August 19, 2009
2009 Ready to Run™ Workshop Set for October 10

Since 2005, the Ready to Run™ workshop in Nebraska has helped educate women on what it takes to run for public office. More than 150 women have taken part in the first four sessions, and a dozen participants were elected to office during the past year.

Ready to Run™ will build upon these past successes with the fifth annual candidate school on Saturday, Oct. 10.

This year’s workshop will provide basic information on what it takes to run for office. The message is beneficial for those considering running for office, as well as women who want to help with campaigns.

“We have a great group of women lined up to provide timely information on topics, said Bonnie Coffey, Ready to Run™ project manager and president of the National Association of Commissions for Women.

Loree Bykerk, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, is keynote speaker. She will talk about the importance of having women in elected office. Returning by popular demand are Senator Kathy Campbell and political consultant Mary Johnson to present “Deciding to Run for Office.”  Victoria Kohout, former political fundraiser, will share her expertise in “Raising the Dough,” while  Melanie Morrissey Clark, president of Clark Creative Group, and Claudia Martin, president of Redstone Communications, will focus on “Communicating Your Message.”

The “Lunch Bunch” will feature casual conversations with women currently in elected office. Closing out the workshop will be “Tales From the Trail” with women who have launched recent campaigns, including Lorraine Chang (Learning Community), Tanya Cook (invited, Nebraska Unicameral), Nancy Intermill (Lancaster County Commission) and Jean Stothert (Omaha City Council).

The Oct. 10 workshop is from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Security National Bank, 1120 S. 101st St. Registration is $50, with a discounted rate of $25 available for students. To make a reservation, call 402.827.9280 by Oct. 7, or download the registration form at www.omahawomensfund.org. No on-site registrations will be accepted.

Ready to Run™ was launched in Nebraska five years ago as a joint project of the Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha and the Lincoln-Lancaster Women’s Commission. The program was developed by the Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.

January 6, 2010
Women's Fund Adds Board Members, Elects Officers

Nine new members have been elected to three-year terms with the Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha’s Board of Directors. They are

• Barbara Bauer, American National Bank
• Patricia Carnie, Union Pacific Railroad
• Cheri Duryea, LDMI
• Weiyu Guo, University of Nebraska-Omaha
• Pamela Hernandez, Woodmen of the World
• Sue Korth, Methodist Women’s Hospital
• Kathleen Oleson Lyons, University of Nebraska-Omaha
• Jennifer Mahlendorf, Prairie Life Fitness
• Vicki Sloan, Gallup

In addition, the board has elected officers for 2010. They are:

• President - Anne Branigan, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
• Vice President – Debbie Fraser, Methodist Physician’s Clinic Women’s Center
• Secretary – Shelley Wedergren, Coventry Health Care
• Treasurer – Deb Hendrickson, Financial Advisor

Sept. 28, 2009
Women’s Fund to Award Grants at Oct. 1 Fall Luncheon

The Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha will present grants totaling $125,000 to non-profit organizations benefiting Omaha-area women and girls at its annual fall luncheon Oct. 1.  With these awards, the total amount of grants given by the Women’s Fund now exceeds $1 million.

“We are excited to announce these grants for programs that will make a substantial and sustainable impact on the well-being of women and girls in Omaha,” said Debbie Fraser, grants committee chair. “It’s heartwarming to realize that we are exceeding the $1 million mark as the Women’s Fund approaches its 20th anniversary in 2010. Over the years, more than 100 organizations have benefited from these awards.”

Two organizations will receive merit grants recognizing their outstanding work in the community. A $25,000 grant recognizing excellence in programming for women goes to the Visiting Nurse Association. Camp Fire USA - Midlands Council will receive a $20,000 grant recognizing programming excellence for girls.

The Visiting Nurse Association has a 113-year history of providing public health nursing care to families in crisis and the economically disadvantaged. VNA programs serve new mothers, women who are incarcerated, those in substance abuse treatment programs and the homeless.

Camp Fire USA has been serving girls in the greater Omaha area since 1920.  Last year, 1,300 at-risk young women benefitted from its programs.  Its Teen Advisory Board provides opportunities for members to gain leadership skills.

Grants totaling $10,500 honor seven women who have previously received the WomanSpirit award. Recipients are American Red Cross, Camp Fire, Girls Inc., Heartland Family Service, Planned Parenthood and YWCA

In addition, 11 non-profit organizations will receive some $70,000 in Women’s Fund community initiated grants. The grants fund programs addressing specific needs affecting women and girls in the community, as identified by Women’s Fund research.

Recipients are:

American Red Cross – $4,950 to integrate HIV and STD prevention education into its popular Babysitter’s Training course, targeting underserved teen girls.  Participants will be given information on at-risk behaviors and related topics so they can make healthy choices.

