Women’s Independent Press

The 2011 September equinox comes on September 23 at 4:05 a.m. CDT. It falls at 9:05 Universal Time (GMT

On the first day of fall—the autumnal equinox—day and night are each about 12 hours long (with the actual time of equal day and night, in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring a few days after the autumnal equinox). The Sun crosses the celestial equator going southward; it rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west.
September 23, 5:05 A.M. EDT

The four seasons are determined by changing sunlight (not heat!)—which is determined by how our planet orbits the Sun and the tilt of its axis.
The Autumnal Equinox signals the end of the summer months and the beginning of winter. At this time of year, days have been shortening since the Summer Solstice some three months earlier, and the Equinox is the point where nights reach the same length as days. After this point, the Sun will shine lower and lower on the horizon until the Winter Solstice in about three months’ time.

The equinoxes represent the points where the direction of poles are at a right angle to the Sun. They represent the point of transition from summer to winter, or from winter to summer. The Autumnal Equinox occurs in late September, and is named for the fact that it marks the end of summer and the entrance into winter of the northern hemisphere

By Lisa Kanarek

www.workingnaked.com

How’s Your Time Management?

A friend told me about a time management seminar that lasted two days. I wondered why a seminar that focused on ways to save time could last two days, so a few weeks ago I went to one.

My suspicions were right…the speaker could have presented the information in three hours.
By the second day, I felt sorry for the people who were originally thrilled to have two days off from work. They were going to have to spend the next week catching up on e-mails, phone calls and everything else they missed while they were at the seminar.

Not all time management seminars are a waste of time, but you don’t have to go to a seminar to learn time management tips. Start with these four tips:

1.Throughout the day ask yourself if what you are doing is the best use of your time. Are you working on something that needs to be done today or could you do it another day?
You don’t have to check up on yourself more often than every three hours because then you’d be wasting time.

2.Determine your best time of day and schedule important tasks for that time. I used to say I was a morning person, then I was an afternoon person, and now I’m a “work when I can” person. Between my sons’ and my clients’ schedules, I need to be flexible. Concentrate on important tasks during the time you’re more productive and leave the less important tasks for when your energy level is low.

3.Sometimes you have to work around your family’s schedule. Before I started my own business and worked for a corporation, I represented several cartoonists including the late Jerry Bittle, creator of the comic strip “Geech.” Between 8:00 pm and 3:30pm Monday-Friday, Jerry would work on Geech, sleep for a few hours, have breakfast with his kids and then go back to sleep until about 11:00 am.
When his children came home from school, he was available to spend time with them.

4.Stay focused on the activity at hand. It’s easy to start one project and then bounce to another without finishing the first—at times I’m the perfect example. At the end of the day, I’m exhausted but haven’t accomplished as much as I’d hoped to. That’s when I refocus, stay on task and usually accomplish more the next day.

There’s not doubt that is takes time to save time. By changing a few things about how you work, you’ll save time in the long run.

Home office expert Lisa Kanarek is founder of www.Working Naked.com, a website that helps small business learn various aspects of working from home through “how-to” articles, videos and product reviews. She is the author of five books, including Working Naked: A Guide to the Bare Essentials of Home Office Life, and has been a guest on Good Morning America, CNN, CNBC, and Public Radio’s Marketplace.
Follow Lisa on Twitter @WorkingNaked

2011 GRACE ROBINSON, LUTC, MBA, State Farm Agent
Founder of Tomorrow’s Future, Inc.
Tomorrow’s Future Inc. is a mentoring, entrepreneurial and job-training program for at-risk teens founded in 1992 by Grace Robinson. Grace Robinson is a prominent business owner and a successful award-winning State Farm Agent. She was one of three African America women in the United States chosen by State Farm to become agents in the early 1980’s. She was the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN female State Farm agent in Pennsylvania. As Grace overcame many barriers and opened doors previously closed to African American women, she became determined to find ways to share her success with her community, especially young people. Being a mother of two girls, she saw it was important to demonstrate a model to them, their peers and at-risk youth of how they could succeed in business. This led her to found the non-profit organization, Tomorrow’s Future, Inc, in 1992.

