What Happened in 2019?

​Here's a recap of our year.

​It’s hard to believe 2019 is coming to an end. Thank you for being part of our incredible community of volunteers, advocates, and donors. This year, because of you, we have been able to accomplish so much, here are a few highlights:

January: The 2019 ND Legislative session convened on Thursday, January 3. The NDWN Legislative Committee was formed to track bills and develop strategies for the session. The committee consisted of NDWN staff, board and partner organizations from across the state.


February: On February 14, NDWN participated in Giving Hearts Day, a 24-hour fundraising event for charities in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we raised nearly $10,000 to help continue our mission. The day ended with a Women’s Music Showcase at Laughing Sun Brewery in Bismarck.


March: NDWN held our biennial women’s advocacy and lobby day, WE Rise, March 3-4. Despite some intense winter weather, nearly 100 women and girls gathered in Bismarck for a hands-on learning experience about the legislative process. Because of our generous donors and partners, We Rise was again free for all attendees.

April: NDWN moved to our new office space in Northbrook Mall. The 2019 ND Legislative session adjourned Friday, April 26. There were 905 bills, and 79 resolutions introduced during the regular session. NDWN tracked approximately 40 bills and worked closely on several bills including the Equal Rights Amendment, breastfeeding, funding of forensic nurses for sexual assault, access to contraceptives, and restrictions on reproductive healthcare. Learn more about our work during the session by reviewing our 2019 Legislative report card here.


May: NDWN staff and board gathered in Jamestown for a day-long retreat and planning session where we focused on our work plan for the year. The Woman of the Year was selected by a committee from 12 letters for five nominees. NDWN was accepted as an initial member of the Sex Education Policy Action Council (SEPAC), a national network of state and local advocates actively working to advance comprehensive sex education policy.


June: Women’s Devising Project launched their play that told diverse stories of women in North Dakota. NDWN worked closely with the project’s leaders and served as the fiscal agent. We joined many of our partners and friends as a vendor at the 2019 Capitol City Pride event in Bismarck.

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July: NDWN staff and board attended Lights for Liberty Vigils across the state honoring those who lost their lives at detention camps along the border.


August: We hosted our Women’s Equality Day open house at the historic Governor’s Mansion on August 26, in celebration of the 99thanniversary of the ratification of the 19thAmendment. We partnered with our Minot FFF group and hosted a booth at Minot Pride at the end of the month.


September: We joined forces with our Grand Forks FFF team and hosted a booth at Grand Forks Pride. NDWN hosted our Annual Meeting and Woman of the Year Banquet in Fargo. The event kicked off Friday night with the Woman of the Year banquet honoring Ruth Buffalo. The next day was filled with education on paid family leave and other topics, our annual meeting, and board election. Election results: Jynette Larshus of Minot, and Tara Wood of Bismarck were re-elected to the board, and we welcomed Sheridan McNeil from Bismarck as a new member to our board.

October: The month was filled with meetings, fundraising and planning for 2020.


November: The Devils Lake (Lake Region) FFF group reorganized and had its first meeting. Ready to Run was held for the first time in Grand Forks with 30 women in attendance for the full day training. NDWN Executive Director Kristie Wolff attended the SIECUS 2019 Sex Education Policy Convening in Washington, D.C. Wolff received a full conference and travel scholarship to attend.


December: As a member of the ND Women’s Suffrage Centennial Committee, NDWN helped host an event at the Heritage Center on December 1, commemorating the 100thanniversary of North Dakota ratifying the 19th Amendment. If you are interested in the 2020 suffrage centennial, you can follow the NDWSCC Facebook page here.

Coming in 2020 – Mark your calendars
Feminist First Fridays – the first Friday of every month in locations across the state. Find a location here.
Ready to Run – February 8, 2020, Bismarck Mandan Chamber, 1640 Burnt Boat Dr, Bismarck
Giving Hearts Day – February 13, 2020
Styled by a Child – May 4-8, 2020
Styled by a Child Fashion Show – May 8, 2020, Ramada, 1400 Interchange Ave, Bismarck
Keep up to date, follow us on Facebook.