Send a note of thanks to a relief worker in Haiti
http://act.oxfamamerica.org/site/PageNavigator/haiti_thanks
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ethiopian Commodities Exchange
Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin, a native of Ethiopia, is an awesome, inspiring woman. After spending much of her life in exile in the United States, Eleni decided to return to her home country of Ethiopia in order to fulfill her dream of revolutionizing Ethiopian trading systems through the Ethiopian Commodities Exchange (ECX). The following is a link to an extremely sophisticated video documenting who Eleni is, how she first came up with the idea, the challenges she encountered in trying to implement it and the ultimate successes of the program:
http://video.pbs.org/video/1197888947/
I am so intrigued by this video and Eleni's story for a number of reasons, but first and foremost I am inspired by this awesome woman's innovation, courage, and commitment to what she believed in. Despite having a privileged, comfortable life in the U.S., Eleni was drawn to do something more, and so she left all she knew, everything she was comfortable. On a basic human level this sort of courage baffles me. Perhaps it is because I feel most alive when enjoying the comfort of richly developed relationships and the prospect of making such drastic changes to one's life situation necessitates drastic changes in one's social situation. However, more than simply leave the U.S. Eleni returned to a society dominated by men. Nearly all the people Eleni works with on a regular basis, from buyers and sellers to her ECX administration to the government officials, almost all are men. When video viewers do see women active in Ethiopian trade, it is usually on the most rudimentary levels such as basic commodity production or basic office paper shuffling. Over the course of the 53 minute video, there were approximately two short scenes with women other than Eleni in these sorts of roles. More over, Eleni was not only a woman venturing to work in a man's business but a woman venturing to revolutionize a way of business, a way of life from how a people have done it "forever," as her business operations director, Ben, put it. In the face of these challenges and more, Eleni worked tirelessly to realize her dream of creating a commodities exchange system with a commitment that was awesome in the truest sense of the word.
Eleni's success, however, seemed to be more than just relentless commitment. As the Ethiopian Prime Minister put it, she seemed to have "commitment, vision, and skills." This statement led me to ask what is the nature of social progress? Or even more generally, what is the nature of implementing a new ideological system? It seems that inherent in the concept of commitment is focus. While my initial thought was that this focus would likely lend itself to problem definition and the identification of where one is going to focus one's efforts, after chewing on the idea a bit more it seems that focus or clarity embodied in commitment could also be aptly applied to the vision or goals being worked towards, as well as the skills facilitating the accomplishment of that vision. This investigation of the nature of social action at a community level continued on to stretch me a bit more than I anticipated, seeming to next beg the question of what I am being called to focus on, what/where/who I could be committed to. Eleni seemed to embrace an interest that was natural for her, her home country, what are my natural interests? For some reason I have always been interested in culture, global issues, and now potentially, at some point, international social work, but what is the best approach to social change? I've heard the phrase, 'Think globally, act locally,' which is what Eleni seems to be doing with her ECX, but are people really most invested and therefore most affecting in communities that are their own? I am eager to make a change, am deeply touched by the injustices around the world, particularly those affecting women and children, but where is the best place to start? Perhaps it is different for everyone and in such diversity of response that we collectively address needs?
One of the issues that often seems to come up in my work as a social worker in responding to the needs of individuals and then society is the issue of access. My conceptualization of 'access' was challenged by this video as Eleni worked to discover the underlying causes of famine in Ethiopia. The gist of her work was learning that famine is not necessarily about lack of food production but lack of entitlement, lack of access. Having always resided in the U.S. I never really thought of access to food as an issue to do with much more finances, having money to pay for food. Furthermore, I have never really had the immediate need to question how I am going to get my food for the day or how I am going to find a buyer for the single product I have produced, a product upon which my entire livelihood depends. Because of this, watching Eleni renegotiate such a basic piece of infrastructure was mindboggling; I had no concept of what it is like to not have a framework through which to access goods. Although I am still far from understanding the intricacies associated with the development of modern exchange systems and economies, I can at least now conceive of a country's infrastructure as including more than just roads, housing, schools, and infrastructure. More than challenge my understanding of access and infrastructure, this concept led me to wonder how else my life as an American skews my view of the world around me. What else am I missing? What am I assuming? What am I misinterpreting?
