Women’s Caucus Seeking Diverse Applicants to Serve as Commissioners

Women’s Caucus Seeking Diverse Applicants to Serve as Commissioners
Commission on the Status of Women Plays Critical Role 
In Advancing Women and Girls in Massachusetts
 
BOSTON – Representative Natalie Higgins is pleased to announce that her colleagues in the Caucus of Women Legislators are seeking applicants for the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is a bicameral and bipartisan Caucus encompassing the female elected members of the Massachusetts House and Senate. It is one of four appointing authorities to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. The Commission was created in 1998 and is tasked to review the status of women and girls in Massachusetts and to offer policy recommendations to improve equality and access to opportunities for all women throughout the Commonwealth. The Commission consists of nineteen volunteer commissioners who serve staggered three year terms. The Caucus appoints six of these commissioners and is currently seeking interested applicants to fill two current openings. 

“I am proud of the work that the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women does for women and girls across the Commonwealth, and I encourage any interested community members to apply to be a Commissioner and make their voice and our community’s voice heard through this important work,” said Rep. Higgins.

The MCSW was established by the state legislature and studies, reviews, and reports on the status of women and girls throughout the Commonwealth. The Commission serves as a liaison between the public, organizations, and the government. Annually, the Commission hosts four public hearings throughout the Commonwealth soliciting on the ground feedback from residents and local service providers. The Commission works with its legislative partners to recognize “Unsung Heroines” in every community and with its regional entities to coordinate a legislative advocacy day on Beacon Hill to help advance issues facing women and girls. Commissioners are encouraged to participate in a “Speakers Bureau” and to participate in committee work. The committees are: Program and Planning, Legislative and Public Policy, and Personnel and Budget   

The Commission strives to be representative of women throughout the Commonwealth and, as such, the Caucus is looking for diverse applicants who have varied backgrounds and resumes—specifically diversity in race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, geography, and socio-economic status. Commissioners are expected to commit to meeting attendance, participation, and collaboration with fellow Members of the Commission. Potential applicants should have a background in advancement work for women and girls or a strong interest in it.
 
More information about the Commission on the Status of Women can be found on their website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-on-the-status-of-women. Interested applicants are asked to submit a copy of their resume and a letter of intent to the Caucus’ Executive Director at Nicole.stephens@mahouse.gov by Monday, November 4th at 9AM for appointment consideration. Additional details regarding the application process can be found on the Caucus’ website: http://www.mawomenscaucus.com/.
 
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