Power, Politics and Philanthropy

I thought it interesting that, in an interview by Jeff Zucker with Nancy Pelosi this morning, she said, ”I never intended to be involved in politics.  I saw it as an extension of being a mother.  What drives my engine in the morning are the one in four children who live in poverty.  I’m motivated by family.  To answer your question, being Speaker is an incredible, historic honor, but it’s nothing like a newborn baby or grandbaby.  Women can be a unifying force in our country.  It’s important not to have the debate be venomous.  There’s so much at stake.  We have to honor our responsibility to make the future better for our children.  Increasing communication among women will power the future.  Know your power."

Women in politics and women in philanthropy share the same values: children, family, honor, unifying, responsibility, a better future, communication.  And they share the same one of the same methods: understand and know your power.  Go Nancy.

The Asian American Women's Giving Circle and Hali Lee

Although I have not personally met Hali Lee, I feel she is a good friend as I interviewed her for the book, Women’s Giving Circles: Reflections From the Founders, published by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute in August 2009 and we became fast phone friends.  Hali is shown here with her family on their trip to Korea this past summer in celebration of her dad’s 90^th birthday.

Hali is the founder of the Asian Women’s Giving Circle (AWGC) and they are having a big event on Wednesday, September 29 at the Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Center Street, New York City.

The Asian Women’s Giving Circle is a group of Asian American women pooling their money to fund other Asian women in NYC who, according to Hali, “Use their tools of art to further a social equity goal.  We work together to raise resources to support Asian American women-led social change organizations in New York City’s under served community.  We raise resources and philanthropists.  Every donor helps decide which projects are funded.”

At the event on the 29^th, there will be “works in progress” such as a film that examines stereotypes of Asian American women in the media, a music video that raises awareness about sex-trafficking, a documentary about mental illness and suicide in the Asian American community, a multi-media summer workshop for low-income immigrant girls who lives with the legacy of war, and a multi-media art project that features interviews with laundromat customers to show the shifting demographics in NYC neighborhoods.

In its fifth year of raising resources and philanthropists, the AWGC has raised and distributed over $350,000 for thirty-nine projects of individual artists and community-based organizations.  Their goal this year is to raise $100,000.

I applaud Hali and all the women who are part of this fantastic circle of women givers.

Bella and the Book

Well, UPS delivered our new book two weeks after we welcomed our new puppy, Bella, a toy poodle.  Life is pretty exciting and someone, after seeing the picture said there should be one of Bella chewing the book.  Why not, she chews everything else.  But she is darling and we are so excited about seeing the book in its entirety.  We thank everyone who helped make it possible and hope to hear from you.  Do let us know what you liked or would want to hear more about.