2015 Calvert County Commission for Women Report

2015 REPORT OF THE CALVERT COUNTY COMMISSION FOR WOMEN TO THE CALVERT COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS December 2015 Submitted by Margaret Dunkle, Chair

INTRODUCTION 2015 was a year filled with both new initiatives and signature events to advance the five purposes of the Calvert County Commission for Women (CCCW). Purposes of the Commission for Women The end of 2015 launched the 40th anniversary of the • Promote women’s education and employment; founding of the Commission. • Recommend methods to overcome discrimination and to enhance the status of women and girls – be a voice for For the third year, the Commission developed a women and girls; Strategic Plan that identifies key activities, a lead • Give recognition to women and girls; Commissioner for each activity, and benchmarks to • Be a clearinghouse; and measure success. This 2015 Annual Report reflects • Provide information – identify and study relevant issues. CCCW’s 2015-16 Strategic Plan, which can be found at the end of this report and outlines three areas of activity: Two Cross-Cutting Areas to infuse across all activities: increasing the involvement of girls and young women, and celebrating the Commission for Women’s 40 years of service and advocacy for Calvert women and girls (1976-2016). 15 Programmatic Areas – from celebrating Title IX to addressing domestic violence, Outstanding Achievement Awards (Advocacy, Service, Business Leadership, and Woman of Tomorrow), Dutch networking events, honoring Harriet Elizabeth Brown, the now-annual Women’s Health Expo, the Dress-for- Success Clothes Closet, and the annual WOW (Women of the World) awards luncheon. 8 Operational Activities – the infrastructure that enables the Commission to function effectively – from communications and press, to accurate minutes and historical records, membership, coordinating involvement of Associate Members, finances, and the website and social media presence of CCCW.

During 2015, Commission for Women officers were: Margaret Dunkle, Chair Jacqueline McCoy, Secretary Annette Funn, Vice Chair Inez Claggett, Treasurer

Other Commission Members were: Belinda Battle, Gloria Della, Shelley Downie, Suzanne Haynes, Judy Hooker, Ariane Odom, Shirley Schreffler, Sara Shaffer, and Tracey Waskiewicz. The Commission for Women also had several Associate Commissioners. Associate Members are appointed by the Commission for Women (not the Board of County Commissioners), can vote only in committees, and have less rigorous participation requirements than those for full Commission Members.

2015 ACTIVITIES – AND A FORECAST OF FUTURE PLANS

The following pages outline major activities of the Commission for Women during 2015 as well as future plans.

The annual WOMEN OF THE WORLD (WOW) AWARDS LUNCHEON is always a highlight. Held on March 14, WOW 2015 had as its theme Reaching for Your Dreams. Commission Chair Margaret Dunkle co-chaired this 13th annual awards luncheon with Debora Harris of the League of Women Voters, in partnership with seven other Calvert County women’s and nonprofit organizations. Having moved to a larger, and quite lovely, facility at the College of Southern Maryland in 2014, WOW was again a sold-out success, giving 14 awards before a packed audience of 175 people and almost 100% of Calvert County’s elected officials. Fifteen percent of WOW 2015 attendees were 21 or younger! Rather than have a traditional keynote speech, Huntingtown High School tenth grader Dia Brown presented her award- winning History Fair dramatization of Calvert civil rights pioneer Harriet Elizabeth Brown and her NAACP lawyer, Thurgood Marshall, reenacting moments of this game-changing 1937 case. WOW evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. On a scale from 1 to 10, almost two-thirds (61%) rated the event a perfect 10, with another 32% giving a rating of 8 or 9. More than half of the attendees had never before attended a WOW awards luncheon. When asked what they liked most and for suggestions, top answers included: great organization and planning (44%), the excellent program/event (41%), celebrating and honoring Calvert women and girls (38%), the lunch (32%), Dia Brown’s keynote presentation (25%), networking (20%), and the diversity of the audience and awardees (15%). Press coverage was excellent. You can find downloadable photos by WOW photographer Sharyn Ogden at: https://sharynphotography.smugmug.com/WOW-2015/ Preparation is underway for WOW 2016, with the theme of Building Bridges to the Future, with Commissioner Inez Claggett stepping up to co-chair. To facilitate the transition and provide baseline information, Commissioner Dunkle provided the incoming WOW Co-Chairs with her detailed work plan, listing committees and tasks.

