I first got involved in Together Women Rise 14 years ago when I was on the Board of a young, cutting-edge NGO that got a grant from them. I spoke to some of the Rise chapters, and was incredibly impressed with the depth of their knowledge of and compassion for girls and women in low resource areas. I went back home and started a chapter myself, which turned into 3 chapters. We meet monthly and have become well-informed, committed supporters of Rise, loving the grantee we learn about each month. It has transformed the lives of 10s of 1000s of women and girls, providing guidance, education, role models, agency, and best of all HOPE. The total below is the combined amount our 3 chapters have raised. It's $91 a day. That might not sound like a lot, but in places where people live on a few dollars a day, it makes an enormous difference.
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I first learned of DIning For Women when I sat on the Board of one of their grantees, Shining Hope for Communities. I volunteered to speak to any Dining For Women groups in my metro area (Philadelphia) and was so impressed and envious of the comraderie, purpose, and vibrancy of the three groups I met that I started a chapter in my neighborhood! We now have 4 chapters, have raised over $200K, and I am just about to join the Dining For Women Board. I love this organization. It brings women together, and collectively we help raise up other women. Over a beautiful monthly dinner. Friendship, sharing, learning, and supporting one another, too - I cherish these connections.
I happily donate each month to Together Women Rise because they are supporting women and girls living in extreme poverty around the world. Their primary goal is gender equality and they help move women and girls toward this through education, self esteem, job training and enlisting the whole community in this effort.
Very participative nonprofit with a unique approach to lifting women's status around the world. Realistic and focused goal-setting and follow-through. Can't praise more highly.
I donate to this group via payroll deduction. I’m constantly amazed by what a few women can do when pooling resources. The work being funded is both creative and essential for the betterment of marginalized girls and women across the globe. I proud to be a small part.
I've been an automatic monthly donation member for a year. Dining for Women was the original name and describes the mission, to share a meal with friends and while doing so to share information about the monthly grantee. Monthly grantees are well-deserving NGO's all over the planet that are dedicated to improving lives of women in impoverished communities. I love the information about the Grantees and sharing the goal of improving the lives of women who really need our help. The bond formed within our group is remarkable. Like minded women - making an effort to help.
I joined about 13 years ago and have learned so much about the world and people I never knew existed. It is very satisfying to have TWR research and present a program to support for those that truly need our help.
This organization does a amazing job of connecting donors to the missions of the organizations they sponsor by providing videos, cultural profiles, recipes from the countries, and resources to learn and share with others. The grants supporting women and children normally go to smaller grassroots organizations around the world. I am delighted to support this charity. It has become one of my favorites over the past year.
Together Women Rise supports women and girls around the world. They fund experienced organizations that have proven results. Every month they donate to a different organization from a different part of the world, doing incredibly important work to improve the lives of women and girls. Women across the US meet for dinner and donate the money they would have spent on a dinner out. We learn a lot about the culture and lives of the girls we are supporting.
I am so happy I found this organization 10 years ago. They seek out, vet and fund small organizations that effectively help poor women and girls avoid oppression, abuse and unwanted pregnancy, while providing education to improve their lives long term. I am very confident that my donations go a long way to truly help women and girls across the world. Together Women Rise is successful because of thousands of women in the U.S. volunteering time and donating at their monthly potlucks where they learn about deserving organizations overseas.
I have been educated monthly regarding individual projects supporting women in different poverty areas. My regional group meets and discusses the you tube video that is provided to us regarding the highlighted project. I am proud that my donations stand for supporting women help their families in these impoverished areas.
Together Women Rise has been helping women and girls for over 20 years, using the Collective Giving model. Their emphasis is on global equity, by giving women and girls in developing countries a hand up, rather than a handout. The organization has evolved over its 20 years in existence, and is highly transparent.
This is a great organization I have been a donor and volunteer leader in for the past 11 years. It gives American women the chance to get together with others who care about gender equity for all women in the world. Through small gatherings of women who form giving circles, we learn about the situations of women and girls in developing countries, see a video from an organization that has a proven program to assist the women to achieve and thrive. The projects are educational, medical, or economic or legal empowerment projects. The organization depends on volunteers supported by a robust, small and mighty professional staff who supports the volunteers . My group loves that this is a meeting that often involves food and wine, and there are no minutes but just a few guidelines of what it takes to be part of the organization. I love the positivity I experience after learning about women and girls in an impoverished place in the world who with a hand up grant can improve their lives and hundreds around them. Each person in my group donate mostly online each month an amount that fits their budget and commitment - some donate a lot, some a little. The organization has a wonderful national online zoom presence for those who can not meet in person as well as an online book group that gathers women throughout the US each month. I have joined the Rise Travel program and have gone with a small group of Rise members from across the US to places in the world where we have met grantees and some of the women and girls who have benefited from grants provide through Rise. Seeing is believing and it is a powerful experience. But I also love the friendships that I have developed in my own community through the group I am part of and the way we also impact issues in our local community through our friendship and support of the local organizations that also deal with women's issues. It is a great model for an organization that brings together amazing women who together make a huge difference in the lives of others across the globe.
