The Women and Girls Foundation

Want to stay in the loop and never miss out on exciting updates?

Subscribe to WGF's monthly newsletter today and be a part of the community.
Click the link below to sign up if you haven't already, and read the January newsletter that includes updates and news on WGF, GirlGov, and more!

https://linktr.ee/wgfpa

Starting the new year on a positive note!

Wishing you all a very happy new year from the Women and Girls Foundation.
Let's make this year a year of progress, empowerment, and equality for all.

The best gift is the gift of giving! 🎁

Your donation at givebigpittsburgh.com can help the Women and Girls Foundation continue its mission to amplify and address issues of inequities.

Share your support by donating and sharing this post!

The Women & Girls Foundation will be out of the office from 12/23/23 to 1/2/24.

We will be back reenergized in the New Year to continue our mission to work towards bringing attention to the climate crisis, racial justice and gender equity.

Until then, we encourage everyone to unplug and spend time with their loved ones!

Happy Holidays!

What is paid family and medical leave, and why is it important?

Paid family and medical leave is a policy that allows workers to take time off to care for a family member or recover from their own serious illness while still receiving a portion of their salary. It's important because it provides financial stability to workers in times of need, promotes better health outcomes, and reduces financial strain.

Thank you, Representative K.C. Tomlinson, for sending a strong message that our state values compassion, family, and the health and well-being of its citizens!

It is important for constituents to contact their legislators to urge them to pass the act and help workers care for their loved ones without risking their jobs.

To learn more about the act, please visit FamilyCareAct.com.

What role can businesses and employers play in supporting paid family and medical leave policies, and how can we encourage more companies to do so?

Employers can support paid family and medical leave policies by offering paid leave to their employees. Policymakers can encourage more businesses to provide paid leave by offering tax incentives and public awareness campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of such policies.

Thank you, Senator Maria Collect, for promoting economic stability and the overall well-being of Pennsylvania's communities!

Support WGF by urging your legislators to pass the act. Sign a letter of support to help workers care for their loved ones without risking their jobs. Plus, it only takes a minute each month to add your name to the list.

To show your support, please visit FamilyCareAct.com.

How can we ensure that paid family and medical leave policies are equitable and accessible to all workers, regardless of their income level or job type?

To ensure equitable and accessible paid family and medical leave policies for all workers, policies should be designed with the needs of low-income and part-time workers in mind, inclusive of all types of family caregiving, and supported by outreach and education efforts.

Thank you, Senator Devlin Robinson, for supporting working caregivers with job protection and financial assistance!

By signing a letter of support, you can make a difference and help ensure that workers receive the support they need. It takes just one minute each month to add your name to the list.

To show your support, visit FamilyCareAct.com.

Hello everyone,

Unfortunately, the Family Care Act has been delayed and will likely not run until either March or the middle of May. We are not sure why the representative who schedules the bills decided not to run it last night, but we have to trust his judgment.

The bill is still alive and well, but we just need to keep it forward. Thank you to every single one of you who has been reaching out to legislators.

We are grateful for all of you. Have a wonderful holiday season and take time to rest.

– Family Care Coalition

We need your help to pass the Family Care Act (HB181)!

Help workers care for their loved ones without risking their jobs by contacting your representative before 2 PM via call or email.

If possible, we strongly encourage you to call your representative, as well as the representatives listed on the target tab in the Excel sheet, which can be accessed through this link: https://linktr.ee/wgfpa

What are some of the benefits of paid family and medical leave policies for workers and employers?

Paid family and medical leave policies benefit workers by allowing them to take time off for family or health reasons without risking their job or income.

Thank you, Representative Dan Miller, for supporting paid family and medical leave!

It is important for constituents to contact their legislators to urge them to pass the act and help workers care for their loved ones without risking their jobs.

To learn more about the act, please visit FamilyCareAct.com.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to our statewide effort to secure paid family and medical leave for all workers in the Commonwealth. Your voice matters.

The Family Care Act is a crucial piece of legislation in Pennsylvania that aims to provide home care for loved ones without endangering one's job or financial stability. It is important for constituents to make their voices heard by contacting their legislators and urging them to pass the act. No one should have to choose between their job and caring for a loved one.

By signing the letter of support, you can make a difference and help ensure that workers receive the support they need. It takes just one minute each month to add your name to the list. To learn more about the act, please visit FamilyCareAct.com.

December marks Universal Human Rights Month, a time to reflect on the importance of protecting and promoting human rights around the world.