The Commission for Women’s annual OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS reflect a core purpose of the Commission: to give recognition to women and girls. Every year the bar seems to be raised for these prestigious awards. The five 2015 honorees were: The Honorable Marjorie Clagett – Advocacy – for being a trailblazer and role model for women in the legal community, and setting a high standard for every member of the bar, female or male; Nancy Highsmith – Service – for being a lifelong effective advocate to ensure that Calvert County students learn, parents are engaged, and teachers are effective – first as a teacher, then as an administrator and principal, and, more recently, as Interim Superintendent;

Ella Ennis – Service – for being a born leader who instills in others the desire to work hard to achieve common goals and overcome obstacles to success, whether working on a community concern, charitable event, or political campaign; Jennifer Foxworthy – Business Leadership – for her second career as a motivational speaker, founding Inspirationally Speaking, LLC, and publishing her first book, Tomorrow My Sunshine Will Come: Memoirs of Women Who Survived Domestic Violence; and Morgan Lang – Woman of Tomorrow – a Senior at Northern High School, for exemplifying service, leadership, and effective advocacy to make the world a better place, including a campaign to stop use of the “R-word” for students with intellectual disabilities. Each of the Commission’s honorees received an individualized proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners and has her name engraved on the perpetual plaque that hangs in the Court House. Commissioner Dunkle led the outreach and selection process for these awards. The nomination and selection process is working very well, producing truly outstanding awardees. Commission Chair Margaret Dunkle will continue to lead this effort through WOW 2016.

HARRIET ELIZABETH BROWN COMMEMORATION TASK FORCE The Commission for Women’s 2013 recommendation to the Calvert County Annapolis delegation – to find a way to recognize Ms. Brown’s important historical role at the state level – came full circle in 2015. With 100% support from Calvert legislators, the Maryland General Assembly unanimously passed House Bill 354, establishing the Harriet Elizabeth Brown Commemoration Task Force. In March, Commission Chair Margaret Dunkle testified in favor of this bill before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, and Environmental Affairs. The Harriet Elizabeth Brown Commemoration Act charged the Task Force with studying the issues, holding public hearings, and, by year end, making recommendations to commemorate Ms. Brown to the County Commissioners of Calvert County, the Governor, and the General Assembly. As specified in the statute, the Chair of the Commission for Women (Margaret Dunkle) chaired this blue-ribbon Task Force. Other members were Calvert County Commissioner Pat Nutter, school Superintendent Daniel Curry, Calvert County NAACP President Joyce Freeland, Calvert County Historical Society President Guffrie Smith, Delegate Michael Jackson, and Malcolm Funn as the designee of Senators Miller and Waugh. Between July 1 and the December 31, the Task Force met five times, held three public hearings, and produced a final report recommending three specific actions to honor Harriet Elizabeth Brown: Name the new community center in Prince Frederick the Harriet Elizabeth Brown Community Center; Name a stretch of Maryland Route 2 the Harriet Elizabeth Brown Memorial Highway; and Commission a portrait of Ms. Brown to hang in the Court House. By year end, the first recommendation (naming the community center) has been done. The expectation is that the other two recommendations will be implemented by the end of 2016. 3

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS activities were led in 2015 by Commissioner Ariane Odom. To combat domestic violence, the Commission partners with the Health Department’s Crisis Intervention Center, which was founded at the initiative of the Commission and works to eliminate family violence and sexual violence. Domestic violence – a persistent problem not just in Calvert County, but across the country – has long been a priority of the Commission for Women. The full plate of 2015 activities during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2015) included: A Board of County Commissioners’ Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month; A candlelight vigil attended by 85 people to honor the victims and survivors of domestic violence; A recognition ceremony and event following the vigil; The Clothesline Project – tee shirts with positive affirmations by survivors of domestic violence – displayed at multiple locations across Calvert County, from the branches of Calvert Library to the Court House and the College of Southern Maryland; and (New this year) informational sessions in Calvert County Schools, with a focus on Healthy Relationships for Girls. In addition, the Recognition Ceremony honored people who have gone “above and beyond” to prevent domestic violence, and to help victims and survivors: Rev. Joan Jones for assisting women experiencing domestic abuse by helping them find resources (such as housing, funding, children’s clothing, and counseling) and providing a “listening ear”; Margaret “Peggy” Wirth, a survivor who is devoted to giving back to her community by, for example, co-facilitating the Women’s Domestic Violence Support Group, training volunteer advocates, mentoring survivors of intimate partner violence, and even organizing fundraisers to provide women who had been abused with gas cards so they could get to services and jobs; and Rev. Wes Wubbenhorst for promoting collaboration across local agencies to bring the issues of intimate partner violence to light in local faith communities. The names of each of these honorees have been added to the perpetual plaque listing all past Domestic Violence Awareness Month honorees that is on display on the first floor of the County Court House. In addition, Judge Michelle Saunders received the Purple Purse Award for her work as Chair of the Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition for Calvert County. For the second year, the Commission joined with the Crisis Intervention Center for a new spring event – Live Here, Love Here – aimed at promoting healthy relationships and raising awareness of sexual assault. This uniquely Calvert County event, which is free and open to all ages, involved 55 participants. Of evaluations returned, 100% said that this April 18 event was informative. 2016 plans are to continue these meaningful activities, while also remaining open to new initiatives that will decrease domestic violence and increase public awareness, under the continued leadership of Commissioner Odom.