http://video.pbs.org/video/1197888947/
I am so intrigued by this video and Eleni's story for a number of reasons, but first and foremost I am inspired by this awesome woman's innovation, courage, and commitment to what she believed in. Despite having a privileged, comfortable life in the U.S., Eleni was drawn to do something more, and so she left all she knew, everything she was comfortable. On a basic human level this sort of courage baffles me. Perhaps it is because I feel most alive when enjoying the comfort of richly developed relationships and the prospect of making such drastic changes to one's life situation necessitates drastic changes in one's social situation. However, more than simply leave the U.S. Eleni returned to a society dominated by men. Nearly all the people Eleni works with on a regular basis, from buyers and sellers to her ECX administration to the government officials, almost all are men. When video viewers do see women active in Ethiopian trade, it is usually on the most rudimentary levels such as basic commodity production or basic office paper shuffling. Over the course of the 53 minute video, there were approximately two short scenes with women other than Eleni in these sorts of roles. More over, Eleni was not only a woman venturing to work in a man's business but a woman venturing to revolutionize a way of business, a way of life from how a people have done it "forever," as her business operations director, Ben, put it. In the face of these challenges and more, Eleni worked tirelessly to realize her dream of creating a commodities exchange system with a commitment that was awesome in the truest sense of the word.
Eleni's success, however, seemed to be more than just relentless commitment. As the Ethiopian Prime Minister put it, she seemed to have "commitment, vision, and skills." This statement led me to ask what is the nature of social progress? Or even more generally, what is the nature of implementing a new ideological system? It seems that inherent in the concept of commitment is focus. While my initial thought was that this focus would likely lend itself to problem definition and the identification of where one is going to focus one's efforts, after chewing on the idea a bit more it seems that focus or clarity embodied in commitment could also be aptly applied to the vision or goals being worked towards, as well as the skills facilitating the accomplishment of that vision. This investigation of the nature of social action at a community level continued on to stretch me a bit more than I anticipated, seeming to next beg the question of what I am being called to focus on, what/where/who I could be committed to. Eleni seemed to embrace an interest that was natural for her, her home country, what are my natural interests? For some reason I have always been interested in culture, global issues, and now potentially, at some point, international social work, but what is the best approach to social change? I've heard the phrase, 'Think globally, act locally,' which is what Eleni seems to be doing with her ECX, but are people really most invested and therefore most affecting in communities that are their own? I am eager to make a change, am deeply touched by the injustices around the world, particularly those affecting women and children, but where is the best place to start? Perhaps it is different for everyone and in such diversity of response that we collectively address needs?
One of the issues that often seems to come up in my work as a social worker in responding to the needs of individuals and then society is the issue of access. My conceptualization of 'access' was challenged by this video as Eleni worked to discover the underlying causes of famine in Ethiopia. The gist of her work was learning that famine is not necessarily about lack of food production but lack of entitlement, lack of access. Having always resided in the U.S. I never really thought of access to food as an issue to do with much more finances, having money to pay for food. Furthermore, I have never really had the immediate need to question how I am going to get my food for the day or how I am going to find a buyer for the single product I have produced, a product upon which my entire livelihood depends. Because of this, watching Eleni renegotiate such a basic piece of infrastructure was mindboggling; I had no concept of what it is like to not have a framework through which to access goods. Although I am still far from understanding the intricacies associated with the development of modern exchange systems and economies, I can at least now conceive of a country's infrastructure as including more than just roads, housing, schools, and infrastructure. More than challenge my understanding of access and infrastructure, this concept led me to wonder how else my life as an American skews my view of the world around me. What else am I missing? What am I assuming? What am I misinterpreting?
Lifting the veil
The following link is to a photo essay of several women in Yemen entitled, "Showcase: Lifting the Veil, Part Way."
Let me know what you think!
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/showcase-118/
Let me know what you think!
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/showcase-118/
Spotlight on Ciudad Juarez
The most recent edition of the BBC Global News Podcast (Feb 12 10am) takes a look at today's arrival of the Mexican president to "Mexico's Most Dangerous City," Ciudad Juarez.
What sort of statement is he trying to make? Would the city be better off if the federal governement pulled out of Juarez in a silent agreement with the cartels as some suggest? In all this, who dares to speak and act on behal and with the endless victims of the drug violence, many of whom are women?
See below for the link to the BBC Global News page:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/globalnews/
What sort of statement is he trying to make? Would the city be better off if the federal governement pulled out of Juarez in a silent agreement with the cartels as some suggest? In all this, who dares to speak and act on behal and with the endless victims of the drug violence, many of whom are women?