Camp Fire USA (Methodist Health System and Little Women awards) -- $6,000 to support sexual literacy programming for at least 50 girls ages 13 to 18. Twenty-five of the attendees will then teach other teens about healthy relationships and body image.

Catholic Charities -- $7,500 for Immigration Legal Services to provide low- to no-cost legal service to women seeking U-Visa relief. This process enables women to escape abusive relationships, obtain U.S. residency, and achieve self-sufficiency.

Essential Pregnancy Services -- $3,500 for "The Healthier, Stronger, More Beautiful You" is a peer support group for high-school-age women.  It strives to teach that healthy sexuality comes from physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Family Housing Advisory Services (Weitz Award) -- $9,000 for the $mart Change Program providing single, low-income women knowledge to improve their financial condition. Workshops and counseling cover topics such as saving, tax benefits, credit issues, housing opportunities and community resources.

Girls Inc. -- $7,000 for "Sexpertise," a year-long program to educate 200 girls ages 13 to 18 about reproductive health and sexuality, dispel pregnancy and STD myths, increase the likelihood they will use resources available to them and will delay sexual activity, and reinforce their vision of a self-sufficient, successful future.

Justice for Our Neighbors -- $7,500 to step up education and advocacy efforts regarding domestic violence and other violent crimes toward women and children.  Focus is on the Violence Against Women immigration provision, as well as the U and T visas, to ensure clients, crisis workers and social service providers have current, correct information about these laws.

Nebraska Children’s Home Society -- $10,000 to expand its “Teen Girls Chat Program.” Up to 120 teen girls will participate in the program, which focuses on STD education and development of a healthy sense of sexual well-being and helps participants with self-empowerment skills.

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland -- $3,000 to expand educational programming for women and adolescent girls in a substance abuse treatment facility. The program, which focuses on sexual health literacy, STD prevention and relationship issues, addresses the high rates of STDs among girls and women who abuse alcohol and/or use illicit drugs.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.2 (Lozier award) -- $2,500 to develop educational theatre to teach middle school students about STDs, risky sexual behaviors, making healthy choices, and how to support peers and access resources. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.2 is collaborating with schools and girl-serving organizations to develop and present these programs.

YWCA - $10,000 to develop the “Self-Sufficiency Pilot Program” to streamline and improve delivery of programs and services to 30 underserved, low-income women through the collaborative efforts of nine agencies. Participants will work individually with a YWCA case manager to develop short- and long-term goals.
 
The Women’s Fund Fall Luncheon will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, at 11:30 a.m. at Holiday Inn Central. Author and consultant Audrey Nelson, Ph.D. will provide the keynote address on “He Says, She Says: How to Effectively Communicate with the Opposite Sex at Work.” Tickets are still available. Visit www.omahawomensfund.org to register, or call 402.827-9280.

August 20, 2009
Fall Luncheon Focuses on Effective Workplace Communications

Good communication is more important than ever in today’s economic environment. There’s more competition in the marketplace, and many businesses and families face stressful financial situations.

Knowing how women and men communicate and being able to switch between the two styles is crucial, according to author and consultant Audrey Nelson, Ph.D., who’s keynote speaker for the Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha’s Oct. 1 fall luncheon. Nelson’s topic is “He Says, She Says: How to Effectively Communicate with the Opposite Sex at Work.”

“Everything in the office – from problems to personnel and companywide success to satisfaction – boils down to communication,” Nelson says. “There’s a direct link between our ability to communicate and our overall success, not just at work, but in life.

With careers and paychecks on the line, effective communication between genders is critical, regardless of whether you work in the mailroom or the boardroom,” Nelson says.

Nelson is author of “Code Switching: How to Talk so Men Will Listen,” which will be available in September.

The ninth annual Women’s Fund Fall Luncheon is Thursday, Oct. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holiday Inn Central. Honorary co-chairs are Pamela Hernandez, executive vice president, operations and strategy, Woodmen of the World, and Sue Korth, vice president and chief operating officer, Methodist Women’s Hospital.

Grants totaling more than $100,000 also will be presented at the luncheon to non-profit agencies for programs benefiting women and girls.

Individual luncheon tickets are $75 and $150, and corporate registration is $1,500 for a table of 10. Register online at www.omahawomensfund.org or call 402.827.9280.

'Ready to Run - Here I Come' Workshop Set for March 27

The March 27 “Ready to Run™ – Here I Come” workshop will provide specialized information for women who are seriously considering a political campaign and those who have already filed for office. Campaign staff members also are encouraged to attend.

