July 25, 2012
JULIE SOO
President
NANCY KIRSHNER-RODRIGUEZ
Vice President
ALICIA GAMEZ
Commissioner
KAY GULBENGAY
Commissioner
REBECCA PROWDA
Commissioner
ANDREA SHORTER
Commissioner
STEPHANIE SIMMONS
Commissioner
EMILY MURASE, PhD
Executive Director
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
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JULIE SOO President NANCY KIRSHNER-RODRIGUEZ Vice President ALICIA GAMEZ Commissioner KAY GULBENGAY Commissioner REBECCA PROWDA Commissioner ANDREA SHORTER Commissioner STEPHANIE SIMMONS Commissioner EMILY MURASE, PhD Executive Director
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Wednesday, July 25, 2012
5:00 PM
City Hall, Room 408
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Members Present Staff Present
President Julie Soo Executive Director Emily M. Murase, PhD
Vice President Nancy Kirshner- Media & Community Affairs Director Aimee Allison
Rodriguez Policy Director Ann Lehman
Commissioner Alicia Gamez Grants Administrator Carol Sacco
Commissioner Andrea Shorter Commission Secretary Cynthia Vasquez
Commissioner Stephanie Simmons
Commissioners Excused: Commissioner Kay Gulbengay and Commissioner Becca Prowda
I. Welcome
Action: Approve amended agenda.
m/s/c (/Unanimous)
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Action: Approve minutes from June 27, 2012.
m/s/c (Shorter/Simmons/Unanimous)
No public comment.
III. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
A. Executive Director's Report
Explanatory document: The Executive Director’s Report discusses the work of the Department based on the Commission’s Strategic Plan which reflects the principles of the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Dr. Murase highlighted key parts of the Executive Director's report. Dr. Murase acknowledged Media & Community Affairs Director Aimee Allison for her work with the 5th World Conference on Women and efforts to have San Francisco host the Conference. Ms. Allison will provide an update later in the meeting.
Dr. Murase reported that Policy Director Ann Lehman provided technical assistance to the White House National Economic Council, with Brian Maxwell from Deloitte Consulting, on ways to use the Gender Equality Principles Initiative to increase pay equity for women. Ms. Lehman also provided technical assistance to the President of the New York Women’s Agenda about creating a Gender Equality Principles Initiative in New York City.
Dr. Murase was pleased to announce that the Mayor signed a balanced budget for the City which, for the first time, spanned 2 years. Dr. Murase also announced that Supervisor John Avalos and his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors secured an additional $250,000 to augment our Violence Against Women (VAW) Grants Program by about 10% for fiscal year 2012-2013.
Dr. Murase recognized Outreach and Development Manager Stacey Hoang for coordinating 9 successful workshops between the Department of Child Support Services and our Violence Against Women Partner Agency Volunteer Legal Services Programs. Overall, a total of 145 staff and some clients attended the 9 workshops.
Dr. Murase recognized Grants Administrator Carol Sacco for her work with the Trust Women Silver Ribbon Campaign. The Campaign is planning for the release of coordinated messages and actions on the occasion of the implementation of the August 1st coverage for women’s preventive health benefits.
Dr. Murase reported that President Julie Soo and she attended a reception for Ms. Liu Ping, CEO of China Star, who recently authored a book about her journey from a member of the Red Guard in her youth to becoming a titan in the travel industry.
IV. Consent Agenda
All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Agenda and are considered to be routine by the Commission on the Status of Women. They will be acted upon by a single roll call vote of the Commission. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Commission so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as a separate item. Members of the public may speak on each item listed on the Consent Agenda.
Action: Approve consent agenda.
m/s/c (Gamez/Kirshner-Rodriguez/Unanimous)
A. Resolution Recognizing the Equal Rights Advocates on the Occasion of the 40th Anniversary of Title IX
B. Resolution Recognizing Shiva Schulz in honor of Elder Abuse Awareness Month
C. Resolution Recognizing Nina Kamath in honor of being selected for the U.S. Senate Youth Program
D. Resolution Recognizing Marci Seville on the Occasion of Women’s Equality Day
E. Resolution Recognizing Supervisor Carmen Chu
F. Resolution Recognizing Kate Howard
G. Resolution Recognizing Monique Zmuda
Mia Munro, Fellow of Equal Rights Advocates, thanked the Commission for the acknowledgement and will provide more information in her presentation.
