Secretary of State Shenna Bellows welcomed attendees to MePCSW annual meeting
BANGOR, MAINE – The Maine Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (MePCSW) annual meeting was held on Friday, and the group voted to approve a new strategic plan. Secretary Shenna Bellows was the opening speaker at the event held at the new Wabanaki Youth and Cultural Center in Bangor, a project of Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness.
MePCSW unveiled a new strategic plan during the meeting, a working document that will guide the committee over the next five years. The planning process was designed to promote MePCSW Commissioner reflection and discussion, and to create a variety of opportunities to give input through surveys, facilitated conversation, and review of written materials.
The three strategic goals outlined in the new plan are:
- Goal 1: Increase knowledge about the status and life outcomes of the full spectrum of women and girls in Maine
- Goal 2: Serve as a trusted advisor and resource to policy makers about the status of the full spectrum of women and girls in Maine
- Goal 3: Increase the impact, sustainability and efficiency of the commission’s operations
“The Maine Permanent Commission on the Status of Women has a broad mandate: improve opportunities for Maine women and girls,” said Elinor Higgins, executive director for the MePCSW. “In this plan we recommit to our governing statute, which directs us to produce timely reporting on the status of all Maine women and to serve as a resource for lawmakers.”
In addition to strategic planning, the day included opportunities to connect with and learn from other Maine organizations. The meeting kicked off with an opening song from Maliseet Chief Clarissa Sabattis. Lisa Sockabasin, the co-CEO of Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, and Ariel Ricci, executive director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations, both shared information and programmatic updates with the MePCSW Commissioners.
“The Maine Permanent Commission on the Status of Women is critical in advancing lawmakers’ understanding of the issues impacting women and girls,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “This strategic plan will support a targeted and focused approach for the Commission, increasing their impact as they aim to improve opportunities for the women of Maine.”
The MePCSW is comprised on 19 commission members representing a variety of fields, backgrounds, and state geographies. Per statute, nine commission members are appointed by the Governor, five by the President of the Senate and five by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
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