You are invited to our first New York See Jane Do Soiree into Action™ Monday, March 5th, 2012 at Green Spaces!
See Jane Do's Soiree into Action™ events are "Parties with a Purpose" engaging women with networking opportunities and fun filled activities to stimulate action.
We are honored to feature Gloria Feldt, author, activist & former CEO of Planned Parenthood. Gloria will share tips & tools from her latest book, "No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power."
To RSVP to the Soiree click here. Space is limited.
Connect with other extraordinary women like yourself and celebrate International Women's Day! We hope you'll join us!
About Us: See Jane Do is a social change organization that redefines media for women & the power of story to create positive change. Turn your Passion into Action today.
2010 was definitely a roller coaster ride. The year’s top news stories included fierce acts of Mother Nature such as the earthquake in Haiti, the Icelandic Volcano, the Chilean earthquake and tsunami; man-made disasters like the Gulf Oil Spill; historic legislature that included President Obama signing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and health care into law; plus Elana Kagan was sworn in to Supreme Court the fourth ever female Supreme Court Justice. In California, Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown went head to head for governor. American hiker Sarah Shourd was released by Iran after being detained for 13-months for crossing an unmarked border and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi was also released after years of detention by Burma’s Junta.
In some ways these national and international news stories mirrored the twists and turns of our communities and our own lives.
With See Jane Do we are striving to uncover those stories that fly under the radar even though they affect all of us. We are redefining information sharing for women through bridging of traditional media with new media; streaming radio, linking video to webisodes and connecting people from a virtual world back to a regional one.
Unlike other programs geared towards women, which mostly covers entertainment, beauty and some women’s issues, See Jane Do takes current news topics we are concerned about and creates a personal story with a reason to care and a solution to do. Our programs are organized around the media, social justice, power of the purse, environmental action, health & wellness, politics and leadership.
It’s our hope that See Jane Do provides a platform for you and other everyday women to speak from and hear from real women with real solutions.
Today we will feature some of our biggest take aways from 2010; the stories, events and experiences that reaffirmed this movement is a lot bigger than we thought and yes, you and I are the one’s we’ve been waiting for. It is our time.
Take Away 1 - Don’t underestimate the power of your story, it might just change the world.
"A movement isn't a movement unless it's moving" ~ Gloria Feldt
We kicked off 2010 with the first annual Passion Into Action Conference. Over 300 women braved the snowy conditions and traveled from all over Northern California to attend this sold-out conference, which featured Nina Simons of Bioneers, best-selling author and activist Gloria Feldt, and former US Ambassador Linda Tarr-Whelan. We wanted to create a space for women to share their story with others in addition to meeting, networking, and exploring ideas on how to work together and strengthen our communities, with the intention to transfer ideas into action. In addition to our incredible keynote speakers the conference included seventeen workshop leaders.
Nina Simons shared the importance of owning our story, the relationship we hold with the earth and the potential women have to enhance our planet together.
Gloria Feldt challenged us to think about power and the importance of Sister Courage. She has been a tremendous advocate for See Jane Do and we were extremely honored that she included us in her new book, "No Excuses, 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power".
"See Jane Do's unique multimedia platform holds exciting promise as a new model for civic engagement and leadership in today's fast-paced, fragmented world." ~Gloria Feldt
One of the most powerful mediums to amplify women’s voices and perspectives and ultimately transform culture is through film. See Jane Do traveled to the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas, to interview women filmmakers and film festival organizers. Later that month we headed to New York City to cover The White House Project’s EPIC Awards and host their Media Lounge. While there we met with the Women’s Media Center to get a clear picture of where women stand in the media. We were shocked to learn that only 7% of the stories we watch at the movies, are told by female directors. This means that 93% of the films (even the ones about women) were interpreted through a man's perspective. Women hold 3% of decision-making positions in all forms of media. We also celebrated Kathryn Bigelow’s Academy Award for best director for the film Hurtlocker, the fourth time a woman had been nominated for the award and the first time a woman had won in the history of the Academy.
Take Away 3 - Speaking up, Speaking out, Taking Action – When enough is enough.
We met several environmental action heroes that were risking life and limb for environmental and social injustices this year including Diane Wilson, an award winning activist, author, co-founder of CODEPINK and shrimp boat captain. Diane made national news as a result of her outburst during Tony Hayward's hearing (CEO of BP). The activist was awakened in Diane over twenty years ago when she discovered that she lived in the most toxic county in the United States.
