Apr. 14-20
Women’s Intercultural Center
Th_ Huffington Post
Toni Jacquez, WInC Participant, shows off her artwork.
identified the Women’s Intercultural Center as an incredible women-focused nonprofit.
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Letter From the Executive Director When you have a problem or an important need that’s on your mind, the first thing you want is to find a good listener.
been listening to others males and females outside of our WInC community that have been referred to us by our participants, supporters, donors and partners and some that just seem to wander off the street and somehow find us.
Because before you can act or get help with that problem, whatever it is, it’s best to talk with someone who can understand you and your inner feelings.
We find our work extremely satisfying when we hear from someone who was helped by us. It would please us to be able to fulfill every need; however, sometimes we refer them to other organizations with programs that can more effectively meet their needs. So if YOU have a particular need or know of someone who does, won’t you please send them our way. We will be happy to listen to them and assist them as best as possible to provide them the tools and resources to meet their needs. We provide the space, the time and a listening ear to address anything that they wish to be assisted with.
And that’s just what the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC) is all about. Our participants have a variety of opportunities to be heard. She can talk in her classroom as her peers listen to her without interrupting her or jumping in to give her advice unless asked for. One of my interns from Chicago, found this process fascinating as he was working in our ESL office adjacent to the classroom when he first experienced it. Miguel was amazed at the exchange and how the process worked. In most cases like these, the woman wants to be heard just to process the problem and make a determination as to how to proceed in resolving it.
We are here to help! And YOU can help support our work by making a one time donation of $10, $20, $50 or more. Or you can set up a monthly donation by visiting http:// www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/images/stories/Donate/ donatebutton.png. Want to help support our work but can’t afford to do a financial donation? Select one of the many ways to help us simply by doing every day tasks. Visit us at http://www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/donate to find out a way that works for you!
She can come talk to one of our staff members as listening to our participants is the best thing we do. We encourage them to come to us and tell us all about it, just as they encourage their friends and neighbors to contact us whenever they have a burden they don’t want to face alone.
Listening and helping,
WInC is a place founded on trust, this is the reason why women of all walks of life give us the opportunity to listen to their worries...to work on a good solution...that will meet their personal needs. That’s right. No matter what it is that’s on their mind or in their heart, if they care to talk about it, we’re eager to listen! For almost 20 years we have been listening to the women of our WInC community and for almost five years now, we have Congratulations to the City of El Paso for being listed as #7 in the top 10 best paying cities for women by USA Today. To read the article visit http:// www.usatoday.com/story/money/ business/2013/04/14/women-best-payingcities/2067921/? utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter& dlvrit=206567. Congratulations to our friend Penny Sexton Ledesma for being selected as the
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Local Hero of the Year by the Anthony Rotary Club NM/TX. Penny is the Corporate Responsibility Manager for Arcelor Mittal Vinton. Congratulations to NM Gov. Susana Martinez for making Time Magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world. To read the article visit http:// watchdog.org/80526/nm-gov-susanamartinez-makes-time-magazine-list-of-100 -most-influential/.
A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
REVIEWERS
WANTED Have you ever written an online review of a product or restaurant? GreatNonprofits.org – a review site like Yelp or TripAdvisor – is honoring highly-reviewed nonprofits with their 2013 Top-Rated List. We could earn the chance to meet with leaders in philanthropy & technology at the annual Technology for Social Good event in CA or online promotion worth $20,000. Won’t you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a review of your experience with us? All reviews will be visible to potential donors & volunteers. It’s easy and only takes a minute! Go to http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/write/womensintercultural-center-inc to get started! 3
"Ready to Run" conference was informative, exciting about two blocks north of the border.
Alamogordo Daily News Ellen Wedum, Cloudcroft Posted: 04/15/2013 09:29:47 PM MDT
Thanks to a grant from Rutgers University, the support of many local elected officials and volunteers from Doña Ana and Otero counties, and El Paso, the "Ready to Run" Campaign Training for Women conference was a stimulating, enjoyable experience for both the presenters and the young women attendees. The conference was April 12-13 at the Women's Intercultural Center in Anthony. The town of Anthony straddles the border between New Mexico and Texas, and the center is
Various party activists, city council members, county commissioners and legislators were among the presenters for discussion sessions on Strategies for Using the Media (state Sen. Bill Burt), Launching Your Campaign (DPNM 2nd CD vice-chair Stephanie DuBois and Alamogordo Mayor Susie Galea), Navigating Political Parties (Doña Ana and Otero county chairs Christy French and Nadia Sikes) and others. I moderated a presentation titled, "Identifying Issues in the Local Area," where we heard about Wayne Hancock, of Las Cruces, whose opposition to having a cell tower in his neighborhood impressed city council members with his persistence and informed presentations. Las Cruces Mayor Pro
Tem Sharon Thomas (another of the four presenters) then recruited him for one of the volunteer city commissions, which led to his running for, and being elected as, a Doña Ana county commissioner. This is the first time that the "Ready to Run" program has had presentations in New Mexico. I was very impressed by the dedication and hard work of Mary Carter, the executive director of the Women's Intercultural Center, and Sara Bartlett Large, "Ready to Run" coordinator/intern, Women's Intercultural Center. I also am very grateful for the contributions from Sikes, Galea, DuBois and Burt. I hope this informative, non-partisan conference will be even bigger and better next year.
