Womens Federation For World Peace Inc

Programs: Women's federation for world peace usa (wfwp) has had an eventful year of 2016, filled with upliftment, action, leadership, and the strengthening of bonds and relationships, all in the name of peace. Notable highlights from this year include the development of our educational programs, service and relief work locally and abroad, and reconciliation through the bridge of peace ceremony. Education:our theme for this year of 2016 has been "compassionate, sustainable leadership. " as a community of women, we are passionate about raising authentic, compassionate, and conscientious leaders who practice what we call "leadership of the heart. " as such, we are developing a leadership of the heart educational three-part series, and have featured the first seminar called "finding the leader within" in several states as well as during our leadership retreat in tampa this past july. This series highlights the importance of leading by example, and provides insights on the importance of women initiating positive change in their own lives, families, communities, and beyond. This year wfwp has hosted 14 leadership and women empowerment activities, as well as 8 family life education seminars, for a total of 22 empowering programs. Service:2016 has most certainly been a year of serving and caring for others and the community. As our president and sr. Vice president often say, "leadership begins with service. " here in the united states, we held our fourth annual "day of service" in the district of columbia with 40 participating students from surrounding schools. It was a community affair, investing into future leaders of tomorrow with the support of the d. C. Mayor and councilman, lieutenant and officers of the 4th precinct police station, and many local businesses. One of the food donors expressed that, "it is such a joy to see students come out to clean the streets, giving back to the community! As a business owner, it feels good to donate food for these students who are out here. It is all about giving back to our community. "after attending the day of service, dottie chiquelo of the maryland chapter distinguishes that community service enhances:*social development - increased interpersonal skills, and continued interest in future community participation;*academic development - service as a positive hands on learning experience;*personal growth - increased self-esteem and confidence; and,*career development - the opportunity to develop special skills that support hiring advantage over others. Our wfwp chairwoman in arizona, rhia nkulu, initiated a service project this year called "women helping women," in honor of women's history month. Participants gathered and collected used purses, and filled them with essential items to give to homeless women, shelters, and students. By the time march rolled around, this project spread from arizona to seattle, new jersey, virginia, and maryland. Through this simple project, we were able to touch many lives, create personal connections, and gain a deeper sense of gratitude for what we do have. The director for one of the women's shelters in arizona responded, "thank you! I just had all of the moms pick out the different purses they wanted - and they had a blast! ! It totally made all of their nights. Thank you so much for your generosity and loving heart. It is beautiful knowing how deeply people of the community care about our moms! "this year we not only invested in our own communities, but also sent our love abroad. Thanks to our creative and enthusiastic chapters, wfwp usa was able to send $40,650 to the wfwp founded schools in africa, our signature international project to support women and children. Throughout the year we collected and sent relief to those hit by natural disasters such as in haiti with hurricane matthew, ecuador with their 7. 8 magnitude earthquake, and more. This year through our 1% love share program, we collected over $4,500 to support children in north korea with sweaters after the extensive flooding that took place this winter season. This program targets the needs of women, children, and those in poverty throughout the world, and is an international project of wfwp. This year wfwp usa held 17 local service projects, and 16 projects supporting those oversees, for a total of 33 service activities. Reconciliation: bridge of peaceour 20th anniversary bridge of peace in 2015 reignited the flame for reconciliation throughout the country in 2016, from the nation's capital to texas, california, florida, vegas, pennsylvania, arizona, oregon, and new jersey. Unique this year was our "black lives matter" bridge in pennsylvania, and our "mothers of healing and forgiveness" bridge ceremony, which exemplified mothers who have forgiven "unforgivable" cruelty against their own child, and live as an example of ending the cycle of retaliation. This year of 2016, wfwp usa held 10 bridges of peace, and a total of 27 peace, intercultural, and health/healing programs. National assemblyeach of these three major components of wfwp, education, service, and reconciliation, came together and made for an integrative experience at this year's 24th annual national assembly. This assembly featured amazing global women peace network panelists, a music filled schools of africa gala fundraiser, and a bridge of peace in honor of our nation's veterans on veterans day. Wfwp usa honored strong and healthy marriages and families as the cornerstone of peace with a celebration of marriage program as the closing celebration of the assembly. The assembly was the perfect way to close an eventful and impactful year. "the theme of the assembly was perfect for the climate of our nation and it was carried throughout the event and beyond. The new guests, young and old, were very inspired and each of the speakers expressed their viewpoints dynamically. "

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. We are pleased to announce that in 2016, wfwp usa was able to raise almost $50,000 for the schools in africa project! 16 events hosted by the local chapters helped to make this possible.