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Women's Commission Helps Parents
(by Ruth Finn, Commissioner, Vermont Commission on Women Barre - July 01, 2009)
Editor:
I'm a Commissioner at the Vermont Commission on Women, a non-partisan state agency dedicated to legislative, economic, social and political fairness. Our agency works on a variety of issues to improve the lives of women and girls in Vermont. We address concerns like child care, pay equity, educational attainment, and job training opportunities. We also discuss emerging issues such as the effect of the recession on women's lives and the impact of the economic stimulus on job creation for women.
Another topic discussed and debated at length this spring at the commission, as well as many women's groups in the state, was the public furor over snowboards with sexual and violent language and imagery. We found these boards and accompanying marketing messages offensive.
In response, the Commission created "Listen, Talk and Keep Talking." It is a simple and short guide for parents on how to talk to their children when confronted with objectionable material or language. It also offers resources for additional information. "Listen, Talk and Keep Talking" is available on the Vermont Commission on Women's website, www.women.state.vt.us.
Our goal is to help parents counter media messages and images that objectify and dehumanize women by engaging in positive and caring conversations with their children... hopefully creating positive change within their family and for the next generation of Vermonters.
Ruth Finn, Commissioner, Vermont Commission on Women
Barre
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