Shiva Schulz of the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco expressed appreciation for the recognition. She explained that her work reflects not only a professional but also a personal passion. She read a congratulatory letter she received from U.S. House of Representatives Leader Nancy Pelosi. Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez explained that the work that is being done at the Jewish Community Center helps a diverse crossroads of participants in San Francisco and they are strengthened by the work of Ms. Schulz. Barry Finestone, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, thanked the Commission for recognizing Ms. Schulz and her tremendous contributions. Betty Carmack, Nursing Educator, thanked Ms. Schulz for including nurse trainers in her programming.
Nina Kamath talked about her experience as 1 of 2 delegates from California to the U.S. Senate Youth Program, meeting with President Barack Obama, Senator Dianne Feinstein and other political leaders. She was voted by her fellow delegates as "Most Likely to Filibuster." Ms. Kamath will begin Claremont McKenna College in the fall. Mr. and Mrs. Kamath both thanked the Commission for the wonderful recognition.
After being introduced, Supervisor Carmen Chu, Chair of the Board of Supervisors Budget & Finance Committee, thanked the Commission for the recognition and acknowledged the other Supervisors. Supervisor Chu announced that she has been appointed for a second term to the Budget and Finance Committee. Her leadership led to a "drama-free" budget process. She thanked the Commission for the recognition and for its work year-round. Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez has observed the Budget process for several years and expressed that Supervisor Chu has raised the bar on collegiality and partnership. President Soo expressed her personal thanks to Supervisor Chu for her leadership. Beverly Upton, Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Consortium, expressed her appreciation to Supervisor Chu for a budget that protects and enhances the public investment for domestic violence intervention and prevention.
Dr. Murase introduced Kate Howard, Director of the Mayor's Budget Office, and former Budget Analyst for the Department. Kate Howard thanked the Commission for the recognition and explained that her accomplishments reflect the work of a team and thanked her hardworking staff, including Cindy Czerwin and Jessica Bullen. Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez explained that, when she served in the Mayor's Office, she had the opportunity to work directly with Ms. Howard, and appreciated her calm demeanor and thoughtfulness.
Dr. Murase introduced Monique Zmuda, Deputy Controller and a 25-year veteran of finance work in the City. Ms. Zmuda explained that she was extremely proud to participate in a budget process where the outcome has been a truly thoughful policy document. Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez commended Ms. Zmuda for her years of mentoring and coaching of women in city government, generally, and in finance, in particular.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Update on Title IX
Mia Munro, Fellow of Equal Rights Advocates (ERA), provided an update on Title IX. Ms. Munro explained that Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in education and in education employment. Before Title IX, only 2% of athletes were women. Now, women account for 43% of college athletes. Women who participate in college sports are found to have higher grades, have a less of a dropout rate and are more likely to graduate from college.
Title IX Schools must protect students from sexual harassment by teachers, staff, fellow students or visitors on school property. There are 3 basic requirements:
1. Schools must offer male and female students equal opportunities to participate.
2. Schools must allocate athletic scholarship dollars equitably.
3. Schools must provide male and female athletes with equal benefits/services.
Ms. Munro explained that there must be gender equity in difficult economic times. Any cuts in athletic opportunities or benefits due to budget issues must not exacerbate existing gender inequalities or create new ones. If the cuts are not equal, they are likely to aggravate existing inequality and could be in violation of Title 9. If the cuts are equal but disproportionate, they could create inequality and also violate T9.
The institutions covered by Title 9 include:
• Any academic, extracurricular (including student organizations or athletics), research, occupational training, or other educational program;
• From pre-school to graduate school;
• That receives or benefits from federal aid, including real property or services as well as funds given to the institution, or to students for payment to the institution.