The WOMEN’S HEALTH EXPO was a new CCCW activity in 2014. Commissioner Suzanne Haynes provided the inspiration and energy to make the second Women’s Health Expo, held during National Women’s Health Week, a smashing success, attended by an estimated 150 people, including 60 exhibitors. The Commission continued its partnership with Calvert Memorial Hospital and the Calvert County Health Department, and was newly joined by the College of Southern Maryland, which provided the perfect venue for this event at its Prince Frederick campus. A key feature of the Women’s Health Expo is that all activities and screenings are totally free. The two major presenters spoke to a packed house – Kalvin Wiley, M.D., speaking about lyme disease and nutritionist Janet MacDonald explaining How Food Can Change Your Life. The CSM multipurpose room bustled with 35 exhibits. Many participants took advantage of the free screenings for hearing loss, high blood pressure, poor circulation, high glucose and lipid levels, body fat, HIV, breast cancer (in a private setting), and more. More than 75% of participants had their blood pressure checked during the Expo. The 2015 Women’s Health Expo had increased attendance by two groups of women who are most likely to need screening tests and follow up: older women and women with disabilities. More than half of the 34 people who completed evaluation forms rated the Health Expo as either a 9 or perfect 10. Everyone who answered whether they would definitely come to a 2016 Expo replied with a resounding yes! Suggestions for 2016 included increasing attendance, logistical improvements (such as a better sound system), and better signage. Plans for 2016 include addressing these comments and working with our Women’s Health Expo partners to build on the success of the 2014 and 2015 events. Commissioner Suzanne Haynes will continue to lead this effort.

CELEBRATE TITLE IX activities in 2015 built on the work from previous years. For Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS), the Commission followed up on earlier panel discussions and events. In December 2014, the Calvert County Board of Education repealed its stand-alone Title IX policy (#1120), saying that “this policy is now covered under Procedure 1118.2, Sexual Harassment.” Because Title IX covers all school programs and activities (not just sexual harassment), the Commission Chair and Vice Chair met several times with the CCPS Superintendent and staff, seeking clarification. Five areas for Title IX progress emerged from these meetings: • Conduct self-evaluations and identify next steps, or corrective plans, in three critical areas: sports, STEM, and sexual harassment/bullying; • Open up the CCPS Discrimination Policy for public comment and consider re-instating a stand-alone Title IX Policy; and • Ensure the structural independence and appropriate authority of the Title IX Coordinator. For the College of Southern Maryland, CCCW – in partnership with CSM, Calvert Library, and the Charles County Commission for Women – held an April 14 presentation with a focus on four areas: sports and athletics, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) opportunities, treatment of pregnant and parenting students, and sexual harassment/violence and bullying. CSM presenters were Associate Vice President Makeba Clay and Michelle Ruble, Director of Student Life and Athletics. 2016 activities will follow up on these activities, with Commissioner Dunkle continuing in the lead.

MARYLAND’S WOMAN OF T OMORROW AWARDS are given each year by the Maryland Commission for Women to six middle- and high-school-age girls statewide who exemplify the best. The Commission is proud that two of the six girls honored in 2015 were from Calvert County! • Samirah Brown, a ninth grader at Northern High School, received Honorable Mention for Grades 9-10; and

• Sydney Anderson, a senior at Huntingtown High School, received Honorable Mention for Grades 11-12. This recognition reflects the success of the Commission’s strategy to increase the number of Calvert County nominees for awards, rather than nominate a single person through the Commission. Samirah Brown was nominated by CCCW Member Inez Claggett, and Sydney Anderson was nominated by County Commissioner Steve Weems. In 2016, the Commission plans to continue this strategy of urging multiple nominations of Calvert girls for the prestigious Maryland Commission for Women’s Woman of Tomorrow award.

RECOGNITION OF CCCW MEMBER – Sara Shaffer, a newly appointed CCCW Member, received the American Legion’s National Firefighter of the Year Award following her role in saving the life of another firefighter while responding to a Capital Beltway crash in January 2013.