Together Women Rise supports global gender equality. I have been a member for over 10 years as I am passionate about this cause and the grants that are awarded are changing the lives of women and their families! My profession is in international development and I support this organization because it supports sustainable development and implements a rigorous but appropriate application process, resulting in a partnership with receiving organizations.
From the moment I was introduced to Together Women Rise, I was impressed. Rise is brilliant in its simplicity and makes it easy to participate; working towards global gender equality by improving the lives of women and girls around the globe, Together Women Rise harnesses the collective power of giving. I encourage anyone interested in the issues and challenges facing women and girls in the developing world to find out more about Rise. You'll be changed forever as you help to change the lives you learn about.
As both a volunteer and a contractor with Together Women Rise, I rest easy knowing my time and money support the work of carefully selected, impactful partners around the world. Those organizations make a profound difference in the individual lives of the women and girls who are direct beneficiaries, their families, and their communities. In addition, the work of Together Women Rise grantees is creating generational change by addressing issues such as keeping girls in schools, helping those in conflict-affected regions access trauma-informed care, putting babies on the path to lifelong health by making prenatal care and safe, attended childbirth accessible -- and so much more. Beyond direct grants, the organization is committed to helping members learn about the issues that are influencing global gender equality so they are equipped to be advocates both within their own communities and as they reach out to their elected representatives. This multipronged approach is creating leaders around the world who can change the future for women and girls.
I’ve been a member of Together Women Rise for about 7 years. The longer I’m involved the more I have learned about women/girls around the world and believe in TWR ‘s mission. This organization makes a real impact on the lives of thousands of women and girls in the most marginalized corners of the world. I strongly believe in how thoroughly they research and vet each NGO we support. We also get transparent reporting of that impact. TWR truly engages their members and educates us through so many optional activities, ie meetings, videos, webinars, book clubs, international trips to visit the NGO’s we support. I LOVE Together Women Rise. It’s my top charity for giving.
Collective, collaborative global community building an equitable world through the power of women. A simple way to unleash goodwill.
This is the first time that I have been involved with an organization that is so transparent, so true to their vision, and so dedicated to making their donors and volunteers feel appreciated. Together we are making a difference in the lives of so many women and girls, all leading to the goal of global gender equality.
I have been volunteering for Together Women Rise for more than seven years. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had. I am impressed by the vetting of grantees that results in high quality organizations and successful projects that benefit many woman and girls around the world, and communities as a whole. There are so many opportunities for local chapters that help us to learn and enjoy our volunteer service and fundraising efforts: contact with program leaders and participants, resources for additional information, books, travel, advocacy, recipes, and dialogue with other chapters and volunteers. The organization is flexible and has dealt well with the pandemic. There is follow-through and evaluation, and excellent reporting to all its volunteers and grantees. I can't say enough about how valuable Together Women Rise is to so many and how exciting and rewarding it is to be part of this organization!
This is an amazing organization. The organizations that they support world wide help lift Women and Girls towards the Gender Equality they so deserve! The staff and volunteers are extremely welcoming, dedicated and caring! Each month my chapter learns about a featured grantee and how our donations will be used. It is amazing what one individual can do when we combine our hearts and resources to form a community with other women in the country and around the world.
Together Women Rise (Rise) is one of the largest and oldest giving circle in US. I've been involved for over 10 years and am so impressed with the impact this non-profit has in working towards gender equality and helping the lives of so many women and girls (the grantees). On a personal basis, I have met caring, engaged women who care about global issues. There are hundreds of chapters across the US - a great way to belong to a local community and together learn about global gender issues and do something about it through donations.
I’m relatively new to Together Women Rise. My experience with them has been eye opening and so rewarding. They are dedicated to engaging and educating donors across the U.S. through local chapter meetings where women and allies learn about global gender equality. This organization makes a difference in the lives of women and girls in impoverished countries with grants made to grassroots organizations to make strides toward gender equality. The Together Women Rise team is dedicated to seeing that our donations have the greatest impact possible.
