Refugee & Immigrant Women for Change

Thanks to everyone who came on Thursday, March 4th the Refugee and Immigrant Women for Change Coalition luncheon at Plaza Verde. We began a new initiative to promote gender equity in Minnesota. Over 130 people were estimated in attendance throughout the event and nearly $800 was raised to support the cause. The theme of the luncheon was Cultural Dynamics: Women's Voices. We look forward to future events with the coalition!

Nominations: World of Children Awards

The World of Children Awards program was created "to recognize and elevate those selfless individuals who make a difference in the lives of children here in the U.S.A. and across the globe, regardless of political, religious, or geographical boundaries." Awards are made in three categories, and each award carries a cash grant to help continue the honoree's work.

The 2010 Humanitarian Award, which includes a grant of up to $50,000, recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to children in the areas of social services, education, or humanitarian services. Nominees must have created, managed, or otherwise supported a sustainable program which has significantly contributed to children's opportunities to be safe, to learn, and to grow. To nominate someone, visit http://www.worldofchildren.org/index.php/awards

Refugee and Immigrant Women for Change Coalition: Thursday, March 4th

The Refugee and Immigrant Women for Change Coalition is hosting a very special luncheon and networking session: Cultural Dynamics: Women's Voices with keynote speaker Leymah Gbowee. This event and lunch is free for those who RSVP by February 25th!

Speakers include: Doris Parker of the Liberian Women's Initiative, Gloria Edin of CAPI, and Bryan Thao Worra of the Lao Assistance Center.

The highlight of the lunch is a keynote speech by international award-winning activist Leymah Gbowee

This is a kick-off event for the new Refugee and Immigrant Women for Change Coalition and our work for gender equity. For more information, contact: RIWC@capiusa. org 

The Refugee and Immigration Women for Change Coalition partner agencies are building stronger families and communities! Current members include: African Health Action, CAPI, Centro, Lao Assistance Center,Liberian Women’s Initiative,Sewa - AIFW and WISE

Leymah Roberta Gbowee is the executive director of the Women Peace and Security Network Africa, based in Accra, Ghana. She is a founding member of the Women in Peacebuilding Program/West African Network for Peacebuilding (WIPNET/WANEP) . In 2007, the Women's Leadership Board at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government honored her with the prestigious Blue Ribbon Peace Award. In 2009, Ms. Gbowee and the women of Liberia were awarded theProfiles in Courage Award by the Kennedy Library Foundation.

If you're interested, please RSVP by Thursday, February 25th to: RIWC@capiusa. org 

Lunch is free for those who RSVP, and it's a great chance to meet others working on the issues of refugee and immigrant women in Minnesota and around the world. Hope to see you there! This is a great opportunity for Lao community members and others to connect!

MarsCon Weekend!

It's the annual MarsCon in Minnesota, and I'll be giving presentations this year for their theme, Dark Lords and Femme Fatales. My chosen topics:

Foxy Ladies, Fatal Fiends and Furious Females of Asia:
An overview of fantastic female spirits featured in traditional myth, folklore and literature of Asia including the shapeshifting Kitsune, the floating deceptive Thai Krasue, blood-thirsty Filipina Aswang and more.

Dark Lord Dossier: Ravana
Long before Sauron and Valdemort, the gentleman giant Ravana was making himself a legendary evil, king of Lanka and the near unstoppable villain of the Hindu epic the Ramayana. Known in Thailand as Tosakanth, in Laos as Hapkhanasouane and with appearances in everything from Buffy the Vampire Slayer novels to video games and comics, learn why Ravana continues to capture the imagination.

Legends of Laos: Deception and Desire
A look at several classic legends of Laos and their look at the the rise of evil and desire, troublesome beauties, wise sorcerers and cunning tricksters.

See you at MarsCon!