Caucus of Women Legislators

Issue #9 CWL Newsletter November 2005 Senate Gains Caucus Co-Sponsors Domestic Female Legislator Violence Awareness Week

Caucus Senate Chair Marian Walsh welcomes newly sworn- in Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville) to the Senate. Jehlen, formerly a State Representative, won a special elec- Deana’s Fund Resource Fair Participants: Lisa Maccario, Volunteer; Detective Lieutenant James Pierce, Board President; and Sher Quaday, Executive Direc- tion to represent the Second Middlesex District. The num- tor with Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey and Erica Mattison, Caucus Execu- ber of women in the Senate, which briefly dipped to ten, is tive Director. 10/18 now back up to eleven. 10/12 With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, in order to provide information to citizens of the Commonwealth, the Caucus of Women Legislators sponsored a Domestic Violence Awareness Week at the Also in this issue: State House during the week of October 17. Additional sponsors of the week included: Senate President Congratulations! Page 2 Robert Travaglini, Speaker of the House Salvatore DiMasi, Governor , Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, the Governor’s Commission on Mark your calendar Page 4 Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Senator Pam Resor and Senator Ed Augustus. US Senator Speaks at Harvard Page 5 PRESS CONFERENCE AND PRESENTATION The History Page Page 7 To kick off the week of events, on Monday October 17 event spon- sors held a press conference and performance. Speakers included Senate Human Trafficking Page 8 President Robert E. Travaglini; Senator Edward M. Augustus; Representa- tive , Co-Chair of the Caucus of Women Legislators; Toni Troop,

(Continued on page 6)

Now you can visit the Caucus of Women Legislators on the web: www.masswomen.org. CONGRATULATIONS!

2005 Members Co-Chairs Senator Marian Walsh and Representative Ellen Story Executive Director Erica Mattison

Members of Senate Shirley Gomes Harriette Chandler Mary Grant Representative Alice Wolf (center) with Shelley Gross of Medford Cynthia Creem CPC (left) and Shelli Wortis of Cambridge CPC (right) after accepting Susan Fargo Lida Harkins the Legislative Achievement Award from the Associa- tion of Community Partnerships for Children. 10/17 Patricia Jehlen Rachel Kaprielian Joan Menard

Therese Murray Barbara L’Italien At the Women’s Leadership Breakfast on October 12, Pamela Resor Elizabeth Malia 2005 Representative Marty Walz was honored for serv- ing as a role model and an inspiration to women and Shirley Owens-Hicks girls. The event was sponsored by Today’s Susan Tucker Marie Parente Girls…Tomorrow’s Leaders, a United Way program that helps girls grow up healthy and well-prepared to be- Dianne Wilkerson Anne Paulsen come successful adults. In honor of the program’s Members of House tenth anniversary, ABC Congressional correspondent Cokie Roberts served as featured speaker. Karyn Polito Deborah Blumer Susan Pope Caucus members, let us know about your awards! Jennifer Callahan Kathi-Anne Reinstein Christine Canavan Cheryl Rivera Gale Candaras Mary Rogeness The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is a bi-partisan, bi- cameral group of female legislators, the mission of which is to enhance the Geraldine Creedon Joyce Spiliotis economic status and equality of women and to encourage and foster Linda Dorcena Forry Harriett Stanley women in all levels of government. In 2005, with 50 legislators, women Jennifer Flanagan Marie St. Fleur comprise 25% of the 200-person MA Legislature. This monthly publication produced by the Caucus of Women Legislators aims to inform elected state Gloria Fox Kathleen Teahan officials and the public of the activities of the Caucus. To learn more about Colleen Garry Patricia Walrath the Caucus, please visit our website at www.masswomen.org. Susan Gifford Marty Walz Anne Gobi Alice Wolf Page 2 Caucus of Women Legislators General Court Celebrates 375th Anniversary Present and Former Caucus Members Re-Unite

Left to right: Representative Linda Dorcena Forry, Representative Marie St. Fleur and former Representative Charlotte Golar Richie Beverly Representatives—Past and Present (1995-1999), who is now Chief of Housing for the City of Bos- (From left to right): Representative Mary Grant ton. Before becoming a Representative herself, Dorcena and former Representative Frances Alexander Forry worked in Golar Richie’s legislative office. (1983-1991).

Former Speaker of the House Charles Flaherty At left: Golar Richie (left) (1990-1996) with for- with former State Repre- mer Representative sentative Donna Cuomo Mary Jeanette Murray (right). (1977-2001).

Would you like to contribute to the next issue of the CWL Newsletter?