Let's renew our commitment to standing up against discrimination and injustice and working towards a world where everyone is treated with respect and equality.

Join WGF in commemorating this month by sharing this post, engaging in meaningful discussions, and standing together to make a difference!

This is the season of giving and with your support, WGF can continue its mission to work towards bringing attention to the climate crisis, racial justice and gender equity.

Your donation at givebigpittsburgh.com can help the Women and Girls Foundation continue its mission to amplify and address these issues and inequities. To donate, click the link in our bio!

Join WGF through Dec. 20 in supporting Womanspace East, Inc., and help us provide menstrual and hygiene products to those in need. Together, let's make a difference and help ensure everyone has access to these essential items.

Drop off your donations today at Frick Environmental Center (main lobby front desk) or Field Day (downstairs café space) and be a part of this great cause!

Join us in ONE week for a conversation with author Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrator Emily Carroll, and translator Hercilia Mendizabal Frers about the young adult novel 'Speak.' The event is moderated by our CEO Camila Rivera-Tinsley.

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 7

TIME: 6 PM

WHERE: Carnegie Library Lecture Hall

Get your tickets now to support this inspiring novel!

To learn more and register, click the link below!
https://pittsburghlectures.org/lectures/laurie-halse-anderson-2/

The Women and Girls Foundation is committed to raising awareness of issues related to climate change, racial justice and gender equity.

With your support on Giving Tuesday, we can continue to highlight these critical issues and work towards creating a more sustainable, equitable future for all.

Your donation on Nov. 28 will help us to continue this important work and make a meaningful impact on the lives of all individuals in our region and beyond.

You can find the link to donate here: givebigpittsburgh.com

Thank you for your support!

Join us in preparation for by taking a stand for the things that matter most.

This year, WGF is focusing on empowering self-identified women and girls and protecting our planet.

When we come together to fight climate change and advance gender equity, we can create a brighter future for everyone.

Your donation on Nov. 28 at givebigpittsburgh.com can help the Women and Girls Foundation continue its mission to amplify and address these issues and inequities.

In three weeks, come join us for an inspiring conversation with author Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrator Emily Carroll, and translator Hercilia Mendizabal Frers about the impact of the young adult novel 'Speak.'

The event will take place on Thursday, December 7, at 6 PM in the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall.

Our very own CEO and President, Camila Rivera-Tinsley, will moderate the discussion panel. Get your tickets now and join us in supporting an inspiring novel!

To learn more and register, click the link below!

https://pittsburghlectures.org/lectures/laurie-halse-anderson-2/

How do you recycle? ♻️🌍

Today is National Recycling Day! Let's do our part and recycle to help keep our planet green and clean.

Recycling is essential for promoting sustainability and creating a more equitable society that prioritizes the health and well-being of all people, regardless of gender.

The Women and Girls Foundation recognizes the connection between environmental, social, and economic issues. It empowers self-identified women and girls to be leaders in the fight against climate change. Reshare this post to remind others!

Join us on Thursday, December 7 at 6 PM for an inspiring evening with Laurie Halse Anderson, the author of 'Speak.'

Laurie will be joined by her contributors to discuss the profound impact of the book on its readers.

WHERE: Carnegie Library Lecture Hall.

The Women and Girls Foundation is excited to collaborate with Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures and support this event. Camila Rivera-Tinsley, our CEO and President, will be moderating the panel for the book discussion.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity! To learn more and register, click the link below!

https://pittsburghlectures.org/lectures/laurie-halse-anderson-2/

What does freedom mean to you? 🕊️🌍

We acknowledge the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that have led us to the freedoms we enjoy today. Let us continue to support and advocate for human rights and social justice, both locally and globally, to ensure that freedom is protected for all.

Join WGF in commemorating this day by sharing this post, engaging in meaningful discussions, participating in events and exhibitions, and educating future generations about the historical significance of World Freedom Day!

Sources:
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/11/08/a-proclamation-on-world-freedom-day-2022/

- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/11/08/a-proclamation-on-world-freedom-day-2022/

Have you exercised your right to vote today in Pennsylvania? ✅ 🗳️

Join WGF in voting for a better future. Vote for candidates who will fight for economic and social justice, protect the environment, and prioritize the well-being of marginalized communities. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

Share this post to remind others to visit their local polling place to vote. Visit the link below to locate your polling place on Election Day if you're registered to vote!

https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx

Today is National Stress Awareness Day. It's essential to take a moment to remind ourselves to prioritize self-care and mental health.

