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Executive Notes
It is often said that just an encouraging word
can make the difference. I want to foster among our women the willingness and
openness to be encouraging to each other and those around us. Hopefully the
words you find here will always have the ability to do just that. And as often
as I am led here is where you will always find the desires of my heart for CWC
and the community we serve.
28 Aug 2009
CWC was born and established during a time of great turmoil
and loss and until recently has been a rather informal and reactive group. CWC
is in the process of growing up and moving forward. Due to the great efforts
of the women involved and partnering with other grassroots organizations the new
face of CWC is evolving into a professional proactive organization, with a
distinct agenda and detailed plans for future community action programs. The
goal of CWC is to become an established and recognized organization with the
ability and influence to affect change at the local, state, national and
international levels.
Currently the Biloxi Mayor has vetoed the much needed
improvement of Henry Beck Park. The park is located in Ward 2, a predominately
low income area of the city and was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Revitalizing the
park is vital in reestablishing the community for the residents who are
displaced and for those struggling within it’s borders still. CWC actively dialoguing with other organizations
in the community discussing how the park can be saved through community involvement and action.
Without the support of the Mayors’ Office this may be the only way to save and
improve the park.
CWC became a part of the US Human Rights Network whose
mission is to deliver reports to the United Nations as a shadow of reporting
done by the Federal Government regarding human rights issues. Recently, the
committee was in Geneva, Switzerland for the 75th CERD (Committee for
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination) and presented a shadow report making
recommendations following the Bush Administration Reports regarding the recovery
and rebuilding efforts post hurricanes Katrina Rita and Gustav.
These are just a few of the projects and programs that CWC
has become actively involved with in order to meet the goals of the mission and
vision of the organization.
The volunteers, staff and community at large have been a
critical part of the constant growth of Coastal Women for Change and will remain
the key elements for the future of CWC and the community it serves.
Sharon Hanshaw
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