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A Publication of Women Graduates - USA |
| Fifth Edition December2008 |
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Letter from the Editor |
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For WG-USA, 2008 has been an incredible inaugural year. We received our nonprofit 501(c)3 designation from the IRS, became an affiliate organization of the International Federation of University Women, held our first Annual General Meeting in Iowa, established a presence on the Internet with our website and Facebook page, and increased our membership by 230% (from 67 members on December 31st of last year, to 155 members as of December 16th of this year). These are accomplishments that we, as members of this fledgling organization, should be proud; and there are many opportunities for us going forward. Focusing on our mission to “empower women globally through education, friendship, and mutual support to secure a better world,” and in cooperation with IFUW and the opportunities to be part of the United Nations’ efforts supporting our goals, individually and together let’s strive to make a difference in 2009. On a personal note, I hope the holiday season, in whatever way you choose to celebrate it, brings you a measure of peace and hope for the New Year! |
| Bev Weiler, Editor of The Flame |
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NOTES FROM THE BOARD Meeting held December 4, 2008 |
Here is a quick overview of the action points from this month’s board meeting.
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MEET THE BOARD Claire Stein, Constitution and Bylaws Chair |
 Hello All!The “old saw” that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks just isn’t so! As a member of the organizing Board of Women Graduates-USA I am learning “new tricks” every day. The challenges of the Internet and the fact that we are a virtual organization have given me a unique opportunity to continue my life long learning. I have always been involved whether it be in Girl Scouts, leadership opportunities as a summer camper, hosting international visitors in my home through the auspices of UN-USA, traveling with my husband and children overseas to international medical meetings. Prior to World War II, as a young child, I sat in on family conferences as my relatives formulated ways to help rescue distant cousins from the Holocaust and bring them to this country. When they finally arrived I learned my first lesson in cultural differences at 10 years of age. My mother and our black mailman frequently discussed the lack of integration in our city and the issues of the day locally, nationally or internationally over our breakfast table. My mother was one of the first “whites” to join the Urban League because of these discussions. In 1955, my mother-in-law insisted I attend one of her parliamentary law unit meetings which I did under duress. And that was the beginning of a life-long interest and love of parliamentary procedure. I have served many organizations nationally including AAUW and the IFUW as a procedural advisor. The latter afforded me the opportunity to attend 3 IFUW Triennial Conferences. WG-USA has brought new opportunities and learning. As I worked with others in formulating our bylaws, procedures and policies, and job descriptions I gained much appreciation for all women who are brave enough and insightful enough to bring to birth a new women’s organization that is fully invested in women and girls, respect for human rights for all, international cooperation and peace. It can’t get any better than this! |
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Membership Renewal From Barbara Carey |
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The first membership renewal notices will appear in WG Members’s email boxes at the beginning of January. In accordance with WG-USA’s membership policy, each member must renew yearly during the anniversary month of her having joined. Those who joined during 2007 have been given a permanent anniversary month of January 2008 since it was understood that their dues would carry them through the 2008 membership year. Those who have courtesy WG-USA memberships by virtue of being IFUW independent members will now be expected to pay their dues to WG-USA, and will have a January anniversary date. Currently WG-USA is not able to receive credit card payments, although it hopes to be able to do so in the near future. Therefore the fully tax deductible 2009 annual dues must be remitted by a check sent to the treasurer. Dues are payable immediately upon billing. If remaining unpaid, a membership will become delinquent after three months. After that time, one must re-register for membership, and will be given both a new membership number and a new membership anniversary date. According to WG-USA and IFUW bylaws, a name will be completely eliminated from the membership database if dues remain unpaid for one year. |
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Compassionate Listening in Israel/ Palestine: Peacemakers: Rays of Hope in a Troubled Land |
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Editor’s Note: This is an excerpt from the introduction to Linda Sekiguchi’s journal kept during her trip in November, 2008, as part of the Compassionate Learning Delegation to Israel/Palestine. Thank you so very much for your thoughts, prayers, and support in my joining the Compassionate Listening Delegation to Israel/Palestine. My heart is full with the many stories and situations I observed during my journey. I thank God for the beautiful people I met. I thank God for allowing me to live in a country that is relatively conflict free—in a place where I have freedom of movement and in which I am able to freely make life choices. We met with leaders of various peace advocacy organizations such as: Flowers of Hope School, Combatants for Peace, Parents Circle - Family Forum, Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, The Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, Open House, Bedouin Heritage Center, Creativity for Peace Camp, Al-Quds University, Al Arroub Refugee Camp. Everywhere we went, people thanked us simply for being there. “We want to know that we are not forgotten.” “We crave international connections.” “We want people to know about our situation.” “We need support in our peacemaking efforts.” “You give us hope.” In our training for Compassionate Listening, we were challenged to learn to break down the barriers within ourselves to have open hearts and listen to all points of view. After all, if we who are not directly involved in conflict are unable to truly listen to opposing viewpoints, how can we expect those in conflict situations to do so? |
| Reflections by Linda Hiebert Sekiguchi |
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IFUW Global Highlights |
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IFUW 2008 Program Survey The IFUW is conducting their annual program survey. This is an excellent opportunity to share your ideas on how IFUW can provide programs and resources that will be most effective for their work at all levels. To complete the online form, go to: http://www.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx?94B0DCC396D3C5C7 The International Federation of University Women (IFUW) is pleased to announce an art competition to raise awareness of the challenges facing women and girls in accessing education and leadership positions in today’s world. The competition is open to all IFUW members and other artists proposed by IFUW’s national federations and associations (NFAs). Winning entries will be used for a series of postcards and posters. The deadline for submissions is 28 April 2009. Competition guidelines are available at: http://www.ifuw.org/postercomp/ IFUW is Seeking Nominees for Higher Education Project. In addition, The IFUW Board of Officers has proposed a project to gather existing statistical data on women in higher education, both as students and academic staff, to determine the level of equality that has been achieved, with a view to improving gender equality in higher education through highlighting areas of concern. For more information on these projects, please contact the WG-USA Coordinator for International Relations at klaurila@mac.com |
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