Cape Cod & Islands Commission on the Status of Women to Host Public Forum

The Cape Cod and Islands Commission on the Status of Women (CCICSW) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 15, from 5:45 to 7:30 PM at the Vineyard Haven Public Library, 200 Main Street, Vineyard Haven.

Citizens, government officials and organizations that advocate for women and families on the island are invited to attend and encouraged to participate and inform commission members on issues that are important to women and their families, and their community across Martha’s Vineyard.  Oral and written testimony will be accepted. The hearing is open to the public.  This event will feature networking and an opportunity for those in attendance to offer comments and/or testimony on the issues that are important to them.

The information gathered at public forums is compiled by the commissioners and help frame their priorities on issues for consideration and attention.  A panel discussion and forum on housing insecurity and stability, an issue that is highly prioritized by the commission this year, will follow the public hearing and testimony.  The panel will be moderated by Deborah Medders, town moderator for Vineyard Haven and will also include Philippe Jordi, Director of Island Housing Trust.

The commission is also especially interested in hearing from the public on earned paid sick time and their other legislative priorities including: pay equity and comparable work and equitable coverage in disability policies.  The commission would also like to hear from women interested in serving in public life – being elected to public office or appointed to boards and committees.

An independent extension of the Mass. Commission on the Status of Women, the CCICSW was enacted by law and established in 2009 to advance women toward full equity in all areas of life and to promote rights and opportunities for all women.

For more information or If unable to attend, please submit testimony/comments to the CCICSW at ppollockccicsw@gmail.com, or to the attention of CCICSW, c/o  Pamela Pollock, vice chair, PO Box 629, Cataumet, MA  02534.