THE CLOTHES CLOSET – DRESS FOR S UCCESS – provides business-appropriate attire at no cost so that women with limited resources will have suitable clothes to wear for an interview or on the job. People contact the Commission to donate or receive clothes. With leadership from Commissioners Jacqueline McCoy and Ariane Odom, the Commission experimented with ways to increase the impact of the Clothes Closet. For example, in January, the Commission hosted an Open House at St. Paul’s Parish House so that women could come in to shop without having to make an appointment. Open House participants included women from the Safe Harbor domestic violence shelter. CCCW also provided Clothes Closet services at an event sponsored by Concerned Black Women. As donations of business clothing continued to pour in, many Commissioners and Associate Members volunteered to help organize the clothing. The Commission also went (with flyers in hand, and often clothing as well) to job fairs, special events, and even the Saturday Flea Market in Prince Frederick. CCCW continues to be grateful to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Prince Frederick, led by the Rev. Joanna White, for providing a central-County “home” for the Clothes Closet. Additional clothing is housed in the Commission for Women’s room at the Dowell House Community Center in St. Leonard. The year ended with plans for additional Open Houses in 2016 as well as continuing clothing distribution at the Flea Market to find a good home for non-business attire as well as excess inventory. Commissioner Ariane Odom will continue to lead the Clothes Closet initiative.

EVENTS AND FORUMS – CCCW sponsored a special presentation about a trailblazing female African-American reporter, began planning for an initiative on financial literacy, and was a voice for Calvert County women and girls at multiple other events. On March 30, the Commission sponsored a presentation, co-sponsored by Calvert Library, by Calvert County author Carol McCabe Booker on Alone Atop the Hill, her newly released book about Alice Dunnigan. Booker provided an impassioned glimpse into the challenges and victories of this pioneering African-American reporter – born a sharecropper’s daughter in Kentucky, who made her way to the nation’s capital, eventually covering the White House as a journalist. The event prompted front-page coverage by the Calvert Recorder. Also in 2015, Commissioner Gloria Della began planning for a forum and educational module on Financial Literacy for Girls. Members of the Commission unanimously supported this effort to help women and girls better understand money and financial management. In 2016, the Commission for Women plans to pursue activities addressing financial literacy, to be open to other initiatives, and to continue to be a voice for Calvert women and girls at events sponsored by others.

DUTCH NETWORKING EVENTS (formerly “Dutch Lunches”) were held periodically to provide an informal, small-group way to share ideas and network over a meal. Commissioner Annette Funn leads this effort. To make these events more readily available to those in the 9-5 workforce, the Commission experimented with alternate times and venues in 2015. The April 8th Dutch Lunch at Mamma Lucia’s Restaurant in Prince Frederick attracted eight participants, the June 17th after-work “Dutch” event at Commissioner Suzanne Haynes’ house had nine participants, and the September 30th lunch at Mamma Lucia had six participants. In early December, the Commission also held a prospective-Member reception at CalvArt Gallery. For 2016, the Commission plans to continue periodic Dutch Networking Events, led by Commissioner Funn, as it also experiments with alternate times and places.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY MONITORING – The primary way that the Commission supports policies for women and girls is by joining with other organizations across the state to support the Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women, known as MLAW. In 2015, Governor Hogan signed into law three of the priority MLAW bills: the Maryland Home Birth Safety Act (affecting midwives), the Domestic Violence/Persons Eligible for Relief Act (allowing victims of domestic violence to seek protective orders), and the Domestic Violence/Additional Relief Act (authorizing judges to order extra relief in certain circumstances).

The Commission represented Calvert women and girls through participation in the League of Women Voters’ November 12th Annual Legislative Evening with Calvert County’s Maryland State Delegation. Commissioner Inez Claggett presented the Commission’s report on behalf of Chair Margaret Dunkle, urging that Calvert legislators strongly support implementation of the final recommendations of the Harriet Elizabeth Brown Commemoration Task Force. With continued leadership from Commissioner Inez Claggett, the Commission expects to continue to support the MLAW agenda in 2016 and to define more clearly the roles and responsibilities of this committee.

CONNECTING AND NETWORKING WITH SISTER ORGANIZATIONS is an important function of the Commission – both to learn and to share. For example, the Commission is a member of the National Association of Commissions for Women. Also, CCCW Commissioners participated in statewide activities, including Chair Margaret Dunkle speaking in Baltimore in March at the Maryland History Conference, with the theme of Women Working for Social Justice. Commissioners Dunkle, Funn, and Della participated in an August 24 round table discussion convened by Congressman Steny Hoyer of the four Commissions for Women in his district (Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s counties). The goal was to network and share ideas. In 2016, CCCW will build on these connections and networks – to learn from our sister organizations and to share our successes and challenges.