Photo and writing submissions are welcome. The deadline is Friday, November 18. For more information, please contact:

Erica Mattison, Executive Director Phone: 617-722-2266 E-mail: [email protected] Address: Room 460, State House , MA 02133

2005, Issue 9 Page 3 UPCOMING EVENTS Overview of the Commonwealth’s Affirmative Market Program Date and time: Thursday November 3, 11:30am-12:30pm Location: Room 437, State House The Caucus of Women Legislators invites you to meet AMP Executive Director Monsi Quinones and members of the AMP Business Advisory Board.

Established by Executive Order 390, the AMP works with Executive Branch departments and certified vendors. The AMP’s mission is to assist minority- and woman-owed businesses (MBEs-WBEs) gain access to contracting opportu- nities with participating state entities. Quinones will provide an overview of AMP and its services.

Open to legislators, aides, and members of the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Free.

2005 Financial Literacy Brown Bag Lunch Series Date and time: Friday November 4, 12pm-1pm Location: House Members’ Lounge, Third Floor, State House Retirement Income: A Reality Check with Bob Andreola, JD & CFP, ING Retirement Adviser. Start planning NOW! Learn the reality and maximize your dreams. Just bring your lunch and a desire to take control of your financial future - we will supply the cookies!

Brought to you by State Treasurer Tim Cahill & The Caucus of Women Legislators' Mentoring Program Committee.

Please register by writing to [email protected] or calling 617.367.6900. Open to legislators, aides, and members of the public. Free.

GIS Day Date and time: Wednesday November 16, 10am-2pm Location: Great Hall, State House

What is GIS? Come learn - at GIS Day! Circulate among more than 20 exhibits to learn about interesting, current GIS mapping projects.

A speaking program at noon will showcase the high level of cross-agency cooperation coordinated by MassGIS and the latest developments at MassGIS, the Office of Geographic and Environmental Information.

Just a few of the areas you can learn about at GIS Day: *Emergency Management Plans *Crime Statistics for Statewide Analysis *Legislative District Maps *Statewide Surveillance of Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus *Comprehensive Snow Removal Plan *Mapping Resources Available to The Legislature

Open to legislators, aides, and members of the public. Free. To learn more, visit http://www.mass.gov/mgis/gisday2005.htm

Disclaimer: Only events specifically labeled as sponsored by The Caucus of Women Legislators have the endorsement of the organization. This calendar is a compi- lation of some CWL-sponsored events as well as other non-sponsored, related topic events.

Page 4 Caucus of Women Legislators US Senator Stabenow Speaks at Harvard

Several members of the Caucus of Women Legislators attended the forum. Pictured at left (from left to right): Victoria Budson, Execu- tive Director of the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government; Representative Kay Khan (D-Newton), Representative Anne Paulsen (D-Belmont), U.S. Senator Debbie Sta- benow (D-Michigan), Representative Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley), and Representative Bar- bara L’Italien (D-Andover).

fice, Debbie Stabenow is a real inspira- that our voices are heard.” T he Women and Public Policy Pro- tion and role model.” When asked by a member of the gram (WAPPP) and the Institute of Poli- Stabenow credits her parents audience why it is necessary to have tics at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Gov- with encouraging her to “dream big programs such as the Women and Public ernment hosted a forum on October 28 dreams” during a time when women Policy Program, the Senator responded, featuring guest speaker U.S. Senator were often advised to work as teachers “It’s called the U.S. Senate!...It didn’t just Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan). or nurses. Stabenow believes it is liber- happen that there are now more women After serving in the State Legis- ating that women now have a broad in government than before. It was a con- lature in Michigan, Stabenow made his- array of career opportunities from which scious strategy.” It was women’s organi- tory in 2000 when she became the first to choose. zations, programs, and caucuses that woman from the State of Michigan enabled women to win more seats at the elected to the United States Senate. “To change the face of power, political table, said Stabenow. Stabenow talked about her con- we need to have women in all “What does it take for women to cern for keeping jobs in the US, and levels of government.” win seats in Congress and be effective health care access and affordability. while in office?” asked one attendee. She also remembered the late Rosa Senator Stabenow advised that Parks for her central role in the civil The forum, entitled “Changing “believing in yourself and being willing to rights movement. “She changed the the Face of Power in America,” ad- put yourself out there” are two of the world because of her willingness to dressed the role that women play in gov- most important characteristics. stand up for her own dignity,” said Stabe- ernment. “To change the face of power, In order to run for office, said now. we need to have women in all levels of Stabenow, one must 1. know why he/she Jeanne Shaheen, Former New government,” commented Stabenow. wants to run for office, 2. be able to com- Hampshire Governor and current Direc- “We need to not only make sure that the municate that, and 3. raise the money to tor of the Institute of Politics, provided an faces of power change, but also the be able to get that message out to the introduction for Stabenow. “For those of voices of power. Now that we have a broader population. you who are thinking of running for of- seat at the table, we have to make sure

