"It is the obligation of every person born in a safer room to open the door when someone in danger knocks." —Dina Nayeri August 7th, 2023 |
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WoW was invited to attend Happy Hour with the Ukrainians on July 9th. There were traditional food, songs, and fundraising efforts to support their families back in Ukraine. Samira, WoW’s Executive Director, was able to speak briefly about Women of the World and the different resources we have that can help Ukrainian women in Utah. Thank you to the Ukrainian community for inviting us to join your celebration. We’re grateful to partner with you in making Utah a welcoming place for refugees. |
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We continued our Legal Workshop Series this month, with a particular focus on housing issues. Each session discussed important aspects of being a renter in Utah, including information about how to document issues that arise, what is and isn’t legally allowed in regards to evictions and the importance of always attending hearings and responding to court documents. These workshops are vital for forcibly displaced women as they empower them with knowledge about their rights and the legal protections available to them, especially within Utah. These workshops help women access justice, prevent exploitation and abuse, and make informed decisions about their lives and families. By understanding the legal system, displaced women can rebuild their lives, assert their rights, and become less vulnerable. Moreover, legal literacy fosters social integration and active participation in their new communities, contributing to their overall well-being and that of their families. Thank you to Utah Legal Services for sharing your time and expertise with our wonderful clients at WoW! |
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Girls in STEM Workshop Series |
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On Mondays in July, Women of the World had the fantastic opportunity to partner with Thanksgiving Point to host a Summer Girls Science Workshop Series. These workshops help girls in grades 3-7 develop a love for science in a female-empowering environment. Each week, they’ve explored a different branch of science including robotics, forensics, and paleontology. The final workshop will be held in August and teach entomology and scientific illustration. Women of the World is excited to have been able to offer a space for exceptional learning for the children of our amazing clients. We believe that inspiring young girls in STEM is essential to promote gender equality, close the gender gap in male-dominated fields, tap into their talent and potential, and help to foster diverse perspectives to tackle global challenges. By encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers, we ensure a more balanced and inclusive workforce, driving economic growth and future-proofing careers in an increasingly technology-driven world. Ultimately, inspiring girls in STEM empowers them to reach their full potential, contributing to a better and more innovative future for all. Thank you to the staff from Thanksgiving Point who came to teach each week and helped to foster such exciting opportunities! |
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Women of the World knows how vital learning English is to our clients’ success in their new Utah home; therefore we continue to offer our conversation classes every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at lunchtime. However, we’re excited to be able to offer more targeted learning opportunities as well. After a successful first session of our Intensive English class in May and June, our second session of Intensive English started at the beginning of this month. Meeting 3 hours a day, 4 days a week, these students and their teacher, Dan, work hard on grammar, writing, reading, and especially speaking English in order to help the students interact more effectively in their new community. Additionally, July saw the start of a new Computer and Professional English class, targeting the English skills needed to be a successful worker. On Monday and Wednesday afternoons, Women of the World’s Employee Partnership Program managers Roxie and Yael direct students on how to become more computer literate and to understand appropriate idioms and language practices useful in the workplace. These skills will allow them to perform better in their jobs and be more economically self-sufficient. |
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Hip & Humble Summer Soiree |
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Our director Samira is tireless at creating and nurturing partnerships that will expand WoW’s reach and build greater resources for our clients. This month, Samira attended a networking “Summer Soiree” with Women Who Succeed at Hip & Humble. This was a great opportunity for her to talk with other businesswomen in our community about the great things we’re doing here at WoW. Thank you to both Women Who Succeed and Sheridan Mordue (owner of Hip & Humble Boutique) for allowing us to share in your mission of empowerment and equity! |
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On July 24th, 15-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alicia Keys contacted Women of the World, and “as a token of gratitude for the work” we do, gave our staff and community free tickets to her upcoming concert at the Maverik Center in West Valley. Scores of our staff, volunteers, clients, and their family and friends met and enjoyed a fantastic evening of great music and spectacle. Alicia’s music is often focused on recognizing and encouraging women to believe in themselves and work toward their dreams. Thank you to Alicia and her amazing team for supporting Women of the World and for empowering women everywhere with your example! |
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Muslim American Heritage Month and the 1st Annual Halal Market |
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Utah has the distinction of being the second state in the nation to officially enact legislation designating July as Muslim American Heritage Month. In the words of the Utah Muslim Civic League (UMCL), “Such an observance not only highlights the rich tapestry of Muslim heritage but also is a catalyst for fostering unity and understanding amongst various communities across Utah and beyond." In celebration of this achievement, the UMCL hosted its first annual Halal Food Festival & Cricket Match. The market showcased food trucks and vendors from both restaurants and home businesses. One of our clients, Fatima, participated as a vendor and sold out of her delicious chicken curry! WoW is proud to be part of a community that celebrates its Muslim neighbors. |
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Women of the World continues to expand its work and is hiring again for a variety of positions. Please visit our website at womenofworld.org/ and click on “Careers” for a full description of our open positions: |
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Development Director: The Director of Development is a new and exciting full-time position for Women of the World. There is incredible opportunity to elevate both the awareness for the organization and strengthen community support. The individual hired will lead efforts to design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy with a focus on expanding awareness in the community and building support amongst individual donors, especially major gift prospects. This position reports to the Executive Director. |
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Volunteer Coordinator (Americorps VISTA): The goal of the VISTA at Women of the World will be to produce effective strategies, policies, and procedures for future staff members to utilize in fulfilling WoW’s responsibilities in respect to their three programs of Community Development, Customized Service, and Economic Empowerment. To support these efforts, the VISTA member will focus on developing resources and pathways for volunteer management, community partnerships, social media management, client-focused entrepreneur and career advancement capacity development, and event marketing. |
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Case Manager (Employment Partnership Program): Case Managers connect clients to employment, health, and social service resources in the community with the goal of helping clients become self-sufficient. Our Case Managers will gain valuable experience assisting with a variety of professional duties that contribute to the efficiency of operations within the Customized Advocacy, Community development, and Economic Empowerment programs. Case Management services include an array of support services such as referral for health care, childcare, housing, utility assistance, language, and vocational training, family wellness training, emergency financial assistance, and transportation and interpreter/translation assistance to help clients access and utilize services in culturally and linguistically appropriate manners. WoW’s Employment Partnership Program builds on our mission to empower women from all nations to achieve independence, economic success, and a voice in the community by connecting women to beneficial employment opportunities in Utah. |
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August 7: Girls in STEM Workshop @ WoW August 7: Volunteer Orientation, 5:30 @ WoW August 10: USPS Job Fair, 1:00-4:00 @ WoW August 11: Housing Workshop #1, 11:00-12:30 @ WoW August 18: Housing Workshop #2, 11:00-12:30 @ WoW August 25: Housing Workshop #3, 11:00-12:30 @ WoW September 12: Welcoming Week Open House 3:00-7:00 @ WoW |
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