Final Chapter

Wow! I cannot believe the summer in DC has come to an end. There are so many areas of our lives that have been affected by this one summer, and now it is time to take these lessons back home with us. For the longest I knew I was not alone in being a person with a disability, but I felt lost on how to accept what it meant to me- Keri Gray. I felt I didn’t have an example or people to talk to who have struggled with the things I’ve struggled with. That left me to figure things out on my own, which I was doing in a slower pace than necessary and with many relapses.

Then the opportunity to work in DC happened. Over the course of the summer I interacted with people who have such passion in obtaining equal rights for all. They visibly showed their scars as marks of beauty, and that’s all I desired to do. I gained strength and motivation this summer to never hide. Further, a gained doorway into a community that will always support me in direction I have taken in life. AAPD and Capitol Hill connected me to two communities that built on me personally and professionally, and I am forever grateful.

So what’s next for me? This will be my senior year in my undergraduate study at Abilene Christian University. I am very excited to graduate in May 2012 with B.A.’s in Political Science and Communications with a minor in Public Service. I am as well preparing to take the LSAT and apply to law school in the DC and Texas area. I am excited for all our futures! Though it is the final chapter of this summer, it is the beginning of a connection with many many people. I am excited to say I feel a part of the disability community, and hope to give back as much as they have graciously given me!

AAPD Conclusion!

The final week in Washington D.C. was lots of fun. During the final week, I got to go to Baltimore, Maryland. It was a lot of fun. There are some parts of Baltimore that are rough. However, if you are near the Baltimore Harbor then you will be fine. I took a lot of photos of the harbor. I also got to take the city bus for the first time. I grew up in a semi rural area so I have not been exposed to as many urban areas. I got to see the ships that are near the Chesapeake bay. I also got to give my capitol tour in the United States Capitol. I did really well because I was able to explain the history of the Capitol and our nation to the tourists. The tourists were impressed with the Capitol. I also got to see the Pentagon building from the outside for the very first time. I finally got around to being able to get a photo with Congressman Hoyer. I was very happy to be able to see him and have a photo taken with him in the Capitol. Then on Friday, I finished up my work interning for Congressman Hoyer's Office. Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Washington D.C.  It was a lot of fun and went by way too fast. I want to thank the AAPD and all of the people or companies that helped sponsor my internship.

A Grand Old Time -- by Alec Frazier

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius Gives the Keynote Address at Justice for All

This past week was largely uneventful, except for one huge event! The AAPD's Justice for All 21st anniversary celebration of the ADA was a blast!

Minority Whip of the United States House of Representatives Steny Hoyer addresses Justice for All

One friend back home asked me what my day looked like, so I told her:

"Today I worked at the library, sorted through shelving, grabbed a hotdog, organized a list of links for a website, talked with Mom quick, rode across town in the subway, had group pictures taken, practiced intern graduation, attended a social mixer, listened to a number of influential speakers, and graduated."

Alec Frazier and His Mentor, Mat McCollough

There were too many important people at the event to count, and I made countless contacts for future business. Who knows? Maybe some will pay off...

AAPD Graduation !!

This was a very exciting week. American Association of People with Disabilities was hosting it's graduation ceremony on Tuesday. The celebration was really fun all day long. It first started off where I and the  rest of the crew got to get our photos taken at the U.S. Capitol. How sweeet can that get! Then the crew and I walked over to the Dirksen Senate Building where we all prepared ourselves for the big moment. On the way to the Dirksen Senate Building I got to go through the Hart Senate Building. I thought the Hart Senate Building was the nicest building of all the congressional buildings I had been in. It was really fancy and possesed a more upbeat feel to the environment of the building.

Once we arrived at the Audotorium in the Dirksen Senate Building, our director Michael Murray had us all pracitice walking up to the stage in order to make sure we maintained professionalism in the ceremony. Pop such as coke and pepsi was provided in the audotorium along with small appetizers. The best part of the cereomony was that I got to see Congressman Hoyer and Secretary Sebelius. I really loved the way how Secretary Sebelius had emphasized a long term goal of reducing the number of elderly people having to be in nursing homes and providing more home health care services in the future as the baby boom generation ages someday and makes long term care totally different than today's time period. I also enjoyed seeing my own Congressman that I intern for speak about how the signing of the American with Disabilities Act in 1990 was his greatest accomplishment that he helped put forward. Later that week on Thursday, I got to have a good lunch with my mentor Michael Winter at the United States Department of Transportation Building. Then on Saturday, I got to meet up with my Neighbor's niece from my home state of Ohio in which I had a good lunch with in Silver Springs, Maryland. Overall, my week was very good and very amusing.