The mission of Tomorrow’s Future is to equip young people with the basic communication, employment and social skills needed to compete in today’s marketplace.
The six weekly sessions held at Point Park University bring a wide variety of diverse speakers to the program. They interact with the students to inspire them to go beyond the boundaries of their neighborhood community.
As part of the activities of the program, the students participate in a “job shadowing day” visit to the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank. They meet and interact with the top management of the bank. The course culminates in an essay contest where the students share their vision for changing the world. The top three winners receive a scholarship. Other students receive certificates and cash awards to commend them for their achievements and outstanding efforts during the course.

For many years Grace funded this program herself. It is only recently she has received additional funding to support the program. Under Grace’s guidance, and with a core of dedicated volunteers, over 370 students throughout Allegheny County have had the opportunity to participate in the program. Since the beginning, many of these students have entered college and started professional careers or their own businesses. For her dedication and untiring effort to young people through Tomorrow’s Future Inc., she was honored as a Jefferson Community Champion in 2002 and the Greater Pittsburgh YWCA Racial Justice Award in 2009.

Tomorrow’s Future, Inc. VISION: is to give hope and provide opportunity where previously there was none.

Grace Robinson, Founder & Board Chair 412-682-7383 Danielle Robinson, Executive Director: 412-398-9477
5108 Baum Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15224 412-682-7383
Vision: To give hope and provide opportunity where previously there was none.

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It’s easy to look on aging with fear; there’s plenty at stake. New research conducted for the Home Instead Senior Care® network confirmed that 90 percent of seniors put loss of independence at the top of their list of aging worries. It’s a valid concern, but there is good news about aging. While staying physically active may be a challenge for seniors, getting Mom (and Dad) moving can help prevent and even reverse signs of frailty. That’s according to Stephanie Studenski, M.D., M.P.H., one of the nation’s foremost authorities and researchers of mobility, balance disorders, and falls in older adults. Dr. Studenski, who serves as director of clinical research for the University of Pittsburgh Institute on Aging, says, “Through activity, seniors build both physical and mental reserves that can help their bodies better tolerate problems that come with aging.”

For fifteen years, the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network has been devoted to providing seniors with the highest quality care in their own homes, and to arming families with the information they need to make the best decisions about caring for aging loved ones. The Get Mom Moving campaign is part of that effort, designed to help seniors stay mentally and physically active, as well as emotionally engaged.

According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one-third of people age 65 or older fall each year. Falls and fall-related injuries, such as hip fracture, can have a serious impact on an older person’s life. Balance exercises, along with certain strength exercises, can help prevent falls by improving a senior’s ability to control and maintain his/her body’s position, whether moving or still.

The five exercises that follow are aimed at improving balance and body strength.*

Stand on One Foot
1. Stand on one foot behind a sturdy chair, holding on for balance.
2. Hold position for up to 10 seconds.
3. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
4. Repeat 10 to 15 times with other leg.
5. Repeat 10 to 15 more times with each leg.

Walking Heel to Toe
1. Position the heel of one foot just in front of the toes of the other foot. Your heel and toes should touch or almost touch.
2. Choose a spot ahead of you and focus on it to keep you steady as you walk.
3. Take a step. Put your heel just in front of the toe of your other foot.
4. Repeat for 20 steps.

Balance Walk
1. Raise arms to sides, shoulder height.
2. Choose a spot ahead of you and focus on it to keep you steady as you walk.
3. Walk in a straight line with one foot in front of the other.
4. As you walk, lift your back leg. Pause for 1 second before stepping forward.
5. Repeat for 20 steps, alternating legs.

Back Leg Raises
1. Stand behind a sturdy chair, holding on for balance. Breathe in slowly.
2. Breathe out and slowly lift one leg straight back without bending your knee or pointing your toes. Try not to lean forward. The leg you are standing on should be slightly bent.
3. Hold position for 1 second.
4. Breathe in as you slowly lower your leg.
5. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
6. Repeat 10 to 15 times with other leg.
7. Repeat 10 to 15 more times with each leg.