Students Meet with Caucus ED During a recent fieldtrip to the State House, the students learned how it is possible to be ninth graders at the Fay School in Southbor- politically active before one is eligible to vote. ough met with Caucus of Women Legislators Pictured at right (from left to right): Josh Executive Director Erica Mattison. In addi- Lesser, John Walters, Kathy Lau, Samantha tion to learning about the role of the Caucus, Killeen, and Paul Perales. 10/27

2005, Issue 9 Page 5 Domestic Violence Awareness Week Held at State House

(Continued from page 1) FORUM ON BATTERED WOMEN AND CHILD Director of Development and Pub- CUSTODY CASES lic Relations at Jane Doe Inc; and a Lastly, Thursday Octo- survivor of domestic violence. ber 20, in conjunction with “We need to continue to Representative Kay Khan’s educate our communities and our Office, the Caucus held a children...We need to constantly forum on Battered Women remind ourselves and others that and Child Custody Cases. the plague of domestic violence A diverse group of does not just infect one culture or over 40 came to hear the class; but every culture, every overview, provided by class, every religion, and every Wellesley College re- person in this society,” remarked searcher Monica Driggers, Senator Ed Augustus. co-author of “Battered “I am determined to bring Mothers Speak Out,” a hu- something good out of something Pictured above: Ben Atherton-Zeman, Caucus Co-Chair Ellen Story, Sena- man rights research report that was otherwise horrific,” said tor Ed Augustus, Senate President Travaglini, Toni Troop of Jane Doe Inc., which examines what hap- the domestic violence survivor, and Senator Harriette Chandler. 10/17 pens to battered women who speaks to groups around the when they pursue child state on a regular basis, helping to custody cases in the Massachusetts family RESOURCE FAIR raise awareness about the gravity of sexual courts. Tuesday October 18 featured a assault and domestic violence. “With 20 years of documentation on Following the press conference Resource Fair in Great Hall with participation from 20 diverse organizations working in the the problems with child custody in the Com- portion, Ben Atherton-Zeman performed a monwealth, we need to make concrete, sys- field of domestic violence. one-man, multi-media play, entitled “Voices temic changes,” says Driggers, Director of the of Men.” The play focuses on sexual assault, Just a few of the participating or- Project on Gender and Justice at the Welles- domestic violence in dating, sexual harass- ganizations were: ley Centers for Women. ment, and sexual objectification. • Asian Task Force for Domestic Violence Following Driggers’ talk, Nancy Atherton-Zeman, a spokesperson Scannell, Director of Government Affairs at for the National Organization for Men Against • Casa Myrna Vazquez Jane Doe Inc. and Co-Chair of the Legislative Sexism, has performed in 35 states, as well • Deana’s Fund Committee on the Governor’s Commission on as Canada, China and the Czech Republic. Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, pro- For the past fifteen years, he has worked as a • Family Law Project for Battered Women vided an introduction for “Breaking the Si- prevention educator for rape crisis centers, lence: Children’s Stories.” This is a recently domestic violence programs, and state coali- • Girls’ LEAP Self-Defense released PBS documentary that chronicles tions. He stressed that abuse is not just • HarborCOV the impact of domestic violence on children physical; it can be emotional as well. He also and the recurring failings of family courts emphasized the role that boys and men need • Jane Doe Inc. across the country to protect them from their to play in the movement to end domestic abusers. • Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance violence and sexual assault. Among the attendees were repre- The performance incorporates tele- • The Men’s Resource Center for Change sentatives from organizations such as the vision advertisements from a variety of cam- Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance, paigns to end domestic violence. Among the • REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. Department of Transitional Assistance, advertisements is one by an organization Greater Boston Legal Services, and Casa called “Men Can Stop Rape,” which empow- *For a full list of participating organizations, Myrna Vazquez. ers male youth and the institutions that serve visit www.masswomen.org.* The Caucus looks forward to future them to work as allies with women in prevent- collaborations with State House offices and ing rape and other forms of men's violence. external organizations to provide additional For more information, visit “The Resource Fair provided a won- derful venue to meet with legislators, staff informative events focusing on issues that www.mencanstoprape.org. and other organizations to promote domestic impact the lives of women. Another campaign whose work is and dating violence awareness,” said Sher It is essential that women and men featured in the performance is “The Family Quaday, Deana's Fund Executive Director. discuss domestic abuse and sexual assault. Violence Prevention Fund,” which works to “We were pleased to meet Lt. Governor Kerry Improvements are possible by working to- prevent violence within the home, and in the Healey and introduce our dating violence and gether. community, to help those whose lives are bullying prevention work to her. We thank the devastated by violence. For more informa- sponsors of this important outreach event.” tion, visit http://endabuse.org.

