AAWGT: Making a difference in our community! |
Full Circle News:
The Power of One ... Multiplied by Many
In This Issue: How Women Find Their Voices | Grantee Spotlight: CASA | Unsung & Sunserved | Leadership Letter
AAWGT launched the 2019 educational program year on February 13 with a powerful presentation on how much further the military needs to move to fully welcome women soldiers.
Returning service women often face issues similar to those of returning male veterans - PTSD, depression, and relationship problems with children and with spouses. Unlike male veterans, however, women veterans are much more likely to have been the victims of military sexual trauma and are three to four times more likely to become homeless. One of the greatest barriers to women accessing VA medical benefits, including mental health services, is that many don't understand they are eligible. Fear of stigma, lack of child care, and long lead times for appointments are other barriers for women in need of mental health care. Despite the stories of hardships and the constant struggle to win respect and recognition of women as veterans, it was a hopeful evening, led by four strong women who are working and advocating to better the experience for active and veteran military women.
For additional research and articles about women veterans, read this summary of the event. website.
It’s impossible to open the paper without seeing evidence of our hyper-partisan environment: it’s in the headlines, the news articles and especially on the editorial page. This political polarization makes it difficult to have conversations except with those who we know share our political beliefs. But how will we ever bridge that gap if we don’t talk to one another?
Philanthropy is one way to get past the partisan divide. We need to remind ourselves why we got involved in philanthropy in the first place: the belief in the capacity of people to do good and become better. We have an even better opportunity with AAWGT to rise above the partisanship and focus on the needs of our community. Yes, we use our collective dollars to do good. But by engaging with the organization itself, we can come together and work with women who may not share our political beliefs but do share the desire to help those who can get lost in the back and forth of the political football.
With deep appreciation,
Sue Pitchford, President
Sheila Onuska, Vice-President and President-Elect
If your business is interested in sponsoring AAWGT, please email sponsorship@givingtogether.org. |