Last Week Already?

AAPD orientation seemed like it was just yesterday. I woke up to the realization, that it’s the last week of my internship. Unbelievable, I should have anticipated it. It happens all the time when you do not want things to end. Truly, I enjoyed every moment of my internship experience. I met a lot of wonderful people. I do not want to leave my friendly co-workers but knowing it’s that time. I will definitely consider applying for a job with the USDA in the future, and hope USDA feels the same about me.

I want to thank AAPD for giving me this opportunity to explore and experience being in D.C. and this wonderful internship experience. I would not have done it without AAPD’s help. I had a great professional mentor who helped me with advice that will benefit me in the future. I also met up with few other people who were able to give me ideas and hope. There was an ADA celebration where there were speakers and the interns got an award from AAPD, which is a big honor to all of us. A lot of people came and I got to meet a few people. I wish I could get to know each person but it’s not always easy. I will miss the memories that I created here when I leave. I will miss the friends that I made through the internship. It was also nice to see my old friends who lived here in D.C.

Last week, I went to the White House for a self-guided tour and I had an amazing time. My internship offered my department an opportunity for the tour and it was wonderful. The White House is really big compared to what it seems from the outside. I absolutely loved looking at the pictures from the past of our previous presidents. I also met Obama’s dog! The dog is so adorable! I guess you have to be at the right place at the right time to spot lucky things.

I taught a sign language class at work to a small group of people. It was a fun experience, and I got to teach a little about deaf culture, a little about the difference between the sign languages, preferences of an individual, and of course some basic signs. The people who attended were highly motivated. We played a game, phone line- where there are two lines of people to pass a sentence on from the first person to the last person to see if the signs have been changed or are the same. I signed “I love working at USDA”, and one line of people signed “I love working at FE” while the other line of people signed “I love *hand shake*”. It was really funny. They asked me a couple of questions and it was an hour class. Some of people were disappointed that there won’t be another class but hopefully they will have the opportunity to take more classes in the future.

This past weekend, I ate at Ben Chili’s Bowl for the last time. I will miss that place dearly when I leave here. I know I am so into food for some reason. I finally tried Etete’s but it was not my favorite at all. I guess my taste buds do not go well with Ethopian restaurants or I will have to try different things on the menu. I also went to Georgetown Cupcakes for the last time.

Let’s make this week the best one of the summer!

Week 10

Sighs. I am very sad to see that I only have one week left here in D.C. I love the place and the people here as well as my friends and colleagues. But let's focus on the fun part last week.
On Monday (the 25th), I had an amazing tour of the Counterfeit section at Secret Service. The deaf employee over there has taught me a lot about genuine and counterfeit currency (both domestic and international). I got the chance to peek at the brand-new $100 currency bill, and it looks so awesome and high-tech! Can't say anything anymore, because it's a secret... shh. However, I got a chance to chat with my deaf colleague at Secret Service after the tour, and I was happy to hear that she will try to get in touch with a person from Cyber Crime division because of my interests in computer forensics.
On Tuesday (the 26th), it was an amazing time for me at the 21st Anniversary of the ADA event. After listening to awesome keynote speakers like Kathleen Sebelius (the Secretary of Human & Health Services), Senator Mike Enzi (R-WI), Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR), Tom Tauke, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Policy and Communications at Verizon, and Bruce Darling, National Organizer with ADAPT), I definitely did have moments of goosebumps because of their inspiring speeches. After the event, I got to meet several new people, which is a terrific opportunity!
On Wednesday (the 27th), I gave a presentation to Civil Rights & Civil Liberties (CRCL) interns that is working at Homeland Security about what my office do and to show them our shiny toys which is assisted technology for our employees & customers with disabilities. On the very same day, I got stuck with two or three options, but am unable to make a difficult decision to choose one of them. Don't get it wrong: these options are good ones, but it can determine the outcome of my future. I believe this Wednesday (the 3rd) probably will be the big day that could change my life forever. Sometimes I do feel like I need to choose a path, but it takes a lot of time to think about.

