Comments on: Cinco de Mayo

By: Gloria

Gloria — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:26:52 +0000

I think AAUW is already making strides in reaching out to diverse audiences–across the U.S. and internationally. Maybe we aren’t “tooting our own horn” enough. In our own backyards members are engaged in projects that take them out of their comfort zones and work with girls who are at-risk, come from single parent homes, low-income familes, girls of color, and those affected by low self-esteem and relational aggression. There are also efforts to ensure that Latino and African-American girls have access to educational opportunities, college preparation and career opportunities through Community Action Grants and other Fellowships and Grants offered by AAUW. International Fellowships assist women from more than 40 countries each year to achieve their educational goals. Partnerships with CARE and One Shared World highlight the importance of breaking down barriers for women globally. Of course there will always be those who look at diversity through a narrow lens, but as U.S. demographics continue to change our programming can and should meet the challenge.

By: Karen Jackle

Karen Jackle — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:47:31 +0000

How can we get our programs to focus on diversity instead of cultural tourism. Although it is great to dine at a Mexican restaurant or serve Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo, it seems more so than other programs, we overlook the point to bring a reason to what we do and a mission reflection in what we do to programs that feature a specific group within our American identity.

By: Graham Hornel

Graham Hornel — Tue, 06 May 2008 02:50:10 +0000

Seconded!

The struggle continues for true equality and for due recognition for women across our Troubled World.

After maybe four days and both a well of major discontent with that country – and not only from womens’ groups – and around the world, the Malaysian Prime Minister has announced that his Government’s proposal that would have required all Single Women aged from 18 through 35 (approx) to obtain a Letter of Approval from their Family Head, Imam at the Mosque, and similar, before they could apply for permission to travel overseas, has been rescinded.

That in 2008 in a supposedly developed, supposed Democracy, male decision-makers at the highest level of the National Government could seek to introduce such a very clearly Islam-influenced restriction on Malaysian women who are generally well educated and modern in attitude and outlook, only reinforces my statement above about the struggle continuing.

Malaysia: Truly a most interesting, good-value part of Asia to visit.

However, with such bizarre proposals clearly possible from its Government and related religious factions, Malaysia most certainly NOT, as its Tourism slogan claims, Truly Asia, at least as a True Democracy ; and thank goodness for that.

Peace and Good Health,

Graham Hornel
City Beach
Western Australia

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:50:42 +0000

As a Latina, I was fortunate to meet Ms. Kickbush some years ago and am glad to see her once again being recognized for all the work she has done.