Friendship, Community, Learning, Partnering, Impacting and Celebrating. I come home on a high after each of my chapter meetings . I have had the opportunity to take a breath, share a meal, contribute to a meaningful non-profit that is making a difference in the lives of women and girls and learn about that community and its hopes and impact for women and girls.
It is rewarding supporting Together Women Rise because I can see the impact the organization is making every month. Women and girls are being educated and empowered and members are becoming more aware of the world situation and becoming agents of change.
Being part of Together Women Rise has been one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as a volunteer. It’s built my understanding of the barriers women and girls face globally and given me a vehicle for making a difference as part of a community striving to achieve global gender equality.
What a great charity. I am always sure that my money is being used to it's greatest effect. Helping women and girls reaches more people in need because they give so much back to their communities.
Together Women Rise creates an opportunity for all to support global gender equality while learning about issues that women and girls face around the world. Meanwhile, Rise offers local chapter opportunities as well so that interested individuals can better connect within their local communities. Beyond direct grantmaking, Rise has created a ripple effect that has made lives better for women and girls everywhere.
The organization is passionate about working toward gender equality and educating women and girls . They help grassroots projects and your contributions actually make you feel every dollar makes a difference. In addition, the women who participate learn about other cultures. Your money makes a difference
I have been involved as a volunteer with Rise for almost eight years. This organization does a wonderful job of supporting grassroots organizations in developing countries in order to promote gender equality and decrease poverty around the world. Rise creates a strong sense of community with its members and with its grantees.
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Dining for Women is a wonderful nonprofit that brings people together to help women and children living in poverty stricken countries. I have been a Chapter Leader for five years since founding a chapter in Florida. Through DFW we learn about the needs of people around the world for such basic things as clean water, heath care, safe schools, and freedom from violence. DFW opens our eyes and allows us to help “change the world, one dinner at a time.”
This is one of the best non-profits around. It gives the opportunity to make a difference in my local community of women by having a potluck together and connect while learning and giving to other women and girls around the world who need our support for gender equality and a hand up. The world's largest giving circle is so amazing, I've been a member for over 6 years now and I'll probably never quit. I've made amazing friends and love giving back in a small way which together with us all doing it makes it a BIG way. Please join us!
As a member of Together Women Rise, I have learned a lot about the challenges that women and girls face around the world. Together Women Rise is an easy way to be part of a community making a difference for women and girls in low-income countries around the world. I have learned a lot and that has inspired me to take action. I know that my contributions are truly making an impact!
Dining for Women is unique in that it changes the lives of its members and grantees alike! The giving circle concept helps build strong communities of women locally, develops educated global citizens, AND helps women and girls in developing countries. I especially love the fact that my small donation makes a big difference when combined with the donations of members across the US. Dining for Women has been well worth the investment of my time and money!
I’ve been a chapter leader for Dining for Women for over 11 years. During that time I’ve also been involved in various other committees at the national level, and served as a Regional Leader for 3 years. Throughout this time I’ve continued to be impressed by the wonderful mission of Dining for Women and their commitment to girls and women across the globe. The educational opportunities provided to our members enable us to understand and get to know the women we support. I’m so proud to be associated with this inspiring organization!
Dining for Women does great work! They are a unique giving circle in that they serve both their members and the organizations to whom they provide grants. As a chapter leader, there are tremendous resources provided each month for chapter meetings help members understand the organizations, the countries, and the issues (even/especially the food and music). I also had the privilege of serving on the grant research committee for three years, and I was so impressed at the level of information provided by organizations to be considered for a grant. The selection process is rigorous and robust.
I highly recommend DFW to anyone considering joining or starting a chapter, donating money or applying for a grant.
I have been with Dining for Women for 7 1/2 years helping women and girls living in extreme poverty. I started as a Chapter Leader, became a Mentor and have now been a Regional Leader for 3 1/2 years. We are educating women in our 470 chapters in the U.S. and helping make a difference to women and girls by educating and empowering them.
I love being a member of this organization and encourage others to visit our website (www.diningforwomen.org). Join the organization and start a chapter with friends, and help make a difference in the world
When I retired and moved to Boise, where I knew no one, I was lucky enough to be introduced to Dining for Women. Soon I was having fun with new friends while making modest monthly donations toward amazing projects for women and girls in the developing world. At every potluck meeting I learned more about how grassroots programs can empower women and girls in different ways and in different countries. Then we moved to Spokane Valley, Washington, where I quickly found likeminded women eager to start a new Dining for Women chapter. Three years later we are still enjoying our pot lucks while supporting amazing projects benefiting women and girls. Collective giving has truly been a gift in my life!
