Page A14 april 2024 ASSOCIATION NEWS 1-888-792-9315 • mymortuarycooler.com Scan QR for our website Cots not included MODEL # TR3 Triple Cot Roll-In Mortuary Cooler AMC N W FAST SHIPPING AVAILABLE ON SELECT PRODUCTS My firm has big news!! We just hired another woman!! That may not sound like a big deal to you, but it is to me. We have 8 full-time funeral directors, including the owner, and one resident. There are 4 of us women plus the newest addition to our team is a MortSci student and, you guessed it, a woman. When I first started here, there was only one other woman. She was a resident well on her way to being the awesome director she is now. It hit right in the gut when I realized, I’d never worked with another woman director before. At my second firm there was a woman who embalmed for us occasionally, and a woman who assisted in the office picking up all the pieces I couldn’t juggle, but no full-time director. My third, there was a regional manager who was a licensed director, but I almost never worked with her, and she no longer met with families. My first had many good men but never in its history had any women directors. I was used to being surrounded by men in my working world. Now, I’m getting used to having a team of women. It’s, well frankly, delightful. Today I ran a funeral. Both the other director and the resident were women in their early 20s. While they have also felt the weight of sexism in the industry, their normal is working with and learning from other women. They may never know what it feels like to believe that they won’t be hired solely because they are women. This delights me in a way I have a hard time expressing. I am so grateful that, albeit slowly, the industry is changing, and the staunch expectations of a business passed from father to son are fading. This generation is coming into the industry not because of family expectations and tradition, they are coming in because they are drawn to it. They are excited, hopeful, and motivated to be great. too emotional.”… Today I read a comment that said women don’t make good leaders. Honestly, I’m tired of it all too. I try to take inspiration from the incredible women who have come before me, from the people who do show appreciation and respect, and from the women who are just starting in the industry. If you are a woman director, it is important that you make yourself visible. Take students under your wing. Guest speak at schools. Share your stories, the horrible and the wonderful. Give advice. Take on positions of leadership. Join organizations. Be yourself loudly! Take up space! Representation matters. FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS www.NomisPublications.com Monthly Columnsonline at Marika McMeans is a first-generation Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, born and raised in the Midwest. She began her career in the industry at the age of fifteen and was managing a firm by age twenty-two. In 2015, she relocated to Rochester, New York. She is a graduate of the New York State Funeral Directors Association Leadership Academy, a member of their Bridge Commission and a past member of several Task Forces and Committees. She is the current President and Continuing Education Coordinator of Rochester Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association. Her goal, now and always, is to help support and guide the next generation of funeral directors. Last year I stepped down after four years of being president of my local funeral director board. While there had been many women board members over the years, there have only ever been a couple of us women presidents. Since its start in 1932, the New York State Funeral Directors Association has only had TWO women as President. The NFDA 2023-2024 Board of Directors only has two women, out of ten seats. According to Zippia Demographics, there are about 22,327 funeral directors currently employed in the United States. Only 35.3% of them are women. Up from 21% in 2010. Not great numbers, but pretty indicative of the industry over the decades. In American history women were often the ones who cared for the dead in their community, but we all remember our Funeral History classes in college and how it switched from Midwifery to Carpentry. This history has created a pretty challenging environment for women, BIPOC, and first-generation directors. I am constantly inspired and in awe of the women I meet who were directors and leaders decades ago. They helped pave the way for the road I am now able to walk, just like I pave the road for the next generation. Over the years, it has not been uncommon to hear another woman, especially in her golden years, tell me about how she had always wanted to be a funeral director, but it “just wasn’t done.” I’ve heard hundreds of stories of women who managed to claw their way into the industry and then chose to leave due to how they were treated. Recently a woman whose been licensed almost a decade told me that if she leaves the firm where she is now, she’ll be leaving the industry altogether. “I’m tired of fighting to be taken seriously as a woman and there is just too much potential that I will be hired by a man who will treat me badly.” I wish I could argue with her, but she’s not wrong. We’ve all seen it. If you’re fortunate enough not to have seen it in person, you’ve seen it online. “Women can’t lift” “They’ll be By Marika McMeans Musings with Marika TACOMA,WA— The official formation of the Natural Organic Reduction Association (NORA), a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to promoting the environmentally conscious practice of natural organic reduction (NOR), also known as terramation, was announced in February. This pioneering association unites individuals and organizations committed to offering a sustainable end-of-life option that leaves a minimal carbon footprint, aligning with the growing global consciousness around ecological stewardship. NORA’s mission is to foster broader awareness, support, and legislative progress for NOR as an end-of-life choice accessible to all, regardless of their geographic location. The association aims to be the nexus for legislators drafting laws to permit natural organic reduction, a hub for educating end-of-life professionals about NOR practices, and a primary information resource for media professionals and the public. NORA’s commitment is deeply rooted in providing compassionate and dignified end-of-life care, with a strong focus on sustainable practices and environmental responsibility. NORA proudly announces the appointment of Dan Ziskin, PhD, as its executive director. Dr. Ziskin brings a wealth of expertise to the role, having served as a research scientist at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautic & Space Administration (NASA) and NaGlobal Non-Profit Launches to Advance Eco-Friendly Deathcare able end-of-life practices. His leadership is expected to propel NORA’s mission and vision forward, harnessing his experience in both scientific research and compassionate care. The association proudly announces its founding members, who are leaders in the field of sustainable end-of-life care: Micah Truman, CEO of Return Home; Seth Viddal, co-owner and COO of The Natural Funeral; Max Huesch and Pablo Metz, co-founder of My Earth; and Joerg Litwinschuh-Barthel, CEO Stiftung Reerdigung (Foundation Reerdigung). These trailblazers bring their extensive experience and passion for ecological sustainability to NORA, reinforcing the association’s commitment to making a significant impact in the realm of end-of-life care. Ziskin shared his vision for the association: “At NORA, we believe that our final act can be one of kindness to loved ones, to society, and critically, to the planet. Natural Organic Reduction is not just an alternative; it’s a statement of our respect and responsibility towards the Earth. As we pave the way for this sustainable practice, we invite communities, legislators, and end-of-life professionals to join us in this compassionate revolution.” NORA is committed to being a catalyst for change in the funeral industry, advocating for a future where everyone has the opportunity to choose a departure that aligns with their environmental values. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, NORA envisions a world where natural organic reduction is a universally accepted and respected choice, reflecting our collective dedication to preserving our planet for future generations. For more information, visit www.nora.earth or contact info@nora.earth. tional Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). He is also a co-founder of The Natural Funeral and The Natural Transition, reflecting his deep commitment to sustainYour Real Source. Anywhere. Anytime. @Nomis.Publications Like News FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY online
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzg4MQ==