Opinions

Womenade offers ways to contribute

As we settle into this year with all the changes taking place in our nation, we have been taking notice of the many things we often take for granted — things like quality medical care, outstanding education for our kids and grandkids, clean air and water, pristine parks and unspoiled places, diversity in our communities, reliable news sources and access to the arts, to name just a few. With many of these privileges feeling potentially threatened complacency is no longer an option. Finding ways to participate and contribute feels more important than ever. So that's just what a group of Anchorage women (as well as a group of women in Fairbanks) did recently.

"If you have lemons, make lemonade; if you have women, make Womenade." This was the adage used by of a group of D.C. women several years ago as they came together to help those in their community who needed a hand. Womenade was born and in the years since, Womenade groups have gathered all over the country, in all kinds of settings, for all kinds of causes, to make a difference in their communities.

[Thousands of Alaskans march in solidarity with women's events nationwide]

It is a simple idea: friends invite friends, who in turn invite their friends, to gather at someone's house to share a meal and contribute to a worthy cause by making a donation. The positive energy of people coming together in friendship and connection to make a difference is truly powerful, as well as great fun. The idea was sparked in Fairbanks by Jennifer Jolis where nearly $15,000 was raised for various local organizations.

[A thousand strangers become kindred spirits]

In Anchorage, we have just held our second Womenade event. The first was for a local cancer support group, Let Every Woman Know. The latest Womenade gathering was held in support of Planned Parenthood. A local PP official and a board member joined us to provide statistics and information about the crucial progress the agency has made in providing quality health care and vital education throughout our community, our state, as well as throughout the world. They also informed us about how to be more effective agents of change. We were proud to show our support and help Planned Parenthood in some small way. The evening of food, friendship and learning led to over $2,700 in donations for Planned Parenthood's important mission here in Alaska.

May we all find ways to continue to participate, to cooperate, to engage and make connections with others in order to give back and contribute to our communities. There is no place for complacency or animosity but there is plenty of room for action. Positive energy can go a long way!

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Judy Murphy is a retired high school counselor and Sara Peebles is a retired teacher now working with ASD bilingual students. Both are longtime Alaska residents.

The views expressed here are the writer's and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary@alaskadispatch.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@alaskadispatch.com. 

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