Join Me On The Bridge, Tuesday March 8th

Please join me on the lovely bridge over White Rock Lake (Mockingbird Ln. & Lawther Dr.) Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 1pm to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day.  We’ll show our solidarity with our sisters around the world living in war-torn countries doing their best to create new lives for themselves and their families. This wonderful Women for Women International event was created by the Country Directors of Women for Women's programs in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo - two countries which have seen some of the most devastating impacts of war in recent years and where atrocities such as rape, torture and violence against women are commonplace. Women from different communities decided to come together on a bridge which borders their two countries, in the heart of the conflict; to stand up for peace and an end to violence against women.

Last year the first ever global bridge campaign in 2010 when over 20,000 women across four continents took part in 108 different bridge events. Here in East Dallas a small but passionate group of us gathered on the bridge over White Rock Lake, not letting the rain dampen our enthusiasm.

We heard moving words from the amazing Gorethy Nabushosi, founder of Congo Restoration.

We waved signs for peace that we made with our children. We shared umbrellas, tears, hugs and hope.  Hope that even this small group of men, women and children coming together on a tiny bridge in Texas could send a message of love and light to people half a world away. Hope that by taking a bit of time out of our almost-always-too-busy schedules to do something as simple, yet powerful as gathering together on a bridge; we truly facilitate change for the better in our world.

My hope is that this year we can gather at least 100 people on the bridge, and by giving at least one dollar each, contribute to the 100 for 100 fundraising effort to support Women for Women International.

Visit Women for Women to learn more.

I’ve been sponsoring women through this transformational program for three years now and have learned from the notes and letters I’ve received from my sisters in the Congo and Rwanda how profound an impact the Women for Women programs have on their lives. For just $27 a month you too can sponsor a woman who will then be able to participate in a year long training program to learn skills to earn money for her family and have access to other important educational and health programs.

                                                                                            

Last year, with the generous support of many talented friends and family, I was blessed to create an event, “Infinite Possibility – A Night of Music, Art & Women Helping Women” that raised more than $10,000 for Women for Women International. 

(Please visit the website here if you’d like to see the beautiful artwork created for the silent art auction of this event and meet the artists and sponsors.)

Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International, was here in Dallas this past week to receive the Posey Leadership Award. Although I was unable to see her speak in person, I did listen to this wonderful interview she gave to my friend Krys Boyd, host of THINK on KERA 90.1 radio. (Krys graciously offered to host the Infinite Possibility event last year.) Listen to her interview by visiting this link to THINK and you’ll understand why Salbi is a force of good in the world worthy of our time and support. As she so eloquently explains, when you give women the means to create change for the better, everyone in the community benefits.

Please join me and other men, women and children as we support Women for Women International Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 1pm over White Rock Lake. Bring signs of peace, friends and family and most importantly, bring yourself and your heartfelt wish for peace to embrace us all.

Wishing an oasis of peace, love and light for us all,

Jill


p.s. Please read my lovely friend, Ashley Brown's, blog post at Soul Flung Open on her experiences with Women for Women International.  Ashley was one of the 13 amazing female artists who contributed her time and talent the Infinite Possibility fundraiser last year. This is the fabulous piece she contributed below.

Mary's Song by Ashley Brown