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ABOUT ACW
Mission & Purpose
The Austin Commission for Women explores the needs and problems
of Austin women and recommends programs to the City Council and
City Manager to alleviate inequities that confront women socially,
economically, politically, and professionally.
History
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Executive Order 10980
establishing the first Commission on the Status of Women to advise
him on issues of concern to women. In Austin, hard work on behalf
of women by “Pete” Beeson, Ada Anderson, and Lillian
Watt, resulted in the formation of the Mayor’s Commission
on January 22, 1970. This was the first local commission in Texas,
and the fourth in the United States. In 1975, the Austin City Council
took a major step by passing City Ordinance 750612-C, authored by
Councilwoman Betty Himmelblau, which created the Commission on the
Status of Women. In January 1984, the City Council changed the name
to the Commission for Women.
How the Commission Achieves its Goals
- Communicates with other City Boards and Commissions
and acts as a resource on issues concerning women
- Maintains a listing of Women’s Resources
on the commission web site
- Invites individuals and representatives of
organizations to attend Commission meetings and share knowledge
and information
- Co-sponsors seminars, workshops, and events
in various areas of the city to encourage women’s involvement
in projects, programs, and self-expression
- Educates women to actively serve on Boards
and Commissions
- Cooperates with City, State, and National
groups on women’s rights and issues
- Supports a community-wide, geographically
dispersed network system for meetings of women—for 2003,
a women’s issues Book Club
- Celebrates the progress of women in Austin
by publicizing major awards and recognitions of Achievement
Committees
The Commission has several committees focused on the goals of
the Committee. If you are interested in volunteering your time and
talents on a Commission Committee, please contact the Commission
for more information.
The Commissioners
The Commission for Women numbers 9 Austin citizens who are willing
to pursue equal rights and responsibilities for all women, and who
have demonstrated their commitment to this goal through their activities.
Commissioners, appointed by the City Council for two year, staggered
terms, represent diversity in ethnicity, professions, neighborhoods,
age and experiences.
Current Membership:
Renae Cotton, Chair
Nominated by: Council Member Sheryl Cole
Shannon Phillips Meroney, Vice-Chair
Nominated by: Council Member Brewster McCracken
Beverley M. Larkam, Emeritus Member
Nominated by: Consensus
Molly Barker, Commissioner
Nominated by: Council Member Betty Dunkerley
Lora Ann Gerson, Commissioner
Nominated by: Council Member Lee Leffingwell
Darlene Lanham, Commissioner
Nominated by: Council Member Jennifer Kim
Jeannette Peten, Commissioner
Nominated by: Consensus
How to Contact the Austin Commission for Women
Attn: Staff Liasion, Carla Johnson
Human Relations Department
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767
(512) 974-3215
carla.johnson@ci.austin.tx.us
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