2015 ANNUAL REPORT FROM WFWP USA
We are proud to share the advances and significant impact made in the following 5 areas in 2015, with the help of our hardworking WFWP USA Staff, Board, Chairwomen, and Members like you!
Making an impact on the following levels:
Educating Leaders of the Heart....................................................................... (Individual Level)
Family Life Education................................................................................... (Family Level)
Peace Building and Cultural Awareness........................................................... (Community & National Level)
International and Local Charitable Contributions................................................ (International Level)
Strengthening the Global Women’s Peace Network............................................ (Grassroots Level)
1. EDUCATING LEADERS OF THE HEART: Here at Women’s Federation for World Peace, we are passionate about raising authentic, compassionate, and conscientious leaders who practice what we call “Leadership of the Heart.” It is this maternal leadership that uplifts, heals wounded relationships, and searches for lasting solutions. Take a look at how we have been educating people of this style of leadership throughout 2015:
“Women Leading the Way to Sustainable Peace” 23rd National Assembly: This year’s National Assembly, with over 170 participants, was a treasure trove of insights on what women have to offer in leadership positions on all levels of society, including business, politics, and in the family. This is what one University of Bridgeport student had to say about it:
“If I chose one word to describe my experience at the Women’s Federation for World Peace event it would be empowering. The informative, uplifting discussions, the professional but familial atmosphere, the impressive and inspirational individuals present, were all components of an overall effect of high level cooperation and communication in an effort for real, tangible movement toward a united goal. It was truly a Women’s Federation for World Peace.”
This Assembly was preceded by our third consecutive National Day of Service attended by 70 elementary to high school students in DC. This is where we put “Leadership of the Heart” in action through cleaning Emery Park and the streets of Georgia Avenue.
Watch the Assembly Keynote address: CLICK HERE
See the full Day of Service Report: CLICK HERE
WFWP USA Leadership Retreat: 50 new and rejuvenated WFWP leaders joined together in July for an unforgettable learning experience during this year’s Leadership Retreat in Scottsdale Arizona. The goals of this retreat included:
Introducing the ladies to the structure, vision, and mission of WFWP USA and how it relates to our vision going forth to year 2020.
Address challenges, weak points, and share best practices
Provide practical tools and the “how to” build a team, network, and effective promotion & outreach
International Charity updates and goal setting
How to increase membership and resources
Lots of discussions, networking, getting to know one another and learning from each other, and fun!!
Expected Outcome: Women feeling confident to lead, equipped with practical tools, know-how and mutual support, to be able to go back to their local areas and implement their goals in support of the overall vision and mission.
Here are a few of the highlights from the participants, and what they had gained:
“I learned a lot about my journey spiritually and physically and in every way, about my role, duty and responsibility with and for WFWP. It is so comforting to know that I am not alone and that what I am dealing is similar to others.”
“Testimonies of success. Defining the way of a woman leader, new type/new age leader who supports and uplifts rather than controls or bosses. Personal connections and all activities helped.”
“Better than a vacation!”
“I liked how connected I felt to women who were actively serving their communities. I feel that I have role models to look up to and friends who I can call on when I am feeling down.”
“Networking, all the nuggets from presenters, discussions on specific issues, sharing what we do in our local programs, makeover session, reconciliation”
Women, Empowerment, and Leadership Education across the country: Our Chairwomen extend this leadership education all across the country, as we spread and practice what we have gained in our local areas. In 2015, we hosted a total of 32 women, empowerment, and leadership education programs, such as:
Skills for a Successful life in Northern Virginia
International Women's Day "Women as Peacemakers" Event in Maryland
A "Women in Islam" program co-sponsored with CARP in Massachusetts
Celebration of UN Women History Month in Southern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Arizona
Participation in the 4th of July Parade Honoring Revolutionary War Women, in Pennsylvania
“Female Aspects of God” Luncheon event in Massachusetts
A Wellness and Beauty Programs in Southern California, New York, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and Colorado
2. PEACE BUILDING & CULTURAL AWARENESS: Interracial, intercultural, and interreligious peace events
20th Anniversary of the Bridge of Peace: This year at our National Assembly, we celebrated the impact of 20 years of reconciliation through our signature Bridge of Peace Ceremony. This commemoration ceremony guided us through a beautiful journey of forgiveness and repentance, from video footage of a racial breakthrough after the church shooting in South Carolina, to a Japanese Peace Choir, bridge of peace reflections, and pair crossings healing the past of America.
To listen to reflections on the Bridge of Peace Ceremony by our very first National WFWP President Nora Spurgin at this year’s National Assembly, CLICK HERE
And for reflections from the Bridge Ceremony participants, watch our National Assembly Video Report CLICK HERE
Peace at Last One Korea- Bridge of Peace Ceremony: Our New Jersey chapter made a splash with their proclamation that “Korea must unite peacefully!” in July of 2015. This program was equipped with a thought-provoking presentation on the path to Korean reunification by Dr. Mark Barry, Professor at the Unification Theological Seminary, as well as a hopeful account from our WFWP USA President Angelika Selle as she experienced the reunification between East and West Germany. The “Call for Peace and Harmony Flag Ceremony” added an emotional action step to the equation. Additionally, the Korean spirit was brought to life through several musical offerings and personal testimonies. The impact of this event magnified as several positive Korean newspaper articles were published on the experience.