I have been an enthusiastic, passionate member for over ten years now. I have seen the good they do and have had friends travel to meet the recipients of the grants we provide. DFW DOES change lives and help empower women and girls living in extreme poverty. When I moved to a community where there were no chapters, I started my own. Exceptional leadership, a unique plan for getting the most money possible to the recipients ( via the "13th Month campaign), follow up, transparency with how things are run...I am so proud to be a member.
I started a DFW chapter in January, 2012 at a time when I had retired abruptly and at a younger age than anticipated. DFW brought new meaning, new people, and a new focus to my life---I was repurposed! I have met an extraordinary array of dedicated people, made lasting friendships, learned an incredible amount and begun teaching others about women's and human rights, and all while doing good in this world. Not only does DFW change the world for women and girls internationally in extreme poverty, but it definitely changes the world for its participants and volunteers. I have gone from being a chapter leader to many other roles in the organization at large, and am continually learning more.
To rub shoulders with talented, caring, like-minded women has been a joy as we collectively lift the plight of women and children throughout the world. Each month I am reminded that there are many striving to make a difference! I am impressed with the vetting process of selection and the quality of recipients. Proud to be a part of a force for good!
Dining for Women inspires me! Through our local monthly potlucks, I make new acquaintances who are both interesting themselves and interested in others. Food, fun, companionship, and learning about another culture all wrapped up in one lovely evening. It fills me in many ways. And it is a joy to know that my individual contribution, combined with thousands of others, makes one large impact on the lives of women and girls around the world. Come join us!
In addition to the wonderful potluck dinners I share with like-minded women each month, I have had the opportunity to participate in DFW sponsored trips to Nepal and Kenya to visit the women and girls who have benefited from our generosity and desire to create a better world. It is amazing to see the difference our gifts have made!
DFW runs on a shoe string budget; every dollar is well-spent and accounted for, and much of the work of running the organization is done by volunteers. The programs are well-vetted. I trust how they handle money and how they disperse it.
A friend and I started a DFW chapter about 7 years ago and it is still THRIVING! Every month we have a group of interesting and engaged women who gather to learn about conditions facing women and girls in the developing world and what we can do to help. It is so simple to host a monthly meeting since it is a potluck. Our members all agree it is the BEST meal we have all month. We share a delicious meal, visit with interesting women from around our city, and learn about an organization that is working to make the world a better place for women and girls in the poorest communities in the world. Then, we donate what we would have spent if we had dined out. Simple, yet profound. I have learned so much and am grateful to DFW for the opportunity to fund organizations that are making a difference for women and girls around the world.
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A potluck with a purpose!!! Each month we support a program that helps to empower women and girls in developing countries. Find a local chapter, meet like minded women and take you dining out dollars and donate them to change the lives of women throughout the world. We truly are making a difference, one dinner at a time!
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Diining for Women is an organization that funds grassroots programs throughout the world., benefitting and aiding women and children. Each month a different organization is feature which empowers women to better their lives and the lives of the children. Monthly potluck dinners are held where the members share a meal with friends while learning and becoming educated about a group of women half way around the world. You are asked to take your "dining out dollars" and donate thoses monies you would have spent to the the montly organization.
I have been involved with Dining for Women since January 2011. I also write one of the educational documents for each month's program--Food for Thought. The monthly meeting starts with great food and camaraderie, followed by a superb program led by a volunteer from the Chapter. We average about 40 participants each month. We have fun, but we learn so much from the charity we will be funding, its helping model, and its program. I find the whole concept of Dining for Women to be inspired. DFW finds wonderful, but little known, charities that make the lives of women and girls better. Some of the helping models are inspired. Because the programs we fund are limited in scope, it is easy to feel that you are making a significant contribution to the lives of real people. And because DFW has a rigorous vetting process, you know your money will be used as promised.
Last night I hosted our new chapter's 2nd Dining for Women potluck. It has become the highlight of the month for me. Sharing a lovely, relaxed evening in the company of like minded, wonderful women, and accomplishing such tangible good at the same time is exhilarating. Realizing that at 9,000 members strong, Dining for Women, is making a difference in the programs it supports. I was able to show the beautiful scarves I purchased as holiday gifts from the Anchal Project. We all had the same reaction. Beyond the beauty of the scarves, tears came to our eyes and goosebumps on our arms, thinking about the women who made them and how DFW has helped them to escape from a life of prostitution to one of talented artisan. Can't say enough! Start a chapter today!!