Comments received about the New Mexico / Texas Borderlands Campaign Training for Women
Thank you for inviting me. It was a necessary event (Ready to Run Conference), very interesting and hopefully two to three women from the conference will run... ~Javier Ortiz, Private Consultant and Ready to Run Panelist - Navigating the Parties.
Thank you so much for inviting me to participate -- I really enjoyed myself! I was so very impressed by your conference and I will be happy to support you again in the future. ~Christy L. French, Chair, Democratic Party of Dona Ana County
Congratulations on a successful first program! Thanks again for your hospitality and the opportunity to observe Ready to Run, I left with nothing but accolades and look forward to hearing about how the program grows. ~Deanna-Marie C. Norcross, Project Coordinator for the Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
I am sorry I missed the conference, but I was required to attend university meetings and panels that Friday, and I left town on Saturday. I wanted to see the fruit of your and Sara's efforts and work. But I have no doubt that the conference was indeed a success. Congratulations! Kind regards, Dr. Isabel Baca, UTEP Professor
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
Sen. Linda Lopez prepares to run for governor Article mentions her attendance to the Ready to Run Conference. Posted: Monday, April 15, 2013 8:47 pm By Steve Terrell of The New Mexican
She might be best known outside of her district for her role as chairwoman of the Senate Rules Committee. During the recent session of the Legislature, Lopez held confirmation hearings on Martinez’s choice two years ago of Hanna Skandera as secretary of Public Education. Although the hearings lasted for three days, the committee never voted on the nomination. Lopez has said State Sen. Linda Lopez, an Albuquerque she might hold another committee Democrat, said Monday that she’s ready hearing on Skandera this summer. to run for governor.
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Lopez, who first was elected to the Senate in 1996, told The New Mexicanthat she has appointed a campaign treasurer but still needs to set up a campaign account and complete the paperwork at the Secretary of State’s Office before formally announcing.
Lopez, who owns a consulting firm in Albuquerque, earned her bachelor’s degree (1987) as well as a master’s in business administration (1992) at the College of Santa Fe. She also attended law school at The University of New Mexico but dropped out when her mother became ill, she said.
Another Democratic state senator who is frequently mentioned as a possible gubernatorial candidate, Joe Cervantes of Las Cruces, couldn’t be reached for comment Monday. Whoever ultimately wins the Democratic primary could start at a financial disadvantage against the incumbent governor. Last week, campaign finance disclosures showed that Martinez had nearly $1.5 million in the bank for her re-election campaign. King had less than $103,000. Outgoing state Democratic Party Chairman Javier Gonzales told The New Mexican last week that he believes a Democrat can defeat Martinez, despite her current popularity. But, he said it probably will take at least $8 million — including the candidate’s campaign spending, the state party’s and spending by pro-Democrat independent political groups — to do it.