See below for the link to the BBC Global News page:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/globalnews/
NMSU Human Rights Event
Click the following link for info on a local human rights event!
http://iri.nmsu.edu/immigration-reform-and-h.html
Read on for a summary and goals of the conference (taken from the above website):
Summary
It is widely recognized that immigration policy in the United States is in need of major revision. The main reasons for mass migration are well-recognized and include the economic and employment disparities between nations, as well as political persecution and lack of channels for advancing more equitable models of development. However, recent debate in the US has tended to emphasize the security aspects of immigration control, including deterrence strategies and greater border enforcement. This conference will discuss the potential of a human rights framework for informing policy debates and promote a new understanding of the causes and consequences of migration.
Goals
The conference brings together a distinguished group of faculty researchers, community leaders, and students in order to address the following goals and questions:
•To discuss the different pieces of the reform debate, particularly legalization, law enforcement and detention policies, social integration of immigrants, and development alternatives in sending communities. What proposals are being made at the national level, and what are some possible scenarios for advancing reforms that give greater weight to the human rights of migrants? What participation do non-governmental organizations and civil society have in this debate?
•To ensure that immigrants in New Mexico and other border states are heard in national reform debates. What are community organizations doing to raise awareness of the problems facing immigrants in New Mexico? How do they collaborate with counterparts in other border states and in Mexico?
•To build an immigration-focused curriculum and research program at New Mexico State University, in collaboration with other universities in the state, the region, and the world. What current work is being done by NMSU faculty and students to help meet the needs of the immigrant population, particularly in the areas of child protection, civil liberties, education, and employment?
http://iri.nmsu.edu/immigration-reform-and-h.html
Read on for a summary and goals of the conference (taken from the above website):
Summary
It is widely recognized that immigration policy in the United States is in need of major revision. The main reasons for mass migration are well-recognized and include the economic and employment disparities between nations, as well as political persecution and lack of channels for advancing more equitable models of development. However, recent debate in the US has tended to emphasize the security aspects of immigration control, including deterrence strategies and greater border enforcement. This conference will discuss the potential of a human rights framework for informing policy debates and promote a new understanding of the causes and consequences of migration.
Goals
The conference brings together a distinguished group of faculty researchers, community leaders, and students in order to address the following goals and questions:
•To discuss the different pieces of the reform debate, particularly legalization, law enforcement and detention policies, social integration of immigrants, and development alternatives in sending communities. What proposals are being made at the national level, and what are some possible scenarios for advancing reforms that give greater weight to the human rights of migrants? What participation do non-governmental organizations and civil society have in this debate?
•To ensure that immigrants in New Mexico and other border states are heard in national reform debates. What are community organizations doing to raise awareness of the problems facing immigrants in New Mexico? How do they collaborate with counterparts in other border states and in Mexico?
•To build an immigration-focused curriculum and research program at New Mexico State University, in collaboration with other universities in the state, the region, and the world. What current work is being done by NMSU faculty and students to help meet the needs of the immigrant population, particularly in the areas of child protection, civil liberties, education, and employment?
Feminization of Poverty
While this blog is likely to reflect my own varied interests and passions within the realm of human rights, I did say that it would in part focus on the feminization of poverty. Well, what does that phrase even mean? How can the terms 'feminzation; and 'poverty' be defined? The following link to a one page, generally accessible document from a blog maintained by the Growth and Crisis program of the World Bank Institute gives a succinct outline of what the phrase means, jargon that will likely come up several times as we continue to explore the concept.
http://blogs.worldbank.org/growth/feminization-poverty
While the one page overview maybe somewhat of a dry read for those not personally invested or connected to the issue of trends and patterns in poverty, it does lay a foundation for discussion to begin building upon. The question the overview seems to end with though, is at the end of the day who has the power to do something about it, to make the terms and definitions discussed more than just words on a page or screen? More than that, who is willing to work to make the terms and definitions discussed more than just words on a page or screen? The authors suggest that policy makers around the world should feel compelled, as expressed in the following quote:
"The feminization of poverty combines two morally unacceptable phenomena: poverty and gender inequalities. It thus deserves special attention from policymakers in determining the allocation of resources to pro-gender equity or anti-poverty measures."