For years I had been looking for more purpose in my life. I tried a bunch of different things. But then I stumbled upon the Dining for Women website and my life was forever changed! I became a chapter leader and started the very first chapter in our city, and was very nervous! But DFW provided the best support! Our members have said time and time again how awesome DFW is, and how much they absolutely love it! We are Canadians so are not eligible for tax credits, but this does not matter to any of us as we are fully dedicated to Dining for Women and are continually blown away by the calibre of organizations we support and the educational resources we are provided for our meetings. Dining for women is the best way to make a HUGE difference to women and girls around the world. The charities we support are not huge mega-charities, they are truly hand selected grassroots organizations that we all resonate with and are proud to support! I can honestly say that Dining for Women is not only changing the lives of women and girls around the world, they are changing the live of women and girls in North America as well! My whole family has been greatly affected in every positive way by DFW, and even my 5 year old is becoming a change agent because of her exposure to this organization!
As a retired MSW I was looking for a special unique way I could help bring peace to the world through cultural understanding and education. A year ago i started the first DFW chapter in southern oregon and continue as its chapter leader. Why this organization??? I love the concept of collective giving to make a difference in womens lives all over the world as we learn about a country, its people and a unique NGO every month. Not only do we raise money , but travel trips are offered to visit these organizations to see the work they are doing, and best of all is the dvd and packet of information I receive each month to educate local women here about what is happening in female sexual trade, female clitorectomy , microloans, educational resources, and domestic violence abroad. DFW also is set up in regions of the USA and World so we have regional leaders and instant help with our local groups..... And most of all there is no pressure to give a certain dollar amount each month or year which is very unique in my many decades of volunteering. I hope others reading these posts will be moved to join or start their own chapter. Jeannie Matthews
It is hard to make a difference, as one person, in a world where so much suffering and poverty exists. I am grateful that Dining for Women finds organizations that provide direct help to women and children in need, and combines the donation of each member to truly make a significant contribution, one that will create or fund sustainable projects of value. I can't, or don't plan to, travel to Thailand to rescue young girls in the sex trade, or travel to Africa to teach women the skills that allow them to feed and educate their children, or travel to Indonesia to deliver goats to widows who can then support themselves and their families. But my donation each month, contributed in the company of other caring women and over delicious meals, can travel in my stead, after being combined with donations from others in DFW. I would love to see many more chapters grow over the years so we can be part of so much more support and aid in the world, to those less fortunate. I highly recommend joining - or starting - a Dining for Women chapter!
I am a chapter leader in California. I was impressed enough with Dining For Women after visiting a chapter meeting in San Francisco to start my own chapter. This organization does SUCH an effective job of helping women organize in their own local "giving circles" to dine together while learning about a different important endeavor that changes the lives of women and girls each and every month. Our rolled-up small donations make a HUGE difference in the Third World for these organizations and for the women they serve. DFW is incredibly well-organized and transparent, and it has relatively little overhead cost due to an army of dedicated volunteers who work on everything from monthly program selection, to web site content to testing out recipes, and so much more.
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As a chapter leader, I prepare the presentation on the organization of the month which is doing good for impoverished women in the 3rd world. Each month, DFW raises over $25,000 to benefit a worthy organization. So far this year, we have funded solar ovens for refugee camps in Darfur, maternity clinics in rural Peru, micro loans in India and Nepal. At the same time, we get to learn about conditions on the ground in these places and what women are up against. The education for us coupled with the benefit to these organizations is a Win-Win combination.
Hello, I am a co-leader for a chapter for DC and MD and it has been one of the most powerful experiences of my life. Not only because of what this organization does to transform women's lives around the world but what it has done to transform my own. I have attended Leadership summits and been embraced and welcomed - warts and all. They truly want you to bring all of you to the organization. I have expanded my knowledge about about poverty, women and the world in this process. But most importantly I know our money is creating a difference in women's lives that face horrific circumstances. Peace, Denise Woods
My experience with Dining For Women continues to be one of education, friendship and of course, good food! My chapter members and I are always impressed with the materials available, the informatione we learn about different cultures and about the amazing organizations that are assisting women and children living in extreme poverty. After more than 5 years, the Massill Ohio chapter continues to meet monthly and looks forward to what the next 5 years bring!
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As a Social Worker and a Minister, I am often in a position to help others. Most people are not offered those opportunities on a daily basis. I have been a chapter leader for Dining For Women since February 2006. The women who attend our dinners are offered opportunities to help women, to learn about different cultures and traditions and share some of who they are in order to make a real difference. This is an escellant organization.
