Table Of Content

Free Speech SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 1 J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 7 • Glass Ceiling Breaking the Glass Ceiling for Women • ELA • Meet Sheryl Olson, MT’s only female ICCW was created by Executive to their class position. women was taking effect. Voting Deputy Order in 1976 as the Interde- After members were inducted, members Jeanne Anderson, partmental Coordinating they began critical in-depth stud- Claire Cantrell, Dee Capp, Judy Director Committee for Women under ies of four basic needs: Child- Carlson (chairwoman), Ann Dan- Governor Tom Judge. “Equality care, Training Needs, Promotion/ zer, Barbara Duffy, Wanda Ed- • Training of opportunity is a principle un- Personnel Policies, and Affirma- inger, Jean Eickmeyer, Mary Ev- Resources derlying the very foundation of tive Action. ans, Rae Haas, Elizabeth Hallo- our society—yet it remains unat- Members of the well, Susan Hansen, Helen Ho- • Women- tained,” said Judge in his State of committee gan, Marilyn Huestis, Wendy torship the State Address to the 45th addressed the Katolas, Trudy Malone, Patricia Legislature (Jan 5, 1977). “We Governor with Moore, Peggy Naegele, Nancy • Trimming can not expect private employers concerns that Raue, Nancy Rockwell, Lelia Wil- the Fat to make good-faith efforts to find “equal employ- liams and Alternates Mary Lou qualified women and minorities ment opportu- Crawford, Lacy Culver, Kay Eller- • Women in to fill their better jobs, if the nities for hoff, and Helen Murray were state fails in its responsibility to women in state government will breaking the glass ceiling for fu- the MT do so.” not become a reality until depart- ture generations. Economy Judge assembled a committee of ment directors are fully aware of The 2007 Excellence in Leader- exceptionally able, dedicated and the problem (1976-1977) to de- ship Awards ceremony will • ICCW thoughtful individuals to share velop strong action policies to honor charter members of 1977 Tracks Bills common concerns, discuss mu- implement change.” for their visionary efforts in help- tual goals, and advance employ- The very first memorandum ing women in state government • Paint The ment of women in state govern- issued on September 26, 1977, succeed in the workplace. Please Town Pink ment during a time when women was a collective voice for the contact Lindra Davies, (406) nationally were viewed as mem- betterment of all women in state 444– 0511 if you know a charter bers of a dependent class whose government, just as the national member and have their contact individual rights were subservient revolution of policy toward information. Excellence In Leadership Awards Established in 1999 as the people from state government, 303 of the Old Supreme Court "Breaking the Glass Ceiling the public sector, and the private Chambers. Time TBD. Awards," the annual Excellence sector who have outstanding Now is the time to begin think- 2006 Award Recipients Carol Mason, in Leadership Awards (ELA) leadership qualities, who recog- ing about those individuals in Sandra Straehl, honor three individuals from nize the value of women in the your community paving the way Richard Haraldson with across Montana for exemplary workplace, and who actively for women to succeed. Links to Lt. Gov John Bohlinger leadership and achievements, or encourage women to move for- the nomination packets will be for outstanding efforts to help ward. available in the next edition of women excel in the workplace. This year’s celebration is sched- Free Speech. Each year the ELA recognize uled for May 16, 2007 in Room PAG E 2 Celebrating Women Sheryl Olson began as a student spent the next five years working in state government.” In-between intern, while working on her Mas- as a stay-home mom. She came her career with the State and ters degree in Public Administra- back to the DofA in 1993 as an raising her daughters, Sheryl also tion from UM, never suspecting administrative officer, working made time to climb over 100 that years later she would become part-time so she could be with her mountains, hike the length and the only female Deputy Director two daughters after school. A few width of the Bob Marshall Wilder- in state government. The experi- years later she became the Bureau ness, and stay active in her church. ences she had as an intern, first at Chief of the State Procurement Her job now positions her to be the Legislative Auditor’s Office and Bureau and later the Deputy Ad- part of the agency that has the later at the Dept of Health and ministrator of the General Service greatest influence in improving Environmental Services, were the Division. In March 2006, Sheryl career opportunities for state first steps in a twenty-year career was selected as the Deputy Direc- employees across the state. “I Sheryl Olson in state government. Today, she is tor of the Department of Admini- understand the dedication employ- the Deputy Director of the De- stration. “I am a living example ees have to getting a job done and Deputy Director partment of Administration that women can find a balance also