Maine Women's Lobby facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | MWL |
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| Formation | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Augusta, Maine |
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Executive Director
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Destie Hohman Sprague |
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Board Chair
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Elizabeth Riotte |
| Website | mainewomen.org |
The Maine Women's Lobby (MWL) started in 1978. It works to make laws better for women and girls in Maine. The MWL believes that women and girls should have enough money, get good healthcare, and be safe from harm and unfair treatment.
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How the Maine Women's Lobby Started
The Maine Women's Lobby was created in 1978 by nine women. These included Patricia E. Ryan, Linda Smith Dyer, Lois Galgay Reckitt, and Janet T. Mills. In 1978, the group tried to get money for shelters that help women who have experienced violence.
However, no money was given to the shelters. The group was told they were not represented during the vote. After this, they decided they would always make sure their voices were heard in future votes.
Important Moments and Campaigns
Janet T. Mills, who later became the Governor of Maine, joined the MWL Board of Directors in 1998. She left the board when she was elected Governor in 2018.
In 2010, the organization started the "She Decides" campaign. This campaign gathers answers from people running for office about topics important to women.
In 2018, the former Executive Director, Eliza Townsend, talked about some big successes. One success was in 2007. They helped make a law stronger so more families, including unmarried partners, could take time off for family emergencies.
In 2015, a new law (L.D. 921) was passed. This law helps protect people who experience violence or stalking at work. Employers who fired workers for needing time off for court or doctor appointments related to violence faced bigger punishments.
Maine Women's Lobby Education Fund
The Maine Women's Lobby Education Fund is like a sister organization to the Maine Women's Lobby. It used to be called the Maine Women's Policy Center. Its goal is to help people in Maine learn how to speak up for fair policies and be active in their communities.
What the Education Fund Does
The MWL Education Fund helps people by building communities and teaching organizing skills. This helps citizens learn more and get more chances to help change public policy.
The Maine Women's Lobby Education Fund (MWLEF) started in 1990. It works to improve the lives of women and girls in Maine. It does this through public policy and by helping women become leaders.
The 'Ed Fund' also hosts "Girl's Day at the Maine State House." This event brings eighth-grade girls from all over Maine to the State House. MWLEF also has a "Policy Roadmap" and the "Maine Women's Summit on Economic Security." These events happen every other year.
