The USWNT Players Association is merging its equal pay advocacy with the entertainment industry's Time's Up movement with the goal to "raise money to fund the fight for pay equity for women in all workplaces," according to Liz Clarke of the WASHINGTON POST. The team's partnership with Time's Up, which was formed to "tackle workplace harassment and sexual abuse and increase women’s power at all levels," was unveiled prior to Sunday's match at the Rose Bowl against Ireland. That is the "first stop in a five-city victory tour following its World Cup triumph." Twenty-one USWNT members "took part in the initial gathering of the women, who met for a closed-door brainstorming session Thursday afternoon in West Hollywood." Actresses Natalie Portman, Brie Larson and America Ferrera were among the more than three dozen participants from Time’s Up. The women "sorted themselves into one of three breakout sessions -- on policy change, corporate change and cultural change -- to learn more about how they can leverage the powerful platforms they have to advocate for more equitable public policy, coach businesses to do better on pay issues and influence public opinion on the issues." The discussions were "led by experts in the fields of civil liberties, entertainment labor law ... and governmental affairs." The goal of the alliance is "not simply to improve their lot in the arenas of sports and entertainment, but to lift women in all walks of life" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/2).
BOX-ING DAY: Wheaties announced the release of a commemorative limited-edition box featuring the USWNT, timed to coincide with the start of their Victory Tour. The boxes will sell for $23, a nod to the 23 members of the women's team, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to organizations committed to empowering girls through sports (General Mills).
