International Women's Day at Lee University 2012

When I speak with young people, I am usually asked, "So what can I do to help?" Here are four steps to get you started. They are by no means exhaustive, but you'll be heading in the right direction.

I wish you the best on your journey!

Christa

1. Be aware

By reading global news, we witness what is happening to our brothers and sisters in other countries, and we can act when necessary.

Three websites that we at Network for Africa read every day are:

AllAfrica.com

IRINNews.org

BBC Africa

You an also find World and Africa sections in most major newspapers (such as New York Times Africa & Washington Post Africa).

2. Raise awareness

Talk with friends about the news you read and hear. Do you belong to a book or movie club? Suggest a book or film that covers current topics of political importance. Check out Rebecca TInsley's recommended novels and movies. You can also order her own recently published novel, When the Stars Fall toarth, which was based on testimonies given to Rebecca by Darfuri genocide survivors. 100% of Rebecca's profits from the book are given to Network for Africa's projects.

Additionally, you can suggest ways to give to reputable charities. Will your church or college club sell jewelry handmade by Rwandan genocide survivors? Will your family buy solar lamps for African widows and orphans, in lieu of birthday or Christmas presents for each other? You can make a difference by getting your friends and family involved. Contact Network for Africa or another charity for more suggestions and help in making your idea work!

3. Know your elected officials

You have a voice - use it! If you want your elected official to take action on an important issue affecting women's lives, let them know. Be familiar with who they are and how to reach them.

Find your US Representative.

Find your US Senator.

4. Go home and love your family and friends

World peace begins with us, loving and respecting each other, and, to the best of our ability, being at peace with those around us.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Women's Day to be celebrated at Lee University March 12-16

In recognition of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, the Lee University Diversity Committee and Diversity Council will sponsor a series of special events during the week of March 12, including two chapel services and a special display in the William G. Squires Library. This year’s theme is “Empowering Women.”

IWD was first observed on Lee’s campus in 2010 and provides students the opportunity to join with the global community to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women to society.

“Lee students, staff and faculty represent women from many diverse backgrounds that do extraordinary things in their everyday lives,” said Diette Ward, IWD chair and electronics resources librarian. “We want to celebrate the women on our campus and their amazing achievements. On IWD we recognize the global impact of women and hope to encourage our students to also make an impact.”

On March 13, Lee alum Christa Bennett (’03) will speak on, “Made in the Image of God,” at 10:40 a.m. in the Dixon Center chapel service. Bennett will discuss women as created in God’s image and their role as active, equal participants in society.

In 2006, Bennett co-founded Network for Africa (N4A), an organization that educates and empowers women and children in conflict areas affected by genocide. N4A is committed to showing women they possess worth and dignity to be a transformative force in society. Bennett graduated with a master’s degree in international relations from King’s College London.

Ordained ministers Heidi Johnson and Christine Curley will conduct a liturgical service in the Lee Chapel on Thursday, March 15 at 10:40 a.m.

The service will offer a mix of Reformed and Anglican traditions, including the Gloria Patri and communion. Johnson and Curley are married to Lee professors Dr. Aaron Johnson and Dr. Brian Peterson, respectively. Dr. Matthew Krepps, professor at Lee, will accompany on the organ and Dr. Phillip Thomas, chair of the Instrumental Music Department, on piano.
Throughout the week, a special display will be held in the Squires Library to honor women who have made significant contributions and experienced remarkable success in the Pentecostal movement.

Every year on March 8, IWD honors the work of those who fought for women’s rights, celebrates women’s achievements, and recognizes the inequalities still to be addressed. Thousands of events occur across the globe to mark the economic, political, and social advancement of women in society.

For more information about IWD, please visit www.internationalwomensday.com. For more information about events on campus, please contact Diette Ward at dward@leeuniversity.edu or call 614-2460.