the frustrations managers Department of (DofA). After her internships in between home and a career. Being have in trying to adequately re- Administration 1981, Sheryl took the summer off a stay-home mom was the best job ward our employees for how hard to ride her bike across America. I ever had, but having an employer they work,” said Olson. “Every That fall, she started her first job that could provide me with flexible day I think of how proud I am to as an assistant to the director at hours and a great benefit package be a state employee and humbled DofA. After seven years at that made it possible for me to enthusi- that I get to work for the people job, motherhood called and she astically merge back into a career of Montana.” Training Resource Reviews “It’s not what we get, but who we become , Women and Leader- No More Chains: The real underneath the cares of life ship: Essential Skills for you…getting it back - 4 Learn step-by-step verbal what we contribute… Success in Today's Busi- Audio CDs comebacks when being at- ness - 1 Audio CD Dr. Kim shares practical tips tacked that gives meaning to Women in leadership positions for individuals from all walks of Discover how to finally say no still face stereotypical attitudes life. This program is designed without shame or guilt our lives. and negative perceptions. In for the confident executive, Take a stress test and find out this program, women can learn the nurturing housewife or the how balanced you really are how to make sexual harass- exploring teenager. This series Discover how your generation ment a non-issue and use office is guaranteed to help you: has influenced who you are. - Tony Robbins politics to stay ahead of the Guard your feelings and react Unravel the “real you.” game. Learn the special lead- to conflict with wisdom instead For a complete listing of avail- ership skills unique to women of emotions able training resources visit and how optimize them. Develop your confidence and strength that has been hidden http://www.mdt.mt.gov/iccw/ Wo-Mentoring I stumbled across this word sider a program that focuses ber of a mentorship circle. while googling “mentoring” and on personal growth rather This “switch” makes you both liked its definition so much that than promotions. Old school the mentee and the mentor. To learn more visist I thought I’d use it as the title mentoring was founded on The new approach does not of the column. Wo-mentoring commonalities between two involve looking for someone http:// is a new approach that is more people. The new school of two-three rungs up the career www.fastcompany.com/ about commitment and learn- thought is to open yourself up ladder from you, in fact they online/17/womentoring.html ing and less about chemistry and seek a mismatch, which recommend you consider lat- and power. Oh, and they claim may mean different people for eral mentors that you can it’s not just for women. Aban- different aspects of your life— relate to and learn from. don the hierarchal protégé love, work, personal growth— form of mentoring and con- or consider becoming a mem- Michelle Robinson FRE E SP EEC H V OLUM E 2, I SS U E 1 PAG E 3 Trimming the Fat out of Healthcare Is the problem with your stationary trophic health care expenditures, and eating right and exercising. This can bike that it sits stationary? How invest in a healthy, productive future be as simple as joining a walking often do you push yourself away for our nation. group or as extensive as a fitness from your desk and walk, stretch or Each year, taxpayers—regardless of program. Shape Up Montana is a reach for a healthy snack? health status—pay half of the na- good place to start if you don’t know According to the National Gover- tion’s $93 billion price tag for medi- where to look. nor’s Association (NGA) Center for cal expenses directly attributed to State agencies can begin to promote Best Practices, Americans spend $1.8 obesity. In Montana that translates to healthy behaviors by instituting sup- trillion on health care each year, with $127 per taxpayer annually. portive environments and coalitions nearly 75 percent of the expendi- How can you help foster healthy that enhance healthy living choices. tures go to treating preventable dis- living? Design a benefits program that re- eases. NGA says you can begin by reducing wards healthy lifestyle practices. Our society’s accepted culture of cholesterol levels by 10%, which Take advantage of health screenings, inactivity and overeating poses seri- could cut the incidence of heart and other state offered workshops ous incalculable dangers for our disease by as much as 30%—saving to kick-start your personal invest- nation. States cannot afford to ignore the Montana economy $112 million ment. these trends if they want to remain in health care spending each year. Create a mind shift of benefit entitle- globally competitive, diminish catas- Get on the preventative side by ment to personal responsibility. How do Women Rate in the MT Economy “You won’t According to the Montana Women’s This topic was particularly heated 54% of women and 19% of men did skid if you stay