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6 <br />violence against women, and civic participation and equality. In particular, they lobbied for <br />funding of a domestic violence shelter in Orange County. <br />Commission for Women Speaker Series and Member Presentations <br />In an effort to educate its own membership, the CFW implemented a speaker series at monthly <br />meetings in January 2007. For more than a year, the CFW brought in experts to speak on a range <br />of topics, from the economic status of women in Orange County to innovative programs for <br />Latina youth. When appropriate, the CFW followed up with targeted action or reports. The <br />speaker series not only helped to educate our membership, but also gave the CFW ideas about <br />new issues and projects on which the group should focus and facilitated brainstorming <br />opportunities to increase or better engage membership. <br />In 2009, the CFW modified this project to encourage more involvement from its own <br />membership. At monthly meetings, a different CFW member is responsible for sharing an issue <br />important to her and educating members about ways the CFW can take action or become <br />involved. Commission members have presented on a variety of topics ranging from the potential <br />benefits for women of microfinance to the gender messages conveyed through children's toys. <br />Although this project is small in its scope, it is useful to create a better sense of community, <br />ownership, and leadership among CFW members. <br />Healthy Youth Act <br />At its March 2009 meeting, the Commission for Women voted to sign a letter of endorsement of <br />the Healthy Youth Act, HB 88. The Commission's decision was motivated by a belief that <br />comprehensive sex education is important for young people to allow them to make informed and <br />responsible decisions. After the passage of this legislation, the Commission was pleased to have <br />joined in supporting this initiative. <br />Domestic Violence Shelter Work Groun <br />In June 2009, the Board of Commissioners charged the CFW with serving as a facilitator and <br />convener of a Domestic Violence Shelter Work Group. Since that time, meetings have been held <br />with the relevant stakeholders to gather data, draft a report, and identify recommendations to take <br />back to the Board. <br />Other Activities <br />In addition to our programs, events and advocacy, the CFW continues to participate in activities <br />of the Human Relations Commission, attend relevant events and programs sponsored by local <br />organizations, write letters to the editor and take other appropriate action on salient issues, and <br />seek other ways to carry out our mission. <br />4 <br />