During 2015, several proposed activities in the Commission’s very ambitious Strategic Plan were put on hold because of membership changes, an assessment that other activities had a higher priority, or a concern that an activity was beyond the capacity or scope of the all-volunteer Commission for Women: • Ramping up the 211 Infoline (the health and human services information line). While a worthwhile – and needed – service, overhauling 211 to be an effective County resource would require substantial staffing and ongoing leadership across multiple agencies and departments. Also, while 211 is an important service for women and families, its utility is far broader. If new leadership emerges elsewhere, the Commission will continue to support efforts to improve 211 services. • The Women’s Business Directory was dropped as a priority because of concerns about its utility (Would it really help drive customers to women-owned businesses?), costs, the existence of other similar directories, questions about the best format (paper or web-based?), the need to continually update the list, and the lack of staff to do the initial research and ongoing updates. • Three possible New Initiatives from the Strategic Plan were also put on the back burner. The analysis of issues facing Homeless Women did not surface specific ways that CCCW could provide a needed service not otherwise available. Possible activities regarding Female Veterans did not surface during the year, even as CCCW Members will continue to look for ways to support this focus in concept. Activities regarding Latinas were difficult to identify, given that only 3% of Calvert County’s population is Latino. The Commission decided, rather than have a special initiative, it would routinely work to ensure that Commission information reaches Latinas. • The promising idea of holding a forum on Recruiting Girls and Young Women as EMTs, Firefighters, Etc. was deferred when the Commission Member with expertise in this area cycled off the Commission. Finally, History Fair Sponsorship was put on hold for 2015-16, in light of the intensive activities of the Harriet Elizabeth Brown Commemoration Task Force. Members discussed the possibility of focusing future CCCW History Fair Awards on projects addressing any woman or girl with a significant Calvert County connection: that is, keep a Calvert County focus, but broaden it beyond researching Harriet Elizabeth Brown.

CROSS-CUTTING THEMES The Commission’s 2015-16 Strategic Plan has two cross-cutting themes – activities and issues to infuse across all activities.

The first is INCREASED INVOLVEMENT OF GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN. The Commission made great progress in this area by, for example: • Increasing the number of girls and young women at the Women of the World (WOW) awards luncheon – 15% of WOW 2015 attendees were 21 or younger! – by again having a special $15 youth rate, compared to the adult price of $27; • Engaging 15-20 students to do Harriet Elizabeth Brown History Fair projects in 2014; • Highlighting the Commission’s History Fair Award winners at multiple events – such as Dia Brown’s keynote speech, and having the two Junior Division winners display their poster on Harriet Elizabeth Brown, at the WOW luncheon; and • Good youth involvement at October Domestic Violence Awareness events, the Live Here Love Here event, and the Women’s’ Health Expo. The Commission plans to continue the focus on involving girls and young women into 2016.

The second cross-cutting focus is CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF ADVOCACY AND SERVICE FOR CALVERT WOMEN AND GIRLS. In 2016, the Commission will increasingly incorporate a celebration of CCCW’s anniversary – 1976 to 2016 – into every activity.

OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS In 2015, the Commission worked to implement operational improvements to make its programmatic activities the most effective – from planning to public relations and minutes to meetings. Operational and organizational highlights are outlined below. The Commission: • Had a successful Planning Retreat in August, organized and facilitated by Commission Chair Margaret Dunkle. 100% of Commission Members reported that the Retreat accomplished its three goals: to develop a 2015-16 Strategic Plan, to plan for CCCW’s 40th anniversary, and to build teamwork. 100% also reported that, after the Retreat, they were clear on their projects, roles, and responsibilities for the year ahead.

