To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Resources Department
Staff Name and Phone Number: Janell Crane 707-565-2885
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution proclaiming March 2023 as Women’s History Month in Sonoma County
End
Executive Summary:
For the Board of Supervisors to continue proclaiming March as Women’s History Month in Sonoma County to enhance the stories of women’s achievements, past and present.
Discussion:
The celebration of Women's History during the month of March dates back to 1977, when the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women (Commission) initiated the Women's History Week project. The Commission sponsored programs for local schools to address the omission of women's history in the curriculum. In 1980, the National Women's History Project was developed by dedicated members of the Commission's Education Task Force. The Project's mission expanded on the mission of the Women's History Week project by recognizing and celebrating the diverse and historic accomplishments of women through educational materials and programs. In 1987, inspired by the work of the National Women's History Project, Public Law 100-9 was passed by Congress, expanding the celebration of Women's History to the entire month of March nationwide.
Since 1979, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has recognized Women’s History Week and beginning in 1987 has designated the month of March as Women’s History Month in Sonoma County in keeping with the National commemoration. This acknowledgement ensures the history of women will be recognized and celebrated in schools, workplaces, and communities throughout Sonoma County and the country. The stories of women's historic achievements present an expanded view of the complexity and fulfillment of living a purposeful life. The knowledge of women's history provides a more expansive vision of what women can achieve. This perspective can encourage girls and women to think larger and bolder and can give everyone a fuller understanding of the female experience.
The 2023 Women's History Month theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” honoring women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media, storytelling, producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition decade after decade. History unites families, communities, and nations. Although women’s history is intertwined with the history shared with men, social, religious, economic, and biological factors have worked to create a unique sphere of women's history. Stories of women’s achievements are integral to the fabric of our history and learning about women’s tenacity, courage, and creativity throughout the centuries is a tremendous source of strength. Knowing women’s stories provides essential role models for everyone, and role models are genuinely needed to face the extraordinary changes and unrelenting challenges of the 21st century.
Prior Board Actions:
1987 - 2013 Each year, the Board proclaimed the month of March to be Women's History Month.
1979 - 1986 Each year, the Board proclaimed the week containing March 8 as Women's History Week.
Fiscal Summary
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Gold Resolution Proclaiming March 2023 History Month in Sonoma County
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board: