for this issue is March 1, 2005. Please indicate if you wish your name included, and if so, how you want it printed. Send submissions to Herland Sister Resources, c/o Voice editor, 2312 NW 39th, OKC, OK 73112, or email to herlandsisters@cox.net with “Voice Poetry Issue” on the subject line.

Secondly, a Poetry Workshop “Moved by Words” will be held on Saturday April 9, 2005, 1 - 4 pm at Herland. Using movement, meditation and poetry to connect with self and others. A workshop in creating and appreciating poetry. Participants will write their own poetry, contribute to group poems, and share their poetry at the evening’s HERLAND poetry gathering. Our workshop facilitator is Carol Davis Koss; a well-known and respected Oklahoma poet. The Workshop is limited to 15 participants, so please call Herland at 405/521-9696 to reserve your place; or email herlandsisters@cox.net with “Poetry Workshop” on the subject line.

Finally, a Poetry Gathering on Saturday evening, April 9, 2005. Participants from the workshop will be encouraged to share their poetry, and all other members of the community, especially those who have contributed to the Voice, are welcome to participate also. This will follow our monthly Supper Club, which will meet and dine at a location yet to be determined.

Project Woman

As part of a recent Herland Goal, we are adding a social consciouisness component to all of our activities.

The Herland board has chosen to adopt the YWCA Passageways Women’s Shelter as a cause. We are asking those who are able to bring an item to donate to the shelter whenever they attend a Herland event.

Items can be new or used-used items need to be in clean, usable condition. Following is a partial list of needed items: Women’s and children’s socks, bath towels, twin sheets and pillowcases, baby blankets, women’s slippers, hats, gloves, washcloths and women’s two-piece clothing outfits.

Donations to Passageways are not required to attend Herland events but are welcome and encouraged.