8 Modern Ways to Celebrate Women’s History

As Women’s History Month comes to a wrap…

We hope you’ve had a chance to become more aware and appreciative of the countless women who have tirelessly fought for and paved the way to get women & girls to the point we’re at today. I’m all for honoring the past and learning all about those trailblazers (my daughter and I read Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls regularly) – but I’m also all about action.

When I think of action, I tend to think BIG. Maybe it’s all that reading about how Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton founded the National Woman Suffrage Association. Mary Church Terrell founded the National Association of Colored Women. Adelina Otera Warren was the first latina to run for national office. Sandra Day O’Connor becoming the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.  How can we draw inspiration from the past and apply it today? It doesn’t have to be all about big, grandiose actions either – I’m talking about small, simple and totally doable actions that can have BIG impact.

Small moment. Big impact.

That’s the theme of this year’s Power of the Purse, which will be held April 17, 2019 at the Radisson Conference Center. We’re honoring Daisy Frazier, founder of The Humanity Project and President of Ebony Vision, as our 2019 Women of Achievement Award. Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands of Hope, will be our keynote speaker. We’ll be sharing information about Green Dot, a community bystander training initiative, we’ve brought to Fond du Lac. Our program is jam-packed with stories of people who took that first step and made a BIG difference.

So maybe now you’re asking yourself ‘What can I do?’

First, you can **reserve your ticket** to the luncheon – and then check out this list with a modern twist on how to take action to celebrate Women’s History Month. But the celebration doesn’t stop on March 31 – these simple to-dos can be done anytime and most don’t cost a thing.

1. Show them the money.

   Whether it’s a shop, a restaurant, a salon – there are tons of woman-owned businesses in the Fond du Lac area to support. Go pick up a new outfit at Lillians. Hit up Urban Fuel for a beverage and live music on a Thursday evening. Update your ‘do or get a pedicure at Renaissance Salon (check out their amazing Earth Day deals!) Grab a bite to eat with your bestie at Sweet & Salty Pig, Downtown Deli, Brick House or Annie’s Fountain City Cafe. Pick up a piece of local art at Gallery Frame Shop. Plan a girls night out at Backlot Comedy House.

2. Treat Yourself.

   Self-care isn’t selfish. Repeat that a few times. Do something good for your mind, body and soul. Book your dream vacation with JJET Travel by Tiffany. Find balance with a yoga class lead by Lora Vahsling Yoga, Lotus Yoga, Center for Spirituality, or the Twisted Warrior. Get a group of friends together and work on your green thumb with a class at Dutch Touch Greenhouse. Release the tension with a  massage at Qing’s Massage. Have your chakras and energies aligned at Reiki Essentials & Wellness. Rejuvenate with toe reading or hypnotherapy by Inspired Aspirations. Find balance through acupuncture with Honey and Sage Healing. Schedule that cleaning with Boudry Dental. Get that outfit that you love but doesn’t quite fit altered at S&B Alterations.

3. Write a glowing review for a woman-owned business that you’ve visited recently.

   All it will cost is a few minutes of your time but in the digital era we’re thriving in, it’s worth so much more. Shout it from the rooftops and let the world (or your friends) know about the awesome service or product you received.

4. Have a friend, colleague or volunteer you’d like to recognize? Write them a recommendation on LinkedIn.

   The Muse shares 5 steps to write 5 lines in 5 minutes. Those 5 minutes of your time could make a huge impact in helping someone take their career to the next level!

5. A little act goes a long way – make that shout out personal.

   Send flowers from Lil’ House Floral & Gifts or Becky’s Cottage Floral. Mail a thank you card. Send a text. Write an email. There are many ways to let someone know they are appreciated and freaking awesome. Don’t overthink it – just do it.

6. Dish out compliments.

   Make a coworker’s day or surprise a stranger with unexpected kind words. “I love your hair/jacket/shoes/whatever.” Judgement and criticism is hard to navigate around – be it others or even one’s own self-talk. This is especially important for little girls and as the mother of a 5-year old, it’s common to hear ‘She’s so pretty’. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that but there’s so much more than pretty when building up a little girl’s self esteem. Here’s a few others to try: You’re very brave. I’m proud of you. I’m so happy that you’re in my life. I love your sense of humor. You’re a good friend. I’m really impressed with how you solved/built/created that. You’re strong, smart and can change the world.

7. Be a mentor/coach another woman or girl.

   We talked about mentoring in January – so give that a read here, but there are countless official ways to do this too: Sign up to be a Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Be a running buddy for Girls on the Run. Join Professional Women’s Connection.  

8. Represent & be an ally.

   Take the time to learn about intersectionality, diversity and inclusion, and truly understand discrimination. Check out this article. Watch this TEDx talk. Read this book. Invite people to the table. It is hard to understand the difficulties others face when you don’t experience or witness them yourself –– so be curious and ask questions. Pay attention and speak up when there’s a lack of representation, whether at work or in your community. Remember that fighting biases (both conscious and unconscious) requires an active commitment so being neutral or just ignoring the issue actually has a negative impact. Luckily, we have some great local resources if you want to learn more and get involved: Ebony Vision & United for Diversity

See, it doesn’t have to be difficult or all that time consuming. To borrow the advice of one of our favorite authors, Rachel Hollis:

“Girl, stop making excuses!”

Get out there and make a difference. It’ll feel good no matter how small the act. We promise.

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Did we miss a local women owned business or do you have additional tips for supporting/celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of women & girls, let us know!