• Again developed an ambitious Strategic Plan that aligns activities with CCCW purposes, identifies Lead Commissioners for each activity, and spells out benchmarks to measure success. See the 2015-16 Strategic Plan at the end of this Report. • Held productive monthly meetings with minutes organized to mirror the Strategic Plan and track progress, with minutes now available on the CCCW website (calvertwomen.org). • Had engaged, active Members as demonstrated by good attendance at meetings, volunteering for new projects, and donating not only time, but also funds for supplies or refreshments, to ensure that CCCW events and initiatives had what they needed to be successful. • Continued to attract new and exceptionally talented Members, even as CCCW has never (or at least not in the recent past) reached its “full” membership of 15. The maximum number of CCCW Members was increased from 7 to 15 in 1992 (the last time the resolution/charter for CCCW was revised). • Designated a CCCW Member to be a liaison to the Associate Commissioners (Commissioner Ariane Odom) to keep Associate Members engaged and informed, and to track their involvement. • Upgraded the CCCW website, calvertwomen.org, including making approved minutes available through the website – first coordinated by Commissioner Jacqueline McCoy and then by Associate Commissioner Brandi Tremmel. • Made progress to develop first-ever CCCW Bylaws, including getting Member input and meeting with the County Attorney, with leadership from Vice Chair Annette Funn. • Maintained excellent financial records, with leadership from Treasurer Inez Claggett and including regular reporting, tracking expenses, and development and on-time submission of a budget for fiscal 2017. • Improved communications and outreach, with leadership from Chair Margaret Dunkle and Commissioner Gloria Della, including a focus on “earned media,” as opposed to paid advertisements, about the Commission and its events:  Multiple From the Desk of the Chair email newsletters on a range of subjects, including Title IX, the WOW awards luncheon, CCCW Outstanding Achievement Awards, domestic violence awareness events, Carol McCabe Booker’s presentation on Alice Dunnigan, Dress-for-Success/Clothes Closet events, and Calvert girls who were named Maryland Women of Tomorrow;  Extensive news coverage in all of the local papers and media outlets, including many front-page stories (Calvert Recorder, Gazette, Chesapeake Current, Bay Weekly, Baynet);  Multiple Letters to the Editor by Chair Margaret Dunkle (with other Members coauthoring as appropriate) in the Calvert Recorder; and  An email distribution list that reached more than a thousand Calvert citizens as well as the press. Finally, the Commission for Women will have leadership changes in 2016. Commission Chair Margaret Dunkle announced when she was re-elected in June of 2015 that this would be her last term as Chair. She would not seek re-election when her term ends on June 31, 2016. In addition, Commission Secretary Jacqueline McCoy cycled off the Commission at the end of 2015. The Commission is fortunate to have a strong bench of talent to take on these and other responsibilities in 2016 and beyond.

CONCLUSION

2015 was a banner year for the Commission for Women – and a fitting prelude to 2016, when the Commission will celebrate 40 years of service and advocacy for Calvert County women and girls. Guided by an ambitious and proactive Strategic Plan, where each Commissioner is a leader in her own area and sets her own measures of success, the Commission expects to continue on an upward trajectory through 2016 and beyond. Highlights included: • An inspiring, sold-out WOW Awards Luncheon, with a student who was the Commission’s Harriet Elizabeth Brown’s History Fair Winner as the keynote speaker; • Exceptional Outstanding Achievement awardees; • Leading the Harriet Elizabeth Brown Commemoration Task Force, which made three powerful recommendation to state and local government; • The second, and now-annual, Women’s Health Expo; • Meaningful events to promote awareness of domestic violence; • Having two Calvert students named as statewide Women of Tomorrow; • New and continuing activities to increase understanding of Title IX; • Innovations to improve the effectiveness of the Commission’s Clothes Closet and Dutch Networking Events; and • An ambitious Strategic Plan.

The Commission thanks the Board of County Commissioners for providing this opportunity to serve our County and its citizens. We look forward to working with the Board and Calvert citizens to advance the worthy goals of the Commission for Women. We welcome suggestions and partnership ideas so that we not only reach, but exceed, our goals in the future.