I have been a Chapter Leader with DFW for almost 5 years! Our chapter has an average of 12-15 women attend each monthly meeting. Through the collective giving model of DFW, we feel we are making a real difference in women and children's lives all over the world. Each month through the educational materials that DFW provides, we learn about the country, culture and women's issues of the program we are funding that month. We see and hear the impact of the programs through the DVD that is provided to us each month. We are learning each month how this program targets one of the Millennium Development Goals that the United Nations have established and hope to reach by 2015. More and more women throughout the U.S. and world are finding out about the DFW movement and the strides we are making in assisting women and children in developing countries to reach their goals for education, improved health, and self-sustainable livelihoods. Our chapter members are promoting change, saving lives, and giving a voice to women who have been voiceless. We feel empowered that we know where our money is going, and what it will do. None of this would be possible without the excellent leadership, tenacity, compassion and humility of Marsha Wallace, Founder of DFW, the DFW Board of Directors and the many volunteers from DFW's chapter members that keep moving DFW forward. DFW members are getting the word out about this fabulous organization and it keeps growing! I believe that the knowledge that we have received since our membership with DFW is changing our own lives for the better. I feel that the support we give to other women all over the world can eventually impact everyone in our world and hopefully, in time, lead to more peace and stability throughout the world.
Dining for Women's model of collective giving is so simple but yet, so powerful! I've been part of the Board of Directors for almost 2 years now and I am also a member of the very first couples chapter. The couples chapter meets every month, every month a different couple hosts the dinner at their home and another couple does the presentation about the featured program that Dining for Women is supporting -- it is a fun, and inspiring evening with friends; we are all learning so much about the global issues that impact us all and collectively we feel that we are making a positive difference in most desperate and impoverished places in the world. Marsha Wallace (Founder and President) and the board have put together a very exciting strategic plan for the organization and we are looking forward to the day when Dining for Women can help 10 times more women than it does today!
The idea behind Dining for Women is a really great one - meet, learn, share a meal and give to help women and girls in the developing world. It is fun, and enriching. However, there does not seem to be much support for the chapter leaders once they have started meeting. While I continue to hope that something will materialize, all I see is more and more about money and extreme growth, and less about how to be a successful chapter leader, and that someone is noticing. I do not understand why an organization that seems to be growing at a very comfortable, manageable rate insists on pushing so hard. It seems that much of the focus on the programs and the education of members has been lost in the money shuffle, sadly. Most everything seems to be about raising more money and an unrealistic growth rate. So, in my estimation, Dining for Women is at risk of losing its soul and becoming like so many other non-profits - large, cold, impersonal and uncaring. A true shame and a lost opportunity.
I started a local Dining For Women Chapter in April, 2006 after seeing it on a Good Morning America segment about charity giving circles in Dec., 2005. Our Chapter hasn't missed a monthly meeting in the over 4 years we've been together! We meet at members' homes for a potluck dinner, educate ourselves about the monthly charity/region we are supporting for that month (with materials provided by DFW), and then each make a pesonal donation to that charity. Friendship, fun, and food with a purpose...it's always an inspiring and energizing evening!
Two years ago I started attending Dining for Women meetings. For a brief time I was unable to attend, but the giving mentality of the organization and the women involved brought me back. I just attended my first CARE conference through Dining for Women and I consider it an experience of a life time. It taught me how I can be of service with my local chapter to do even more for the world. I hope to continue to be a big part of DFW as we lobby for women's rights around the world. This organization is a strong starting point for all to learn – no matter your age – of how you can help the world one dinner at a time.
I was introduced to Dining for Women (DFW) almost 2 years ago when I helped facilitate their first annual conference for their chapters. Their idea is compelling! have good friends "break bread together" through potluck dinners and donate the money they saved from local restaurants prices to a charity that DFW profiles each month. What appeals to me as a person with a lot of expertise in the field of women's international organizations is how down to earth and scalable the idea is. I think that the organization has been doing a great job both in terms of growing its chapters as well as bringing more money to worthwhile women's efforts around the globe.
I became interested in Dining for Women at a Peace Colloquy when I attended a workshop about sex trafficking and modern day slave trade and learned that families in poverty are vulnerable, I had also read in Greg Mortenson's book, Three Cups of Tea that he found if he built schools for girls, they would grow up and use their education to improve their family's and community's level of medical care and education. I wanted to advocate for women in a community based way, and Dining for Women fit my needs and goals. Dining for Women provides microloans to women in poverty so they can feed their families and better themselves economically. I visited a chapter in Colorado and the chapter leader there encouraged me to start my own chapter. When I returned home to Florida, I found there was not a chapter in my town so I started one with my friends. The national organization provides wonderful support to chapters and it is easy to start and keep our chapter going. We are all excited about supporting women in this way and we have doubled our membership in 2 meetings!