Side Leg Raises
1. Stand behind a sturdy chair with feet slightly apart, holding on for balance. Breathe in slowly.
2. Breathe out and slowly lift one leg out to the side. Keep your back straight and your toes facing forward. The leg you are standing on should be slightly bent.
3. Hold position for 1 second.
4. Breathe in as you slowly lower your leg.
5. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
6. Repeat 10 to 15 times with other leg.
7. Repeat 10 to 15 more times with each leg.

*Safety tips: Have a sturdy chair or a person nearby to hold on to if you feel unsteady. Talk with your doctor if you are unsure about doing a particular exercise.

If you, or any organization of which you are a part, is interested in learning more, please contact our office. We would be happy to speak to your group free of charge about this subject, our services, and even employment opportunities.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Champagne, Human Resource Coordinator
Home Instead Senior Care
1102 S Braddock Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Phone: (412) 731-0733
Rebecca.Champagne@homeinstead.com

September 7, 2011· 7:30 to 9:30AM · Rivers Club · One Oxford Center
Human Trafficking
The Courage to Speak Up
Greater Pittsburgh Business and
Professional Women’s Association Speaker Series
P.O. Box 4620 · Pittsburgh, PA 15206 ·
(412) 889 - 2401
PITTBPW@hotmail.com
Breakfast $35 Call (412) 889-2401 or email: pittbpw@hotmail.com
Find out what Human Trafficking is, how to recognize the signs in our own community and how to help victims speak up.

September 8 - Washington Women’s Power Lunch–NEW! Double Tree by Hilton - Meadowlands-Pittsburgh 340 Race Track Road - Washington - 1:00–3:00 pm $30.00 Prepayment required at www.womenspowerlunch.com or melanieansell@comcast.net - We invite all the business women from Washington County to join us at this new networking lunch in your area.

September 8- Paul Schwartz wants you to know that Every year, the Three Rivers Advertising Specialty Association (TRASA) hosts a free PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS show for savvy marketing people who are interested in the latest and greatest products in our industry.
This year it’s being held at the new Monroeville Convention Center (free parking!), on Thursday, September 8, from 11 am to 3 pm. And remember — the Holidays are coming soon. Get your shopping done now for your co-workers and clients!
Contact Paul 412-719-1921 or Anna Marie, wip@fastmail.fm for an invitation form

September 8,-Join the Pittsburgh Business Times, J. Verno Studios and our
partners to network with Pittsburgh business professionals at
BizMix, an evening networking event presented by the
Business Times.
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Reservations are $35 for
Business Times subscribers ($45 for nonsubscribers) and
include hors d’oeuvres and two drinks.
Call 412-208-3845 8am-5pm Monday-Friday or email kkomondor@bizjournals.com for more information.

September 9 - Butler Women’s Power Lunch - 1:00-3:00 pm - Butler Country Club
310 Country Club Road Butler $30. Prepayment required at www.womwnspowerlunch.com
Suzannef@zoominternet.net - Please pass this along to all the business owners you know in Butler County. This is a beautiful Country Club and we need more women to come and enjoy the food and the networking!

BRENTWOOD BALDWIN WHITEHALL
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCHEON

September 9, 2011
The monthly luncheon meeting of the Women’s Networking of the
Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce will meet on
Friday, September 9, noon, at South Hills Country Club. Please plan
on attending and Bring a friend. We welcome members and
non-members. Tables are available for ladies who would like to
display products or merchandise. Everyone will pass out business
cards and brochures and present a one-minute “commercial.”
Demetria Pappas, Co-Founder of Mother, May I–MMI, will speak
on modern business etiquette and share some great take-away
on mealtime manners. What your mother taught, but maybe you forgot.
Please make a reservation by contacting secretary,
Mary Dilla at 412-884-1233
or email: secretary@bbwchamber.com
Chamber Members Lunch-$15
Non-Members Lunch-$18

