Buffy vs Edward: Twilight Remixed

Have you seen the mashup yet of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Edward Cullen of the Twilight series? Great fun! Check out "Buffy vs Edward: Twilight Remixed."

Which is the Best "Car Finder" iPhone Application?

Finally there is a way to remember where you parked your car -- if you use an iPhone. Edmunds.com had a piece on their website recently (see below):

(Enlarge photo) Car Finder lets you note  the level you parked on in a large parking structure and the location of your car, and it uses Google Maps to lead you back to your ride. (Photo courtesy of CinnDev) (Actually, see Car Finder Plus below; it is the updated version)

(Enlarge photo)
G-Park allows you to place a "pin" when you hit the Park Me button, and when you're ready to return to your car, press "Where Did I Park" and Google Maps provides turn-by-turn directions. (Photo courtesy of PosiMotion)

Actually I found several other apps including Find My Car, ,Park'n Find (read review), Car Finder Plus, Where Is My Car and there are several more!  Have any of you had any experience using one of these application?  If so, please tell us if you had a good or bad experience and what you recommend!   THANKS!

Event Dec 11, OKC: UN Assoc - Panel on Reducing Landmines in the World

The United Nations Association of Oklahoma City will be hosting a panel discussion on December 11, 2009, and requests your attendance and participation!

The theme for the discussion is "Clearing a Path to a Safer World." The panelists will be addressing the problem of landmine use, steps taken to rectify the problem, suggestions as to what more could be done to address the problem as well as the reality of those actions being taken on an inter-national level. The event is to be held at 6 p.m. in the Walker Center for Arts and Sciences on the Oklahoma City University campus. It promises to be a stimulating dialogue on the issue of human rights and the Adopt-A-Minefield Campaign that engages individuals and community groups in the United Nations’ effort to resolve the global landmine crisis.

This panel discussion is being hosted by DeEtta Cravens, who is the reigning Miss Black Oklahoma City University and has been a girl scout for 16 years! She may be reached at (405) 743-7872 or at dcravens.stu@my.okcu.edu to answer any further questions. Attendance is free and open to the public, but donations are certainly welcome!

Tips on Leading and Standing Out (from The White House Project)

For a treat, take a few minutes to just browse the website of The White House Project. They offer a lot of interesting information about women - and some good tips like:

14 Ways to Lead in Your Life
and
18 Ways to Stand out in a Crowd

What I want for Christmas (Roku)

Roku SD Netflix Player ($80, roku.com)

If someone you know uses Netflix, he or she needs Roku. In less than five minutes, I had this little black box plugged in to my television, connected to the Wi-Fi in my home and synched to my Netflix queue.

Netflix lets members who pay at least $9 per month stream more than 17,000 movies and TV shows using Roku or a computer, and the list is growing. I still had to use my computer to add new titles to my queue, but it was easy to scroll through them on the TV screen and pick something to watch.

The Roku SD is $20 less than the original model. It would be a good bet for someone like me, who still has an old-school boxy television. By the time I get a flat-screen TV, this kind of feature will come built in. If you're shopping for someone who already has a house full of high-definition TVs, this isn't the right Roku. Instead, pick the $100 Roku HD, which can stream high-def video, or the $130 Roku HD-XR, which uses the latest Wi-Fi technology to send that video to farther-away TVs in the house.

Source. Yahoo News -http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091204/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_holiday_tech_gifts_budget

Oh and did I mention it also plays programs produced by Leo Laporte's netcast network TWIT.TV?

Event Dec 9, 5pm, OKC: Launch of new book - "Skirvin"

Y'all come!!!! The Full Circle Press will launch the book Skirvin on Wednesday, December 9 with a public reception and book signing at the Hilton Skirvin Hotel beginning at 5:00 p.m.

The Hilton Skirvin Hotel and The Full Circle Press will host a reception and book signing--open to all--on Wednesday, December 9 at 5:00 p.m. at the Hotel honoring authors Steve Lackmeyer and Jack Money.

Steve and Jack, who co-authored OKC: The Second Time Around, are skilled journalists and thus, able to recognize that the nostalgic outpouring of community affection that accompanied the restoration and reopening of the Skirvin, Oklahoma City's grand hotel, were reflections of a much larger story.