Dining for Women has been a positive experience for our chapter which is almost three years old. Our members appreciate being able to make a difference in the lives of other women and children around the world. Our lives have been enriched as we have learned about others. Wonderful information is provided to chapters by the national office. It is very easy to start a chapter and maintain it.
This nonprofit gives direct help to women and children all over the developing world monthly. The research they do to find the constructive nonprofits and the oversight to ensure all the funding goes for the right uses is extraordinary. In addition, the concept of the giving circle for me has brought together other women interested in these issues and educated all of us as to the terrible proverty and critical issues still facing women in the 21st century. They are doing great work and having such an important impact.
Thanks to two great lady friends at my church, I was introduced to DFW and to Marsha about the second year of their existence. Marsha's dedication, as well as the charter members', has led DFW to grow unbelievably. This is the most meaningful free time activity that I participate in. I so love the concept of empowering women in desperate situations to become self sufficient and spread this marvelous example to their children and their neighbors in the villages. I am so proud of the many villages and women we have helped. I am not able to donate huge amounts but it is so reassuring to know that my donation's value increases greatly in these third world countries and has a powerful impact. My son who lives in NY was also very impressed and he donates quarterly to them. A proud member and mother, Anne Marie Currier
In 2006 I was looking for a way to enrich my social life and make a difference in the world. An article about Dining for Women in my local paper struck a chord with me, and I sent in my chapter application. I was amazed at how easy it was to start a chapter and at the amount of support and education that was provided to me. The idea of getting together to eat with friends and pooling our resources to help our "sisters" around the world also resonated with my friends and we quickly formed a group that is still going strong four years later. Dining for Women has given all of us the opportunity to strengthen our friendships with each other and educate ourselves about our fellow women in developing countries. And most importantly, it allows us to help fund programs that give these women a chance to do the things that all women yearn to do - feed and educate themselves and their families, have good health care in their communities and live free from violence and oppression. The relatively small donation that each of us makes pooled collectively with donations from other chapters allows DFW to make a significant impact in the groups that it funds each month. I love this model. I love the time it allows me to be with my friends in a way that is deeper and more meaningful. I love the education we are all receiving through the easily accessible and thoughtfully researched educational materials that are provided. I love to see the growth of the organization that has happened in the four years since I joined. But most of all I love to see the impact that the DFW donations have made in the lives of our sister women and their families around the world.
If I were going to design a NFP, it would be Dining For Women. Fortunately, for me, Marsha Wallace already did that and I just needed to sign up to help. It combines all of the things that are important to me, helping women, learning about new places and people, cooking, making new friends. Plus, I am an artist and my work focuses on women's issues. What a great connection for me with women all over the world. I started by forming a chapter. I didn't even know everyone at the first meeting but I knew it was going to be great. The room just buzzed as people quickly learned of so many things they had in common. Marsha has an amazing vision about what this organization can do but she could not do everything herself and she solicited the membership for help. I am a former marketing professional and I jumped at the chance and now serve on the national advisory council. I had been so impressed with how well run DFW is, the impact it has had on so many people and how much more it will be able to do as it continues to grow. Research has verified that empowered women have enormous impact in their countries and can change how a society functions as they are given the opportunity to sustain themselves and their families. And that is exactly what the DFW donations do. Its unique concept no only benefits the recipients of its donations but also how it brings women together each month with a common, very worthwhile goal.