Fighting Insecurities

People first! The other day I had an encounter with someone who means a lot in my life. It showed me how far I have come, and just how much further I had to go.

I was very casually dressed in an over-sized t-shirt and some shorts doing some work on my laptop. I felt very comfortable and I knew nothing was about to disturb me because it was one of those day when I was casually laying in the bed doing some work with my prosthesis off laying in a corner. Until all of sudden there was a knock on my door. Absentminded, thinking it was one of my roommates I called out “come in.” However, it was not one of my roommates…it was someone who means a lot to me in my life, and yet has not seen this side of me. He glances over and see’s my prosthetic limb, and then comes straight over and begins telling me about his day like any other time. Yet, as he talks my mind is spinning of insecure thoughts. What does he think? This isn’t normal? He’s curious? He wants to ask me about my leg? Is he going to think its weird? Yet through those questions I knew I was okay. After calming myself down I was good.

Then the moment happened. You know how when you’re sitting in a position for so long that your leg begins to numb up so bad that you have to get up and stretch it? Yeah..of course in one of my moments of insecurity that would happen causing me to have to get up and stretch inevitably exposing my one-legged figure even more. I tried to fight it, but I had to get up. It was at the moment that I immediately wanted to hide. Grab my covers shove them over me, and hide. Errrrrrrrrrrr!!! Yet, why should I hide! I know I am not alone in my feelings where I let insecurities take over the truth of the matter. The truth is I am a person like any other who should completely accept me. I have come a long way, but I can never forget the beauty of who I am. In that moment I forgot. You may have a relapse as well, but know we have to get back up again! I got back up, and got my composure together because I refused to continue to hide. It’s hard for me, but I don’t desire nor will I give up.

This past week was great going to the ADA 21st Anniversary Celebration. I saw so many strong and passionate people, and being around a crowd like that can only motivate you to keep pushing towards the next level. I’m so blessed, and I’m so thankful for my life and the opportunities that are before me. I could have died a long time ago, but I constantly have to remember God choose me to live. Why? I may not completely know the answer to that, but what I continue to do with my life will show my appreciation. People first!

Week 10

This past week I continued to learn a lot. With the current spending/debt crisis going on in Washington, I had the opportunity to speak to many average everyday Americans. Talking to these individuals showed me first hand how Washington politics are affecting the American people. Seeing the politics and the reactions of the American people brought me beck to when I was an undergrad. I remember when I was an undergrad in my upper division Political Science classes, talking about different theoretical prospectives and thinking (ya right this doesn’t really happen). Well I was wrong, these theories how ever old, still hold true to this day.

I also had the opportunity to go to another baseball game this past week. On Wednesday after work, the Congressman’s chief of staff treated the interns and staff to the Nationals game. The really cool part was that the Nationals were playing the Marlins. The Congressman I work for is from Florida. Additionally, it was dollar hot dog night so I was able to enjoy a few hotdogs at the baseball game. The game was also a great opportunity to get to know my coworkers outside the office setting. Although the Nationals ended up loosing, I still had a great time.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Second to last week in Washington, D.C.! It is hard to believe our time here is almost up. Although I am eager to begin my second year of law school, I am a bit melancholy at the thought of leaving my awesome internship in the Senate, as well as leaving the awesome new friends I have made here. I think most of my fellow AAPD interns are feeling similar emotions. I for one am already looking forward to returning next summer to intern here in our Nation’s capitol!

This past week was a great week. Once again! I feel as though I am beginning to sound like a broken record, but this has been the best summer of my adult life. Remember when you were a kid and on the first day of school you had to tell the class what you did on your summer vacation? Yeah, I remember that too. I hope I have that chance, because here is what I did:

I went to Washington, DC. And I met a bunch of really cool people, who just happened to have a disability. I made a bunch of new friends, many of whom taught me numerous lessons about adversity, struggle, and overcoming obstacles. And I met many people who are leaders and fighters in the disability movement. Some are ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. Some are elected officials who use their power and influence to make life better for those of us with disabilities. And others are privileged to have resources which they choose to utilize to benefit others, especially folks like us.

And I saw lots of monuments and museums and churches and stadiums. And the U.S. Open Golf Championship. There were concerts on the mall, free performances at the Kennedy, and some Shakespeare (thanks Leah!) thrown in for good measure. I was awed, amazed, humbled, excited, and moved. That was just sight-seeing. I was able to experience a week of seeing museums, and performances, and visiting the homes of our Founding Fathers with my daughter and my parents. What could be better?