Ms. Munro explained that ERA’s Education Equity Campaign is used to spread the word that Title IX has opened the doors for millions based on a simple premise – everyone should have an equal shot at the tremendous benefits of education, regardless of sex. ERA has kicked off a series of events and programs to promote girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies and careers. ERA is currently representing an English professor who was denied tenure, despite her excellent academic accomplishments, and paid less than similarly-situated and less experienced male professors. After ERA and co-counsel Hillary Baker filed a charge alleging discrimination based on sex, race, and sexual orientation, the college reconsidered and granted her tenure. ERA also scored another trial win this year in a precedent-setting Title IX case on behalf of women wrestlers. The Women in Sports Equity (WISE) Fund, established through an ERA Title IX class action settlement, continues to benefit hundreds of female athletes participating in sports at UC Davis
The ERA Student Leadership Board kicked off an exciting program to provide valuable know-your-rights education and leadership training to local students through a series of summer workshops, covering a range of topics including training on how to combat gender discrimination and bullying in schools, a writing boot camp, and career prep 101. As part of ERA’s Equal Pay efforts, ERA conducts trainings to educate college students about their right to equal pay and how to best negotiate a fair starting salary. ERA recently became a member of this fantastic coalition that empowers Bay Area organizations that serve girls by cultivating collaboration between a diverse range of organizations, thus enabling stronger and more effective advocacy. In the past ten years, the number of calls received by ERA’s Advice and Counseling hotline from students has increased by 400%. This year, ERA has stepped up direct services to young women from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds facing sexual harassment, assault, and cyberbullying.
Commissioner Gamez suggested having athletic directors and coaches trained on Title IV at their annual collegiate sports conventions.
B. Gender Analysis Update from the Department of Public Works
Mohammed Nuru, Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW), provided an update on the agency’s gender analysis that was originally conducted in 1999, including an update of the ethnicity and gender breakdown and a comparison of staff at DPW vs. the San Francisco Labor Pool. Mr. Nuru informed the Commission that DPW’s goal is to retain, develop, and recruit a capable, motivated, and diverse workforce. DPW sends out open position postings to at least 2 diversity sources and ensures hiring interview panels are diverse. DPW hopes to incorporate diversity training in manager and supervisor training programs by September 2012, diversity training in new employee orientations by March 2013, and establish and implement diversity training program by June 2013. DPW continues to employ a diverse workforce. DPW uses web job advertisement to enhance recruitment efforts.
DPW created a Women’s Diversity Initiative Group to address the decline in the number of women in non-traditional and management positions within the organization over the past years. DPW’s Strategic Plan includes the goal to deliver world class public service. To accomplish this, DPW is committed to retaining, developing, and recruiting a capable, motivated, and diverse workforce. The objectives are to increase women in DPW’s workforce and management positions, and to create an organizational culture that encourages employees to recognize and embrace the different approaches used by people of diverse genders, disabilities and cultures.
Commissioner Gamez requested clarification on the organization chart and the San Francisco labor pool data chart. She asked Director Nuru about outreach to diversity resources. He explained that job advertisements in industry journals are very expensive and can cost thousands of dollars. Commissioner Gamez urged broad dissemination of job advertisements.
Commissioner Shorter asked about the value of federal stimulus programs in San Francisco and local hire. Director Nuru explained that a major challenge has been that these programs are short-term. Employees are temporary and must be let go. As for local hire, there is a concern that the availability of local workers may not meet demand.
Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez asked if labor unions have programs that expressly recruit women to apprenticeships. Director Nuru was not aware of any. She also asked about impending retirements. Director Nuru has made succession planning a priority and views succession as an opportunity to promote women to senior positions.
President Soo requested information about possible incentives for labor unions to be more inclusive of women. Director Nuru stated that he would be happy to work with the Commission on this. She also asked about recruiting at local universities. Director Nuru explained that the department is committed to an open process that is fair to both internal and external candidates. She asked about public safety concerns in light of the recent assault in Glen Park. Director Nuru explained that public safety is a high priority within the Department.
Commissioner Gamez asked about the internship programs offered by the department. Mr. Nuru reported that the DPW hired 200 summer interns, 5 Project Pull interns, as well as various internships in architecture. Commissioner Gamez requested the gender breakdown of the internship programs.
Dr. Murase explained that she served as the CEDAW Task Force Chair in 1999 and one of the key outcomes of the original DPW gender analysis was the formation of the Women's Diversity Initiative Group through the initiative of then-director (now-Mayor) Edwin Lee. She asked about the impact of the group on the department as a whole. Director Nuru stated that he receives regular reports from the group and that concerns raised are treated seriously. He believes that through this process, the group improves the work environment at the department.
C. 2012 Girls Report Update: Addendum and Recommendations
Ann Lehman, Policy Director, reported that in June a public hearing was held at the Commission on the newly released Update on Girls in San Francisco: A Decade of Success and Challenges. At the public hearing, representatives from City Departments, community agencies, and nonprofits highlighted what they thought were the issues of most concern, as identified in the Update. Agencies provided recommendations based on their experience and committed to working with the Department to further the advancement of girls.