We also interviewed Goldman Environmental Prize Winner Lynn Henning a family farmer who exposed the polluting practices of livestock factory farms in rural Michigan. Her efforts to require CAFO's (basically animal factories that confine thousands of livestock) to clean up the toxic brew that is contaminating ground water, lakes and streams, has gained the attention of the EPA.
"Are you seeking approval of the world or seeking to change the world?"~Eve Ensler
Elisa covered The Women's Conference in Long Beach, California and spoke with powerful change makers like Donna Karan, Rosario Dawson, Lisa Ling and Eve Ensler. Eve described the event as her coming out day since it was her first public speech having recoevered from uterine cancer. She is playing a tremendous role in working to end violence against women and stressed that changing the world is not about being liked or seeking approval. We must be brave and step up to create a better world.
A growing number of women are taking their health into their own hands, changing policy, setting deadlines, and creating hope in healthcare. Whether you're for universal healthcare or not, pro-choice or anti-choice, most might agree that women's health needs often take the back seat in the America. As a result, many women are standing up and moving forward for their healthcare rights. This also includes changing policy to expose and ban the toxic chemicals contained in many of our home and beauty products and setting a deadline to end breast cancer.
See Jane Do examined the stuff in our stuff with Stacy Malkan, author of Not Just a Pretty Face, Erin Switalski, Executive Director of Women's Voices for the Earth, and Britta Aragon activist and blogger of Cinco Vidas. We covered the health care reform town hall meetings and captured a personal perspective of women's heath with the Women's Health Specialists. Finally we featured extraordinary women who are taking incredible measures to end breast cancer by setting a deadline and bringing women together to support the cause. We walked with women in the Barbara Schmidt Millar Triathlon, founded by Cathy Anderson-Meyers and spoke with Fran Visco, breast cancer survivor and president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition who shared their strategy to setting a deadline to end breast cancer by 2020.
See Jane Do hosted four Soirees Into Action in 2010 including the Green Makeover Party.
Take Away 5 – Women’s Economic Influence – Becoming the CFO of Your Household
Women now make up over half of the work force. Women are launching businesses at twice the rate of men but funding sources still tend to lean towards male-owned companies. We control up to 85% of what's bought or purchased in the United States andwomen control 60% of the wealth. Why is it then that most women don't feel economically powerful? In fact, about 90% of women surveyed said they don't feel financially secure. In order to make a difference and enhance the planet we need to feel comfortable with our level of influence and in this nation, money talks. We interviewed Maddy Dychtwald, author of Influence: How Women's Soaring Economic Power Will Transform Our World for the Better, award winning poet Molly Fisk, Jane Roberts, founder of 34 Million Friends, Teresa Delfin, founder of Mountain Mama, Gina Robison-Billupsand, founder of Moms Making a Million, Nevada State Treasurer Kate Marshall and best selling author, Riane Eislerwho is creating ways to implement a new economy. We also hosted the Funding Your Passion Soiree Into Action.
Many youth today, especially at-risk teenage girls are lacking role models. They are overwhelmed with the struggles of coming from broken homes where drugs and poverty are prevalent, survival is a constant concern, and options seem limited or non-existent. Programs across the US, including right here in our hometown of Nevada City, are uniting these girls with mentors to build confidence, teach social change skills, provide authentic and positive relationships, and reshaping their and our future for the better. These are the seeds for future social activism that need nurturing.
Take Away 7 – Definition of Community is a Common Goal
Last December, former Mayor Reinette Senum in her TEDxGrassValley talk raised the concept of community as a common goal and it got us thinking about the many community movements we covered this year and the need for collaborative leadership. For many of these communities, they are on the frontline of environmental and social change and thusly being impacted the greatest. It is essential to hear their stories first hand. In our program on Transition Towns we traveled to Reno, Nevada. In the "wild west" where the attitude was once every "man" for himself, women are pioneering a gentler expedition and this time they are doing it together to create a sustainable city that isn’t dependent on peak oil. We also attended the annual Bioneers conference in San Rafael, CA and the Women’s Conference in Long Beach, CA.
Extraordinary Janes: Reinette Senum, Molly Fisk, Chameli Ardagh, Ginny Woods, Suzie Daggett, Rainy Blue Cloud, Transition Reno founders, and the String Sisters.
Moving forward in 2011, we ask what will your story be? What’s your legacy?