The Skirvin which will be one hundred years old next spring has been at the center of our community life, and its story and the larger than life individuals who owned and operated it mirrors the history of our city.

The book is a spirited narrative of a remarkable institution, filled with fascinating vignettes and including more that two hundred pictures. Come and meet the authors and help us celebrate this important milestone.

Remember this event is not at Full Circle, but at the Hilton Skirvin Hotel.

OU Launches Center for Social Justice

The University of Oklahoma recently launched the Center for Social Justice to educate students and inspire them to respond to local and global challenges. Under the direction of Dr. Jill Irvine, Head of the OU Women's and Gender Studies Program, the new program will include internships, mentoring, service learning, and an activist-in-residence program. It also hopes to offer a minor in justice studies beginning in the fall of 2010.

Dr. Irvine (seated left in photo), Charlotte Bunch, director of the Center for Women's Global Leadership in Douglas College at Rutgers University, and General Rita Aragon (at podium) spoke at the official program launch. For more information, call the program at 405-325-3481 of visit their site at http://wgs.ou.edu/.

Rep. Anastasia Pittman Addresses Sexting Craze

OKLAHOMA CITY – Over 50 percent of 14-24 year olds have experienced some form of digital abuse, and 3 in 10 have sent or received nude pictures through text messages, said state Rep. Anastasia A. Pittman, who plans to file legislation next session to address Oklahoma’s problem with sexting.

Sexting is the sharing of sexually explicit photos, videos and chat by cell phone. More than a quarter of young people have been involved in sexting in some form, an Associated Press-MTV poll found.

Pittman said the problem has hit home and has now become a serious problem in our own state and parents need to be aware. Currently, Oklahoma has no laws specific to “sexting”; however the act of sexting breaks numerous other laws.

“Sexting is becoming surprisingly common among Oklahoma teens. We need to educate not only the kids about the risks and liabilities involved but the parents. Parents, don’t be afraid to ask your kids about this – this is a crucial issue on the rise in our state,” said Pittman, D-Oklahoma City. “Sexting seems to be the newest craze for teenagers, and it is a very dangerous craze that could lead to numerous consequences.”

The practice has led to child pornography charges against teens in several states. Earlier this year, three Pennsylvania high school girls who sent semi-nude photos and four male students who received them were all hit with child pornography charges.

Currently in Oklahoma it is unlawful when a person facilitates, encourages or solicits sexual conduct with a minor by the use of technology, which includes any cell phone or computer. The crime is a felony charge that can result in up to 10 years in prison.  The law also states that every person who willfully and knowingly photographs, prepares, publishes, distributes, gives or exhibits any obscene material or child pornography is guilty of a felony punishable by 30 days to 10 years in jail.

“These teenagers see their behavior as free of consequences if they get caught and assume it’ll just be a slap on the hand. They are unaware of all the legal consequences involved,” said Pittman. “Not only is the sender of the obscene material breaking the law, but if the recipient forwards that picture or video to someone else, they too are breaking the law.”

The study conducted by MTV further showed that 12 percent of those who have “sexted” have contemplated suicide, which is four times more likely than those who haven’t, and targets of digital abuse are almost three times as likely to contemplate suicide as those who haven’t encountered it, and nearly three times more likely to have considered dropping out of school.

“Not only are there legal consequences involved but also there are so many emotional consequences,” said Pittman. “These teens don’t realize when one picture meant for one person gets shared with multiple people, it can destroy their sense of self-worth. We need to stop them from ever getting to that point.”

The Oklahoma City Democrat said she plans to file legislation clarifying the applications of the current law, and also hopes to launch a statewide campaign to deter teens from sexting. When it comes to online behavior, only half think their actions could come back to haunt them, and 1 in 4 believe that their digital actions could have legal consequences.

Pittman noted that MTV recently unveiled “A THIN LINE,” a new multi-year initiative to empower America’s youth to identify, respond to and stop the spread of digital abuse.  Digital abuse is an emerging issue that includes behaviors like “sexting,” cyberbullying and digital dating abuse.   