Legislative Agenda 2007, women are when the Nevada Associated Press housework; 66% of women and 35% contributing more to their family’s pointed out that for every dollar a of men did food preparation for the in a rut” economic security than ever before, man made in Montana a woman family; in a household with children however the majority of women are earned 67 cents. At the request of under 6, women provided an average -Kin Hubbard still working in low-wage, traditionally ICCW, Chief Economist Brad El- of 2.7 hours of childcare versus 1.2 female-dominated professions and dredge of the MT Dept of Labor and for men; and married men spent 5.1 are the most likely to live in poverty. Industry’s Research and Analysis hours for leisure (recreation) versus In 2005, Montana families receiving Bureau presented a brown bag work- a woman’s 4.5, which included shop- Temporary Assistance to Needy shop in 2006 on the gender wage gap ping for the family. Families (TANF) received an average in MT vs the US. One particular slide To learn more about the state govern- of $424 per month for a family of in the power point was particularly ment wage gap read the March 2006 three. Contrary to popular belief, telling of the unpaid ‘workload’ edition of the Economy at a Glance Montana families are not “getting rich women shoulder. Slide: American http://www.ourfactsyourfuture.org/? off the system.” Time Use Survey results: PAGEID=67&SUBID=139 But today, I am still just a bill... The 2007 Legislative Session is committee. There are still 28 Duran at (406) 444-5809 or underway. The ICCW is moni- bills that are in the draft stage [email protected]. toring an extensive list of bills that have not been introduced that are of interest to women with one that is probably and their families. Sixteen bills "dead." have been introduced, of which If anyone would like to be 11 hearings have been sched- added to ICCW's Preference uled and 9 have been held. list to receive hearing notices One bill was passed by a Senate or a printout of the latest status committee as amended and one of bills, please contact Jeri has been tabled by a House ICCW Meeting Schedule for 06-07 Jan 18 1:30-3:00 Library, Grizzly Rm INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE FOR CHANGE BY WOMEN Feb 15 1:30–3:00 Mitchell, Rm 136 Mar 15 1:30–3:00 Library, Grizzly Rm Apr 19 1:30-3:00 Mitchell, Rm 136 May 17 1:30-3:00 Library, Grizzly Rm ICCW June 21 1:30-3:00 Walt Sullivan, 1st flr Helena, MT 59624 Creating positive change for all state employees Phone: 406-444-1520 by promoting the full participation of women in Fax: 406-444-1394 state government. E-mail: [email protected] To learn more about women’s organizations in Montana making a difference visit www.wfmontana.org Visit ICCW on the web www.mdt.mt.gov/iccw/ Paint The Town Pink 5th Annual Event Florence Crittenton, a 100-year old nal art pieces; Spa day for 8 friends; thank them for supporting Florence Helena based non-profit, relies heavily Salmon River Whitewater Rafting Trip Crittenton. on volunteers and financial donations … plus themed dinners, artwork and To reserve your place at this year’s to provide a therapeutic residential incredible silent auction packages. Pink contact the reservation hotline of home for young pregnant women and Tickets are available at Haute 949-5020. If you are unable to at- their babies. Headz Salon, Finstads Carpet One, tend, consider buying a raffle The theme of the fifth annual Paint Leslies Hallmark, American Federal ticket for a fantastic trip for four to the Town Pink event is Fire and Savings Bank and Expresso Nirvana. Carmel in California, including airfares, Ice which promises to warm your The Great Northern Towncenter is 3 nights in a celebrity hotel and $500 heart and take your breath away. The literally painting the town Pink! Busi- each to spend on shopping, spa treat- event will take place at the Best nesses are supporting the fundraising ments or to golf Pebble Beach. Western Helena Great Northern efforts by contributing a percentage of Or consider volunteering your Hotel on February 3, 5:30pm— sales to the time, which is equally as valuable. midnight, and includes live and silent home during There are a wide range of volunteering auction packages, dinner and dancing the month opportunities from decorating to the to the Carousel Band. of January. clean up operation! For more infor- Auction items include: Please pa- mation call Chelsea Fagen at 431-4493. Weekend for 4 in the Willamette tronize Financial donations are greatly appreci- Valley – Oregon’s premier Wine Area, these busi- ated. Monetary donations should be including a Hot Air balloon ride and nesses and mailed to Florence Crittenton, 901 breakfast in a vineyard; Palm Springs North Harris, Helena, MT 59601 or Skins Pro Tour trip for 2; Never run donate online at dry with the Ultimate Wine Cellar; www.florencecrittenton.org. The Mans Package – 50” plasma screen tv, leather recliner and a fridge full of Send stories or leads to Together we can change the future … beer!; Fly fish the Missouri river; Origi- two lives at a time. [email protected]