Women's Policy Inc., a group formed to carry on the information and policy analysis work of the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues after Newt disbanded it, has produced a terrific accounting of the 104th Congress vis-a-vis women. The Record: Gains and Losses for Women in the 104th Congress, details laws passed and gives info on what they mean. It also clues us in on what was introduced but didn't make it through committee, and funding levels for programs affecting women. An invaluable resource -- concise, readable, and the final word on the 104th. $25 (bulk pricing available). WPI, 409 12th Street SW, Suite 705, Washington, D.C. 20024. (202) 554-2323; fax (202) 554-2346.

Watch for ESPN's broadcast October 27 of the Bowling Proprietor's Assn. U.S. Open finals from Indianapolis. Events are separate, but an equal number of women and men will compete. The bad news is that the men's winner will get $48,000 and the winning woman only $18,000, even though lane conditions are absolutely equal. Tell BPAA marketing director to get women's prize money out of the gutter at fax 817-633-2940.

California women marched this week in protest to Proposition 209, the so-called California Civil Rights Initiative. Prop 209 would ban all affirmative action programs -- and make no mistake -- it's a dress rehearsal for other states and national legislation by the right wing if it passes on the left coast. Talk/Write Back, an action kit to organize free media campaigns and defend affirmative action from attacks nationwide, is available from Educators for Justice, 1611 Telegraph Ave. #206, Oakland, CA 94612. (415) 905-4527

Mothers Against Jesse in Congress was formed last spring by a group of North Carolina mothers who objected to Jesse Helms' (R-NC) reply to one Mother's letter. When she asked for compassion for people with AIDS and wrote "AIDS is not a disgrace, it is a tragedy," Helms replied "...as for homosexuality, the Bible judges it," and later said her son had "played Russian roulette." Tell Helms what you think of his brand of compassion at 202-224-6342; fax 202-224-7588; E-mail: [email protected]. MAJIC can be reached at 919-831-2251 or E-mail [email protected] or visit the MAJIC website.

The abuse of women in Afghanistan continued unabated this week, with Taliban militia members enforcing a ban on girl's schooling, barring women from working or venturing out unaccompanied by a male relative, and insisting that women be completely covered, seeing only through thick mesh. Despite these abuses, word has it that the U.S. State Department considers these "women's issues" to be "secondary" to their priority for peace. News reports say our tax dollars may be used to re-open the U.S. Embassy. The Secretary General of the U.N. has decried Afghanistan's action as contrary to the U.N. charter, which is morally and legally binding on all U.N. members. U.S. Ambassador Madeleine Albright must be urged to bring pressure on the U.S. State Department to elevate the women's plight as a primary consideration for achieving long-term peace. Contact Albright at 202-736-7555 or 212-415-4000; fax 202-736-7551 or 212-415-4053. You can also e-mail her through the U.S. Mission at [email protected]

The Supreme Court has only been at work a little over a week and already has refused to hear a school sexual harassment case, letting stand a lower court ruling that schools cannot be held liable for failing to prevent harassment. WHAT'S AT STAKE: The Women's Legal Defense Fund's Annual Preview of Supreme Court Cases Vital to Women (1996-1997), reviews key cases the Court may decide in the current term. Included is an in-depth analysis of how seven cases could affect women's lives. $4.95 ppd. from WLDF, 1875 Connecticut Ave. NW, Ste. 710, Washington, DC 20009, 202-986-2600; fax 986-2539

Thanks to Representative Connie Morella (R-MD) and WFF activists who called, faxed, and wrote Speaker Newt Gingrich and Nancy Johnson (R-CT) (WFF 9/12), the House voted to move the suffrage statue out of the Capitol basement and into the rotunda. Morella's resolution cleared the way for a "yes" vote in the Senate. The statue, depicting suffragists Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Lucretia Mott will be moved sometime this fall with a rededication ceremomy. Chalk one up for activism, and give Rep. Morella a lift for lifting the statue at 202-225-5341; fax 202-225-1389.

Last minute calls and faxes to the Hill (WFF 9/27) were successful in keeping the teeth in the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban, passed this week in the Senate. NRA-backed changes were defeated and a strong bill was passed. Thanks also for tireless efforts by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) (202-224-4744; fax 224-9707) and Rep. Robt. Torricelli (D-NJ) (202-225-5061; fax 225-0843) to keep the language strong. President Clinton held firm on this one; leave thanks on the White House comment lines: 202-456-1111; fax 456-2461; E-mail [email protected] If we don't thank our friends, we can't blame them when they side with our enemies.

One of America's outstanding feminists goes online during the month of October to answer questions and chat about the elections as they affect women. Gloria Steinem will be featured in a live, online interview on Tuesday, October 8, 10PM EST on America Online (keyword: Ask Gloria). While on the campaign trail in more than fifteen cities, Steinem will be answering five questions from AOL each day, as well as sending back everything from political records to political humor. If you're not wired, pick up the current issue of Ms. Magazine. Steinem has an excellent article detailing how the right wing discourages women from voting, and showing us that there are true differences in the candidates.