Election '88: What Do Women Want? Convention in Atlanta

X:2 October 1988 en's Vanderbilt University Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center

a paid intern for the Tennessee Democratic Party which included working at the Election '88: What Do Women Want? convention in Atlanta. This experience cemented her plans to pursue a political Lauri Wright career. One of the deciding factors was the number of women she saw working in The conventions, which give a whole new nx:ord on issues that are important to them, politics and the jobs they held. "It's meaning to the phrase "political party," arc Bush has had to make an effort to increase incredible that so many women are there. over, the platform planks have been nailed his appeal toward wome~> He is trying to Any position you look at, somewhere, there down, and the veep selections have been convert women to his side by tackling is a woman with that title." both lauded and criticized. issues such as child care and education and Jennifer Oldham (A&S 4), president of the As the candidates and their advisors flot by playing up his image as a family man. Vanderbilt chapter of College Republicans, campaign strategy, there is one block o vot Both candidates made sure that women worked at the Republican Convention in ers that they must always koep in mind: gave important prime time speeches and New Orleans. A Political Science and women. had prominent positions at their conven Communications major, Oldham is Tha gender gap is a popular media term. tions. Susan Estrich, a Harvard law profes planning a career in politics as a lobbyist It's catchy -sounds good, looks good. But sor, is campaign directorfor Dukakis. He and "if I'm in the right place, a candidate for the power of the gender gap is not its verbal asked convention planners to find a woman elective office." Oldham sees politics appeal. It's votes. Ten million votes! to give the keynote address at the Demo opening up for women. "Even though the Ten million more women than men will cratic convention, and they produced Ann majority of the people I deal with are men, ba eligtble to vote on November 8. Women Richards, the Texas State Treasurer. women are not limited. As more women did not vote differently from men until Dukasis has a reputation forbcingcomfort- become involved it will be easier for women 1980, when more women fuan men voted ableworkingwith women. " to enter politics." Oldham sees a dramatic against Ronald Reagan. Since then, the Bush tapped Sheila Tate, Nancy Reagan's change from a generation ago. '1n my distance between the way men vole and Press Secretary, to handle the press for his parents' generation, the last thing my women vote has widened with each campaign. Women's names were divulged mother would have become involved in was election. The most recent election, 1986, on his list of final twelve possibilities for ~he a political group/' she said. 'Now, look at 11 demonstrated the real power that women selection of his running mate. me, • have at the polls: the previously Republi can Senate was handed to the Democrats, by VU students plan political careers. women. Undergraduate women at Vanderbilt are La uri Wright is the librarian at the Women's The other difference is turnout. In 1984, involved in the 1988 presidential election. Center, a former journalism teacher, and 7.1 million more women than men voted in Judy Herrman (A&S 4) spent her summer as newspaper feature writer. the presidential election. Tha trend of more women who actually vote in presidential elections than men be Excerpts from platforms: gan twenty years ago. 1984 was no fluke. Women vote on the issues, not straight party line, not for their husbands' candidate, and not because of a candidate's looks or gender. Issues that concern women the most in clude not only the expected issues: child care, the ERA, and abortion rights, but also nuclear disarmament, the federal deficit and other economic matters, the environment, AIDS, and the poor and homeless. "We mustnotonlymarshal our scientific Diane Shulman, president of the Nash AIDS support for research on, and expedited resources against AIDS, but also protect ville Women's Political Caucus, is encour FDA approval of, treatments and vaccines, com those who do not have the disease. AIDS aged thatdaycareisareal issue is this prehensive education and prevention, ... confiden education should emphasize that absti campaign. 'The fact that day care is no tial and voluntary testing and counseling and pro nence from drog abuse and sexual activity longer just a women's issue but an impor- tection of the civil rights of those suffering from outside of marriage is the safest way to , tant political issue demonstrates the " tnie~uo~," political clout that women have attained. We are no longer separated from the mainstream." Because women tend to favor Dukakis's It's your health

Margaret Nofziger Women of the eighties want control over their own lives, and that includes family planning. While most women of childbear Newlookol Women'sVu ing age are attracted to efficien~ medical means of birth control such as oral contra Notice our new look? Thanks to Gary Mary Nell Bryan: ceptives, the recent trend, particularly Gore, University Designer, the newsletter Mouthpiece for the student Body among single women, has been to revert to has a classy new masthead. That accounts barrier methods with disease-protective for part of the change. The other innovation features. maybelessobvious. Women'sVUisnow Shelley Neill, A&S 2 Other women opt for the natural family typesetandlaidoutonmyowncomputer. planning method, a natural holistic Is there anyone who hasn't heard how Mary Nell Bryanhascomea long way alternative because of their personal incredibly simple it Is to use desktop pub since her first semester at Vanderbilt. beliefs or an aversiontoour1'hi-tech11 lishing? Pick up any magazine, and there is "When I came here I certainly didn't tlUnk I world. Used to either plan or prevent some reference to this new software. They was going to be student government pregnancy, it consists of observing and makeitsoundsoeasy! Wel~letmesaythat president. In fac~ I wasn't involved in~ charting specific bodily signs and symptoms It takes a while to learn enough ahout organization my first semester,'' admits the in order to establish the time of ovulation. desktop publishing to produce four pages. A&S senior. "My mother told me to devote By estimating fertility, one may increase her A year ago when I walked into my new mostofmytimetomystudies. Thatwasmy chances of pregnancy if her intention is to office at the Women's Center, I first laid unhappiest semester because I like to be conceive or avoid unprotected intercourse eyes on PageMaker by Aldus installed on very active and involved.'' during those days if she wants to prevent mynewHewlettPacl