While pundits for months have mentioned Lopez as a possible candidate, speculation about a Lopez campaign got a kick start on the Internet on Sunday. Fellow senator Bill Soules of Las Cruces tweeted that “Martinez will NOT be the “I’m preparing,” she said, adding that “I’ll bring a new energy to the Governor’s only Latina running for Gov. Sen Lopez she’ll probably make it official next week. Office,” Lopez said. IS running. Only one truly cares about So far, the only other Democrat in the NM and New Mexicans.” race to challenge incumbent Republican Keller, who this year was elected DeGov. Susana Martinez is Attorney Genmocratic whip in the Senate, said he’s Both Soules and Lopez had attended eral Gary King, who sought the job years also been considering running for state a conference in Anthony, N.M., on ago and has been a candidate for the treasurer or state auditor. However, Saturday for women considering 2014 nomination since last year. Keller said some elected Democratic running for office. The name of the officials recently have urged him to run conference: “Ready to Run.” At least one other Democrat is considerfor governor, telling him he “fits the ing the race. State Sen. Tim Keller, an profile” of the type of candidate the party At least one Republican political Albuquerque businessman, said Monday needs — a “fresh face” with a backoperative in New Mexico took a “Gohe’s also thinking about entering the guground in business. ahead, make-my-day” attitude toward a bernatorial primary. Lopez campaign. Adam Feldman However, Keller said a major considera- re-tweeted Soules’ tweet, adding the Lopez, 49, ran for lieutenant governor in tion is that he and his wife are expecting message “Run, Linda Run!” 2010, coming in fourth out of five canditheir first child in July. Keller said he’ll dates in the Democratic primary. probably decide by early summer if he’ll Contact Steve Terrell at sterjump into a statewide race. rell@sfnewmexican.com. Read his political blog at roundhouseroundup.com. 5
COUNTY SEEKS TO FILL SEATS ON VALUATION PROTEST BOARD Doña Ana County is accepting applications for positions on the Doña Ana County Valuation Protest Board. Each two-year appointment requires a commitment of several full workdays, possibly up to two full work weeks, each year for protest hearings. The New Mexico Department of Taxation and Revenue will reimburse each board member at a rate of $80 per day and 44 cents per mile for round-trip transportation to the Doña Ana County Government Center for days on which hearings are scheduled.
Applicants may not hold elected office while serving on the Valuation Protest Board, nor may they be public-sector employees. All applicants must be registered voters in Doña Ana County. To be considered, send a letter of interest and a resume to the Valuation Protest Board Nomination Committee, c/o Andy Segovia, Doña Ana County Assessor’s Office, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88007. Applicants with substantial knowledge of the Doña Ana County real estate market
and appraisal methodology are preferred. Deadline for receipt of applications is 5 p.m. Friday, April 26. The committee’s nominees for the post will be submitted to the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners for approval at a subsequent meeting. The commissioners may also appoint alternate members. For more information, contact Mark Krohn at (575) 525-5548. Residents calling from outside the Las Cruces area may call toll-free at 1-877-827-7200 and request extension 5548.
Immigration Legal Assistance Program Diocese of Las Cruces areas of operation.
Most people are not aware that the Immigration Legal Assistance Program being provided by the Catholic Charities Diocese of Las Cruces (CCDLC) was incubated at the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC). The program was implemented in partnership with the Diocesan Migrant Refugee Services (DMRS) based in El Paso, TX and funded by the New Mexico Community Foundation. It was designed to provide free immigration legal services to the rural communities of Southern NM. A $25 consultation fee was required in order to ensure commitment and follow through of the legal process. Once we proved the program could be successful, we transferred the legal program to the Catholic Charities Diocese of Las Cruces.
They have done an excellent job in providing services for the area. We have referred many of our participants enrolled in the Spanish Citizenship Class to secure their services in filling out their Naturalization Applications and Fee Waivers. This past week we had them visit the Center to provide information to our participants about the array of services they are currently providing to the community. They had quite an engaging conversation. We are encouraging all of our participants residing in Southern New Mexico needing immigration services to them. We encourage you to refer anyone you know to utilize their services. They do charge a fee; however, it is a much cheaper rate than if you had to pay any other immigration attorney.
Today the CCDLC Legal Services Program operates with the mission to be the legal medium through which the foreign -born in the border area can transform their economic, social, and cultural potential into vital economic productivity and effective social and political participation.
You can read more about the programs being offered at CCDC at http://www.catholiccharitiesdlc.org/.
The staff of the program accomplish their mission by providing professional immigration legal services to moderate and low-income residents of the 10 southern counties of New Mexico. They have expanded the program through a partnership with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center to broaden the scope of their work in an effort to coordinate immigration law assistance with neighbor counties to the north outside the
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To schedule an appointment or to get more information about the immigration legal services, you may contact their office at 575-203-1001.