The workshop is presented by the Women’s Fund of Omaha and the Lincoln Mayor’s Commission on Women. Since 2005, the two groups have collaborated on annual Ready to Run™ workshops that provide connections and information to encourage and support women running for elected office.

At the upcoming workshop, two experienced presenters will provide information, strategies and perspectives on running a successful campaign. Political consultant Mary Johnson, who is also a board member and presenter for the Campaign School for Women at Yale University, will address campaign details. Jennifer Mahlendorf will share her fundraising experience as a deputy chief of staff and staff assistant for a mayor, finance director for three U.S. senators, and campaign manager for three candidates for other offices.

Additionally, a panel of women in elected office will provide their insights and perspectives on political campaigns. Participants are Freddie Gray, Omaha Public Schools Board of Education, District 2; Amanda McGill, Nebraska Legislature, District 26; Crystal Rhoades, Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors, District 4; and Jean Stothert, Omaha City Council, District 5.

The workshop takes place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, in the Hilmer Art Gallery on the campus of College of Saint Mary.  

The charge for the workshop is $25 with a reduced fee of $15 for students. Registrations can be made by calling 402.827.8290 or downloading the registration form from www.omahawomensfund.org.  Reservations are due no later than noon on Tuesday, March 23.  There will be no on-site registrations accepted.  

Ready to Run™ is a non-partisan program developed by the Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, which has granted permission to produce Ready to Run™ workshops in Nebraska.  

March 19, 2009
Executive Director Named to Midwest CEO Influential Women List

Ellie Archer, executive director of the Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha, has been named to Midwest CEO’s list of Influential Women in the Midwest. The award recognizes 49 of the Midwest’s most powerful female executives and entrepreneurs.

“Here we present a list of the best and brightest – women who strive for excellence not only in the workplace but also in their communities, driving efforts to make their cities productive and viable places to live, work and attend school,” the magazine said in announcing the honorees.

Archer was recognized for her efforts in fundraising and raising awareness of women’s issues in Omaha. She is the only woman from Nebraska on the list. She has been with the Women’s Fund since 2001.

The March issue of Midwest CEO is available online at www.midwestceo.com.

March 19, 2009
April 3 Workship Focuses on Women's Fund Grant Application Process

A Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha workshop on Friday, April 3, will provide information on how to apply for 2009 grants.

The Women’s Fund will award grants in two areas:

Community Initiated Grants: These grants will support innovative programs for women ages 18 and up in the areas of economic self-sufficiency, STD awareness and education, domestic violence and leadership development, as well as sexual literacy programs for girls ages 13 and up.

Excellence Grants: A $25,000 grant will recognize excellence in programming for women, and a $20,000 grant will go to a girl-serving agency. The award monies may be used for general operating expenses or programming.

Application information is available on the Women’s Fund Web site. To download a copy of the request for proposals, go to www.omahawomensfund.org and select Grants.

The workshop will be held at 3 p.m. at Methodist Hospital Centennial Room (second floor conference room by the cafeteria). To register, call 827.9280.

February 10, 2009 
Ready To Serve Prepares Participants for Community Board Service

Nearly 190 participants took part in the inaugural Ready To Serve board training workshop Feb. 3 and Feb. 10. The workshop came about as a result of Women’s Fund research that showed women are underrepresented in the leadership ranks in our community and that service on non-profit boards is an effective way to develop leadership skills.

Community leaders who took part in Ready To Serve provided insight on how boards operate and focused on members' responsibilities. 

“The workshop provided foundational learning to help participants understand what it means to be on a board and what role a board member plays,” said Sara Masters, Ready To Serve committee chair.

In addition to covering the basics, workshop leaders shared real-life examples of their board experiences. Presenters encouraged participants to join boards in which they believe in their mission, as serving goes beyond attending monthly meetings.

 “Ready To Serve is meeting a need to make the metro Omaha area better for everyone by getting people, especially more women, involved with community organizations,” Masters said.

The majority of participants said they plan to seek opportunities to serve on a non-profit board. Participants will be surveyed later this year to find out how they have applied the knowledge gained from the workshop – for instance, have they joined boards, or have those persons already serving accelerated their participation on boards and gained more confidence?

Participants gave the workshop high marks - a 4.3 average on a 5-point scale.

"Overall, this was fantastic," one participant said.  "I learned so much.  The speakers were great, and they were very inspirational."

Plans are under way to hold a second Ready To Serve workshop. To be notified when registration opens, send your name and contact information to info@omahawomensfund.org.

The Women’s Fund thanks Mutual of Omaha, Ready To Serve program sponsor, and the Kiewit Foundation, which provided funds for the course materials, along with media sponsors Metro Magazine and KMTV.