and Republican National Committees. Autobiography fans can check out books t by two former first ladies: First lAdy from ...it's about time! Plains by Rosalyn Carter and On My Own - by Eleanor Roosevelt. Carter's autobiogra "ERA. .. Or Else". The National Organi phy begins with Jimmy and Rosalyn's zation for Women (NOW), which gave mem romance and concludes with the end of their bers of Congress its ERA citizen petitions White House years. Roosevelrs book is an June30, adopted a tough resolution on the account of her life after FOR's death. a ERA at its June convention. NOW President Molly Yard hasmadeitclearto both political parties that the NOW bumper Call for Papers. Calls for papers have stickers with the "ERA ...Or Else" message In the library been received at the women's center with mean exactly what they imply in '88. She mid-October deadlines: notes that a recent Gallup poll showed 75% lAuri Wright October14 NationalWomen's of the American public favor equal rights for Women's Center Librarian Studies Assoc. women, and NOW members and others will October15 Southeastern Women's be working to ensure there is another ERA From date rape to mental health, child Studies Assoc. ratification process in the states. The '88 abuse to politics, information on today's hot Call the women' sccnter at322-4843 for elections are key to that. a topics can be found at the Women's Center complete information. a Women's Times, July 12,1988 Library. Our quarters are small, but we have a variety of magazines, books, audio and video cassette tapes -ali of which relate to women's issues. Information for student papers, personal research, or to answer a nagging question can be found in our extensive vertical files. Women's Center programs These files include newspaper and magazine clippings, brochures, pamphlets, newslet Call 322-4843 for further information on the programs listed below. ters, bibliographies, essays, and other items that won't sland up on a shelf. Book Group will meet Monday, October 10,5:15 p.m. to 6:15p.m. at the women's center to All vertical file items are arranged by sub discuss The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. This magical legend of King Arthur ject. Subjects covered include international is retold through the eyes and lives of the women who wielded power from behind the throne. women, politics, contraception, health, fi Margaret Meggs will lead the discussion. Light refreshments. nancial aid, sexual harassment., re-entry women, child care, women in literature, and Dissertation Writers Group will meet Wednesday, October 12, 4:15p.m. to 6:15p.m. at education. Information on a particular topic the women's center. Women of all schools and disciplines are invited. is easy for users to find. Lunchtime Seminar on October 13 will have as its speaker Sallie McFague, Professor of Of Political Interest. Theology, Divinity School. Her talk will focus on "Doing Constructive Feminist Theology: If you need to do some research before you Notes on Avoiding Pitfalls". Dr. McFague's focus will be on methodological considerations vole in November, try some political news central to her recent book Models of God: Theology for an Ecological, Nuclear Age . The leiters and newspapers: seminar at 12:15 p.m. will be held at the women's center, Hot and cold drinks will be The Eleanor Smeal Report is a weekly provided. newsletter that gives a briefroundup of cur rent events of interest to women. New Employees Brown Bag Lunch will be held on Tuesday, October 18 from noon until Women's Times is a news summary of cur 1:30 p.m. All recently hired VU employees are invited. Anyone who would like to learn more rent legislation, court cases, and other D.C. about the services available at the women's center and meet other new employees is welcome. news of interest to women. Bring your Iandt. Hot and cold drinks will be provided. The Women's Political Times, published by the National Women's Political Caucus, Issues for Academic Women: A Colloquium for Graduate Students will be held on gives more in-depth coverage to women po October 20 at 5:00p.m. in Sarratt 118. A panel of Vanderbilt faculty and administrators will litical candidates, reviews of books of discuss their careers for women in the Graduate School who are preparing for an academic interest to women, and other political news. career. The panel members are: Francille Bergquist, Associate Dean of Arts and Science; Our cassette tape collection contains Sharon Flucker, Assistant Dean of Admissions of the Graduate School; Ann P. Kaiser, speeches and reports that also shed light on Professor of Special Education, Psychology and Human Development at Peabody College; political issues such as the ERA and the gen and Jean Bethke Elshtain, Political Science Department. Following a presentation by each der gap. speaker tl1e audience may participate in a question and answer poriod. A new reference source in the library is the National Directory of Woman Officials, Lunchtime Book Review will have Susan Ford Wiltshire, Associate Professor Classical published by the National Women's Politi Studies, to review The lAst Intellectuals: American Culture in the Age of Academe by Russell cal Caucus. This directory includes statistics Jacoby. This diagnosis of academia should provide good discussion. The program will be on women in both state legislatures and the held on Tuesday, October 25, 12:15 p.m. in Sarratt 118. Soft drinks provided. U.S. Congress. The meat of the book names former congresswomen, provides biographi Symposium for Women Undergraduate Leaders will hear Nancy-Ann Min, Commis cal sketches and poriraits of women in the sioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, speak on October 26,5:00 p.m., at the 100th Congress, and lists women holding former Peabody Presidenrs home. Min, formerly an Associate with the law finn of Bass, Berry elected offices within each state. It also and Sims, has varied political experience including a stint as a Carter administration staff includes women members of the Democratic assistant. A light supper will precede Min's talk on women in leadership. Interested women (continued lo column lwo) please call322-4843 for a reservation by October 21. a October 1988, Women's VU, Page 3 Announcements et cetera