December 31, 2015

Celebrating 40 Years of Advocacy and Service for Calvert County Women and Girls

1976 - 2016

CCCCCCWW 22001155--22001166 SSTTRRAATTEEGGIICC PPLLAANN C AL V E R T C O U N T Y C O M M I S S I O N F O R W O M E N Activities and Benchmarks for Success Developed at August 16, 2015 Strategic Planning Retreat – Plan at 8/21/15R Lead Commis 2015-16 -sioner Benchmarks to Measure Success Activity & Team – Big Accomplishments by June 2016 – CCRROOSSSS--CCUUTTTTIIINNGG TTHHEEMMEESS – Infuse Across All Activities Increase Incorporate involving girls and young women into every possible CCCW activity. Involvement of Shelley Identify the best ways to reach girls and young women, and follow up – e.g., school announcements, Girls & Downie social media, etc. Young Women Increase work with Girl Scouts. Have a representative of CCCW for Girl Scout Gold ceremonies. Incorporate awareness and celebration of 40 years of CCCW progress for Calvert women and girls into Celebrate Margaret th 40 Dunkle all appropriate/possible 2016 CCCW activities – from WOW to domestic violence awareness, Dutch Anniversary* Networking Events, and Outstanding Achievement Awards – and including a BOCC Proclamation (June 2016) All of CCCW and reception in June 2016. (CCCW was created on June 23, 1976.) PPRROOGGRRAAMMMMAATTIIICC AACCTTIIIVVIIITTIIIEESS Build on past activities by working with CCPS to follow up on our five action areas – starting with a clear Celebrate Margaret Title IX/discrimination policy and including an independent Title IX Coordinator, and self-evaluations Dunkle and action plans for sports, sexual harassment/bullying, and STEM. Title IX* Annette Funn Invite CCPS and CSM to spring events to update the community on progress made. Jacqueline Organize and clean up the inventory so that 100% of clothes at St. Paul’s are “business attire.” Clothes McCoy Closet, Ariane Odom Sponsor two (Fall and Spring) Open House events at St. Paul’s – serving 100 women each. Dress for Gloria Della Distribute clothing at two or more additional events – preferably job fairs. Belinda Battle, Success* ACs: Brandi Tremmel Distribute free clothing at the Flea Market, held at the Fair Grounds, at least once. DV Awareness Month (October): To honor DV heroes and raise awareness: Hold multiple activities Arianne (candlelight vigil, clothesline project, recognition ceremony on October 27, 2015); have BOCC proclamations; Odom Domestic hold workshops on healthy relationships for girls in all 4 high schools, do Purple Purse Project; etc. Belinda Violence Battle Expand locations for the Clothesline Project. and ACs: Linda Increase participation, including by young people. Bracey, Live Here, Love Here event, cosponsored with the Calvert County Health Department (Crisis DV Crystal Seay, Intervention Center), April 16, 2016. Awareness* Brandy Summerlin Increase participation for this “walk”/event to raise awareness of sexual assault. Partner to support fund raising for Safe Harbor (shelter). Host quarterly events – some lunch, some evening: Dutch September 2015 – 11:30 p.m. Lunch at Mamma Lucia’s, AF to host December 2015 – Member recruitment reception at CalvArt Gallery Networking Annette Funn February 2016 – 7-8:30 p.m. at Solomons Library, JM to host Events* May 2016 – 7-8:30 p.m., SH to host Increase participation by CCCW members, including bringing guests: “Each one, bring one.” Gloria Della Financial Literacy for Girls – Forum & Ed Module so women and girls understand money and financial management. Shelley Downie Present an action, outreach, and partnership plan to CCCW meeting in September 2016. Events ACs: Colleen Hold forum(s)/event(s). Pope Develop a workshop or teaching module for use with high school students. and Recruiting Girls and Young Women as EMTs, Firefighters, Etc. Forums* – Sara Hold a forum or event in October, which is Fire Prevention Month, to encourage women and girls CCCW Led Shaffer to pursue these now-male-dominated professions. Involve partners, such as Fire and Rescue units and the Sheriff’s office. Varies Hold meaningful events or forums as opportunities arise.

______* Hospitality and Registration for all events includes: welcome people, staff registration table, handle sign-in sheets (name and email address for mailing list), handle name tags, help with setup/closeout, and (if desired) refreshments.

Lead Commis 2015-16 -sioner Benchmarks to Measure Success Activity & Team – Big Accomplishments by June 2016 – PPRROOGGRRAAMMMMAATTIIICC AACCTTIIIVVIIITTIIIEESS, CONTINUED Events and Forums* – Varies Co-sponsor other appropriate events or forums as opportunities arise Co-Sponsorship Harriet Chair Harriet Elizabeth Brown Commemoration Task Force. Elizabeth Margaret Lead the Task Force to make significant recs the BOCC, Governor, and Assembly by December 31. Brown Educate the public through the hearing process and outreach. Commemoration Dunkle Task Force* Have a clear, do-able implementation plan. rd Suzanne Hold the 3 Annual Calvert County Women’s Health Expo – on May 14, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Haynes – at the College of Southern Maryland in Prince Frederick, with a focus on breast cancer screening. Health Annette Funn Have 150+ attendees. Shelley Downie Expo Belinda Battle Partner with CSM, Calvert Memorial Hospital, and the Calvert County Health Department ACs: Brandy Have 35 vendors, 1-2 speakers, 10 free screenings, 2 exercise demonstrations, & 2 cooking demonstrations. Summerlin Improve directions, map, signage. Put History Fair sponsorship on hold until 2016-17. Inform CCPS. History Fair For 2016-17, revise award criteria to focus on any woman or girl with a significant Calvert connection. Awards None Decide on the name of future History Fair Awards – CCCW HEB Awards or just CCCW Awards? Legislative and Define the roles and responsibilities of this Committee. Inez Claggett Regulatory Annette Funn Identify and pursue relevant activities for 2015-16. Monitoring Participate in setting and pursuing the 2016 MLAW (Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women) agenda. Maryland Increase the number of Calvert nominees for the MWHoF and WoT by: working with schools and Shelley Women’s school counselors (WoT); encouraging clubs, churches/religious organizations, community groups, etc. Downie Hall of Fame to nominate candidates; and increased press and outreach. & Women of Inez Contact middle/high school counselors to enlist their partnership for WoT nominees. (Annette) Tomorrow Claggett Provide timely materials to the Chair for distribution through the From the Desk of the Chair email list. Jacqueline Research the issue – e.g.: How many homeless women? Characteristics? Geography? McCoy Homeless Women: Sara Shaffer Who’s already providing what services and supports? Where are the problems/gaps? How could CCCW best help? ACs: Brandi Present a report and recommendations for next steps or activities, if any, to CCCW. New Tremmel Female Veterans: After researching the issue, present a report and recommendations for next steps Initiatives* Shelley or activities to CCCW. Downie If recommended, plan one or more forums, events, or activities to increase awareness and address the problems and issues that surfaced from the research. Margaret Represent CCCW to State, Regional, and National Commissions for Women: Participate in events Dunkle Executive and conference calls. Communicate and share CCCW info, learn best practices, and network. Other Committee Membership in other partner organizations: Chamber of Commerce. Partnership Help Women Be More Informed, Involved Voters through nonpartisan activities. As appropriate: Annette Partner with the LWV to increase voter understanding of ballot issues affecting women and girls. Funn Activities* Partner with Turn Out the Vote efforts to encourage women to vote. Margaret Letters of Support and Other Partnership Activities: Pursue as opportunities arise. Dunkle Outstanding Margaret Use the same process/forms for nominating and selecting CCCW honorees as in 2015. Dunkle Actively solicit strong candidates in all four categories: Advocacy, Service, Business, Woman of Tomorrow (fall). Achievement/ Gloria Della Discuss and select winners (January 2016). Recognition Suzanne Give awards/plaques at the annual WOW awards luncheon, March 12, 2016. Awards Haynes Work with BOCC to have proclamations issued for each CCCW Outstanding Achievement honoree. Co-Chair the WOW Planning Committee with the League of Women Voters. WOW – Inez Hold the 2016 WOW event on March 12, 2016 – again with maximum participation, and with a special Women of the Claggett focus on girls/young women and women in need. World Lunch Gloria Della Pay the cost for CCCW Members to attend.

