Who We Are

Message from the President

January 2010

President’s Message

So what do you have in your budget for the year ahead?  Each January I put together a household budget for the coming year.  I knew I wanted to attend the IFUW Triennial Conference, August 5-9, in Mexico City.  I also knew I had to budget for a Women Graduates-USA board retreat in New York City.  Maybe you will be attending the Commission on the Status of Women’s Conference at the United Nations in March.

Even in these difficult economic times, one thing about being a part of a virtual organization is that much of our participation comes at very little cost.  Our communications are via e-mail, a downloadable newsletter The Flame, via a web-site with new postings almost weekly, or blogging.  Women Graduates-USA is also on Facebook and Twitter if you are into social networking.   Or maybe you’d like to talk directly with another member on Skype or be a part of a future friendship tour in the future.

In recent weeks a number of you have indicated an interest in one of the current program priorities.  These have included ratification of CEDAW by Congress and Trafficking & Slavery of women and children.  We are looking at ways that we can form groups using technology to share knowledge and ways to take action whether you live in Kentucky or California or Pennsylvania.  Jeanne Clarke, Public Policy Director, is coordinating e-mail addresses of those interested in working together on Trafficking.  If you are interested in this issue contact Jeanne at jnclarke@email.arizona.edu  If you are interested in working on ratification of CEDAW, contact Alice Dahle at adahle@fastermac.net   Alice is a member of the Program Committee of WG-USA and employed part time with the Iowa United Nations Association.  Other program committee members have prioritized Education of the Girl Child.

Prior to retirement I served as an Executive Director of a non-profit foundation for 18 years.  I always wished I could know every donor personally.  Those feelings are true as your President.  I wish I could know each of you personally. 

This is your organization.  Please let us know what you want it to be.  That is the beauty of a new organization.  You can help shape it.  Budget time to get involved.