For more information contact:
Rosemary Camposano 650 740-5544
Stacy Mason 650 793-3556
info@womencount.org

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WomenCount Calls for Presidential Commission on Women

Likens this moment in history to JFK’s 1961 commission of the same name

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 12, 2008 - WomenCount, the progressive women’s organization that successfully campaigned for language on gender bias to be included in the Democratic Platform, is now calling on President-elect Barack Obama to create a Presidential Commission on Women.

The petition reads, “We call on the President-Elect to create, within the first 100 days, a Presidential Commission on Women that will bring together the best thinkers from all backgrounds, sectors, and political parties, to impact the future of women in our nation.”

Today, WomenCount begins a large-scale petiton campaign to gain signatures in support of the Commission, including outreach to more than 800 women’s organizations, Members of Congress, and women all around the country. A grassroots Commission campaign will also include house parties, nationwide conference calls, phone banking, and other events that bring together an unprecedented cross-section of women.

“Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin were galvanizing forces for millions of women across the country. We are asking those same women to sign our petition and join in the call to action,” said WomenCount co-founder and Executive Director Stacy Mason.

“In 1961, as the nation grappled with the issue of women in the workplace, President John Kennedy convened the first Presidential Commission on the Status of Women and appointed Eleanor Roosevelt as its chair,” Mason said. “Kennedy recognized the moment was right. That was 47 years ago, and it’s time to do it again.”

As in 1961, in the wake of this historic election women are at the forefront of our political discourse – and WomenCount is committed to keeping them there. A record number of women are seeking ways to participate more fully in all aspects of American life, politics and policymaking. A Presidential Commission on Women, is the right vehicle to initiate a national conversation on the future of women in the US.

“Women, who made up 54 percent of voters, were targeted like never before as the critical bloc that would determine the outcome of the election,” said Rosemary Camposano, communications director of WomenCount.. “It is time for our nation to mature to a point where women are welcomed into every layer of life, politics, business and policymaking. A Commission is an extremely inclusive process for determining ways in which to promote women in all these areas.”

WomenCount chose to launch the Commission effort immediately after the election to focus attention on the lessons of the campaign. “Sometimes there is a watershed moment in history when it becomes clear that things must change and leaders must act,” reads the petition introduction. “That moment is now for the women of this country.”

Further details about the Commission and petition drive can be found at www.womencount.org.

About WomenCount

WomenCount is a non-profit political organization that gives women of all generations and backgrounds from around the country a powerful voice in the political process. Our organization has two arms: a 527 that conducts issue-related campaigns and a PAC that raises and donates funds to candidates for office.

The Internet has transformed grassroots activism. Instead of organizing in living rooms, campaigns are sprouting online. The web has become a powerful tool in the political process – for issues, for candidates, for fundraising. It's time for the women’s movement to leverage these opportunities.
Think of WomenCount as a MoveOn for women’s issues and ideas. Flexible, adaptable, and participatory – a political force to be reckoned with.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WomenCount PAC was created to ensure that the 51 percent of American citizens who are women have their values and votes counted in the political process. So far in the 2008 election cycle, WomenCount has run a series of ads related to the presidential campaign and made contributions to several women candidates for Congress.
Contributions to WomenCount PAC are not tax-deductible. Contributions will be used in federal elections, and are subject to federal law regarding prohibited sources and limits. Contributions to WomenCount PAC are limited to $5,000 per calendar year and contributions from corporations and labor unions are prohibited. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.
Paid for by WomenCount PAC and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
WomenCount PAC - 1016 Lincoln Blvd., Suite 303, San Francisco CA 94129 - www.womencountpac.com