September 13th – November 22nd - Kauffman FastTrac® NewVenture - 10-Week Program - Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 PM - Chatham University -Cost: $295 (includes instruction, FastTrac textbook and access to online toolkit ) - Register Online: www.chatham.edu/cwe - Have you always wanted to start your own business? Before you quit your job or invest your life savings, FastTrac NewVenture will help you identify whether or not your business idea has merit. You will write a feasibility plan, examining the market potential of your business from every angle. This step-by-step hands-on program is taught by seasoned entrepreneurs who will help you craft your business idea

September 14 - Brown Bag Lunch - 12:00 – 1:00pm - Speaker: Wendy Maletta, Ahhluminating Marketing Topic: “What’s your FIRST Impression?” Join us for a fun conversation about leaving a positive, memorable impression on the people you meet. Develop your skills for successful introductions, cold calls and emails that get your business noticed. Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania - 1650 Main Street Pittsburgh – FREE - RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

September 15 - Disability Resource Breakfast - 8:30 – 9:30 AM - Speaker:
Lynne Taiclet, DMD, Director of the Center for Patients with Special Needs at The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and Mary Anderson Hartley, Manager, Disability Healthcare Initiative at ACHIEVA - Topic: Why Your Teeth Matter! Good dental care can make a difference in getting and keeping a job. Learn tips for finding the right dentist and practical advice on home care - Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania - 1650 Main Street Pittsburgh – FREE - RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

September 16 - Pittsburgh Women’s Power Lunch - 1:00-3:00 pm - Wyndham Grand Hotel - 600 Commonwealth Way Downtown Pittsburgh
Quarterly Speaker: Rebecca Harris, Director, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship Chatham University $35. prepayment required at: www.womwnspowerlunch.com, Suzannef@zoominternet.net - This is going to be one of our best and most well attended affairs of the year. Please RSVP today!

2011 NAWBO DAY
“Think GINORMOUS - We have an App for that!”
September 16, 2011
Radisson Pittsburgh Hotel
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and those even thinking
about starting abusiness are all welcome!
If you’re interested in bettering your business or are
looking for information,this event is for you!
Trade Show Tables Available
$250 /table-includes admission for 2 people and
program book ad
PURCHASE TRADE TABLES
Sponsorships are also Available!
Please call 412.854.4827 for details

Pittsburgh Professional Women
 Friday, September 16th, 2011  Meet The Media!
* Have you wondered if you could be an “expert” media source?
 * Do you want to get media coverage for your fundraising  events?
 * Do you have a great story to tell, but not sure how to
   approach a reporter?
 * Has your company or staff achieved something remarkable, but you don’t know how to announce it?

Learn the Answers to These Questions and More at
 Meet The Media!
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Place: The Greentree Raddison, 101 Radisson Drive, Greentree
Sponsor: Pittsburgh Professional Women
 Cost: By Sept. 9: Members-$35; Non-members-$45
         (After 9/9, add $4; Includes breakfast at 8:30 a.m.)
RSVP: In advance (Limited Seating) www.pittsburghprofessionalwomen.com

September 17 - 9:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m. - Phipps Conservatory — Botany Hall, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh - Registration: Please arrive 15 minutes early to register for the session. Cost: $10 -Credit: Act 48 credits are available. What to expect: At this workshop, participants will: RSVP: Laura Tuel, Vice President of Development, American Forest Foundation; ltuel@forestfoundation.org; or 202-463-2585

Spadafora’s Dine Out for CCN
September 18th
Spadafora’s Bar and Restaurant will generously donate 10% of
all food saleson this date to CCN to assist with their mission to
provide direction to victims
of domestic violence. Stop by on Sunday the 18th from 4-9pm
to enjoy great food and support CCN.
Spadafora’s is located at 3932 William Flynn Highway (Route
For more information,
please contact Stacy de las Alas at 412-364-6728 x15

The 51 Communities Golf Outing will be on Monday September 19th,early bird registration September 2nd.
The 51 Communities Golf Outing is the major fund raiser for the
Chamber,Brentwood Business Owners Association and Economic
Development South
Please contact Bob McKown or Rita Day at 412-885-4868×104,
Mary Halerz at 412-390-7555 or Mary Dilla, 412-884-1233 for
informationregarding sponsorship.
If you don’t golf, plan to attend the dinner. This is a great opportunity
to meet and network with your fellow business owners.
www.bbwchamber.com