MTV’s “A THIN LINE” will address digital abuse issues through a series of on-air, online and real world initiatives, including integration in MTV’s top-rated programming, an MTV News special focused on Sexting, True Life: I have Digital Drama, thought-provoking PSAs, innovative online and mobile tools and the “Redraw the Line Challenge” -- which calls on young people to submit innovative digital antidotes to digital abuse. Today, MTV also launched www.ATHINLINE.org where young people can access information, resources and support on issues related to digital abuse.

“I applaud this effort. This is a serious issue that is finally getting national attention. It’s about time we start the discussions of what we can do locally to protect the innocence of our children,” said Pittman.

Source. Oklahoma House of Represenatives Media Division, Dec 4, 2009

Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor Leaves Office with a Goodbye Letter

Tulsa has been blessed with TWO remarkable women mayors - Susan Savage and Kathy Taylor.  Below is what she had to say as she prepares to leave that office.


Dear Tulsans,

On Monday, I will complete my final day as Mayor.  In these final days, I have reflected on my time serving this great City.  It has been both an honor and a privilege. It is a journey I will always look back on with fondness and a deep sense of pride over what we have been able to accomplish, working side by side, as a community.

Together, we built an event center, moved City Hall, invested substantially in our streets, revitalized neighborhoods and updated the city’s comprehensive land use plan for the first time in 30 years.  We positively impacted education, created and saved jobs and increased fiscal responsibility, efficiency and transparency in our government.  We did it together.

I hope that you, like me, will look back on this time with great memories of the new kind of energy we ignited in Tulsa. Thank you for the opportunity to be your Mayor.

Very Truly Yours,

Tulsa YWCA's Project Citizenship

YWCA Tulsa was one of 13 recipients out of 293 applicants for a grant from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The grant will provide $97,000 over the next year to enable YWCA Tulsa to offer specialized classes to meet the needs of refugees, the elderly, and other legal permanent residents hoping to obtain U.S. citizenship.

Congratulations to Maria Reyes and the entire Immigration & Refugee team for creating an exceptional program!

Oklahoman MJ Alexander Photographs Gloria Steinem and Alice Walker for Ms Magazine Cover

Oklahoma photographer and writer M.J. Alexander recently got to photograph women's rights activist and Ms. Magazine founder Gloria Steinem and author Alice Walker for the cover of Ms. Magazine. Other of her photographs are featured inside the Fall 2009  issue which is for sale on news stands now.

Alexander took photos of 144 Oklahoma centennarians for her wonderful book Salt of the Red Earth: A Century of Wit and Wisdom from Oklahoma's Elders - which, by the way, would make an excellent Christmas present!

You can watch a brief interview of Alexander on the YouTube piece below:

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation's Joan Merrill Honored for Lupus Research

Kuddos to Dr. Joan T. Merrill with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF). She recently received the Lupus Foundation of American (Oklahoma Chapter) "Outstanding Achievement Award" for her many years of research on lupus. Merrill heads OMRF's Clinical Pharmacology Research Program and also teaches at the OU Health Science Center. Read more here.

Okie Gift Idea: Check Out the Resale Shops!

Money tight this season? You should spend a little time at the YWCA of Oklahoma City's resale shop - Our Sister's Closet. Located at 6012 South Western, it is open from 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. They carry gently worn clothes but lots of other stuff, too. And the proceeds help support the battered women's shelter in Oklahoma County. Read more about it here. Sign up to get a monthly email from the shop by clicking here.

Can't get to Oklahoma City but like the idea of shopping at a good resale store? I hear Deja Vu Designer Consignment Store over in Tulsa is excellent. It is located in Lewis Crossing Shopping Center at 71st and Lewis. You'll find gently worn designer label clothes plus handbags, shoes and accessories at  affordable prices. Visit their website and click on "Gallery" to get a feel for the store. They are open from 10am to 5:30pm Monday through Saturday but call ahead just to be sure: 918-477-7700.

Go (RED) for AIDS, AFRICA, Ending Poverty As We Know It

Have you noticed that today, December 1, is World AIDS Day?  Everyone - including Google, Facebook and Twitter -- are working with the (RED) campaign to raise awareness of AIDS in Africa. The Twitter homepage is red and Twitter users are adding hashtags like #red and #aids to their tweets which turns them red too. Facebook is into it too - go see.  And (Google) added a link to its homepage with information on how you can help and join various movements. I know this from reading Mashable.com where I always go to get straightened out! I'm wearing one of the beaded pins we bring back from Kenya and sell to support AIDS widows and HIV positive women in Meru, Kenya.