2005, Issue 9 Page 6

THE HISTORY PAGE for more, see Blanche Ames article on next page The Inclusion of Women on Juries in Massachusetts By Meghan Biggins, Caucus Intern took its fight to the voters of Massachu- Cutler said, it’s “a shame to keep women setts by placing the issue on the ballot. By out of the jury box with the pretense of While conducting research for the an overwhelming majority, voters sup- sheltering them.” Caucus this month I came across an in- ported a woman’s right to serve on a jury. It took another 26 years for these triguing article entitled, “Finish the Fight” - This did not stop the conservative Legisla- amendments to be overturned by the Leg- The Struggle for Women’s Jury Service in ture from defeating the bill. islature. In 1975 female jurors were con- Massachusetts, 1920-1994 by Alan It was not until 1949 when Cutler tinually discriminated against by peremp- Rogers. Even though the 19th Amendment gained a Senate seat and worked with the tory challenges which allowed prosecutors to the US Constitution passed in 1920, and defenders to block them from sitting allowed women to vote, it was not until on certain trials. In 1994 the U.S. Su- 1949 that women in Massachusetts It’s “a shame to keep women out preme Court officially prohibited any ju- were allowed to serve on juries. Repre- ror discrimination based on gender. To- sentative and later Senator Leslie B. of the jury box with the pretense of day, all citizens are obligated to serve on Cutler played an instrumental role in sheltering them.” juries. Today, while many look at jury bringing about this change. duty as a burden, it is important that we For Cutler, a Representative -Former State Senator Leslie Cutler recognize this obligation as a way citi- from Needham elected in 1939, zens can be part of the judicial process. women’s jury service was an area of Cutler and other women legislators are main concern. In 1941 she joined League of Women Voters that she was able largely to thank for this patriotic right for all forces with three other female legislators - citizens. Susan Donovan, Catherine Falvey, and to get a bill passed. However, the bill Margaret Spear. Together they formed the passed with a number of amendments that Non-Partisan Committee for Jury Service Cutler opposed. Among these amend- Source: Rogers, Alan. “Finish the ments was one which dictated that a for Women. Fight” - The Struggle for Women’s Jury Ser- woman’s right to serve on a jury shall be vice in Massachusetts, 1920-1994, The In 1946, after failing numerous voluntary. Women would be excused from Massachusetts Historical Society Review, times in the legislature, the Committee cases involving rape or child abuse. As Vol. 2. Caucus Releases List of Women Legislators, 1923-Present

Letter from the Executive Director It is important to have an accurate, up-to-date record By Erica Mattison of all the women who have served and are currently serving in This year, as the Massachusetts General Court cele- the Massachusetts Legislature. Because this did not exist, the brates its 375th Anniversary, the Massachusetts Caucus of Caucus compiled information from various sources, including Women Legislators recognizes the role that women have Caucus records and those from the State Library of Massachu- played in the General Court. The Caucus, to which the female setts. members of the General Court belong, is pleased to announce This record is a good start toward raising awareness the release of “Women in the Massachusetts Legislature,” a about women in the Massachusetts General Court. Far too chronological record of all the women who have served in the often, women’s role in shaping history is not taught or dis- Massachusetts Legislature, dating back to 1923. cussed. This document seeks to make this information acces- In 1923, three years after Women’s Suffrage, two sible to members of the Legislature, the media, educators, women were elected to the House of Representatives - Susan students, and the public at large. Fitzgerald, a Jamaica Plain Democrat, and Sylvia Donaldson, a “Women legislators have played an important part in Brockton Republican. In 1937, Ms. Sybil Holmes, a Republi- crafting laws that benefit families, women and children. The can of Brookline was the first woman to win a seat in the Mas- addition of women to the institution greatly increased aware- sachusetts Senate. ness of these issues and led to the passage of many benefi- cial laws,” said Caucus member State Representative Marie J. The Caucus remembers former State Representative Parente. Janet O’Brien, who passed away on Thursday October With 50 women currently serving in the Legislature, 27, 2005. O’Brien, a Democrat of Hanover, served in that number comprises one-third of the total number of the House of Representatives from 1991-1999. Our women who have served since 1923. sympathies are with her family. Copies of the record may be obtained from the Cau- cus of Women Legislators and at www.masswomen.org.

