To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Commission on the Status of Women
Staff Name and Phone Number: Chair Trisha Almond, 707-529-4806
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): All
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt resolution proclaiming August 26, 2019 to be Women’s Equality Day in Sonoma County
End
Executive Summary:
Women’s Equality Day was established in 1971 through a Joint Resolution of Congress. The date of August 26th was chosen in commemoration of the passage of the 19th Amendment and, to celebrate and recognize the history of the United States suffrage movement that officially began in New York in 1848. Seventy-two years later, in 1920, women were finally given the right to vote.
The Commission on the Status of Women strives to carry forward the legacy of the suffrage movement by providing programs that support the equality of women and girls in our community - a key component of the Junior Commissioner Project, a leadership and mentoring program for high-school age youth - and partnering with organizations that promote the participation of women in the electoral and political process.
Discussion:
The Commission believes Women's Equality Day is not only an opportunity to recognize and honor the efforts of the people who fought for equal rights for women, but that Women’s Equality Day is also an opportunity to bring attention to the reality that despite decades of progress, women have not achieved true equality beyond the voting booth. Women still face an array of gender-related disparities in many areas, including but not limited to: employment earnings, economic security, personal safety and healthcare. These disparities play a major role in the lack of women in positions of corporate leadership and elected office.
The purpose of the Commission on the Status of Women is to promote equal rights and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all women and girls, and to address issues of discrimination and prejudice that negatively affect women in Sonoma County. In support of the mission statement above and the challenges women are still faced with today, the Commission has been focusing on the following issues that affect women and girls in an effort to bring about change.
1. Empowerment
The Empowerment ad-hoc is focused on encouraging women to recognize their own skills, strengths, and stories by amplifying women’s voices, ambitions, and worth through education and opportunities and the goals ultimately accomplished by providing women and girls with information, guidance and resources to assist them in entering public service through volunteerism and election.
2. SoCo CSW Marketing
The Marketing ad-hoc has been working on informative publications and presentations in order to enhance social and traditional media relations and develop an ongoing strategic communications plan that increases CSW's community engagement and recognition so that more women become aware of the work the commission is doing to help them face today’s challenges.
3. Voices of Sonoma County Women
The Voices of Sonoma County Women Project is focused on gaining a better understanding of the issues impacting the women and girls of Sonoma County by providing them with forums (listening sessions) where they may gather to express their personal concerns and share their ideas. The issues and suggestions raised during this year long project will be compiled and shared with the Board of Supervisors, providing data to help make positive changes in public policy. The results will also be made available to the Association of California Commissions for Women and the National Association of Commissions for Women.
Prior Board Actions:
In 2018, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2010, and 2006 through 2008, the Board of Supervisors passed Resolutions proclaiming August 26 to be Women’s Equality Day in Sonoma County.
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY 19-20 Adopted |
FY20-21 Projected |
FY 21-22 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
|
|
|
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
|
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
|
|
|
|
Funding Sources |
|
|
|
|
General Fund/WA GF |
|
|
|
|
State/Federal |
|
|
|
|
Fees/Other |
|
|
|
|
Use of Fund Balance |
|
|
|
|
Contingencies |
|
|
|
|
Total Sources |
|
|
|
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Adopting a resolution proclaiming August 26, 2019 to be Women’s Equality Day in Sonoma County does not have any fiscal impacts to the County.
|
Staffing Impacts: |
|
|
|
|
Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Women’s Equality Day Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.