Not better, I think, but on par with the above, was my placement with a committee in the Senate. I got up every day enthused about going to Congress and working hard to assist the good people who fight to make the lives of former servicemen and women better. As someone who served in the military during a non-combat period, I am humbled by those who have fought for our country. And I did my best to support the Committee staff as they work to secure the benefits and health care our former troops so richly deserve. Occasionally, I was able to identify an urgent need, and pass that along to staff that made things happen, and found a way to solve the issue. That was extremely rewarding.

And yes, I was able to network. I have a number of folks now who have assured me they will pick up the phone and call someone if I need an introduction or a reference. I have couple of interviews set up during our final week, to hopefully secure an internship here in DC next summer. I can’t imagine being anywhere else!

Thank you to everyone who made this summer unforgettable, most notably everyone connected with the AAPD Summer Internship Program- the interns, the staff, and the benefactors and sponsors. I could not have had this experience without your help and generous support!

That’s how I spent my summer vacation…

Rick Sommer

Week 9!

Hello,

This past week, even though time is winding down, was really one of the busiest weeks here in Washington, D.C. Working on my web seminar that my boss will moderate in August, setting up new websites for the commission, and representing the ABA at a diversity job fair were among the things I did at work this week. I however want to talk about how thrilled I was to have the opportunity to attend the 21^st anniversary of the ADA gala on Tuesday. There, I was able to network with many people who are somewhat power players in the field of disability law and policy. I was appreciative of the opportunity because I got a chance to talk to them, learn about them and where they come from as far as background experience. All that, I keep in mind, as I set my own path for the future, taking what I know, and what I learned, and utilizing that to the best of my advantage. When I leave here and go back to Rochester, New York, I know I will realize how beneficial networking really was and how lucky I was to be chosen as one of the interns for AAPD’s internship program here in D.C. I hope to keep in touch with everybody I have met this summer and build upon those relationships in the future.

The softball game this week was so close! We, the ABA, won 16-15. I unfortunately was not a part of this one due to the other team only having 5 players and my boss/coach putting me on the other team. I was not upset or slighted by this but delighted in the chance to see if I could beat my team. I went 4-4 with 5 RBIs but man, ABA came back in the bottom of the seventh inning with a walk-hit to win the game. Aw shucks, it was a fun experience nevertheless!

The other night, after a long long week of work that concluded with representing the ABA at an diversity career job fair, I got to let loose and go out on Friday night for a couple drinks with friends. I also got to go out the next night, to a rooftop pool party, that apartment building did overlook the Nationals baseball field so it was cool to watch the game from the rooftop with friends.

There’s nothing like having a balance of work and fun to give me the ultimate peace of mind. Stay tuned as this experience comes to a conclusion…

-Colton J

It's the Final Countdown!

And so it all comes to an end. As I look forward to the remaining days ahead, I also cannot help but look back in awe of the number of days past and memories kept. The figurative box, in which I will forever keep my memories, would of course be remiss without two fantastic events from this week past: my meeting with Tammy Baldwin and my tour to the White House. –Both of these would be impossible without the kindness and help of my (fabulous) mentor Cheryl Sensenbrenner. On Friday morning I had the huge opportunity of chatting with Rep. Baldwin for about half an hour. While for the first time ALL SUMMER my alarm decided not to go off and I was in a heated frenzy to shower, change, buy donuts, and rush to Rayburn, my meeting with the congresswoman more than made up for it. Rep. Baldwin was extremely down to earth (a quality I’m beginning to associate with Wisconsinites) and incredibly easy to talk to. I asked her all kinds of “hard-hitting” questions like her favorite places to visit in DC, and more seriously, whether or not she felt that her sexual orientation hindered or propelled her political career. She also gave me a lot of things to consider in terms of potentially running for office one day, myself.
The other exciting opportunity I had this week(end) was that of having a guided White House tour by Cheryl. I loved all the quirky facts about painting, furniture, presidents, architecture etc. that Cheryl was so knowledgeable of. My favorite bit was probably learning about how Dolly Madison urgently saved two invaluable items during the White House fire in the early 1800s (the date escapes me): the first being a portrait of George Washington and the second of course, being her own portrait. I also cannot forget to mention the “interesting” if not gaudy, rather vermeil-style décor. Popularized by Jackie Kennedy, vermeil refers to the coating of a once sterling silver object in gold. This was basically what became of numerous candlesticks, chandeliers, plates, mirrors, etc. Probably would not have been my artistic choice, but I suppose it was the thing to do back in the day, much like our hipster skinny jeans and irony.