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
Based on the success of our work, people from all over the world contact us asking us for assistance from projects in Egypt to projects in Africa. This week we shared some ideas with Metis Nation of Ontario for hands on activities for women's workshops relating to honoring themselves as women, promoting holistic health, and preventing violence. To read more about the organization visit http://metisnation.org/. We provide very personalized services to our participants. One we particularly love to do is counseling young women on how to attain and fund their college education. Most people believe that there are no
scholarships for undocumented immigrants; however, there is and we are always happy to provide the listing to individuals that are willing to overcome their barriers to attain it. The last cake decorating class of the semester has been moved to Friday at 9am to give an opportunity to the participants that live out in Zaragoza the opportunity to attend then End of Semester celebration. If you haven’t picked up your assignment sheet at the Center, please do so before the scheduled class. BE AWARE!!!!! There is a scam happening in Las Cruces. Lorena Hermosillo, C.A.S.E. Program Coordinator, has received numerous calls regarding a couple by the name of Phil and Carmen Urbina. Apparently this couple has been visiting the retirement homes in the Las Cruces community offering to do "Car Detailing" for some of the residents. He asks them to pay first
and tells them that as soon as they are done with one of the cars they will come back and pick theirs up; they DO NOT return! They become very friendly with the residents and then take advantage of them even more. The last incident that she heard of they offered to help sell the furniture of an elderly couple that lived at the retirement home. When the elderly woman gave them her keys to her home they took all her furniture and never paid them for anything they had promised to sell. Please spread the word to all the elderly community to stay away from any individual they do not know. Lets do what we can to protect them from this scam! Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Lorena Hermosillo, C.A.S.E Program Coordinator, Victim Advocate of the 3rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office at 845 N. Motel Blvd, 88007, 575.524.6370 ext-1149.
We've been identified as an incredible women-focused nonprofit by The Huffington Post. They've asked us to join their RaiseForWomen Challenge that starts on April 24, 2013, which is being launched in association with Half the Sky, Crowdrise, and The Skoll Foundation. Prizes include $75,000 in cash, publicity in the HuffPost, celebrity interactions, and more. They will also be giving us the opportunity blog at will on The Huffington Post, in front of its 50 million unique visitors per month. YOU can support our cause by donating a minimum of $10 online at http:// www.crowdrise.com/ winciswhereitstrts/fundraiser/ wincstrongwomen/donate.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 7
People of all ages love Zumba! Check out videos of the Zumba Participant’s children mimicking their moms at http:// www.youtube.com/user/WInCStrongWomen
Itzae stopped by to visit the Center as her mom, Ilse, prepared her office for her return to the Center after her Maternity Leave.
Flowers made by the Arts & Crafts class.
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
Mural being painted in the Center’s patio by the Girls Scouts. 9
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
Like a mirage, WInC keeps seeing a vision where everyone understands our work. We think: if they only understood everything that we do, they would fund us, donate to us, support us, appreciate us, respect us. After all, we're human. This mirage beckons to many sectors: such as teachers, farmers, restaurants, scientists, etc. In spite of our achievements and international recognition, we often need to remind people that we are not a large nonprofit...we are a grassroots nonprofit residing at the heart of the communities we serve and we need your support to continue our work.
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We love our participants! listen to each other sing, too. Sharing food and recipes all the time is deliciously welcomed! We all laugh when we tease each other. Our participants are hilarious.
Some participants spend their day learning how to use a computer; Norma gives them personalized instruction as she teaches them the basics. Others chat away as they work on their personal crocheting projects under Ester’s guidance. Close friendships are made like in the Arts and Crafts class where the participants car pool and host a potluck every time they meet. And the art students make beautiful paintings – not a bad way to spend the day! But do you know the best thing about being at the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC)? It’s the learning that takes place. Taking classes at WInC is great for participants intermix with funny, hard working, creative, and nice individuals that support each other. WInC participants are so darn funny! Who can’t help but double over laughing with the jokes that are shared? Or when Ilse screams out with her accent, “Oh my goodness!” Sukie usually has something hilarious going on in her mind when she looks at you and cracks her sneaky smile! Yadira has dance moves that are a serious talent that you can’t help but Toni Jacquez, WInC admire Participant, show s off her artwork. and laugh as others try to imitate her. Pass by any of the classrooms and you will hear a roar of laughter or just plain fun as they learn. We
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“Work hard,” is something we preach each semester, the participants get it. They know that their effort will take them far. They’ve seen this happen. I remember Guadalupe when she came in to show her peers her Naturalization certificate and shared her experience in taking the U.S. Citizenship Exam. I think of the hours Carmen puts into learning English so that she too may achieve her goal of U.S. Citizenship, or the time that Michelle pours into the masterful cakes she learned to make because of Luzelva, or the energy the Zumba students put into their workout. There are two young men that religiously take the Capoeira class. When I think of the effort and intellect behind Heidi’s Intermediate class, Conchita’s passion for sharing her knowledge on alternative healing, and the hours our participants spend learning beyond the class schedule, I know, “They’ve got this HARD WORK thing in them!” Our participants are creative! I loved their paintings from Art class that were up on the wall of our gallery during our Mujeres Unidas en Arte Exhibit filling the room with so much color and beautiful images! Their creativity rocked! I am amazed by their floral arrangements, baskets, coke tab purses, quilts, scarves, cakes, piggy banks and everything that they do. Allen’s fiction writing will make him a famous author one day! Annette, Rosie and Pam’s bodies and feet wove intricate tapestries in the gallery when they lead the Zumba class. I love the voice and power in Chelo’s personal narratives and the confident smile in Martha’s completed projects. This creative spark fascinates us. They create, innovate, solve, and smile! Our participants are nice. The world may undervalue “niceness,” but not us. We push its virtue upon our participants every time they are here. They know that being nice will help them farther than anything else we can teach them. Yes, they work hard, are creative, have fun and are funny. But most of all; they are nice to others and to the world. I see this when Lupe quickly helps others carry their things to class or when she cheers on her peers to successfully complete their assignments. I see this in the way Patty asks me how Olivia is doing or about my family with genuine care and warmth. I love the way Josefina listens to everyone with such a charming smile. Niceness. It’s in Nancy’s eyes, Jesus’ heart, and Irma’s soul. It’s the critical element and secret of success in life, in happiness, and in true friendship. The experiences we share here are utilized to reflect on the days our participants are out there in this tricky world where it’s not always easy to be nice. We love our participants!