2005, Issue 9 Page 7 Human Trafficking—What We Can Do to Combat This Problem

Human trafficking is a problem that “Human trafficking is a growing zation that supports and engages young affects women, men, boys, and girls all over problem throughout the nation and here in women in civic activism to better their com- the world. Believe it or not, human trafficking the Commonwealth. It is more than simply a munities and lives. Program initiatives and is a problem right here in Massachusetts, crime against the individual. It is a crime projects are conceptualized and managed by along with other states and nations. against humanity,” said Senator Montigny. local partners, in order to encourage long- According to “The bill I sponsored was designed term civic involvement and interest. Through www.humantrafficking.org, “Human traffick- to help us understand the extent of the prob- cross-cultural collaboration, funding, and ing refers to transportation of persons for lem here in the Commonwealth. Since I filed training, FAIR Fund advocates the active and forced labor, sexual exploitation or other illicit the bill last December, we have learned much successful participation of young women in activities. It is estimated that more than 1 about this crime and the type of support vic- the development of civil society. million people are trafficked annually around “I co-founded FAIR Fund because I the world; some experts say it could be dou- “FAIR Fund is working in saw a need for young women to have a space ble that.” collaboration with women's and at the social change and decision making On Tuesday October 25, the Caucus youth organizations in both table,” said Powell. of Women Legislators provided a forum for “Human trafficking and other forms State House aides to learn more about this Boston and Washington, D.C. to of sexual exploitation disproportionately af- topic. A bi-partisan group gathered to meet develop a comprehensive pro- fect younger women, and it is important that with Andrea Powell, co-founder and Executive gram to prevent the trafficking there be an organization that organizes and Director of FAIR Fund, an international young and prostitution of young engages young women in civic activism to women's organization. better their own lives and communities,” said women,” Andrea Powell, Powell. “Over the past two and a half years, There is currently legislation pend- Executive Director of Fair Fund. we have worked in 11 countries, including ing in the MA Legislature that would provide the United States, to reach over 10,000 for a study of “trafficking of persons and in- tims require. I plan to work with my col- young women and their allies.” voluntary servitude.” Senate Bill 103, spon- leagues to revise the bill to create compre- FACT: 80% of victims of trafficking sored by Senator Montigny, would create a hensive legislation to combat human traffick- are women, 50% are minors. (US Office to commission to study the need for a human ing and to aid the victims of this horrendous Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, trafficking law in Massachusetts. The bill is crime,” said Montigny. Trafficking in Persons Report, June 2005) currently in the Children and Families Com- FAIR Fund is an international organi- mittee. Who was Blanche Ames? Activist The Caucus http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/nort Entrepreneur of Women Legisla- heast/brochures/bord/welcome.htm. tors is pleased to Inventor On October 27, the Caucus have on display in hosted a reception for legislators, Mother its office copies of State House staffers, and members of Grandmother prints created by the public to meet members of Ames’ Painter Ms. Blanche Ames. family. Several members of the Ames Political cartoonist The main family were in attendance. Ms. Jay Howland (Grand-niece of Blanche Ames), with mother Ms. Jessie Williams Scientist suffrage activist in Oakes Ames Plimpton, grand- the (Niece of Blanche Ames), and Pat Magee Writer son of Ms. Ames, shared information (married to Oakes Plimpton). Easton/Brockton about his grandmother and her im- area, Ames’ politi- pressive initiatives. “In a state-wide cal cartoons from 1915 focus on vote in 1915, woman suffrage was women’s suffrage. She was also one defeated in Massachusetts by a one- of the organizers of the Easton League third majority. But in 1918 Blanche of Women Voters. was one of the leaders in a campaign Ames, who lived from to defeat John Wingate Weeks for the 1878-1969, was a descendant of Senate, an [uncompromising] suffrage Massachusetts Governor Benjamin opponent,” said Plimpton. Butler. She has a family tree full of Special thanks to Representa- interesting and well-known people. tive Anne Paulsen (D-Belmont) for con- (From left to right) Representatives Kay Khan (D- Blanche Ames and her hus- necting the Caucus of Women Legisla- Newton) and Anne Paulsen (D-Belmont), with band Oakes owned the land that is tors to the Ames family. For more in- Oakes Plimpton, and Mr. Fred Paulsen. On the now Borderland State Park. For more formation about Blanche Ames, mantle are the political cartoons by Ames. information, visit please contact the Caucus.

2005, Issue 9 Page 8