But really, how much do policymakers care? How in touch are they with the daily lives of their constituents? These and other questions like these have been in the back of my mind the more I realize how concentrated power in our society really is. A few weeks ago I had the privilege to go to the Round House in Santa Fe, home to New Mexico's policy makers. Before going up state, I knew cognitively that policy makers and the legislature they enacted not only had a very real effect on me and people like me, sisters, brothers, daughters, mothers, fathers, social workers, nurses, receptionists, construction workers, bartenders, etc, but I did not really have a concept of how these policy makers were also sisters, brothers, daughters, etc. Seeing first hand some of the most powerful people in our state laughing, talking, joking, making mistakes, and having quirks reminded me how these people are human too. Somehow this realization made the whole process seem less far away, more accessible, and more pertinent. Ultimately, it gave me hope. While I once (and sometimes still do) would have been more than a little hesitant to wonder about how much to invest in policymakers when it comes to such grave issues as the feminization of poverty, this experience challenged me to reconsider. As such, I truly hope that the terms, phrases, and definitions will continue to be discussed in blogs, newsletters, classrooms, coffee shops, and living room sofas.
http://blogs.worldbank.org/growth/feminization-poverty
While the one page overview maybe somewhat of a dry read for those not personally invested or connected to the issue of trends and patterns in poverty, it does lay a foundation for discussion to begin building upon. The question the overview seems to end with though, is at the end of the day who has the power to do something about it, to make the terms and definitions discussed more than just words on a page or screen? More than that, who is willing to work to make the terms and definitions discussed more than just words on a page or screen? The authors suggest that policy makers around the world should feel compelled, as expressed in the following quote:
"The feminization of poverty combines two morally unacceptable phenomena: poverty and gender inequalities. It thus deserves special attention from policymakers in determining the allocation of resources to pro-gender equity or anti-poverty measures."
But really, how much do policymakers care? How in touch are they with the daily lives of their constituents? These and other questions like these have been in the back of my mind the more I realize how concentrated power in our society really is. A few weeks ago I had the privilege to go to the Round House in Santa Fe, home to New Mexico's policy makers. Before going up state, I knew cognitively that policy makers and the legislature they enacted not only had a very real effect on me and people like me, sisters, brothers, daughters, mothers, fathers, social workers, nurses, receptionists, construction workers, bartenders, etc, but I did not really have a concept of how these policy makers were also sisters, brothers, daughters, etc. Seeing first hand some of the most powerful people in our state laughing, talking, joking, making mistakes, and having quirks reminded me how these people are human too. Somehow this realization made the whole process seem less far away, more accessible, and more pertinent. Ultimately, it gave me hope. While I once (and sometimes still do) would have been more than a little hesitant to wonder about how much to invest in policymakers when it comes to such grave issues as the feminization of poverty, this experience challenged me to reconsider. As such, I truly hope that the terms, phrases, and definitions will continue to be discussed in blogs, newsletters, classrooms, coffee shops, and living room sofas.
Volunteerism
Good news, volunteerism is up! A recent article in the USA today suggests that the number of people giving back to their communities is up as a result of the recession:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/sharing/2010-01-26-volunteers_N.htm
The article also identifies that women are the main reason for the growth, followed by a note by Leslie Lenkowsky, a professor at Indiana University who claims that "Women have always been more likely to volunteer than men." This makes sense based on what I know about the social service sector. Almost all the students in my social work classes, in both my undergraduate and graduate programs, have been women. When I have served at soup kitchens in different area, both local and away, most of the volunteers have been women. At the recent "Empty Bowls" fundraiser for the local El Caldito soup kitchen, the volunteer demographic was even less diverse, as most of the soup servers, bread basket fillers, silent auction coordinators and drink booth facilitator were older, white women.
But why? Some might suggest, like the more traditional Catholics I have encountered, that it is because women are intrinsically more caring and nurturing. While it is undeniable that women do bear the burden for bearing children for our species, does this necessarily create a link between women and an attitude of caring or have patterns of societal norms led us to believe so? Furthermore, does mean that on the other hand men are less caring? I have trouble with this as three of the most caring people I have ever met are men. Although this reasoning might be attractive to some, particularly as it less political than some of the alternative reasons, I am more inclined to think that work history, level of education, and societal value (or lack thereof) of certain traditionally "female" jobs has meant that women have less access to stable work in fields that are fairly compensated and valued by society. Thinking of the older women at the soup kitchen fundraiser, another factor that might be appropriately thrown in is life expectancy. Women live longer than men and thus simply have a longer time during which they are able to volunteer.
