WFWP USA 2019 Summary Report
Looking back at 2019 - A MileStone Year for WFWP USA
Greetings in this New Year 2020!
This past year without a doubt was a banner year for WFWP USA, in that we were able to launch the Global Women’s Peace Network, a project of WFWP International, in all five regions of the United States! A big THANK YOU to all around the nation who contributed to its great success and the new momentum that was created!
Under the theme “Uplift, Collaborate, Transform: Lead with Heart”, our national chapters and regions pursued their ongoing activities, multiple educational programs, such as the Leadership of the Heart and the Cornerstone for Happiness Marriage and Family educational seminars, empowering many women (and men) in peace leadership, and more.
Our most prominent project was the Global Friend feature to be found on our NEW website, wfwp.us, which increased our reach and impact tremendously.
We also created a closer partner- and working relationship with our neighbor Canada during this last year, under the leadership of WFWP Canada President Lilly Tadin. We are very excited to collaborate on various projects also in this new year, and look forward to create a greater impact on the North American continent.
Please, enjoy our brief interactive summary report below, covering the Global Women’s Peace Network, Education, Outreach and Service efforts, put together for you with the commitment to build on last year's success and open up a whole new level of development in 2020 and beyond!
With warm regards,
Angelika Selle
President, WFWP USA
Vice-President, WFWP International (North America)
Global Women’s Peace Network
Within one year the Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) was launched across all five regions in the United States, from November of 2018 to November of 2019. The theme for these launches were “Women as the Turning Point for Peace.” In total, 500+ women leaders attended the GWPN regional launches. Enjoy the snapshot about each launch below:
EDUCATION and LEADING WITH THE HEART
WFWP USA leadership retreats allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of WFWP’s vision and mission, how to lead with a loving and serving heart, and to learn practical tools to further nourish their chapter. This year, two regional retreats were held for women ages 18 and up. The Northeast and Midwest Leadership Retreat and the Oregon Chapter Leadership Retreat strengthened chapter bonds with refreshing and inspiring activities and discussion.
The Leadership of the Heart educational seminar series Part I: Discover the Leader Within was shared throughout the country, including in Georgia, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Montana and Texas. “I came here not knowing what to expect, but I am leaving with a lot,” said a first-time participant. “We learned different ways to really love ourselves through self-worth. I am looking forward to sharing everything I learned with my friends and family.”
In 2019 the WFWP education curriculum Cornerstone for Happiness: Marriage and Family seminar was developed, and has been used by seven local chapters across the country! The curriculum focuses on building a healthy marriage and family as well as addressing the challenges that come with it.
This year marked the 63rd UN Commission on the Status of Women, where activists join to address issues women are facing around the world. During this time WFWP International and WFWP USA co-sponsored the Horizon Summit, an inter-generational gathering dedicated to fostering peace leadership, entitled “Advancing the Culture of Peace.” Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, former UN Under Secretary General, spoke as the keynote at this summit, and addressed the necessity for action with peace through education, personal transformation, and the wider participation of women.
WFWP chapters across the country held 20 peace related programs, including two Bridge of Peace ceremonies, five Interreligious Sharing Series gatherings in Colorado, four sessions commemorating the UN International Day of Peace, and more.
Regional Northeast and Midwest Leadership Retreat in Albany, NY
Leadership of the Heart seminar series in Washington, DC
OUTREACH
A notable development this year was initiating our “Global Friend” feature, for organizations to be promoted alongside the Global Women's Peace Network. Global Friends are organizations, companies, movements, shows, and trailblazing personalities who believe in and adhere to core peace tenets and use their outlet to foster peace. Check out our current global friends and apply today at wfwp.us/globalfriends.
Online radio, television shows, and a magazine feature spread the message of “Women as the Turning Point for Peace” to new audiences. In March, President Selle and Southern California Chapter Chairwoman Emma Reed promoted the West Coast GWPN launch on NuWellness TV with host Dr. Cherilyn Lee. Prior to the Southwest launch of the GWPN in June, President Selle was interviewed in two segments by Aimmee Kodachian, host of the Empowering Humanity TV Show. A five page spread on the GWPN Southwest launch was featured in Choices Magazine by publisher Judi Moreo. Continued promotion of WFWP initiatives were circulated by the Buhay Buhay Sa Amerika Filipino online radio show with host Rhia Luz, for the third year running.
With great expectation for the future of WFWP, our wfwp.us website was completely rebuilt and revamped this year. Look forward to even more exciting features to be added in 2020!
Having the WFWP flag raised outside the Clifton City Hall for seven days, WFWP Chairwoman Claire Haider of Paterson, New Jersey, uplifted the vision of WFWP in a public setting. She shares, “It is time to let the WFWP flag and all that it stands for wave proudly all across the United States!”
WFWP flag raised outside Clifton City Hall in New Jersey
WFWP USA President Angelika Selle on Empowering Humanity TV Show
WOMEN SERVING THE WORLD
In 2019, $46,262.36 was raised in support of those around the globe who need upliftment, education, and refuge. A national campaign plus fundraisers by our local chapters helped to raise $39,366.66 to be sent to WFWP’s Schools of Africa Project, ($35.400 was already sent out in 2019). 1,796 was collected for our WFWP International’s s 1% Love Share Project, and $8,457 was collected by the WFWP New Jersey chapter for their Cambodia Foster Care Project.
The Washington DC chapter held their 7th Annual Day of Service, which brought together 151 people—students, teachers, parents, police officers, the Mayor’s Office, local council-member representatives, business owners, and WFWP members—with a common purpose to serve the community. A participating student reflected, “Cleaning made me feel good inside and knowing that I’m helping to save the earth was a nice feeling.”
Benefit for Schools of Africa in Las Vegas
WFWP Annual Day of Service in Washington, DC
You Make the Difference!
Inspired by what you see? When you join our community, know that you’re making a difference! Go to wfwp.us/membership to become a valued member of WFWP USA.