Below are two photos from (a) our current project - collecting books for the library we built in Meru - and (b) a mission trip to renovate a children's ward in a Kenyan hospital where we met many patients either with HIV/AIDS or living lives radically impacted by someone with AIDS.

Oklahoman Phyllis Hudecki to Chair NAEP Business Task Force

Phyllis Hudecki is Executive Director of the Oklahoma City-based Oklahoma Business and Education Coalition. She has been tapped by the National Assessment of Education Progress program (aka The Nation's Report Card) to chair NAEP's new Business Policy Task Force. This group will look for ways to make NAEP results more meaningful to the business community.  Read more by clicking here.

A cowboy walks into a bar...

From my brother in Chicago:

A cowboy, who just moved to Oklahoma from Texas, walks into a bar and orders three mugs of Bud. He sits in the back of the room, drinking a sip out of each one in turn. When he finishes them, he comes back to the bar and orders three more.

The bartender approaches and tells the cowboy, "You know, a mug goes flat after I draw it. It would taste better if you bought one at a time." The cowboy replies, "Well, you see, I have two brothers. One is in Arizona, the other is in Colorado. When we all left our home in Texas we promised that we'd drink this way to remember the days when we drank together. So I'm drinking one beer for each of my brothers and one for myself." The bartender admits that this is a nice custom, and leaves it there. The cowboy becomes a regular in the bar, and always drinks the same way. He orders three mugs and drinks them in turn.

One day, he comes in and only orders two mugs. All the regulars take notice and fall silent. When he comes back to the bar for the second round, the bartender says, "I don't want to intrude on your grief, but I wanted to offer my condolences on your loss."

The cowboy looks quite puzzled for a moment, then a light dawns in his eyes and he laughs.. "Oh, no, everybody's just fine," he explains, "It's just that my wife and I joined the Baptist Church and I had to quit drinking." "Hasn't affected my brothers though."

PLEASE - Vote for My Friend Barry J. Moltz's Great Small Business Book

My friend Barry Moltz has written a wonderful book entitled BAM! Delivering Customer Service in A Self Service World that has been nominated by Small Business Trends as one of the best business books of the year.

PLEASE do me a favor and take less than one minute to vote for his book. Just click here to vote for BAM! (Click the box in the upper left hand corner near his book.)

If you tell him you voted (bjmoltz@yahoo.com), he will send you the a copy of his "BAM! Customer Service Dictionary." You can learn more about and order a copy of his book by clicking here.

THANKS, everyone!!!!

The Allstate Foundation and FICO Aid Domestic Violence Victims

The Allstate Foundation recently announced they are aiding domestic violence survivors with $635,000 in new economic empowerment grants for statewide coalitions against domestic violence in eleven states. The grants will be used to support a variety of local programs focused on developing strategies to move survivors of abuse toward financial independence. The grantees’ work will center on:

Financial literacy

Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)

Job readiness activities

In addition, FICO, a leading proponent of consumer credit empowerment, is donating 500 free FICO scores for survivors involved with the Economic Empowerment Grant Program.

Better yet - FICO is offering everyone 10% off any FICO standard product through January 2010. GIf you are interested, you can visit www.myfico.com and enter CTEFICO.

To learn more about The Allstate Foundation's efforts, visit www.clicktoempower.org/.

Wanda Jo Eviage of Frederick, Oklahoma, Honored for Civic Service

Frederick, OK, City Councilwoman Wanda Jo Eviage was one of four current and former local government officials recently inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and County Officials. Eviage is a retired teacher who has served on the Frederick City Council for Ward 3 for 26 years. She is also a former Frederick Mayor. In addition, she has served on the Board of Trustees of the Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG) for 19 years, including nine years on the executive committee, where she became the first female president of the 39 member board. Congratulations, Councilwoman Eviage!

