Mayor Franklin's Farewell

Yesterday, as one of my very first adventures as a 9to5 intern, I got the chance to attend Mayor Shirley Franklin’s Roundtable meeting with National Organizing Director Cindia Cameron and 9to5 member Marilynn Winn. Cindia and Marilynn were guests on the speaker panel alongside Lisa Borders, President of Atlanta City Council, and the mayor herself. The crowd of about 160 women (and a few men) that gathered included state policy makers, elected officials, and Shirley Franklin fans, many of whom had attended every single one of the 15 plus Roundtable breakfasts that have been held during the mayor’s eight years in office.

The Roundtables of the past have discussed a wide range of serious issues affecting women in Atlanta. Yesterday’s meeting highlighted some of the most concrete ways Mayor Franklin has helped make change in the lives of women. Cindia told the story of the mayor’s collaboration with 9to5 and the Living Wage Coalition that led to one of the greatest gains for low-income women during Mayor Franklin’s time in office; raising the minimum pay rate for city employees to the living wage of $10.50/hr. After Cindia spoke about the Coalition, Marilynn Winn, one of our own Atlanta 9to5 members, spoke courageously about the struggles she faces working for minimum wage and the great need for work still to be done. Marilynn received a standing ovation from the audience for her poignant speech.

Mayor Franklin also added a personal note to the presentation, sharing a bit about her experience as an African-American woman in the political arena. To hear both a powerful politician and a minimum wage worker speak together about gender as a root cause of her struggle in the workplace was a powerful example of why the work of 9to5 is as important as ever, and a reminder of why women must continue to speak out and share their stories.

Check out the pictures and video of Marilynn speaking at the event on the 9to5 page.

An open letter to 9to5 staff and members

I can’t believe it, but my last day working at 9to5 is tomorrow. This past year has been an amazing learning experience for me. With your guidance, encouragement, and a bit of tough love, I’ve grown a lot over the past twelve months. I’ve done things I never thought I would – including lobbying in Washington DC (twice?!), registering voters for what will probably be the most historic election of my lifetime, spending countless hours listening to stories and giving advice on the helpline (1-800-522-0925 – hit it up if you have questions about your rights in the workplace!), and learning and living what community organizing is all about.

All of this learning is thanks to you! It has been a joy working with and getting to know every single one of you this year. I’ve loved hearing your stories, discovering your passions, and oftentimes following your example of walking the talk. You’re powerful, energetic, driven, and – of course – so much fun to spend time with! I've loved the work I've done at 9to5, because I loved the people I was working with, and I’ll never forget a single one of you.

I’m moving on to the next steps in my life – which involves a move to Chicago, IL with my best friend, starting graduate school, and continuing to fight for workers’ rights around the world by being an advocate for international fair trade policies. Please know that if you’re ever in the area and need a place to crash and/or a restaurant recommendation, mi casa es su casa… and I’m a pro at finding delicious, cheap eats!

Keep fighting the good fight and please keep in touch!

Anni

Senate approves Sotomayor 68-31

BREAKING NEWS: The Senate has confirmed Sonia Sotomayor to become our next US Supreme Court Justice! She'll become the first Latina justice in history and only the third woman ever to serve on the bench. The child of a single working mother from the Bronx, Sotomayor went on to study at Ivy League schools and worked hard to get to where she is today. Her confirmation is a victory for women everywhere!

Read about the Senate confirmation here.

Text much?

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