Vital Voices and Mentoring Womenby: AlegreTue Dec 09, 2008 at 22:32:47 PM EST |
| I just got back from a holiday open house and bazaar at the new offices of Vital Voices. The place was packed with women and it was so much fun to listen in on some of the conversations. Every time I turned around I heard a pair of women talking about jobs and how one could help the other find something wonderful to do. This wasn't just about celebrating the holidays with each other. And it wasn't about shopping (though the chance to find a wonderful gift and know the money we spend will go to help women in the developing world was a big draw). It was about networking and lifting each other up.
I ran into one friend and she was talking to a young woman who'd worked at Vital Voices as an intern - encouraging her to get involved in a new project and talking about how she might help her find that perfect job. I teased her about how she's always finding new ways to mentor young women, and she said "Well of course I am! We have to teach what we know to the women who'll take all this up someday and continue the work!" Truer words were never spoken folks. This seems to be a rare thing in DC - a town that's very competitive and at times - cut-throat when it comes to people trying to beat out the other guy to get ahead. That teaches nothing to the young people who'll follow in our footsteps. The men and women involved with the amazing work of Vital Voices understand the importance of mentoring and teaching others. Of supporting each other and helping them be all they can as we work to make this world a better place. Tonight I celebrate that spirit of support as I think of the people who've supported, taught and encouraged me over the years. I've also been able to teach a few things to some of the young women and men I've met lately and it's a great feeling to know that I'm finally in a position to help and teach others. I want to encourage all of you to think about the young people in your lives. How can you help them understand and learn - to take up the battles we're fighting now once we run out of steam and slow down? And hey - if you have a minute, take a look at some of the beautiful things they're selling via the Vital Voices marketplace page, and maybe buy some of your holiday gifts there. The items are made by women in the developing world and the money you spend will go to help support them and their communities. I bought a beautiful basket made in Darfur. |