I am not saying women are not caring and nurturing. I am not saying men are not caring and nuturing. However, I am wondering how much articles like these, though appropriately affirming good work in the community, continue to reinforce stereotypes and societal norms that limit both women and men.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/sharing/2010-01-26-volunteers_N.htm
The article also identifies that women are the main reason for the growth, followed by a note by Leslie Lenkowsky, a professor at Indiana University who claims that "Women have always been more likely to volunteer than men." This makes sense based on what I know about the social service sector. Almost all the students in my social work classes, in both my undergraduate and graduate programs, have been women. When I have served at soup kitchens in different area, both local and away, most of the volunteers have been women. At the recent "Empty Bowls" fundraiser for the local El Caldito soup kitchen, the volunteer demographic was even less diverse, as most of the soup servers, bread basket fillers, silent auction coordinators and drink booth facilitator were older, white women.
But why? Some might suggest, like the more traditional Catholics I have encountered, that it is because women are intrinsically more caring and nurturing. While it is undeniable that women do bear the burden for bearing children for our species, does this necessarily create a link between women and an attitude of caring or have patterns of societal norms led us to believe so? Furthermore, does mean that on the other hand men are less caring? I have trouble with this as three of the most caring people I have ever met are men. Although this reasoning might be attractive to some, particularly as it less political than some of the alternative reasons, I am more inclined to think that work history, level of education, and societal value (or lack thereof) of certain traditionally "female" jobs has meant that women have less access to stable work in fields that are fairly compensated and valued by society. Thinking of the older women at the soup kitchen fundraiser, another factor that might be appropriately thrown in is life expectancy. Women live longer than men and thus simply have a longer time during which they are able to volunteer.
I am not saying women are not caring and nurturing. I am not saying men are not caring and nuturing. However, I am wondering how much articles like these, though appropriately affirming good work in the community, continue to reinforce stereotypes and societal norms that limit both women and men.
What's the point?
As I may have shared before, this blog is the product of the Cyberfeminism course I'm taking. As part of this assignment we are required to start a class blog. I'm hoping to continue the blog even after the class ends, so I've decided to post what I've written for the class here as well. Continue reading for the first post...
I'm not sure for how long I have been interested in human rights issues, but I do know this interest plays a large role in why I became a social worker. For nearly as long as I have been interested in human rights I have been interested in women. While I can't really say that I have always had a great connection with other women, for some reason growing up most of my friends were guys, I can say that the place I come from, the place in which I am most rooted, has surrounded me with strong, independent, capable women: my family. My mom, my paternal grandma, and especially my maternal grandma all played large roles in shaping the woman I am today, and for this I am grateful.
This gratitude is not a gratitude turned in on itself, however, as it has challenged me to not only think of others who do not have access to the same opportunities and situations as I do, but to ask the question "Why?" Why do women get abused, physically, emotionally, and verbally by their partners, the person who is supposed to care fot them the most? Why does society allow for women with equal education, skills, and abilities to do the same work as men without the same pay? Why are women not allowed to be priests in my Catholic tradition? Why are women forced into prostitution to pay to food on the table for their young families? Why do some people still believe a woman's place is "barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen?" Why do so many women around the world not have access to education? Why are women and children such a large number of today's poor?
Although it is sometimes tempting to avoid the question of "Why?" and just give money to a cause, I have never been able to shake the intrinsic pull I have towards helping others. So, even though when I was asked as a youngster "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I answered veterinarian, marine biologist, teacher, and doctor, I became a social worker. That said, if I were to write a blog (I think after this class I may actually continue the blog I've started) I would write it about international human rights issues. My rootedness in women would likely mean that more often than not I would include posts, links, and stories about women. More specifically, and for the purpose of this sort of introductory blog, I would focus on the feminization of poverty.
I am 23 years old. I come from an educated, upper middle class Catholic Hispanic family. I played clarinet in the band and took honors classes. Neither my brother nor I ever had to go to daycare, we were always with some family member or another. I have never experienced any sort of major trauma, either natural or man made, unless you count the abhorrent man made concoction of the fried Twinkie. I will be the first to acknowledge that I have had a privileged life. As such, I am also the first to admit that I have a lot to learn. While in some cases I am able to reframe it as a "fresh approach," in other cases my naiveté is just absurd. The more I work in the field as a social worker the more this is glaringly obvious. The temptation to be frightened, overwhelmed, and utterly devastated by the social injustices of the world has been alluring, however, what would be accomplished if I were to give in to this temptation? Who would I help? Who's life, if not made better, would at least be made more tolerable for knowing that someone cares and is walking with them in the midst of their plight?
