Commission for Women

About the Commission for Women

Upon completion of a 1974 study on the status of women, the Alexandria City Council established the Commission for Women in order to eliminate gender discrimination and to encourage equal opportunity for women in all aspects of their lives. Today, the Commission's members continue to provide advice and consultation to City Council on issues concerning women.

Commission for Women Members

 For more information or to join an Alexandria Board or Commission, contact the Alexandria Clerk of the Council at 703.746.3975. To contact the Commission for Women, e-mail the Commission Chair or call 703.593.0610.

Commission for Women Meetings

The Commission for Women is composed of 15 volunteers, appointed by the City Council, and an Executive Director from the City staff. The Commission meets the second Tuesday of every month, from September through June, at 7:30pm in Room 2000 at City Hall. All Commission meetings are open to the public. We welcome residents to sit-in on a meeting.

Commission sub-committees include advocacy, monitoring city workforce, women’s history, Salute to Women’s Award Banquet, and Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

Commission for Women Initiatives

Commission efforts are largely centered on:

(1) Supporting existing City programs that focus on women, specifically the Domestic Violence Program (DVP), the Sexual Assault Program (SAP), and the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP).

(2) Providing guidance and advice to the City on relevant legislation and public policy issues.

(3) Sponsoring awareness and outreach events, including the Annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet and Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

(4) The preservation and promotion of women’s history in Alexandria through the Women’s History Tour and related projects.

In addition, the Commission stays very active on affairs within the city. Commissioners learn about and provide insight on local issues by attending Council meetings, hearings and symposia, inviting speakers to Commission meetings, and attending educational and civic programs within the City and around the region. In FY 2011, the Commission has hosted several local organizations at its monthly meetings to discuss topics such as promoting healthy families, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and the City’s anti-obesity efforts.

For FY 2012, the Commission for Women is focusing its advocacy efforts on teenage pregnancy prevention through assisting the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP).

Past initiatives of the Commission include the (1) Court Observation Project to monitor domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking cases in the judicial system and (2) an Economic Needs Assessment of the city to prioritize the economic needs of women in the city.

 

Commission for Women Events and Contributions

The Commission for Women sponsors annual community events, such as the Salute to Women Awards Banquet and Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day; and is a coordinating partner for the annual Walk to Fight Breast Cancer.

Through its non-profit arm, the Friends of the Commission for Women, the Commission also assists with an annual fundraiser whose proceeds are designated for a specific program or area of need each year and a winter holiday Women’s Art Party showcasing the work of local women artists.

Other activities throughout the year include:

• Domestic Violence Awareness month activities in October.
• Outreach at the Old Town Alexandria Farmer's Market.
• Celebrating International Women's Day on March 8th.
• Contributing time and resources to support various events such as the Shelter's "grocery store" fundraisers and the Domestic Violence Children's Holiday Party.
• Increasing awareness of the significant contributions women have made throughout Alexandria's history.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities to volunteer for the Commission for Women. Examples of one-time service projects include staffing the Commission’s table at the Old Town Farmer’s Market or helping clean up at the Walk to Fight Breast Cancer. Longer-term opportunities might include becoming a guide for our Women’s History Tour or serving on the Friends of the Commission. To find out how you can get involved please send your contact information, interests, and availability to the Commission at alexandriawomen@gmail.com   

Resources and Related Links 

• The Advisory Network
• Distinguished Women of Past & Present
• Esteemed Women Foundation
• Feminist Majority Foundation
• National Organization for Women
• National Women's History Project
• SisterMentors
• The Women's Center
• The Office of Aging and Adult Services 
• Violence Against Women Office, US Department of Justice
• Women's Business Center of Northern Virginia
• Women's Health Virginia

• Community & Human Services
• Vision, Mission & Values

• Service Chart
• Center for Adult Services
• Center for Children & Families
• Center for Economic Support
• Program Locations
• Women's Initiatives
• Communications
• Leadership Team
• Boards, Committees and Commissions
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Related Links
• What's Next, Alexandria?