
This past Saturday while our Institute cohort was hard at work, a situation was playing out that speaks to the very heart of why WFWM’s Leadership Institute for Political Impact is so critical. Saturday afternoon a congresswoman with goals, a judge with principles, a nine year old girl with dreams, a congressional intern with aspirations, and people with plain old hope and interest, were gunned down senselessly. On behalf of our inaugural cohort of women, I give you our response to this event.
We could all very easily sit and decide that the world has gotten too out of hand, that the safest thing to do is stay in our own backyard, stay hidden, stay safe.
But we won’t.
We won’t let vitriol and violence take over our world.
We won’t let the discussion be taken out of our control.
We won’t let our voices not be heard.
We won’t let Congresswoman Giffords down.
We won’t let principles be destroyed.
We won’t let adults turn their backs on children’s dreams.
We will do the hard work to create civility, honor and peace
We will craft discussions that are grounded in respect
We will speak our truth aloud
We will run for and hold public office
We will create just, equitable and safe communities
We will encourage and teach our children to have their dreams.
We will create the world that we know and believe is possible.
Together.
Carla Oleska
C.E.O.
January News: Here's a Sneak Peek into Our Plans for 2011
This year’s End of Year Campaign surpassed our expectations and raised more than last year. Thank you! We are heartened by your generosity and commitment to improving the lives of California’s women and girls. We have much to look forward to in 2011.
Here are a few highlights. We will
- Replicate the Women’s Policy Institute model. We will be providing support and technical assistance to five organizations across the country that are using the Women’s Policy Institute model to address the challenges facing elders;
- Provide financial support and tecnical assistance to key organizations in the Central Valley so that they can improve their effectiveness and reach; Last year we provided $235,000 in organizational strengthening grants to Central Valley groups.
- Prepare for our strategic planning process to map out the next five years. Together with our Board, we’re researching and reflecting on how the latest trends in philanthropy will affect our work. Stay tuned for updates on this research on our blog!
Your gifts, signatures and tweets count! You can stay up to date on our work by reading our blog, following us on Twitter and friending us on Facebook. Happy New Year!Blog Highlights
To Be of Use
In the month of November I attended two events that marked the end of chapters: my dear friend Sara Gould’s departure from a 24-year commitment to the Ms. Foundation for Women and my long-time friend Shirley Guenthner’s memorial service in Colorado. Read more
By Judy Patrick
Congratulations Surina!
We sat down with Surina to learn more about the significance of this appointment. Read the full scoop on our blog.
Thank You to Our Funders!
In the last quarter of 2010, we received $377,000 from several funders to start or continue social justice initiatives. Thank you to
Los Angeles Events
Join Us for a Chinese New Year Celebration!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A Window Between Words Art Studio
Venice, CA
5:30PM – 8:00PM
Please join us to learn more about the Women's Foundation of California, our Los Angeles Giving Circle and opportunities to get involved. Lively conversation, wonderful treats and delightful art projects! (No experience needed — all supplies provided — especially fun with friends.)
RSVP by January 27 to Kim Kenny at kimk@womensfoundca.org or 323.810.3630
Thank You for Voting for Us!
Although we weren't nominated for Moveon.org’s Holiday Giving Campaign, there’s always next year! Thank you for your vote.
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Mailing Address:
Women's Foundation of California
340 Pine Street
Suite 302
San Francisco, CA 94104
US
Contact Name: Michelle Chandra
Telephone Number: 415.837.1113
Posted by WPWI on 01/15/2011 at 07:53 AM in ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMENTARY, Domestic Issues, FOR CONSIDERATION, NONPROFIT ADMINISTRATION, NPO Newsletters, PHILANTHROPY, RESOURCES, WOMEN MATTER | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)