Okie Gift Idea: Fat Daddy Sweets

Oklahoman Alicia Helsley makes gourmet homemade candy that even Martha Stewart loves. Her fans say it is addictive. Peanut brittle, peanut butter cups, nut clusters, dark chocolate dipped candied orange peel, caramels, English toffee, chocolate covered cherries, and numerous kinds of truffles (how does Kahlua truffles sound?). And she'll ship but if you are in Oklahoma City you can pick up and save on shipping. Visit her website at http://www.fatdaddysweets.com.

Judy Love Honored by Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City University's Meinders School of Business recently inducted five into the Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor. One of the honorees was Oklahoma businesswoman Judy Love who received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Judy and her husband, Tom, founded Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores. She serves on the board of many civic organizations including the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City University, and the Oklahoma Museum of Art.  Read more here.

Okie Women, Not Receiving Your Child Support? Try DHS

If you live in Oklahoma and are not receiving your child support payments, you might visit with the Oklahome Department of Human Services Child Support Enforcement Office. Over the last 10 years, they have tripled their collections from $96 million in 1998 to $299 million in 2008. They are authorized to intercept federal monies including tax returns, Social Security payments, unemployment benefits, and more if a parent is in arrears on child support. They can even revoke a state license to practice! Give DHS a chance to help. For more information, go to   http://www.ok.gov/dac/District_Attorneys_Council_Divisions/Child_Support_Enforcement/index.html.

WHP report issued: Benchmarking Women's Leadership

The White House Project* has issued a report entitled Benchmarking Women's Leadership.   It is 132 pages long and full of good data. It looks at women in leadership in academia, business, film and television entertainment, journalism, law, the military, the nonprofit sector, politics, religion and sports.  Each section concludes with a set of recommendations for closing the leadership gap. You can view the report as a PDF file by clicking HERE.

*The White House Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501c(3) organization that aims to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors—up to the U.S. presidency—by filling the leadership pipeline with a richly diverse, critical mass of women.

Media Matters: What's with all the rape talk by the media these days?

This is from Media Matters. Why does ANY ONE like using the rape metaphor at all?

300 Oklahoma City 7th Graders Attend "Girls Take Action" Summit

Today 300 middle school students in the Oklahoma City Public School District met at Douglass High School for a special program entitled "If You Think It, You Can Do It! ~ Girls Take Action Summit."

The girls were exposed to fields where women can be leaders and where women are underrepresented across our state and nation (politics, science, technology and math). They were challenged to consider how they can be a leader in their circle of influence.  They have the opportunity to become ambassadors for their schools by establishing "Take Action" after-school clubs built around 1) S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and Math), 2) robotics technology, 3) forever green community action programs, and 4) healthy living.

Participants got to meet mentors (Oklahoma women leaders) who have made strides in S.T.E.M. fields, politics and community leadership. Mentors included State Representative Anastasia Pittman (pictured on the left); Terri Silver, President of the Oklahoma State Parent Teacher Association; Susan Bohl, Girl Scouts - Western Oklahoma, Inc.; and Angela Monson, Oklahoma City Public School Board Chair and former State Senator.

At Douglass High School today, the participants attended workshops centered around three themes. The first theme was S.T.E.M. and the workshops were on "Mystery Powders;" "Human Body Works," " Paper Towel Testing," "Weather;" "LEGO Robotics," and "Botball Robotics." The second theme was self-esteem  and girls could choose workshops on "Uniquely Me! Me, Myself & I;" ""Uniquely Me! The 'Me" in Media;" "Uniquely Me! Serene Scene;" and "Uniquely Me! Truth and Consequences." The third set of workshops were based on Girl Scouts Green Community Action Projects. "Green Space" let girls learn about creating green space, improving green space and integrating green space into school activities. "Waste Management" focused on composting, recycling, and other ways to help the environment.  The "Energy" workshop dealt with things the girls can do to make a difference in their own lives to help the environment.

Kuddos to those making this inaugural program possible: Girl Scouts - Western Oklahoma, Inc.; the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center's "Women's Leadership Initiative;" the Oklahoma City Public School District, and the Oklahoma State Parent Teacher Association.

Rape Kit Backlog Bill Introduced in US House of Reps

Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Dean Heller (R-NV) introduced a bill today in the House to address the national crisis of untested rape kit backlogs. The Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act of 2009 is the House version of a Senate bill introduced earlier this month.