We’ve heard and met so many extraordinary Janes this year, all of which started out as everyday women, but because of a certain issue or a passion that struck home for them, something inside was ignited to do more. Some did it alone and created a movement where others joined them, while some reached out to friends, family, and their communities to organize around something they felt passionate about and make a positive change.
"Why Do Women Resist the Power They Deserve?" ~ Gloria Feldt
On this special edition of See Jane Do on KVMR Elisa speaks with Gloria Feldt about her latest book No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Thing About Power. Gloria is a best-selling author, commentator, public speaker and women's rights activist. She pulls no punches in her new book, which encourages women to step into positions of power and leadership - now!
She provides inspiration, hope and courage - as well as concrete "power tools" - the 9 ways, with one highlighted in each chapter - to aid women in securing equality and justice for themselves.
We are extremely honored to be one of the many amazing stories included in No Excuses. Gloria suggests that "See Jane Do's unique multimedia platform holds exciting promise as a new model for civic engagement and leadership in today's fast-paced, fragmented world."
Gloria is speaking at Bioneers 2010 on Sunday, October 17th. For more information about Gloria and her new book visit her website at www.gloriafeldt.com
Order your copy at a local bookstore or online at www.Amazon.com.
"One of those books that has the power to change your life. It's challenging and smart, but most important, it gives you actual tools you can use to walk in your own power."
Meeting Marie Wilson, founder and president of The White House Project was a life-changing experience. My general assumption was that women had made progress over the last ten years and that America would rank fairly high amongst other progressive nations in regards to female elected representation. I was shocked to discover that women represent only 17% of the elected officials in the United State and those numbers haven't changed in ten years! The United States actually ranks at 71% in the world when it comes to women serving in politics.
Of all the stories See Jane Do has covered this one has become a personal passion. Balanced leadership is necessary if we truly want to create a country that supports the essential needs of women, men and families. See Jane Do has taken measures to bring awareness and action to this issue by sharing the stories of women like Kristy Pagan, a White House Project graduate who plans to run for office, Joan Blades co-founder of MoveOn.org and MomsRising.org and Passion into Action Keynote speakers, Linda Tarr-Whelan, former UN ambassador for the Status of Women and author/activist Gloria Feldt.
Our mission, to capture the stories of everyday women who are taking the lead continues as we travel to New York City to partner with The White House Project at their 2010 EPIC Awards. In order to match their funds we are hosting a benefit to support the enhancement of women in American culture.
We are honored that Vice-Mayor Christina Billeci (running for California State Assembly against Dan Logue), Councilwoman Sally Harris, and Mayor Reinette Senumare participating in our next Soiree into Action.
Enjoy wine, music, a silent auction and meet local representatives this Thursday, March 25th, 2010 at the Nevada City Winery from 5:30-7:30 PM.
We woke up Saturday morning to dark clouds and heavy snow. Little did we know that almost three hundred women would trudge through the sleet to participate in the first See Jane Do Passion into Action Conference. The event sold out on Friday and we could only cross our fingers and hope that women in our community were ready to connect, inspire, and show the world that women are taking the lead in a big way.
As we pulled into the parking lot shortly after 8:00 we were awe struck that there were hardly any spots to be found. Inside, the lobby was a buzz with hundreds of women laughing and energized for the day to come.
The day kicked off with the See Jane Do video that chronicled the year of our program as we set out to capture the stories of everyday women doing extraordinary things for the planet. Following we were graced by the captivating stories of Sandy Schmidt founder of Women of Worth and Mary Elizabeth Young and Cathe' Fish, members of Women's Earth Alliance.
Co-founder and president of Bioneers, Nina Simons shared the importance of finding your own story and following your passion to enhance the planet. Gloria Feldt reminded us that to create a movement we must actually move into action. She said the conference included the most evolved group of women she has ever spoken to. Former UN Amassador for the Status of Women, Linda Tarr-Whelan was in awe that so many women showed up and stressed the importance of balanced leadership.
Musicians, Catherine Scholz and Sista Kat lit up the room with their inspiring lyrics and over twenty-one organizations and businesses presented opportunities to live better lives and support one another. Seventeen workshop leaders shared their passions through hands-on sessions and twenty volunteers stepped up to optimize your experience.
NCTV and The FARM volunteered their time to document this historic event and our sponsors reinforced the importance of women gathering together to make a difference.
