Thurston County's Hidden Sector

It's Women's History Month

There are several Thurston County nonprofits that empower us all

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Growing up, I attended an all-girls grade school and high school (I know, that explains a lot!). I recall one day we had a guest speaker. I remember the teachers were excited, so I thought this person must be especially important. I do not recall the person's name, but I remember that the speaker's claim to fame was that she was the first female commercial pilot. This was long before Sandra Day O'Connor was on the Supreme Court and when women still wore pantyhose to work. Still, at my young impressionable age, I did not think her accomplishment was that big a deal. I was not aware of a glass ceiling; I just thought no women had done that – yet.

Celebrate Women!

I was thinking about this as today is International Women's Day and March is Women's History Month. March 8 has been the date for International Women's Day since 1914, when the day moved to be in line with Russian women who celebrated the day on February 23 on the Gregorian calendar. The celebration usually includes rallies and events calling for women's right to vote and an end to gender discrimination. This year's theme is "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow."

Women's History Month is when we commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

Women's History Month is fairly new, having become a national celebration in 1981.

What You Can Do to Support Women

  • The Zonta Club of South Puget Sound (ZSPS) was created to focus on "hands-on" service projects. According to its website, it was chartered as part of Zonta International on June 21, 1995, as their 24 founding members were eager to be personally involved in serving the needs of women locally as well as internationally. For more information on how you may become involved go to https://zontasouthpugetsound.org/
  • The Junior League of Olympia empowers women in Thurston County by helping them develop civic leadership skills to put their unique talents to work in the community. I have collaborated with Junior League's in other areas, and they truly help women recognize their potential and empower them to grow. I know many who used JL to lay the foundation for political careers. For more information go to https://olympia.jl.org
  • YWCA Olympia is a multi-service organization that has served girls, women, and families since 1945. This is not the same YWCA you might have known in the past.
  • Today's YWCA's all focus on eliminating racism and sexism to advance the social, political, and economic status of all women and girls. Specifically at YWCA Olympia all activities place the leadership and wisdom of Women of Color at the center by engaging people of all genders, races, classes, and abilities in their collective work. For more information on YWCA Olympia, go to https://www.ywcaofolympia.org/who-we-are/about/
  • Leadership Women is not local, but a national organization that focuses on empowering women and is open to all women. According to Linda Crompton, Executive Director, Leadership Women is at the forefront of helping women and their organizations build intentional leaders. The LW mission is to ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. This determination drove their founders over 42 years ago (one of whom was Ann Richards, former governor of Texas) and remains alive today, empowering women across the globe. A Leadership Women Leader is someone who wants to LEARN, LEAD and leave a LEGACY. (Full disclosure: I participated in a Leadership Texas as well as a Leadership America class and recently joined their Board of Directors). If you are interested in learning more about this organization, feel free to contact me directly or go to https://leadership-women.org/

Women United

  • Twice a month, the Thurston County Chamber hosts Women's Sphere of Influence, an opportunity to bring influential women in our community together to share expertise and network. There is no cost to attend, and non-Chamber members are welcome. For more details go to https://members.thurstonchamber.com/events/details/women-s-sphere-of-influence-496197
  • The United Way of Thurston County offers Women United celebrating the power of women to bring about positive change in our community through philanthropy and service. Any woman who makes United Way part of her philanthropy can become part of this dynamic group of women working together to solve urgent, local community problems. For more details go to https://www.unitedway-thurston.org/women-united.

 A plug for Amelia Earhart

This April, Olympia Little Theater is hosting a performance of "The Originals." According to its website, this play is inspired by the true story of the heroic women pilots who formed the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron during World War II. It’s based on interviews, letters, and period articles about the women. The play tells the almost forgotten tale of an elite squadron of women pilots who battle prejudice, betrayal, sabotage, and personal loss to prove they belong in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Their success and this story are an inspiring tale of love, duty, sacrifice, and the perseverance of the human. For more details go to http://www.olympialittletheater.org/shows/theoriginals/

Soliciting your ideas

If you know of a nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits! 

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at  MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com

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