The Update on Girls in San Francisco emphasized the young people’s right to health, right to live a life free of violence, and the right to education. All of these are core principles of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Below are four key recommendations resulting from the meeting.
1. Increase Girls Participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Work with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the Board of Supervisors to explore ways to increase high school girls’ enrollment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses. Explore partnering with local San Francisco and Silicon Valley corporations to create a new STEM Initiative that emphasizes outreach to elementary schools, pushes additional computer programming course(s) in high schools, and promotes STEM education for girls and women. Include STEM education as one of the issues at the proposed 5th World Conference on Women.
2. Improve Outcomes for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer) Youth
Work with the SFUSD and the Board of Supervisors to examine the status of San Francisco’s LGBTQ youth by improving data collection on LGBTQ youth by gender. Investigate the disproportionate percentage of depressed, suicidal, bullied, and pregnant lesbian/bisexual girls. In response to the findings, strategize action plans such as developing comprehensive sex education programs for same-sex couples, mental health care, and sharing of data with other city agencies and nonprofits.
3. Decrease Dating Violence
Work with the Family Violence Council, Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, and our Violence Against Women Partner Agencies to continue to examine best practices for girls’ dating violence services, while considering alternative intervention methods such as incorporating the cultural strengths of girls’ communities. Increase support for agencies and programs that provide healthy relationship education, and create more resources and accessible services (such as peer counseling programs) for victims of teen dating violence.
4. Decrease Disproportionality of African American/Latina Girls in the Juvenile Justice and Foster Care Systems
In conjunction with the Juvenile Probation Department, the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, and community based organizations, continue to explore the overrepresentation of African American and Hispanic/Latina girls in the juvenile justice and foster care systems, and their high rates of teen pregnancy.
Commissioner Kirshner-Rodriguez requested looking at the intersections and building bridges with the Housing Authority.
Action: To amend recommendations to include partnering with the Housing Authority.
m/s/c (Kirshner-Rodriguez/Gamez/Unanimous)
Action: Approve amended recommendations from the 2012 Girls Report and hearing.
m/s/c (Gamez/Simmons/Unanimous)
D. 5th World Conference on Women Update
Aimee Allison, Director of Media and Community Affairs, provided an update on the 5th World Conference on Women planning effort. Ms. Allison reported that the Steering Committee has begun additional fundraising for future conference planning efforts. Deloitte has assisted us by creating documents to support fundraising asks as well developing a comprehensive spreadsheet of qualified potential corporate and foundation donors. The Department has partnered with the Friends of the Commission on the Status of Women on the initial fundraising efforts to support the conference planning and the CEDAW Awards Luncheon. The concept of a Founders’ Circle has been developed which is a small group of core supporters. There have been several meetings to invite supporters to join the Founder’s Circle. Ms. Allison also reported that the Steering Committee members have briefed the Global Fund for Women and Futures Without Violence to explore future partnership possibilities. Based on feedback we have received from women in various UN and NGO organizations, the Steering Committee recommends pursuing a UN/NGO 5WCW until we hear otherwise from the Obama Administration or UN Women. The Department is slated to meet with Oakland Mayor Jean Quan in the next few weeks to discuss collaborating on these efforts.
E. Update on Meeting Schedule
Commissioners reviewed the upcoming schedule and requested that Commission Secretary Cynthia Vasquez poll the entire Commission for their availability as some Commissioners were excused.
VI. REPORTS
Commission Simmons reported that the Family Violence Council meeting was slated for Wednesday, August 15 at 3 pm at 400 McAllister in Room 617.
Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez reported that she attended the annual meeting of the Association of California Commissions for Women on June 30 which was hosted by Contra Costa County. There were 10 Commissions represented and the San Francisco Commission was identified as a resource for other Commissions to identity partners.
Commissioner Shorter reported that the Justice and Courage Oversight Panel will be meeting on Wednesday, August 1 at 9 am at City Hall in Room 408.
President Soo reported she attended the reception for Ms. Liu Ping, CEO of China Star. She also recognized Marissa Mayer who has recently been appointed the CEO of Yahoo.
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VII. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ryah Belford, Friends of the Commission Fellow, announced the September 24 CEDAW Luncheon that will be held at the Merchants Exchange Building, Julia Morgan Ballroom, 465 California Street, 11:30 am.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned in memory Sally Ride and Ritchie Rice Gore. Meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
m/s/c (Simmons/Kirshner-Rodriguez/Unanimous)
No public comment.
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