Deadline Friday, March 12, for May awards dinner honoring local women leaders

The woman in your life who goes above and beyond in work, service and life would be a perfect candidate for YWCA Missoula’s upcoming Salute to Women awards, according to director Cindy Weese.

The organization will recognize local women for their public actions and personal triumphs at the 22nd Salute to Women dinner and awards banquet on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park. Award nomination forms can be downloaded here and are due by Friday, March 12.

“We hope Missoulians will nominate their mothers, sisters, co-workers, aunts, daughters, teachers, anyone who has made a difference in this community,” said Weese. “While the awards are for women, we encourage men to submit nominations.”

LUNAFEST, a nationally-touring film festival that showcases short films by, for and about women, announces 11 unique films selected for the Missoula showing. The festival arrives at Missoula’s Wilma Theatre on Wednesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 or $5 for students, and can be purchased by calling 543.6691.

Eighty-five percent of the proceeds will benefit the YWCA’s GUTS! girls leadership program, with LUNAFEST’s national partner, the Breast Cancer Research Fund, receiving 15 percent.

Sharon's Story - Jan. 2010 from Caitlin Copple on Vimeo.

By Cindy Weese, executive director, and Caitlin Copple, marketing and communications coordinator

On Dec. 2, YWCA Missoula will join with YWCA USA for a National Day of Action to lobby Congress to pass comprehensive health insurance reform that protects women’s health needs, including access to abortion care. We encourage Montanans to join us in calling or e-mailing our senators to advocate for women’s rights in health care reform.

The YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. To us, that mission encompasses universal health care and a woman’s right to decide what’s best for her body, her family and herself.

Angela Breidenbach, Mrs. Montana 2009, attended the Women's Justice Benefit Luncheon last month and felt inspired to share her story with other YWCA supporters and clients.

“You're just... (fill in the blank here.)”