When I found DFW over a year ago I was amazed at the impact it was having. I'm fortunate to live in Greenville, SC where it originated and to get to know Marsha Wallace the founder. Her vision for the organization is SO inspiring and exciting. I have invited many of my friends to join as well. I am a woman of middle-income so participating and giving to DFW makes the small amount I am able to give join with others to create a large amount. I have learned so much about places in the world I never knew and about the many important organizations that are working first-hand to eradicate poverty. I am honored to be a member of DFW! Cindy Ballaro
I lived abroad in developing countries for over 17 years, and had been looking for a way to both maintain a connection to the people and cultures of the world that I so highly valued, and also make a meaningful difference in their lives while living back in the U.S. A mutual friend shared the 'model' of giving around which Dining for Women bases its educational and philanthropic activities. Here's why its great: *It promotes the building of community here in the U.S. among women who share a desire to support other marginalized or underserved women around the globe. We enjoy coming together and talking about the countries, cultures, roles of women, as well as sharing our own experiences vis a vis that country... and feel connected to each other as well as the monthly country/organization. *It promotes a 'holistic' and 'mutually beneficial' model of philanthropy: This is not just about giving money; its about learning, having an impact, sharing stories, breaking bread together and growing ourselves from the lessons and stories the indigenous women share with us. We give to them in ways that we hope will make a difference. They give to us in ways they could never imagine make a difference to us --- by the strength of their commitment to their families, communities and ideals -- by their sheer will and hard work in unimaginable conditions -- by their support of one another so no one is successful unless they all are successful -- and their open sharing of emotion: the pain, joy and challenges of life. *The structure is exponentially successful. By creating a single, focused, approach, the founders have created a winning formula... to draw on the collective power of coming together in unified giving, so that there is a quality of investment in the women of a community, not just a quantity of dollars raised. Across the country, women in hundreds of communities are doing the same activities, and donating to the same organization, so the impact is significant and life-changing for the individuals and the community being served. So much more powerful and effective than taking collections and sending smaller amounts to a large number of organizations. This way, they work over time with valued and trusted organizations and liaisons to really create a powerful and lasting impact...not just a donation. *The central role that education plays in the organization is admirable. The website has lessons, resources, discussion questions, bibliographies about the country and organization chosen each month. The chapters are given videos and other media with first hand documentation of the organization that Dining for Women is supporting so that we each have a direct experience with the women of the organization. *Each of us is given a variety of ways to contribute: to the food we all share (based on the native country's cuisine); to the financial $$ donation we make (in the amount that we would have spent going out to eat with a girlfriend); to the role of leader in the educational section of the monthly program, etc. Its fun and keeps us all interested and invested. *I have met really inspirational, interesting, caring, smart women who want to make a difference. *Run completely by volunteers: incredible!! *I can't think of anything that would have me not give this organization a top rating. The sincerity, leadership, and commitment of the chapter founders is awesome. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my positive, glowing, and appreciative comments about this worthwhile and inspirational and effective organization. Every community or city in the world should have a Chapter of Dining for Women!! Karen Shimada *
I am a member of Dining for Women local chapter. I enjoy the special time spent with other local women, learning about other area of the world, and how we can help. I always leave feeling uplifted, and very blessed! We are so grateful for our blessings, and truly each of us are grateful for the opportunity Dining for Women allows to help others.
I work in Advertising by day, and spend my evenings and weekends pursuing my true passion, philanthropy, helping others and trying to make a difference in this world! I am the co-leader of the Atlanta Chapter, a group of diverse women(constantly growing) who get together on a monthly basis to learn about different cultures/women/organizations, dine on delicious ethnic food, sip wine and in the process make true life long friendships with like minded giving women while finding themselves in the process. It is a beautiful way to grow connections with women right where you live while helping women whom are less fortunate-realizing what a connection WE as humans all have to each other!! While gaining our own empowerment through acts of compassion....whewww every time I really think about it, it chokes me up!!! THANK YOU Dining For Women for facilitating this amazing experience!!!!!!!
This organization has comforted, fed, educated, and inspired women and children all over the world whose outlook was very bleak before their coming together with Dining for Women. Their lives are safer, richer, fuller, healthier, more joyful than otherwise possible, and now they pass along to their own families and communities, who, in turn, will do the same. I've learned that governments can NOT be counted upon to provide basic resources to their citizens or even to protect those citizens and, certainly, not to educate or feed them, but Dining for Women tackles these jobs with its meager fiscal budget yet limitless spiritual force and will.
I was drawn to this mission of Dining for Women two years ago when a girlfriend and I found Dining for Women while looking for a way to do something more to give back. In June of 2008, we started the Seattle Chapter of Dining for Women with our first meeting of 5 ladies. Our chapter has grown to a mailing list of approximately 60 ladies. Little did I understand at the time we began our chapter the educational journey we were embarking on and how that journey would forever change me in a positive way. Thanks to the resources provided by Dining for Women each month our chapter looks forward to learning about our sisters around the world, what struggles they face, the obstacles that they overcome, the similarities and differences in the lives we each lead. We learn what it means to be a woman in the global community and how the empowerment of women changes the world!
DFW empowers women and children living in extreme poverty by funding programs fostering good health, education, and economic self-sufficiency, and cultivates educational dinner circles inspiring individuals to make a difference through the power of collective giving. I joined DFW to bond with other like-minded women, to learn about extreme poverty in the world, and to make a difference. Each month, a chosen charity benefits when the DFW chapters throughout the country meet and donate money, purchase craft items, and learn about impoverished women who struggle to survive. DFW is growing rapidly, and has helped charities from Uganda, Vietnam, India, Tibet, Guatemala and Kenya, among others. It has struck a cord with many people who want to help, but don't know how their contributions can make a difference. It provides money to enable women and children to become independent earners, or to educate children, or to feed starving people.