September 23 - Westmoreland Women’s Power Lunch - 1:00-3:00 pm - $30. Prepayment required at www.womenspowerlunch.com Location to be determined - Contact: melanieansell@comcast.net
412-848-0165

Save the Date
Please join the Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
as we kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month at our
3rd annual Paws for the Cure® dog walk event.
October 2, 2011
Hartwood Acres Concert Area
Allison Park, PA
Registered participants will receive our NEW specially designed t-shirt.
Shirts will only be available for pick up at the event.
To guarantee availability register by September 15, 2011.
Call 412 342-0500.
Visit our website at www.komenpittsburgh.org for a complete
listing of all upcoming Komen events.
Paws for the Cure® features a one-mile walk or nearly two-mile walk
through the scenic, rolling hills of Hartwood Acres

October 10 - Welcome to Oz – Where Small Business and Sustainability Collide - Allegheny County, The City of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center, Chatham University and Building Bridges for Business will host Welcome to Oz – Where Small Business and Sustainability Collide to educate and empower business owners. The third seminar in the SOLD OUT series will be held on October 10 at the Fairmont Hotel. The key note speaker will inspire attendees and 15+ resources will share strategies to be sustainable and grow their business. Details for the October 2011 Welcome to Oz event are located on www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl will give opening remarks. Dr Winslow Sargeant, coming to Pittsburgh specifically for this event, is currently the Chief Advocate for Small Business Research and Regulatory Affairs. President Obama appointed Winslow to this role in 2009.

November 12 - The Unique Boutique, an annual fund raising event for Heritage Valley Health System, is on Saturday, November 12, 2011, 10am to 4pm at the Edgeworth Club, 511 East Drive. We are looking for vendors who are selling adult/children clothing/gifts, home decor or gourment food. If interested, please contact Terri Tunick at territun@comcast.net for additional information.
All of our jewelry vendor spaces have been filled. Please contact me with any questions.

by Anne Fleming

With the growing number of online resources and car dealer reviews, it’s never been a more empowering time for women to buy a car. However, the years in between a purchase can result in neglecting to review their insurance coverage to match their current driving reality.

Life circumstances are dynamic and changing, and our paperwork needs to keep up. Just like many other things over time that need periodic upgrading, proper insurance coverage on your vehicle for you and your family couldn’t be more important. Reviewing and updating your auto insurance might be seen as an inconvenient errand to put off another day, but have you considered that your policy might be outdated with inadequate coverage, or potentially costing you money?

Women often only review their car insurance needs when purchasing a new vehicle. However, when annually renewing their insurance policy on the same vehicle over several years, they can overlook important factors and cost-saving changes that are needed to match their present lifestyle, driving habits and any vehicle equipment upgrades. It’s wise to consider some key factors to ensure you and your passengers are protected, and you’re not caught by surprise if the worse happens.

Auto Insurance Updates to Consider

Lifestyle Changes:
Review any changes in the past year(s) or mid-way through your policy term, such as:
• a different route and mileage to/from work
• or not driving to work at all anymore and pleasure use only
• the number of passengers that travel in your car vs. driving alone
• a move to a new geographical location with different weather (more snow), heavier traffic or increased crime
• new equipment in your car that could result in discounts (see below)

Vehicle Safety Discounts:
Along with equipment that already comes with a new purchase, if you’ve also added new safety devices or equipment to your car, talk to your insurance provider to take advantage of the available discounts that could apply to you, which can bring substantial savings on your premium payments:
• anti-theft devices, which in some states can result in a 25% discount on your comprehensive premiums
• back-up rear view monitor/sensors/camera
• front and side air bags, passenger or back seats
• day-time running lights
• keyless starter;
• wireless tracking devices that monitor driving behavior – these are installed by the insurance company themselves at your request and gauge actual mileage and speed driven
• alcohol sensors that do not allow a car to start if the driver is under the influence