The YWCA, in conjunction with the Vanderbilt Women's Athletics is hosting The Middle Tennessee Women's Studies League of Women Voters and The Women's a Cross Country Invitational at Percy Association (MTWSA) entered its third Political Caucus, is offering several classes Warner !'ark on October 22. Several teams yearinSeptember. Opentoanyone to educate women about government and from the area will participate. The women interested in studying feminist thought in the upcoming election • willrunat10:00a.m.andthemenat10:45 any discipline, MIWSA meets six or seven A three-part discussion of the role of am. times in the academic year at various blackNashvillians in local politics, will be locations in the mid-state. Dues are$10.00 held on three Tuesdays beginning October Planned Parenthood Association of per year, with a student rate of $5.00 per year 11, 7:00p.m. until 8:30p.m. Fee$28. In Nashville is offering sexuality training for For more information, contact VanderbiWs structor: Yolette Jones, Volunteer State anyone working with teens and preteens. campus representative, Margaret L. Meggs, Community College. Classes to be held October 27 and 28,9:00 at the Opportunity Development Center, 'The Women Who Have Gone Before" a.m. unti14:00 p.m. Staff, Sandra Milliken Box 1809-Station B, or 322-4705. will include bits of information regarding and Jim Taylor. Cost$50.00. Call327- women's history, Monday, October 24,6:30 1097 for information. Vanderbilt Women's Political Caucus p.m. unti18:30 p.m. l'ee $10. Instructor: Dr. promotes the full participation of women in Anita Goodstein, Head of History Depart Appleworks, Vanderbilt Employee Well the life and work of the university. Member ment, University of the South. ness Program offers aerobics after work, ship is open to male and female students, For a complete listing or to register for body work over the lunch hour, after school faculty, and staff of the Vanderbilt commu any of the above, please call the YWCA at children's aerobics, yoga, and tri-fitness. nity. Dr. Jean Bethke Elshtain is advisor to 269-9922. Call Joan at 322-3222 for details and costs. the group. Meetings are held weekly, Tues days at 12:30 p.m. Place to be announced. "Women's Studies: Selected List of The Nashville chapter of the National Call Mary Lowe, president, at322-2164 for Acquisitions Received During the Month Organization for Women (NOW) will hold more information. Ill By the Central Library" (including some their October 17 meeting on campus at the titles received in other campus libraries) is women's center, 7:00 p.m. Betty Nixon, Proper Bearings issued by Marillyn Craig, Central Library Manager of Sen Jim Sasser's campaign, and by Barbara Tuttle women's studies bibliographer, in coopera Wanda Mathis, NOW National Board Electrical Engineer tion with the Vanderbilt Women's Studies member, will speak. Committee. To be placed on the mailing Huddled over morning coffee, the men in list, write her at the Central Library or call New Women's Group. Astudygroupon my group were holding a lively discussion 322-6285. women as Jews and feminists will meet about cars. One fellow was soliciting monlhly beginning this fall. The focus is on opinions about how to repack the front CABLE, a Nashville-based professional feminist Jewish women, including women's wheel bearings. How difficult is the job? women's networking group1 hosts Ellen roles as defined in both tradi tiona! and mod What equipment is required? Would it be Goodman, Pulitzer-prize winner syndicated em Jewish life. This is not a therapy group better to do it himself and save a few bucks, columnist, on Tuesday, October 25 at the but discussions will include participants' or take it into a garage and save time? Stouffer Nashville Hotel. A light supper individual experiences and roles in their Joining into the conversation, I said will be served at 5:30p.m. Tickets (which families. "Repacking the front wheel bearings? I've include supper) are available at the For further information contact Maxine done that before:' The questioner quickly Women's Center and from any CABLE Schaefer at646-2476 or Marsha Willis made up his mind and grumbled, "Wei~ in member for $30 or at the door for $35. Fredmanat646-7931. that case, I better do it myself:' Ill Savvy, January 1986

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