See Jane Do...

250 Women Unite at Passion Into Action

 

"Be the kind of woman who, upon getting up in the morning, places her feet upon the ground and the Devil says, 'Oh crap. She's up!" ~Kathy LeMay Passion Into Action keynote speaker

 

It began to the beat of one drum as over 250 women joined together at the 2nd Annual Passion Into Action Women's Conference in Grass Valley, CA. From the moving performance by the Feather River Singers, to opening up with Nina Simons, crying & laughing  with Kathy LeMay, being authentic and ready to lead with Tiffany Dufu, bringing women into circle with Jean Shinoda Bolen plus 17 amazing presenters, we are forever changed by this experience & thank each of you who participated in the event.

 

Nina Simons' passion for cultivating women's leadership and enhancing the planet is contagious and inspiring.  She did an incredible job of engaging the participants and providing a safe space for them to open up and share.  We so appreciate her ability to listen, her honesty and her sincerity.   

Kathy LeMay wowed us with her presentation.   We especially loved how she engaged the participants through her personal stories, out-of-the box thinking and sense of humor.  She has redefined philanthropy and how we can utilize our passion to be of service to each other.  While she has raised over $500 Million dollars for organizations she reminds us that giving to the greater good doesn't require millions.   

 

Tiffany Dufu, new President of The White House Project is striving to train 8,000 women to take the lead in the United States and there is no doubt that she will achieve that goal!  We especially appreciated her attention to authenticity and action in her presentation. It was such an honor to include Tiffany and two of her incredible team members, Liz Johnson and Nevada Littlewolf in the Passion Into Action line-up.  Liz and Nevada were extremely inspired and moved by the energy, enthusiasm, and passion of the attendees.  We hope to collaborate with The White House Project again in the future.

 

Activist and author Jean Shinoda Bolen is gathering women together and empowering them to create social change. Her personal stories around bringing women into circle, activism and her efforts to spearhead a 5th World Conference on Women are encouraging and hopeful.  Jean speaks from the heart and  inspires women to do what they love and share it with the world.  

 

We are extremely grateful to the 17 talented and powerful women who took the time to share their passion and lead 15 workshops at the conference including: Patt Lind-Kyle, Kathleen McIntire, Sonika Tinker, Elizabeth Johnson, Jessica Reeder, Shawn Tuttle, Amber Clisura, Kim Stravers, Stacy Malkan, Carole Carson, Linda Joy Myers, Lisa Schrader, and to our Boston friends, Alexis Schroeder, Jeanne Dasaro, and Jennifer Cohen.  We wish Chameli Ardagh a quick recovery and look forward to partnering with her on future events.   

 

A year of planning goes into organizing this conference and we couldn't do it without your support.  A sincere thanks to our fantastic volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, Gather the Women, David Nicholson, Kial James, Haute Trash, Summer Thymes, Briar Patch, the Center for the Arts, Friendship Club, Sierra Mentoring Partnership, Sugar & Oats, Suzie Daggett, APPLE, Women Worldwide, Blossom Organics, Veritea, Nana's Baked Goods, Mayor Jan Arbuckle, Council Member Reinette Senum, Dawn Lorraine, Oberon, KVMR, Stephanie Camp, Jennifer Hall, Sadie Wight, supporters, friends, family and extraordinary participants who helped to create the magic of Passion Into Action.

 

So, what's next?  We are developing the next plan of action to continue the synergy from the event and support each others work and passion.   

 

Keynote Speakers:

Did you miss Passion Into Action?  We are hosting a special screening of the four keynote presentations and panel discussions at the Magic Theater Sat. May 14th at 4:00 PM, Sunday May 15th at 1:00 PM, Sunday May 22nd at 1:00 PM, and Monday May 23rd at 7:00 PM.  This will include special guests who will share tips and tools on how to put your passion into action.   More info to come! 

 

We look forward to aligning our work with the extraordinary presenters of Passion Into Action and will keep you posted. 

 

 

Share the Passion

DVDs of keynote presentations including: Nina Simons, Kathy LeMay, Tiffany Dufu, and Jean Shinoda Bolen are available for purchase.  The cost is $9 per DVD and also includes the panel discussion.  To order your DVD contact us at [email protected].   

 

Soiree Into Action

We will continue to hold our quarterly Soiree Into Action events with a specific focus around uniting our community of women and sharing tools to put our passion into action.  We are also looking to include teleseminars and webinars to include communities of women across the country.  Do you have a topic you'd like to share or learn more about?  Please contact us at [email protected].

 

Your Voice

Within the next couple of days Passion Into Action participants will receive an online survey.  As we look to possibly expand Passion Into Action in other small towns and rural communities we look to you for suggestions in order to enhance the PIA experience.     

 

Connect with Us

Our radio program continues to feature the stories of everyday extraordinary women.  We appreciate the support of our host station, KVMR as we move towards syndicating See Jane Do this year on other stations across the country.    