Driver Discounts
• your gender - although varying by state, the average car insurance rate for women is around 9% lower than for men
• a safe driving record, for every year that you’ve had no accidents or tickets;
• low mileage
• retiree, generally for drivers aged 55 or older
• women as head of the household
• college student who lives 100 miles away from home that does not have a car on campus
• taking adult and student driver education courses

Other Discounts:
• insuring multiple vehicles from one household with the same provider, or bundling your auto, life and home insurance with the same carrier
• cost paid, or estimated to be paid, for your car
• VIN, Year, Make, Model, Body Style of car
• safety equipment standard on car

Don’t wait until after an incident to learn what you’re covered for or not. There are many benefits and wise precautions in having updated coverage. Take the time to review your auto insurance policy so it accurately reflects your current lifestyle, driving habits and vehicle enhancements. You’ll be glad you did!

About Women-Drivers.com™
Now women are more empowered thanks to the #1 resource that connects them to Certified Women-Drivers Friendly™ car dealerships in the United States. Check this site out and learn about dealer reviews and all the educational tips and tools you need for an informed purchase to get the best deal. Visit www.Women-Drivers.com and download your free copy of Women’s No Stress Guide to Buying a Car.

Programs are held at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield Street, Downtown on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. They are free and open to the public.

Thursday, September 2 No Program. Enjoy the Holiday Weekend!

Thursday, September 9 Marketing on a Shoestring Budget Using Social Media
Shawn Agyman, Director ofMarketing
SponsorChange.org

Even if startups follow the lean philosophy of keeping their “burn rate” low, they still have to find a way to attract and retain customers. With the effective use of social media, they can leverage media attention, engage customers and market services. Mr. Agyman will use his company, SponsorChange.org, as an example of how this low-cost marketing strategy can benefit entrepreneurs in many types of businesses.

Thursday, September 16 Leveraging Online Social Media to Avoid Burnout in Volunteer Organizations
Geri Puleo, President/CEO
Change Management Solutions, Inc.

Volunteer leaders face numerous challenges that can lead to burnout. This workshop identifies the
unique challenges of volunteer leadership and provides concrete channels, strategies and tools to
harness social media technology (including Social Media 2.0) that will engage members, reduce burnout, and build a vibrant online community.

Thursday, September 23 Common Mistakes in Estate Planning and How to Avoid Them
Theodore T. Blair, Attorney-at-Law
T. T. Blair & Associates

When you want to have your assets transferred to your heirs according to your wishes, finding out what
you need to do ahead of time is crucial. Mr. Blair, an experienced estate attorney, will bring us up to date
on recent legal changes and explain how to avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes that many people make in drafting their wills and estate plans.

Thursday, September 30 The Great Squeeze: Surviving the Human Project
(DVD – 60 minutes)

This award-winning documentary explores the current ecological and economic cris stemming from our dependence on cheap and abundant energy. A journey through history shows how past civilizations made the same mistakes – growing too fast, depleting their natural resources and ultimately collapsing. It’s urgent that we make significant lifestyle changes if we are to save ourselves from a similar fate.

My Opinion
by Anna Marie Gire

The “super committee” has been charged with devising ways to cut the US debt.
This committee consists of only one woman and eleven men, including two men of color –
they are the 12-member panel charged with finding an additional $1.5 trillion in debt
savings over a ten-year period. The committee will have until Nov. 23 to propose ways to
reduce deficits and those proposals must be voted on by Dec. 23.

Republicans leaders picked six members who have pledged never to support tax
increases of any kind, and this unwillingness to compromise will surely complicate
the path to a sustainable plan.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington (Democrat and committee co-chair) is the only woman
on this unbalanced committee. Murray is not just a senator; she also chairs the Democratic
Senatorial Campaign Committee and is a member of the Budget and Appropriations committees.

Because women are over 50 % of the US population, half of the “super committee” should be women:
Critical programs — like Medicaid, Medicare, child care, education, food assistance,
and Social Security – disproportionally affect women and families and those are the programs
in danger of being cut.
It’s also a problem that there’s only one woman on the Super Committee because numerous
studies have found that when women don’t have equal representation at negotiating tables, the outcomes
are worse for everyone.

