What would you want to know?

Had a distressing conversation with a friend this morning. Not distressing because I talked with her — she’s smart, educated, opinionated and all together with it. But it was distressing to hear about the workplace difficulties that she’s having, some of which are sexually harassing in nature.

My anger swelled when I offered up my in-the-trenches advice, both on how to, if possible, avoid escalation and what she should start now to craft a documentation and paper trail — even if she’s able to nip the problem in the bud. (It could sprout an ugly head again and she’ll need the documentation to support her allegations and protect her career.)

And all of this is feeding a back-of-my-head idea, which is screaming to come out: A book proposal. A sort of in-the-trenches guide for dealing with, stopping and working through and past workplace sexual harassment.

So if you, dear reader, picked up such a book, what would you want to know? I’ve got my ideas. But I’m wondering what you,  folks who have had to deal with sexual harassment or are currently dealing with sexual harassment, would want to know. What information have you longed for, but were unable to find? What do you think would help others as they navigate the issues?

Feel free to leave a comment (all are moderated) or, if you prefer, e-mail me confidentially at christy.lochrie@gmail.com.

And may sunnier days await. For everyone.

-Christy

New administration likely to change Civil Rights enforcement priorities

Some Justice Department lawyers are holding cases until President-elect Obama is inagurated on Jan. 20, according to this NPR story. The thinking goes something like this: A new administration will have different priorities from the previous one. Which has some under-investigation companies squirming as they face prosecution — and possibly stiffer sanctions for violations — under the Obama administration.

-Christy

A story excerpt:

At the other end of each memo is someone under investigation, and defense lawyers say companies that have been under investigation for a long time are starting to get nervous.

The companies are asking questions like, “If I haven’t heard from prosecutors since 2005, does that mean the case is dead?”

According to DiBiagio, those cases could soon find new life.

“If you are under investigation for one of the areas that have not been emphasized and now it’s a new priority for the Obama administration, what could have been a civil resolution last year may go more criminal this time,” he says. Or, “what may be a light fine criminally under the Bush administration may be a much heavier fine” under the new administration.

A grassroots movement and another woman taking charge

Peggy, a one-time human resources executive turned women’s right advocate, has launched a new Web site, www.stopworkplaceharassment.com. She said that she hopes it will become a place where women can share their stories, empower themselves and learn from HR experts, attorneys and, of course, each other.

Her announcement follows below. It’s another success story for women: Rather than shutting up and sitting back idly, many of us are doing something about it. It’s gentle, powerful and good for everyone. I hope you’ll join me in wishing Peggy well as she takes on this project.

-Christy

Announcing the launch of Women To Women – An On-line Website Targeted for Victims of Workplace Harassment.
Dear friends and family,

I’m excited to announce the grand opening of my new web site. The purpose is to utilize my Human Resources experience to develop a meaningful and respectful dialogue among women who’ve been harassed in the workplace, and provide resources, education, and information as they move forward with their lives and careers.

Its secondary purpose is to gather data from these women and hopefully learn more about why harassment continues to be a problem in the business setting 44 years after Title VII of the Civil Rights Act was enacted into law. If we receive sufficient data, I am considering writing an article for a newspaper or possibly another publishing source where the results may get the attention of our state and federal legislators. With 15,000 cases filed each year to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (and those are just the cases we know about), the laws need to be re-visited for the 21st century.

I’ve already received messages from women hoping to talk with other women anxious to seek a more hopeful future. Although their stories are troubling., I am even more motivated to pursue this project and reach out to these women across the country. I hope to attract lots of visitors (and prospective story tellers), where my extensive background in Human Resources may benefit those in need.

The site is only one day old, and has a lot of building and construction to undergo in the next few weeks. Right now it is pretty much bare bones material, but each day it will grow and mature as I add more content. It’s currently only about two pages, but over the next several weeks it should grow considerably. My on-line author’s name is “Norma Rae.” The site may take a few days to appear on Yahoo, but it should be up an running soon.

Look for my site on Yahoo at www.stopworkplaceharassment.com

Please forward this email to anyone who might be interested, to help me spread the word. To see my site, just click the “Visit My Site” button in this email.

Best regards and thanks for your support of this important project. And when you visit the site, feel free to leave a message!

Peggy