Lead Commis 2015-16 -sioner Benchmarks to Measure Success Activity & Team – Big Accomplishments by June 2016 – OOPPEERRAATTIIIOONNAALL AACCTTIIIVVIIITTIIIEESS Communica- Develop materials, letters to the editor, articles, press releases to increase public awareness and exposure. Margaret tions Maintain/improve press and distribution lists. Dunkle and Increase already-strong press and public awareness activities. Lists Gloria Della Have continued strong outreach, press coverage, and communication. Maintain complete, up-to-date records of news articles about or mentioning CCCW – e.g., Calvert Recorder, Historical Chesapeake Current, Calvert Times (formerly Gazette), Bay Weekly, the Baynet, the Beacon, etc. Records Each month, provide: and Gloria The Secretary with copies to attach to the minutes as well as links to include in the minutes; and Documentation Della Copies and links for the web page and Facebook. (Clippings) Put paper copies in a scrapbook. Also provide to Calvert Library and the Historical Society. Go back and reconstruct, as possible, these historical (clippings) records for 2014 and 2015 to date. Pass the baton to the incoming Chair (July 1, 2016) – Succession planning and preparation. Margaret Finish the Bylaws, working with the County. Leadership Dunkle and Hold the annual Strategic Planning Retreat (including lunch). Planning Annette Funn Submit and present a 2014-15 report to the BOCC. (Bylaws) Hold elections in the spring. (Nominating Committee) Liaison to Increase the activity and effectiveness of Associate Commissioners (ACs). Associate Ariane Increase communication and mentoring to ensure all ACs are informed, supported, and productive. Commissioners Odom Provide feedback on how ACs are doing with regard to the requirements to be an ACs. Recruit CCCW Commissioners to have a full and strong complement of members. Develop a process – and packet of materials – for new-member orientation, including, as appropriate, Membership Annette Funn additional or more formal mentoring. Purchase business cards and name badges for new members, as needed. Provide a draft of the minutes to the Chair within seven days after the meeting. Jacqueline Send draft minutes to CCCW Commissioners by seven days before the upcoming meeting.

Minutes McCoy Send out approved minutes to all Commissioners and Associate Commissioners. Ariane Odom Maintain a record of minutes, with attachments, for CCCW records. Treasurer – Submit vouchers for payment. Reporting, Inez Report monthly on finances. Planning, and Claggett Monitor expenses. Accountability Submit the fiscal 2017 budget to the County. Jacqueline Develop/complete a Calendar Page. McCoy Add: Links to County resources for women and girls; Website ACs: Brandy Summerlin, A photo gallery – pictures from events and activities; and Brandi An Achievements Page, including annual reports. Tremmel Coordinate with developing a Facebook page (coordinated by Associate Commissioner Brandi Tremmel).

For more information, contact: Margaret Dunkle, Chair Calvert County Commission for Women [email protected]