According to Human Rights Watch, there are approximately 200,000 reported rapes each year and, in most cases, DNA evidence is collected and stored in a "rape kit." In 2004, Congress passed the Debbie Smith Act, which authorized the use of federal funds to test DNA kits. However, the law did not specify that the DNA kits be rape kits. Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch discovered that Los Angeles had a backlog of over 12,500 untested rape kits in spite of having received about $8 million Debbie Smith Act funds. Other cities, such as Detroit, have a backlog of 10,000 untested rape kits or more.

There are no current national statistics regarding the number of untested rape kits, because no state or federal laws mandate law enforcement agencies collect this information. Some estimates suggest the total number of untested kits is over 180,000.

Congresswoman Maloney said in a press release, "Every two minutes someone is sexually assaulted somewhere in the United States. DNA evidence doesn't forget and it cannot be intimidated...By processing this evidence, we can prevent rapists from attacking more innocent victims and ensure that the survivors and their families receive justice."

If passed, financial incentives would be introduced to process rape kit backlogs quickly, require that jurisdictions receiving Debbie Smith funds use them for rape kit testing, and would mandate that these jurisdictions have a plan to reduce their rape kit backlog by 50 percent in two years. The bill also creates a mechanism for collecting national data on rape kit backlogs and addresses the lack of trained medical professionals to process the kits. The bill would eliminate the common practice of rape survivors paying for the costs of processing the rape kits.

Media Resources: Representative Carolyn B. Maloney Press Release 11/19/09; HR 4114; Feminist Daily Newswire 11/9/09; Human Rights Watch News 11/5/09

Battered Women Find Way Back Into Job Force After Abuse (YWCA-OKC)

The YWCA in Oklahoma has opened a renovated Economic Empowerment Center and is extending programming for domestic violence victims

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 16, 2009)

Lack of economic resources is often cited as the number one reason victims of domestic violence return to their abuser. The YWCA Oklahoma City helps eliminate this barrier through its Economic Empowerment program, which teaches financial literacy, job readiness and computer skills to victims. With help from The Allstate Foundation, the YWCA has renovated its business technology center and put a renewed focus on economic programming to continue to help women on the road to self-sufficiency.

On November 18 the YWCA hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newly renovated Economic Empowerment Business Technology Center. The center includes all new computers, flooring, desks, paint and décor along with new programming offered to women. A $10,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation and many dedicated volunteers from Allstate offices in the Oklahoma City Metro Area made the renovations possible.

“The makeover will give us the tools we need to help even more women get back on their feet after escaping abuse,” said Janet L. Peery, YWCA CEO. “From getting back into the work force to learning how to balance a check book, these skills are crucial for self-sufficiency.”

In the current economic climate, job readiness is essential for victims of domestic violence who are often left to compete for the same entry-level positions as laid-off professionals. Teaching computer programs and other job skills will be a renewed focus of the YWCA’s Economic Empowerment program.

The business technology center will have set hours for drop-ins, a weekly class schedule and will accept individual consulting appointments—all free for victims of domestic violence. Members of the community can get involved by volunteering to teach a class and share their knowledge with those in need.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the YWCA Gaylord building and showcased the updates and remodel of the center, as well as an overview of the renewed programming.

The YWCA Oklahoma City is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice and dignity for all. The YWCA Oklahoma City is best known as the only shelter for battered women and children in Oklahoma County. More than 18,000 women, children and men receive help through YWCA programs, including emergency shelter for battered women and children, counseling, support groups, child care, transitional housing, financial literacy, batterer's intervention and other services. Ongoing community outreach efforts of the YWCA provide education on the issues of domestic and family violence, the empowerment of women and strategies to end racism. For more information on the YWCA Oklahoma City, visit www.ywcaokc.org.

Ritze Proposed Legislation to Prevent Sex Offenders From Getting Light Sentences

OKLAHOMA CITY (November 20, 2009) –

State Rep. Mike Ritze announced today that if a special session of the Legislature is called, he plans to introduce legislation that would prevent sex offenders from receiving ludicrously light sentences, such as in the David Earls case in Pittsburg County.