 

You can also read about extraordinary women in our column in The Union Newspaper.

 

We are excited to speak at the Green Life Eco Fest May 21st-22nd and the National Federation of Community Broadcasters annual conference June 1st-4th.   

 

Passion Into Action is a success because of your commitment to invest in "you", doing your part, sharing your stories, and following your heart.   We appreciate your support and can't wait continue the momentum and energy this coming year.

 

All the best,

 

Elisa and Jesse

Top Tips from BlogHer '09: "Business of You" Part I

So, you've taken a break from the daily grind and said good-by to your 9-5 job. You're ready to jump into the "business of you".  And if you're like many of the attendees who participated in the BlogHer '09 conference, you're probably blogging about your new ventures or sharing the stories of "you" with the world.  

The big question is how do you capitalize on the extraordinary things you are doing and what will you need to do differently to represent yourself as a consultant in the blogosphere?

In my personal quest for transformation, I attended the "Bloggers are Pioneers in a Post-Employee World" to find some answers.

As women, we're often fearful to talk about our value or the money equated to the value of the good work we're doing.  Everyday extraordinary women and panelists:  Maggie Fox, Melissa Lion, Karen Rani Bodkin, Paula Gregorowicz and Kaveri Subbarao shared their top key points to survive in the "business of you" in this digital era.

YOU are the Expert

1. How are you brilliant?  What do you want your brand or legacy to be about? 
2. Check out your life equity and what you bring to the business.  Remember, no one does it like you do.
3. You need to take care of yourself and value yourself so others value you.  Integrate your life rather than focusing on balance.

Communicating Your Best

1. How do you show up to meet other people?
2. Understand your value before you pitch to others.
3. How do you communicate your value?
4. Think of 5 pitches to communicate within your community.

Getting the Business

1. Focus on speaking engagements where people might be interested in your services. This enables you to build your profile and make you think about what you're doing and the message you want to send. Look at potential clients. It's business development.  Be sure to find the right people in the room.
   
2. Start local and tap into local networks. This can launch your global outreach.
3. Writing is a small part of the work...getting freelance work is the 40 hr a week job.
4. Virtual assistants will help with pitches.
5. Protect your intellectual property.

Money Talk

1. Have your strategic plan in place. How much will you charge and who is your audience.
2. Look at what others are paying for sites like yours.
3. Never take the first number they give you.
4. Give a range in your proposal..."I can do this for that price and that for this price".
5. Instead propose a package deal and add cushion.  Focus on profit margin not hourly rate.
6. Ask them "what's your budget? What are you thinking in price range".
7. Ask the client what they value.

Elisa Parker is the co-founder and host of See Jane Do.

Behind the Scenes with BlogHer Founders: How Blogging Works for Women

July 24th, 2009 kicks off the largest conference for women bloggers in the world.  Bloggers from all over are convening in Chicago to connect in real life including the See Jane Do team.  We went behind the scenes with BlogHer founders, Jory Des Jardins and Elisa Camahort Page to learn blogging basics and essentials, why blogging works for women, and the steps that led to this incredible online community for women.

This segment also includes everyday extraordinary bloggers:  Vanessa Smith, Rachel Barge, Anita Jackson, Stefania Pomponi Butler and Jane Gassner.

Click here to listen to the interview.  

A Conversation with Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls: Twenty Years of Music and Activism

Their music creates blueprints that are timeless and forever memorable.  For twenty years the Indigo Girls have graced us with classics like Galileo and Closer to Fine.  Following, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers' activism have enhanced the lives of many around the world working with Native American groups, supporting women's issues, and feeding the hungry. 

The Indigo Girls are definitely everyday women doing extraordinary things for the planet and they're coming to my small town to perform this weekend!

During my interview with Amy Ray on KVMR, she shared her experience working as a women in a male dominated industry, the inspiration behind their new CD, and stories of the good work they are doing through their non-profit Honor the Earth.

The Indigo Girls are playing at the California Worldfest Friday night, July 17th.

Click here to listen to the interview with Amy Ray.

The Greatest Lessons Learned From Around the World

What's the greatest lesson you've learned?  Reporter and author, Sharon Sobotta took this question to heart and went one step further to find the answer.  She traveled around the world meeting everyday people from all walks of life.  Following, she wove their stories and the most applicable lessons into a book, The Journey of Life:  100 Lessons From Around the World. 

Sharon intends to transform these lessons into positive action and will follow up with a second book that uncovers individuals who are taking the unpaved path to pursue their dreams.

We met Sharon at the Engage Her conference and interviewed Gloria Steinem together.  Impressed with her work and passion, we have invited Sharon to share the lessons of everyday extraordinary women she meets during her travels with See Jane Do listeners.  Read more about Sharon on our "About" page.

Sharon shares how we can put the lessons into practice:

What's Your Stake?

The 2009 'Project: Putting the Lessons to Practice' series 

How are you going to 

-challenge xenophobia, islamophobia, racism and sexism?