For example, NPR recently reported, “Psychologists have found that when groups are predominantly
male, individuals tend to act in increasingly aggressive ways… They show off.”
The Harvard Business Review recently reported, “If a group includes more women, its collective
intelligence rises.” According to NPR: “Who sits around the negotiating table can make a big
difference to how negotiations turn out. Psychologists have found that when groups are predominantly male,
individuals tend to act in increasingly aggressive ways. They take bigger risks. They show off.

“Any place in which there are more men than women, the men are becoming more aggressive
with each other and are competing with each other to attract women,” says Vladas Griskevicius,
a psychologist at the University of Minnesota.Griskevicius has found that cities in which men
outnumber women have the highest amount of consumer debt — the result, he believes, of men
buying expensive stuff to show off. Most of us don’t think the same dynamics affect professional
settings, but Griskevicius finds in experiments that when men are surrounded by other men, their
behavior changes without their awareness.

So, who will convince who? Will Republicans convince one Democrat to join them in support of a
plan that keeps taxes at their current rates and reforms entitlements or will Democrats successfully
court one Republican toward raising tax revenues? The country doesn’t need more drama from
this group of mostly men, instead we need solid ideas and positive action.

Not enough women will be included in this very serious and important discussion that
will affect your life or someone you know.

By Mary Foley

As we wrestle with life’s challenges, gain new awareness, and learn more about ourselves, words can take on new, deeper meanings. Words like forgiveness, love, boundaries, and joy, become attached to personal experiences that make them rich and meaningful.

Mary Cox Garner, author of The Hidden Souls of Words: Keys to Transformation Through the Power of Words, says words can stimulate us to make powerful transformations in our lives if we let them. These five words have empowered and transformed mine. My hope is that they will inspire you to identify the five words that have empowered and transformed you.

Empowerment Word #1: No. Of all the words in the English language, you might be surprised that the first, most empowering word for me as a woman is two simple letters. Learning to say no was a huge step in overcoming my internal good girl and claiming my boundaries as an adult woman.

Empowerment Word #2: Yes. When your No really means No, then your Yes can really mean Yes. That’s when yes has power. The idea of yes comes in many forms. All right, Okay, Sure, Why not?, No problem, Of course, Agreed, and Fair enough all communicate the essence of yes. Yes is life-affirming. Yes is people-affirming. Oh yes!

Empowerment Word #3: Choice. Another common word, but one we often skim right over and take for granted. Choice means you have the freedom to decide what’s best for you among options. On a national level, it’s nothing less than miraculous to live in the United States where the freedom of choice is a birthright. On a personal level, it’s incredibly empowering to recognize and act on the notion that indeed, no matter what, you DO have a choice! No matter the circumstance, no matter the situation, each and every one of us can respond yes, no, or anywhere in between.

Empowerment Word #4: Woman. If you are a female over the age of 18, I know this news is going to blow you away: You are no longer a girl. You are an adult woman! You might be a scared woman, a worried woman, or an insecure woman at times, but you’re still a woman. You might also be a confident woman, an authentic woman, a loving woman, and a Bodacious Woman. Thinking of yourself as a girl only diminishes your personal power.

Empowerment Word #5: Bodacious. I never expected the word bodacious would become the word that represents my personal tipping point in my journey of being an empowered woman. In the midst of constant pressure to perform, dealing with a difficult marriage, and hitting the glass ceiling, being bodacious became a personal rallying cry during my ten years at America Online. Today, bodacious still gives me courage to make choices, small and large, that are good for me. Being bodacious gives me the courage to take risks. And on hard days, being bodacious gives me the courage to put one foot in front of the other.

About Mary Foley
Mary Foley inspires women with practical advice to create sanity for their lives and confidence for their careers – all while having a bit of fun! She is the author of three books including Bodacious Woman: Outrageously in Charge of Your Life and Loving It!, a popular national speaker, and co-host of the Girlfriend We Gotta Talk! radio show. Get Mary’s eBook “5 Empowering Words for Women” where she shares more about these 5 words with personal stories and fun graphics. It’s part of her FREE Sanity, Confidence and Fun Action Pack available now at maryfoley.com