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January 20, 2006

Preview: Women Transcending Boundaries - A Group of Women of All Faiths Come Together, Learn and Bridge Boundaries

One of my big goals for this year is to continue to shine a light on people and organizations that make a difference. In many ways our world is so full of trivial diversions or even negative and frightening events that I think it is absolutely essential to focus on positive people, events and organizations.

As you know, the cause of cross-cultural understanding and the breaking down of barriers of ignorance and intolerance is very personal for me. I fundamentally believe that as human beings we share much more in common than what separates us. I feel that most of our differences are relatively superficial and that deep down inside us there is the common bond of humanity that connects us all.

That's why I intend to to continue my efforts in seeking out individuals and organizations that dedicate themselves to bridging the gap. So a few days ago I started a search on the Internet for interfaith organizations that bring together people from different cultures and different religious backgrounds.

One of the search results in particular, "Women Transcending Boundaries", a Syracuse-based interfaith women's organization, caught my attention. Things got more interested as I continued to explore their website and I decided to call one of the founders, Betsy Wiggins, to ask her for an interview. Betsy explained that her women's group now encompasses more than 300 women, but it started with 2 women shortly after the tragic events of 911, who made a very personal connection.

Betsy explained that after 911she noticed Muslim women being harassed and appearing fearful to venture out in public. She wanted to reach out to them, but didn't know how to do it. Betsy's husband, an interfaith pastor, encouraged her to call the local mosque to find out how to connect with Muslim women, and they put her in touch with Danya Wellmon.

Danya herself is a very interesting woman. Originally a Methodist and very active in her church community, she had been questioning religion for many years and decided to convert to Islam 13 years ago. Danya's choice to become a Muslim was based on an intense study of scriptures and has been part of her own life's spiritual journey.

Both women met and instantly felt a connection. From that point forward the connection expanded and the second meeting included 20 women from several world religions and different countries of the world. Women Transcending Boundaries was born.

Today the organization holds monthly meetings where they discuss fascinating topics relating to women's lives, current events, as well as their religious and spiritual traditions and experiences. The group also holds international dinners and cooking classes that are a wonderful experience of learning and sharing for all the participants.

In addition, Women Transcending Boundaries is involved in major fundraising activities for community projects locally and abroad, they participate in speaking engagements and educate the community.

Women Transcending Boundaries is an example of how the connection of two women has grown to touch hundreds of women locally and has helped many more around the world. It demonstrates the positive impact that one individual or a small group of people can have throughout the world.

Stay tuned for an interview with Betsy and Danya, who will share their experiences of bringing women of all backgrounds together.


Related Stories:
Mary Jane Mikuriya: Servas Traveller and committed volunteer in San Francisco
Robert and Bette Allekotte: Servas members and volunteers for peace and the environment
Pablo Chufeni: Servas traveller and creator of cross border youth exchanges in Latin America, the USA and Canada
Danielle Lafond mortgages her home in Toronto to create a non-profit community organization in Peru
Mony Dojeij and her 5000 km walk for peace from Rome to Jerusalem
Danielle Weiss: Latin America expert who makes a difference


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