So instead of focusing on the negative, obsessing on what I can't do, and fixating on how horrible the world is, my blog would surely have to look for the good. Of course it would have to be rooted in truth, and while sometimes the truth is ugly, I have to believe that more often it is beautifully inspiring. And surely, this sort of beauty is magnified by sharing it with others? Starting a conversation in which we embrace community, not only as a means to support and consolation but as a means to organizational power and influence. Not only would I attempt to spotlight the amazing work and lives of women around the world and those advocating for them, I would do my best to try to offer my readers (if I had any!) to become advocates themselves by posting action alerts, links to local community organizations, media coverage of events.
All that said (written), the goal of my blog would be to 1) inform readers about human rights issues, particularly the feminization of poverty, 2) inspire readers with stories of people like themselves who care enough to not only read about but work for social justice, and 3) empower readers to take action, even if only in small ways.
I'm not sure for how long I have been interested in human rights issues, but I do know this interest plays a large role in why I became a social worker. For nearly as long as I have been interested in human rights I have been interested in women. While I can't really say that I have always had a great connection with other women, for some reason growing up most of my friends were guys, I can say that the place I come from, the place in which I am most rooted, has surrounded me with strong, independent, capable women: my family. My mom, my paternal grandma, and especially my maternal grandma all played large roles in shaping the woman I am today, and for this I am grateful.
This gratitude is not a gratitude turned in on itself, however, as it has challenged me to not only think of others who do not have access to the same opportunities and situations as I do, but to ask the question "Why?" Why do women get abused, physically, emotionally, and verbally by their partners, the person who is supposed to care fot them the most? Why does society allow for women with equal education, skills, and abilities to do the same work as men without the same pay? Why are women not allowed to be priests in my Catholic tradition? Why are women forced into prostitution to pay to food on the table for their young families? Why do some people still believe a woman's place is "barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen?" Why do so many women around the world not have access to education? Why are women and children such a large number of today's poor?
Although it is sometimes tempting to avoid the question of "Why?" and just give money to a cause, I have never been able to shake the intrinsic pull I have towards helping others. So, even though when I was asked as a youngster "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I answered veterinarian, marine biologist, teacher, and doctor, I became a social worker. That said, if I were to write a blog (I think after this class I may actually continue the blog I've started) I would write it about international human rights issues. My rootedness in women would likely mean that more often than not I would include posts, links, and stories about women. More specifically, and for the purpose of this sort of introductory blog, I would focus on the feminization of poverty.
I am 23 years old. I come from an educated, upper middle class Catholic Hispanic family. I played clarinet in the band and took honors classes. Neither my brother nor I ever had to go to daycare, we were always with some family member or another. I have never experienced any sort of major trauma, either natural or man made, unless you count the abhorrent man made concoction of the fried Twinkie. I will be the first to acknowledge that I have had a privileged life. As such, I am also the first to admit that I have a lot to learn. While in some cases I am able to reframe it as a "fresh approach," in other cases my naiveté is just absurd. The more I work in the field as a social worker the more this is glaringly obvious. The temptation to be frightened, overwhelmed, and utterly devastated by the social injustices of the world has been alluring, however, what would be accomplished if I were to give in to this temptation? Who would I help? Who's life, if not made better, would at least be made more tolerable for knowing that someone cares and is walking with them in the midst of their plight?
So instead of focusing on the negative, obsessing on what I can't do, and fixating on how horrible the world is, my blog would surely have to look for the good. Of course it would have to be rooted in truth, and while sometimes the truth is ugly, I have to believe that more often it is beautifully inspiring. And surely, this sort of beauty is magnified by sharing it with others? Starting a conversation in which we embrace community, not only as a means to support and consolation but as a means to organizational power and influence. Not only would I attempt to spotlight the amazing work and lives of women around the world and those advocating for them, I would do my best to try to offer my readers (if I had any!) to become advocates themselves by posting action alerts, links to local community organizations, media coverage of events.
All that said (written), the goal of my blog would be to 1) inform readers about human rights issues, particularly the feminization of poverty, 2) inspire readers with stories of people like themselves who care enough to not only read about but work for social justice, and 3) empower readers to take action, even if only in small ways.
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