“David Earls, a child rapist, should not have under any circumstances received a one-year sentence for such a heinous crime,” Ritze, R-Broken Arrow, said. “I are going to ensure that such a case cannot again occur in Oklahoma by filing legislation to mandate legislative overview in such a case.”

David Earls was convicted of raping a 4-year-old child but through an agreement with the district attorney, received only a one-year sentence.

“This case made national news and certainly got my attention,” Ritze said. “We would be remiss not to take steps to prevent such a further occurence of injustice.”

Source. Oklahoma House of representatives Media Division

Dec 8, Noon, OKC: Free Lecture on Why Families Have Children But Choose Not to Commit to Marriage

Edin to Discuss the Instability and Complexity of Families

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Kathy Edin, Ph.D., will open a dialog on why families have children but choose not to commit to marriage at noon, Dec. 8 at the Oklahoma History Center , 2401 N. Laird Ave. , Oklahoma City .

Through research on poverty and family relationships, Edin will provide insight on why many poor families choose not to marry. She will also discuss the basis for the Family Expectations program currently being utilized by the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative.

Edin is a professor of public policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University . She received her doctoral degree in sociology from Northwestern University . Her research focuses on urban poverty and family life, social welfare, housing policy, child support, non-marital childbearing and the economic lives of the poor. Her recent publications include “Unmarried Couples with Children” and “Promises I Can Keep: Why Poor Women Put Motherhood Before Marriage.”

All lectures are sponsored by Oklahoma Department of Human Services Office of Planning, Research and Statistics and University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management. In addition, this lecture is sponsored by Oklahoma Marriage Initiative and OKDHS Family Support Services Division. This yearlong series provides thought-provoking presentations by experts in their fields on Oklahoma ’s emerging policy issues, trends and best practices. The lectures are free and open to the public.

For additional information, visit http://oucpm.org/lectureseries or contact Cecilia Tannehill at (405) 521-3552.

Dec 2-3 Summit on Violence Against Indian Women in Oklahoma

Please spread the word about "Journey to Justice" -- a summit on violence against Indian women in Oklahoma that will be December 2 and 3, 2009 in Oklahoma City at the Sheraton Hotel. This event is sponsored by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and is being coordinated by the Institute for Native Justice (INJ) of the American Indian Resource Center in Tahlequah, OK.

On December 2nd from 9:00 a.m. until noon there will be pre-conference training for Oklahoma Indian country professionals who would like to learn more about how to appropriately identify and respond to the needs of Indian victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
On December 2, 2009 at 1:00 p.m., Summit opening ceremonies will begin.

The purpose of the Summit is to bring together key stakeholders and representatives from tribal, state, local, and federal agencies to discuss how to improve the systemic response to violence against Indian women in Oklahoma. Tribal leaders, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, victim advocates, and others are invited to join us to share information about the unique challenges that they face in addressing incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking that occur in Oklahoma Indian country.

On the evening of the 2nd, a reception will be held to honor Lt. Governor Jefferson Keel of the Chickasaw Nation and newly elected President of the National Congress of American Indians. Lt. Governor Keel will deliver the summit keynote on December 3rd. The reception is sponsored by the Oklahoma Gaming Commission. All Summit participants are welcome.

On December 3rd, the Summit will continue beginning with a networking breakfast featuring innovative programs being offered by Oklahoma tribes. This event will be followed by the keynote address by Lt. Governor Jefferson Keel of the Chickasaw Nation. Tribal, community, federal, and state participants will have an opportunity to engage in a dialogue on the issues of violence against Indian women during the late morning and afternoon breakout sessions. These work sessions will be organized according to regions that correlate with the districts of the U.S. Attorneys in Oklahoma. Our luncheon speaker is Chris Chaney, Deputy Director from the Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice.

The deadline to reserve a room at the special conference rate $83/night + tax is November 17, 2009. Please see the attached registration form for details. Please also complete and submit one registration form for each individual who will attend the Summit. Follow the instructions on the form to return it to INJ. The deadline for registration is November 20, 2009.Please contact Robin Gann at INJ (Email: robin.gann@aircinc.org ) if you have any questions.

Be sure to register by November 20 since attendance is limited to 300 persons.