Meet the woman behind FDR's New Deal

Once again, the CWRU Association for Continuing Education is bringing its off-campus study program to Bay Village. This semester’s eight-week course is titled "Frances Perkins, The Woman Behind the New Deal." Perkins was a woman way ahead of her time – the first female cabinet member in history and Secretary of Labor no less, usually associated with a male. The course is very timely at this time in history when so much is being questioned about women in high places.  

As a young social worker, Perkins witnessed the traumatic Triangle Shirtwaist fire of 1911 which killed 146 people. She immediately became an activist as well as a lifelong advocate for critical reforms, especially in the workplace.  

Learn how Labor Secretary Perkins teamed with FDR to create the New Deal legislation, which continues today.  

We meet at Bay United Methodist Church, at the corner of Lake and Bassett roads. Our class runs Mondays, March 18 to May 6, 10-11:30 a.m.  Our books are "The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, and the Minimum Wage" by Kirsten Downey, and "The Roosevelt I Knew" by Frances Perkins. Both are available on Amazon, libraries and at book stores. Our leader/teacher is Pam Belknap, a seasoned professional in the field of education. 

The cost for members of CWRU's Lifelong Learning is $84; nonmembers pay $100. Contact Lynn Taliak, class coordinator, with further questions: 440-826-0658.