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 help women and girls in Maine through laws and government actions. MWL believes all women and girls should be safe, healthy, and have fair chances in life. They work for equal opportunities for everyone.
History of the Maine Women's Lobby
The Maine Women's Lobby began in 1978. Nine women started it, including Patricia E. Ryan, Linda Smith Dyer, Lois Galgay Reckitt, and Janet T. Mills. In 1978, they tried to get money for safe places for women who needed help. But the money was not approved by the government. The group realized they needed to be heard more in government. They decided they would always make sure their voices were counted in future votes.
Janet T. Mills, who later became the Governor of Maine, joined the MWL Board in 1998. She left the board when she became Governor in 2018. In 2010, MWL started the "She Decides" campaign. This campaign collects answers from political candidates about topics important to women.
In 2018, Eliza Townsend, who was then the Executive Director, talked about MWL's achievements. One highlight was expanding Maine’s Family Medical Leave law in 2007. This law helps more people take time off work for family reasons. In 2015, a law called L.D. 921 was passed. This law gave more protection to people who experienced harm or abuse. It made it harder for employers to fire workers who needed time off for court dates or doctor appointments related to these issues.
Maine Women's Lobby Education Fund
The Maine Women's Lobby Education Fund is a partner 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.
The MWL Education Fund does this by creating programs. These programs help people connect with each other and learn how to make changes in public policy. They give citizens more chances to get involved.
The Maine Women's Lobby Education Fund (MWLEF) was founded in 1990. It works to improve the lives of women and girls in Maine. It focuses on their economic, social, and political standing. 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.