-help make the world a better place for women and men to live in harmony?

-end violence against women?

1. Get a copy of The Journey of Life: 100 Lessons from Around the World

2. Visit the website www.interculturalencounters.com daily for the lesson of the day. 

3. Apply the lesson to inspire change.

4. Share. Use facebook, twitter, youtube, seejanedo and the IE site to share your stake through podcasts, blogs and videos.

5. Stay tuned for the next edition, tentatively titled '100 Lessons from Off the Beaten Path'

Who are the Women in Your Neighborhood: Meet Virginia...Saving a California State Park

See Jane Do met Virginia Brunini in our own backyard of Nevada County.  In the early 1970s Brunini fought hard to get the Empire Mine State Historic Park established. The Grass Valley landmark is one of four Nevada County parks on the list of 200 state parks facing a possible closure to address the state's $24 billion deficit.  City and county officials have estimated the loss of the parks would cost the county millions in tourist revenues.  Unwilling to let the economic and historic treasure close, Brunini has gathered 5,000 signatures for a petition asking state legislators to keep the park open.

Click here to listen to Virginia's compelling story to save a national treasure and a state park.

Lydia Olympic: Protecting a Bay that Brings Life to Her Community

Meet everyday extraordinary woman, Lydia Olympic.  As a tribal activist she is taking the lead to fight the development of a proposed open pit copper mine in her community.  Her village just happens to be located on Bristol Bay home to the most populated Salmon Run in the world.  Her primary motivation to stop proposed Pebble Mine from opening is her mother who still fishes, hunts and gathers berries to sustain her family.

"What happens in a fish camp, stays in a fish camp"~ Lydia Olympic

Find out what happens in a fish camp and why Lydia's work to save Bristol Bay from a proposed open pit mine is so important to all of us.

Click here to listen to Lydia's moving story

 

A Conversation with Gloria Steinem: Celebrating 75 Outrageous Years

"When women come together and tell their stories, something magical always happens." ~ Gloria Steinem  

With support from all over the world she has helped to influence policies and culture norms for women.  She is known as an icon for the second-wave feminist movement.  Yet, Gloria Steinem says "we haven't yet accomplished what we set out to do". 

I first met Gloria at the Engage Her conference; the first multicultural women's leadership conference.  I watched in awe as women flocked to Ms. Steinem, eager to shake her hand and take a photo with her.  She has made quite the mark for herself considering she didn't become actively involved until she was in her 30's. 

Upon turning seventy-five this year Gloria has encouraged everyone to conduct at least one outrageous act for simple justice on behalf of women, families and communities within seventy-five days. 

Following the conference Sharon Sobotta a reporter with KPFA and I had an exclusive interview with Ms. Steinem for 45 minutes. During that time she discussed everything from the lack of progress in the women's movement, Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton, her "aha" moments, the next generation of feminist leaders, and the importance stories of everyday women hold in this transformational era.

Click here to listen to See Jane Do's interview with Gloria Steinem.

Listen to Stories of Everyday Extraordinary Women at CODEPINK's Peace Vigil

What does an activist, a colonel, an Iraq War veteran, a mother, a woman living under occupation, and an actress all have in common.  They are all everyday extraordinary women who participated in CODEPINK's annual Mother's Day peace vigil and event in Washington D.C.

See Jane Do was there to capture the stories of these passionate women at this moving event.

Listen to the stories of CODEPINK cofounder, Medea Benjamin, Colonel Ann Wright, Iraq War Veteran and mother, Lindsey Cambpell, Women for Women Director in Afghanistan, Sweeta Nori, mother of Iraq Soldier, Cynthia Benjamin, actress and activist, Mimi Kennedy and many other incredible women.

If you missed our broadcast on KVMR,
Click here to become inspired and listen to our program.

Sweeta Noori Tells Us How We Can Help Women in Afghanistan

The CODEPINK Mother's Day event in Washington D.C. attracted incredible women from all over the world to promote peace and social justice.  The See Jane Do team had an opportunity to speak with an everyday extraordinary woman who has helped more than 8,500 women in Afghanistan. 

Sweeta Noori with Women for Women serves as the director in Afghanistan.  Women for Women is helping women survivors of war and rebuild their lives through an innovative and holistic approach.  One of the ways the organization is mobilizing women to change their lives is by engaging them in a one-year program that provides them with the tools, training, financing, and skills to empower them as leaders and help reconstruct their community. 

Ms. Noori launched a micro-credit program in Afghanistan, dispersing over $750,000 to 2,700 women.  And the recipients seem to be following through with their objective as Sweeta claims a 99% return rate on the money lent. 

Sweeta joined CODEPINK on Mother's Day to share her personal story as a woman from Afghanistan and urged women in America to get informed and involved in order to improve the lives of  women in her home country. 

Click here to listen to our interview with Sweeta Noori and learn how you can make a difference.