My Nonprofit Reviews
jellen
Review for Women For Women International, Washington, DC, USA
I have sponsored 6 sisters in war-torn countries since 2006, and have corresponded with all of them. W4W sends me information about them and their countries, and sends me an exit summary when each woman completes her year of training and group participation. This past year they have begun creating centers so the women can continue to participate beyond their initial year. I have also read the founder's autobiography. She is clearly an amazing human being, dedicating her life to strengthening women who have been scarred by war in 8 countries around the globe. The focus is on helping women heal from their emotional wounds, strengthen their ability to work together in community, advocate for their rights, and earn income for their families. The group has received some impressive awards over the years, and tons of recognition for its work.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the summaries of progress I receive at the end of the women's year of training, and through the information in the book "Half the Sky" by Kristoff and Wudunn, who have observed firsthand the work and impact of W4W, as well as the book written about the Run for the Congo, which supports thousands of women participants in the Congo, and the experiences of the author in visiting her sisters.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
help it manage its growth better. Administratively it is not keeping up as well as it might with its donor sisters - I am guessing becucase it has grown exponentially in recent years. It needs to continue improving its systems for tracking and communicating with its donor sisters. I would also make it possible for every recipient sister to be connected to and supported emotionally by W4W permanently in the years following their first training year.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Provide better communications about my sister's progress.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes - made me more of an advocate, involving and educating friends and many others.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Mostly great, tho I regret that a few of my friends have discontinued their sponsorships because they ahve been frustrated by inadequate communications from their sister or W4W.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Review for Central Asia Institute, Bozeman, MT, USA
Incredible organization with amazing leadership, impact, focus. I've read both the books, heard its founder speak, and am starting this year to make an annual donation. I've also given his books to others. His way is so much better than going to war. I wish we were doing what he is doing everywhere we are using guns instead of diplomacy and time/money/goods to improve the status of people who have far less than we do.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I haven't, but have heard from people who have witnessed the impact firsthand.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Spread it to every country that has people in poverty, children without an education, and adults at war internally or with other countries.