Before concluding this blog and my week, I would again like to give a tremendous shout out to Cheryl Sensenbrenner for being the best mentor imaginable. Some of my fondest memories here have easily been because of her. ☺

Posted by Nicole Tay

Steph and Emily told me to write about them so ...

This week I did many things, including going to an event at the White House for interns with disabilities, attending AAPD’s ADA celebration on Capitol Hill, visiting the top of the Washington Monument for the first time, and randomly running into Judy Heumann on the street, but by far, the highlight of the week has been socializing with my roommate Emily and fellow intern Steph. Steph and Emily are two of the funniest and most fun-loving people I know and we always have a great time when we are together. Tonight what was supposed to be a quick trip to the SafeWay turned into a humorous adventure followed by laughs and stories in our apartment for several hours. Those two are crazy chicas and they have made my time in DC infinitely more enjoyable.

One of the most valuable things to come out of my time in Washington has been the amazing people I have met. I came to the capitol to gain work experience and disability policy knowledge and to create networks with people in the disability policy field, but I have appreciated my chance to meet so many amazing interns. Once we are done in DC I will miss the chance to socialize and learn from such a great group of people.

The Summer Summary

At the end of an event packed week, full of several ADA celebrations, meetings, and researching, what could be more peaceful than awakening at three AM, catching a cab at four, and heading to the Music City for slightly over twenty-four hours? Well, it was exciting to say the least! One of my best friends had a huge celebration, so I joined her and her family in Nashville, TN. Ironically, her cousin’s ninth birthday coincided with the festivities, and when my friend’s aunt walked in with a few dozens of Gigi’s Cupcakes, the local bakery that apparently specializes in wedding desserts, I knew my trip was meant to be. (Yep, they were amazing. My lemon one rivaled Sprinkles, though its hugeness made it a tinge more intimidating than the others. Eating the mountain of frosting required a fork for sure.)

What was particularly neat, though, was the return trip home. First, I met a phenomenal young lady in the Detroit airport who, when not working at the airport, traveled around the country acting in plays. She had just spent a few weeks on the set for an inspirational movie set to debut late this year or early next year. Additionally, she is going to school to become a councilor. Like I said, she was awesome.

Then, we were landing at Reagan, and our pilot announced our arrival to “our nation’s capital.” A few families of tourists were extremely excited, and I realized how lucky I am to have been able to call this place home for the summer.

As simple as these stories are, I think they summarize my experience. I’ve sure eaten a lot of amazing sweets, and often in wonderful company. I’ve had the opportunity to meet incredible people who daily inspire, challenge, and encourage me, from the South Hall janitorial staff who make each morning just a bit more joyful, to Congressmen and their staff who are more well-known, to amazing coworkers who work hard to protect and advocate. And I’ve had the privilege to experience all of these moments and interactions in the political center of our country, a place I never imagined I’d live. As I enter into my last week, the Metro lines are now familiar, I have inside jokes to share with my fellow interns and coworkers, and I have learned so much and have so much gratitude for all of those who have made this internship a reality.

Week 10: From Tourist to Tour Guide

This Saturday I met my Aunt, and cousins from Virginia for dinner in Chinatown near where I work. The last time we had met up in DC was the very first day I had arrived. I was fresh off the plane- with a huge suitcase and no idea what to expect. That day my Aunt was in charge. She picked me up from the airport, explained the metro system, and helped me find my check-in location. We ate at TGI Friday's for lack of insider knowledge

10 weeks later and our experience couldn't have been more different. This time I picked the location- an area I know well. I explained to my family how to get there via metro. I walked around the city with confidence- pointing out now-familiar landmarks. I recommended the restaurant- a hole-in-the-wall with excellent Chinese food and reasonable prices. Afterwards I suggested we walk home- a stroll that takes us past the White House. It was a truly wonderful DC night.

I've changed a lot in the time I've been in DC. I'm not sure when exactly I stopped being a tourist and became a resident- but the transition has definitely happened. I take the metro and walk the streets with confidence- no small feat for someone who relies on her GPS to get to her local grocery store back home. I've seen museums and monuments. Had delicious meals, interesting conversations, lots of laughs. I've met incredible people who have done incredible things. And I've learned more in 10 weeks than I have in years at school.