Take a few minutes today to pause and remember to prioritize self-care. Even small things like taking a few deep breaths, reading a book, or going for a walk can help reduce stress and promote mental health.

Let's all take a moment to practice self-care and self-love today and every day! Share this post with those in your life. Show them it's okay to take a break and do something that brings joy and peace. Together, let's make self-care a priority in our lives.

Today is a significant day as we celebrate Día de los Mu***os, which is meant to honor and remember our loved ones who have passed away. On this day, we cherish their memories and keep them alive in our hearts.

Día de los Mu***os is a cultural celebration that takes place in Latin America. It is a time to celebrate the cycle of life and death, and to create altars filled with offerings to welcome spirits back. The tradition is deeply rooted in the belief that the spirits of our loved ones return to the world of the living for one day each year.

To our valued community:

Watching the news unfold in the Middle East over the last few weeks has been both heartbreaking and challenging – especially as Pittsburgh pauses to remember the lives lost and impacted forever five years ago today at the Tree of Life Synagogue.

Sometimes, there are no words that can be said to make things better. The Women and Girls Foundation (WGF) has been practicing a sacred decentering, learning and listening as to how this has impacted our communities here in the Western Pennsylvania region, as well as abroad.

The WGF stands in solidarity with all communities fighting for their right to self determination and liberation. We vehemently condemn antisemitism, islamophobia, racism, sexism and xenophobia in all of its forms.

As we continue to struggle with the complexities and nuances of the situation happening in real time, we want to remind the communities of this region that we are here for them to discuss how we can build bridges, encourage unity and recognize the other in ourselves. Let us lead with empathy and kindness and check on each other during this time of heightened awareness. Your mental health matters and it is vital to center self care and rest at this difficult time.

We want to continue to be a safe place for civil discourse, innovative ideas and events that can help our communities to heal. When we work together, anything is possible.

In solidarity,
Camila Rivera-Tinsley
CEO and President, Women and Girls Foundation

In October, Filipino Americans are recognized for their invaluable contributions and rich history to our society. At WGF, we firmly believe that promoting social justice and celebrating diversity are intertwined. We should continue to strive for an inclusive and fair future for all.

To demonstrate your support, consider attending a virtual event, reading books by Filipino-American writers, or purchasing from Filipino-American-owned establishments.

Spread awareness about the significance of celebrating Filipino American history and their contributions to our society by sharing this post!

Attention Pennsylvania residents!🚨📣

This message regards an important opportunity to participate in the upcoming election. It is crucial to act quickly since TODAY, October 23rd, is the final day to register to vote. Don't let this chance slip away!

Register now to make your voice heard and take part in shaping the future.

Help spread awareness by sharing this post!

The Women and Girls Foundation is committed to creating a safer, more equitable world for all, and this Day of Unity is an important step towards that goal.

By working together to combat bullying and foster kindness, we can create a more inclusive community that respects all individuals and allows them to thrive.

Share this post to raise awareness of the issue and encourage others to take action. Participate in local events or donate to organizations that are dedicated to preventing bullying. Together, we can make a positive difference.

Choose kindness over bullying this National Bullying Prevention Month. Let's promote love and positivity in all our interactions!

Promoting kindness and acceptance is crucial for social justice. Let's spread awareness about issues like bullying and create a more just and equitable world.

Join hands with WGF and spread the message of kindness everywhere you go! Together, we can positively impact and create a better future for all.

Today marks National Coming Out Day, a day where we honor the bravery and resilience of individuals who have embraced their authentic selves. It's a time to celebrate those who have had the courage to stand up and publicly acknowledge their true identity.

Additionally, we want to send a message of love and support to those who are still in the process of coming out. We recognize that this can be a difficult journey and want to offer our encouragement to those who have yet to take the leap.

Help us celebrate today by sharing this post!

+

On this World Mental Health Day, it is imperative that we prioritize our mental health and raise awareness about the significance of seeking assistance when needed.

It is essential to remember that it is acceptable not to feel okay, and looking for help demonstrates resilience.

Share this post to help emphasize the importance of taking care of our mental health.

Celebrate with us!

We are celebrating WGF’s 21st anniversary on October 15th at 1 p.m. at the Wigle Whisky Distillery in the Strip District.

Guests are encouraged to donate $21 - or give what you can - as an anniversary gift to WGF. A percentage of all food and beverage sales that day will support WGF programming.

We look forward to seeing you there! Don't hesitate to share this invitation with your loved ones and peers!