In its second year, the Policy, Women and Resources organization (PoWeR) has gathered momentum, launching a new Web site and organizing a number of activities for members and others interested in women's policy issues.

In November, the group held a public forum called "Texas Women Legislators: A New State in Mind." The panel included Texas Representatives Harryette Ehrhardt, Jessica Farrar, Sherri Greenberg, Anna Mowery, and Dora Olivo. The legislators discussed their goals for the 2001 legislative session, shared their experiences in the state legislature, and shed light on current issues that directly affect Texas women. The panel was moderated by LBJ School Professor Victoria Rodríguez.

In January the group organized an outing to the Paramount Theatre presentation of the "Vagina Monologues," the internationally acclaimed off-Broadway production written by Eve Ensler. The production raises money to fight violence against women.

For the Barbara Jordan Memorial Forum in February, PoWeR sponsored a panel of University of Texas educators who spoke to the theme "Changing Voices in Higher Education." The panel, moderated by LBJ School Professor Dagmar Hamilton, explored a range of issues related to women at various stages in their careers, their experiences as women educators, and methods for improving accountability and diversity within higher education. (See related story.)

In April the group organized its second annual spring community dinner. Featuring author-humorist Liz Carpenter as speaker, the dinner brought together students, faculty, alumni, and community members interested in women's policy issues for an evening of discussion and networking.

Based at the LBJ School, PoWeR collaborates closely with the UT Austin Center for Women's Studies. Its purpose is to increase access to information, programs, and networking opportunities related to women and public policy.

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May 14, 2001

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