Don't get me wrong- there is still lots to do and I plan to enjoy every bit of my last week in DC. I have lots of stuff to look forward to still. An AAPD reception at my placement on Tuesday, shadowing a senator on Wednesday, and a tour of the White House Thursday. Just a typical week here in the nation's capitol.

Epic. Week.

If I could put together some of the quintessential “Washington DC” experiences, this week would have checked most of them off. The excitement started on Tuesday when I was invited to an even at the White House that included multiple speakers discussing the disability community finding gainful employment. This event was in celebration of the 21^st anniversary of the signing of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). The event was wonderful and had many great speakers including Kareem Dale, associate director for the White House Office of Public Engagement and Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy and Christine Griffin, the Deputy Director for the Office of Personnel Management. The forum brought together a large group of interns, many with disabilities, to discuss what opportunities were available and ways in which individuals with disabilities can find employment within the federal government.

The excitement Tuesday just kept coming when, also in light of the ADA anniversary, I was invited to an event within the Senate auditorium where a veritable who’s who within the disability community was in attendance or speaking about disability rights issues and how the ADA has gotten us so far, but how we must do more. The presentation was put on by the AAPD, and in addition to many high-ranking officials–Congresspersons and advocates within the disability community–giving wonderful speeches, it also served as a graduation ceremony for myself and the 27 other AAPD interns. Never before have I felt so much as a part of a movement. The event was very inspirational and reminded me of the importance of disability advocacy.

The high from Tuesday’s events pulled me through Wednesday and Thursday. Then Friday, myself, and other interns within the US Department of Education were able to have a photo op with Sec. Duncan. This was a great experience and I think it was pretty wonderful thing for him to take the time to make this gesture. Following that, I had to dash across the mall to a meeting within the Department of Labor. The meeting was a training session for Add Us In, a National Diversity Forum where I was asked to facilitate a breakout room discussion this week- wish me luck.

Saturday had some excitement of its own. My mom and I were walking down around the White House when we were met by a swarm of people whom we quickly realize were protesting. Once we are able to get closer to them we realized they were protesting the educational system–from what I deduced standardized testing, teachers pay, and cuts in the arts and sciences. After thousands of these individuals marched down the walkway between the White House and Lafayette Park, we noticed that there was a second protest taking place. Two groups both representing Syria were protesting against each other–one was pro-President Assad and the other equated did him to Hitler. Needless to say things became very heated and tensions were high, eventually escalating into a fight that was quickly quelled by the police in the area.

Did I mention that my mom and I were playing host to my sister and two family friends of ours from Houston Texas all week? And that in addition to all of these events we toured Mount Vernon, the Capital building, and the Library of Congress… yeah, I’m beat.

Women in Politics, 17% and stagnant

This past weekend I was fortunate to attend and participate in the 40^th Anniversary Celebration and 20^th Biennial Convention of the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC). NWPC was created at an organizing conference, held on July 10, 1971. Some of the pioneering founders would become influential women that I studied throughout my undergraduate Political Science and Women’s Studies career - Gloria Steinem, Shirley Chisolm, Eleanor Norton Holmes, Bella Abzug, Betty Friedan, Dorothy Height, and LaDonna Harris to name just a few.

On Friday night the NWPC hosted a Diversity Reception and presented the 2011 Women of Courage Awards. Among the awardees is Kamala Lopez who is spearheading an in-your-face education campaign on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) for young women. Unfortunately most young women are of the belief that women are “equal of rights under the law.” Not the case.

I am Generation Y woman. I was first exposed to 1970s women’s liberation through textbooks and college classes, but I have always known women and men experienced life on different terms. Sadly women and girls younger than Generation Y do not have the same exposure to women’s history that has been given to young women like me. We are at a critical point in the history of women and I urge everyone to check out the ERA Education Project and ERA Once and For All.

~Brenda

ERA Education Project

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOsSw7MkX24&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMiwvkAekyM&feature=related

ERA Once and For All

http://www.eraonceandforall.com/

If anyone is interested in learning more about the National Women’s Political Caucus, joining a chapter, or viewing photos of powerful women in politics visit NWPC’s website.

http://www.nwpc.org/