We now feel more than ever, that there is much work to be done. That we must all do our part and follow our passion in order to create a sustainable future for the generations to come. Many women and men have worked together to enable us the privilege of where we stand now. Now it's our turn to get things done and we'll do it together.
Thank you to everyone who participated and for your support of creating a platform for women's voices and stories. We hope you'll join our Extraordinary Jane Campaign and participate in future endeavors.
"May the dreams of your past be the reality of your future"
In 2009 See Jane Do connected with everyday women who are fulfilling their dreams to create a better future for the planet and generations to come. Despite a year of transition and change the women we met are consistent with their message; to persevere, to have hope, to connect with others, and to follow your passion.
With over one hundred women we interviewed this year, we've shared our top twelve stories of everyday women who are doing extraordinary things for the planet and the lessons we learned from each of them. We look forward to more stories and inspired action in 2010!
1. Millions of people can come together peacefully to create change.
The See Jane Do team attended President Obama's inauguration and the Peace Ball in Washington D.C. We also interviewed incredible women at the SYRCL's Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival
6. Our planet, our life, our health, our children are worth more than gold and coal.
See Jane Do features women who are taking planet earth off the market.
Extraordinary Jane's:Maria Gunnoe and Judy Bonds fighting Mountain Top Removal. Lydia Olympic, tribal council member fighting open pit gold mining and preserving the largest salmon run.
7. You're one click away from changing policy, sharing your story and connecting with community.
See Jane Do attends BlogHer and features the pioneers of the online revolution.
Extraordinary Jane's:BlogHer founders and Joan Blades, co-founder of MoveOn.org and MomsRising.org.
8. The traditions of the past will support us in the future.
Grandma Jane is rockin the world! Standing up for conservation and peace these grandmothers are taking on multi-billion corporations to protect their health, the planet and their grandchildren.
9. We need to challenge assumptions that just because something has been done for many years (traditional school lunches), doesn't make it right. One person has the power to create an impact (and kids love brown rice).
We revisit school lunches that kids actually line up for and how the Slow Food movement can help.
Extraordinary Jane's: Renegade Lunch Lady, Chef Ann Cooper, Aimee Retzler, Tania Carlone, and Erika Lesser, Director of Slow Food USA.
10. With our purchase power we can change the world.
We featured women who are making the planet less trashy with less plastic.
Extraordinary Jane's: Beth Terry of Fake Plastic Fish, activist and artist, Kathleen Egan, and educator Anna Cummins of Agalita.
11. I want you to run for office! Women might make up half the work force and half the population but we still don't have balanced leadership in the United States.
The United States is a long way from balanced leadership but we're half way to reaching the tipping point (30% representation is needed). Numerous organizations have formed to train women to take the lead and run.
Extraordinary Jane's: Marie Wilson, president and founder of The White House Project, Kristine Pagan, White House Project alumni and aspiring candidate, Mayor Reinette Senum, and Gloria Feldt, author, activist, and former CEO of Planned Parenthood.
12. In order to have a healthy planet we must have healthy people.
Women are taking their health into their own hands and putting the hope in healthcare.
We still want you to run for office! See Jane Do's part II episode of Training Women to Take the Lead and Run will air tomorrow, November 24th from 12:00-1:00 PM KVMR, 89.5 or www.KVMR.org.
According to Linda Tarr-Whelan author and former Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, we can create a tipping point towards balanced leadership in the United States political system with women taking on 30% of elected representation. That means we're about half way there.
Who
will do their part to fill that void? It's everyday women just like
you and me. But you're not expected to do this on your own. A handful
of organizations such as the White House Project are pitching in to
train and support women towards taking a greater role in leadership.
The White House Projectis a nonpartisan organization that has trained over 6,000 women to lead from their communities all the way to the White House. They even worked with Oprah last year in training women to lead the way. We speak with White House Project founder Marie Wilson, staff and trainees about their recent success.
Also featured is political activist, media commentator, and best selling author, Gloria Feldt. Gloria has been named one of the top 200 women leaders and trailblazers by Vanity Fair Magazine. She is also one the keynote speakers at the upcoming See Jane Do Passion into Action Conference.
Mayor Reinette Senum and political leader Kristy Pagan share their personal stories and triumphs in living a political life.
Perhaps you've never considered running. This program just might
change your mind or at least encourage you to tap your friend on the
shoulder and ask them to run instead.
We are honored to feature Gloria Feldt, author, activist & former CEO of Planned Parenthood. Gloria will share tips & tools from her latest book, "No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power." 
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