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.
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Mary Jane Mikuriya: Servas
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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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