Peace Building and Cultural Events across the country: Throughout the year, our chapters hosted a total of 23 intercultural peace events, including:
“Solving Racism- The Role of Women as Peace Makers” forum at the College of Southern Nevada
“Non-Violence is a choice” Peace Conference at Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon
Taste of the United Nations event in Arizona
A Peace Walk to Support the Pope in Pennsylvania
A Black History Month program in New Jersey
Breaking Barriers on “Culture Day” through Mexican Dance, in Ohio
Co-sponsoring a Jericho Walk and UN International Day of Peace Observance, in Illinois
Hosting “Liberty in North Korea” sessions in Colorado and Seattle
Learning about the Hmong community and human rights in Minnesota
A "Women in Islam" program co-sponsored with CARP in Massachusetts
3. FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION:
3-Pronged Approach: Our 2015 National Assembly featured our 3-pronged approach to Family Life Education: Personal Character Development, the Blessing of Marriage, and Raising Healthy Children. The approach reflected the efforts being made in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Nevada chapters.
Local Family Life Education Programs: Throughout the year, WFWP chapters across the country have hosted 13 family education programs, including:
“Eternal Love, Eternal Life” in Northern Virginia
“Family is the School of Love” in Pennsylvania
“Happy Kids” Seminars in Nevada
Marriage and Family programs in New Jersey
4. INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS:
Supporting Education in Africa: WFWP International founded and continues to fund 9 schools in 8 countries across Africa. WFWP USA remains one of the major contributors to this program, thanks to our many chapters across the country who find creative ways to put this issue on the map. We are pleased to announce that in 2015, WFWP USA was able to raise over $42,000 for the Schools in Africa Project! Many notes and personal video accounts of thanks have been received from the students.
CLICK HERE to support the Schools!
Nepal Earthquake Fund: Immediately after hearing word of the first 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal in April, WFWP USA immediately contacted WFWP counterparts in Asia and Nepal to see how we could be of help. We decided to raise funds and to join with WFWP in Nepal to provide emergency humanitarian assistance for families in need. In total $7,251.67 was raised, which provided 75 families with thirty kilogram bags of rice, and 50 families with tin roof shelters. WFWP Nepal made a point to reach remote areas that were overlooked by other relief aid efforts, and many were deeply touched.
Here are a few personal stories, and thank you messages from tin roof recipients:
Basanti Khada of Kapan was deeply thankful, and received her tin roof bundle in tears, as she knows the monsoon season is approaching. She had been living in a tent for the past two months.
Another family from Gangate was grateful to receive the bundle, as they have resorted to living in their family chicken coop.
Mrs. Laxmi Nayaju of Bhaktapur wanted to thank everyone very much. She says that her family had no place to live, so this tin roof will give her family strength to move forward in life.
A message from WFWP Nepal: “Thank you for remembering us and supporting us in our most difficult of times. We thank you, and hope Nepal will be able to rise once again with all of your help.”
1% Love Share Project: In 2002, WFWP founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon initiated the 1% Love Share Project to exemplify the spirit of love and sharing WFWP is founded upon. Although it initially focused on supporting malnourished women in children in North Korea, the program has expanded to help women and children in need around the globe. By donating $1 per month, anyone is able to make a difference. This year WFWP USA was able to support the project with $1,668.
CLICK HERE to help!
Local Charity Drives and Events: In addition to the many local chapter fundraisers for the Schools of Africa Project, WFWP USA chapters around the country held 13 charity events during 2015, including:
A clothing swap party, donating remaining clothes to a local women’s shelter in Westchester
The New Jersey chapter launched a Foster Parent Program for Cambodia
A coat drive with the Islamic Center of Paterson in New Jersey
Christmas Tree Decorating with the Lake Ridge Fellowship Residents in Virginia
Spending time with children at the Penrickton Center for the Blind in Michigan
Preparing a meal for and sending personal items to the Ronald Mc Donald house in Arizona
5. STRENGTHENING THE GLOBAL WOMEN’S PEACE NETWORK:
Networking at the National Assembly: This year we hosted a Networking Event as the kick-off to our National Assembly, where our participants would be able to interact with one another and with our upcoming speakers. This was a great precursor the Global Women’s Peace Network Panel which took place the following day, and featured women who are truly building upon our vision of peace in their own area of expertise. We were really fortunate this year to expand our network of like-minded women with the help of our local chapters. Not only did this include politicians, youth activists, a Goodwill Ambassador, business women, a life coach, family relationship experts, but also a philanthropist songwriter and radio show host!
To view youth activist Victoria Pannell’s speech at the Assembly CLICK HERE
To view PA State Representative Margo Davison’s speech at the Assembly CLICK HERE
