Happy New Year from WIN!

What are you looking forward to in the new year? Here at WIN, we've got an awful lot to be excited about. From the upcoming Young Women of Achievement Awards to the Congressional Council reception, there are so many opportunities to advance pro-choice, Democratic causes in the greater DC area. Start 2011 off right by attending one of our upcoming signature events, exploring a new network or making some connections with other WINners. It'll be a fantastic way to start off the new year!

YWA Tickets On Sale Now!

The Young Women of Achievement Awards (YWA) is only a month away! Check out the brand new event website, where you can learn more about the event and our phenomenal nominees.

This year's theme, "Generation XX - Bridging the Gap Between Generations of Women," recognizes the importance of connecting women across all generations. We're excited for this amazing evening of networking and celebration as we recognize the achievements of young professional women under 35.

YWA's feature keynote speaker will be Jen O'Malley Dillon, executive director of the Democratic National Committee, and will be hosted by Liz Chadderdon, president of The Chadderdon Group.

Visit the website today to learn more and purchase your tickets!

Announcing WIN's Congressional Council Reception

WIN honors the pro-choice, Democratic women of the 112th Congress with its annual evening of celebration on Capitol Hill.

Join WIN and host Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D, CT-3rd) for a reception honoring the members of WIN's Congressional Council.  WIN's Congressional Council is made up of the pro-choice, Democratic women in the U.S. House and Senate who support the mission and vision of WIN.

Inspirational Women Standing Up For Choice
Celebrating the Pro-Choice, Democratic Women of Congress

Tuesday February 8, 2011
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Light appetizers and drinks will be served
Please RSVP to political@winonline.org

This event is hosted on Capitol Hill.  Location will be disclosed to confirmed guests prior to the reception.  Please note that this event is FREE and exclusively for WIN members.

WIN's Feminist Conversation Series Presents: Feminism and Consumerism

WIN's Feminism Conversation Series engages WIN members in critical discussions about gender, equality, and the movement for women's rights. This series brings area experts together with WIN members in a setting where every person has a voice and every opinion matters.

The first event of 2011, held on Wednesday, January 19 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the Watha T. Daniel Library (next to the Shaw Metro), will address Feminism & Consumerism.  

The economic empowerment of women across the rich world is one of the most remarkable revolutions of the past 50 years. Millions of women who were once dependent on men have taken control of their own economic fates. (Economist)  Today, in 147 out of 150 of the biggest US cities, young single women earn 8% higher than their male peers. (TIME)  At the same time, in DC, women are 35% more likely to be in poverty than men. In 2009, 63% of DC’s low-income working families are headed by single women. (Defeat Poverty DC)

Feminism and Consumerism: 

• With four Wal-Marts opening in DC at the same time that the company is being sued by female employees for discrimination, we'll ask ourselves: Do we shop at stores that discriminate against women, or depend on sweatshop labor of women around the world?  
• How can we avoid this when we are scrapped for cash, and need to cut our own budgets wherever possible? Is "shopping your values" just for the affluent?  What are other WIN members doing?  What is your personal philosophy on feminist consumerism?
• Is capitalism anti-feminist? If so, is it necessarily so - or is there the possibility of a feminist-capitalist society?  Is hyper-consumerism bad for feminism, or can we use our economic power for good?

Interested in receiving information from one of the networks featured below? Log in to WIN's membership portal where you can edit your profile and select networks that interest you. You'll receive periodic updates and news about upcoming events!

WIN's Writing Group had a special soiree to celebrate the one year anniversary of the group's founding. The group meets every other Wednesday at 8 pm at different cafes around DC to meet other writers, do a short writing prompt and workshop a piece submitted by a group member. Like the group's meetings, the event was open to anyone interested in attending - no prior writing group attendance required! The event featured baked goods, attendees of all ages, shared excerpts from creative nonfiction pieces written by members and famous authors alike, and an audio clip of David Sedaris reading his amazing Santaland piece.

Network Spotlight - Women's Health Policy Network

The purpose of the Women's Health Policy network is to inform women about current public health and health policy issues, educate women on the policy process, play an active role in public policy, and of course, network within and between health-related fields.

AC Member Spotlight - Mary Jane Gallagher

Mary Jane Gallagher is certainly no neophyte in the women's health arena or in Washington, D.C. Her storied resume includes more than 20 years of federal and state policy and communications expertise. She has served as the Chief Operating Officer of two of the largest national membership associations: most recently, the Public Education Network and, from 2004-06, the League of Conservation Voters. Prior to her work with the League, Gallagher also served as the COO of NARAL Pro-Choice America from 2001-2004. Gallagher's leadership equipped these groups, all of which wield considerable influence in Washington, with successful organizational leadership.

You can also add business owner to Gallagher's accomplishments. For 15 years, she was CEO of the Gallagher Widmeyer Group, a for-profit firm Gallagher founded, which provided public affairs and communications support to non-profits in health care and education. Earlier in her career, Gallagher served two governors. She served as press secretary to former West Virginia Governor Jay Rockefeller and she was also the director of policy and communications for former Governor Lawton Chiles of Florida. She also served as a correspondent for the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour.

Gallagher is a fierce advocate for women's health and family planning. Her commitment to non-profit efficiency and her communications acumen perfectly anchor her belief that all people deserve access to services which will help them act responsibly, stay healthy and plan for strong families.