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
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We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers, supporters, donors and partners for the efforts that they put forth on behalf of the Women’s Intercultural Center. Your actions add so much to our operations and provide us the capacity to continue our mission of educating, empowering and engaging women. Please know that your efforts are worth while as together we are the catalyst for change in the lives of our participants. Special thanks to:
Rosie and Patty you guys always brighten our day with your daily visits and the delicious food you bring to us. Thank you for the pineapple empanadas and the homemade pumpkin seeds, always...they were delicious! We enjoyed the empanadas with our morning coffee and the seeds were a great snack for us in the afternoon.
We love Tuesdays and Thursdays because we know that we are going to be treated to a spectacular meal by the Arts & Crafts class who always share their lunch with us. Every single one of these ladies is an incredible cook! Thank you for your generosity!
Lisa did a wonderful job as our intern. She really connected to our work and continues to support our cause. She continuously encourages her family, friends and co-workers to clean out their closets and donate their unused items to our Thrift Store. She takes that extra mile to pick the items up, clean and wash them, and deliver them to the Center. Thanks for your efforts in helping fund our operations by helping maintain our Honeycomb Thrift Store stocked. And thank you Sukie for spending your Saturday helping us process and stock the items that Lisa brought.
Andele Tutors is one of our most committed partners. They actively support our work in a variety of ways and they are always a pleasure to work with. We thank Lorna and Raphael for their recent financial donation in support of our Ready to Run Conference.
And thank you to the anonymous donors that drop off their item donations at our door.
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
dates to remember For additional information please contact us at 575-882-5556 or the contact number listed next to the event announcement.
April
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Earth Day. You can take action during this annual observance by volunteering or pledging to make small changes in your life to help protect the planet.
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Autism 101 at 12pm. Learn what autism is and the early signs and available interventions presented by Myrna Trujillo from the Centro de Autismo Mariposa.
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Syringe Exchange Program from 1 to 4pm. Turn in your used syringes in exchange for new ones from the NM Department of Health.
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End of Spring Semester Celebration starts at 11am. Time to celebrate YOUR achievement(s)! Bring your favorite dish and join the celebration!
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Monday, Memorial Day. In observance of the holiday WInC will be closed.
Start of Summer Semester Classes. Review the calendar for dates and times of the classes being offered.
June
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Come and celebrate Fathers Day. There will be a potluck at 12 p.m. Share with us your favorite dish and have fun.
July
May
Let's celebrate Independence Day with a potluck at 12 p.m.
Cinco De Mayo Essay Contest Awards Ceremony & Informal Health Sciences Academy meeting at 12pm. Join us for brunch, to meet local politicians and to learn about the focus of the Health Sciences Academy. For information on essay contest details visit http:// www.scribd.com/doc/136805155/4-18-13-Cinco-deMayo-Essay-Contest.
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Mothers Day Potluck Celebration at 12 p.m. Bring out your favorite dish and share with your family and friends as we celebrate the most important woman in your life: Your Mother!
Independence Day. In observance of the holiday, WInC will be closed.
May 6 through Friday, May 24: Summer Semester Registration starts. Class schedule will be available at the Center and online.
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Parents Day Potluck at 12pm. Come and join us in the celebration.
End of Classes Celebration at 12pm. Time to come and share with us your achievements. Bring your favorite dish and join the celebration
Interested in teaching a class, scheduling a workshop, presentation or training at WInC? We are always searching for Volunteer Instructors to teach in their areas of expertise. We currently have a special need for a haircutting instructor. For more info, contact Ilse Arrieta, Program Coordinator at 575-882-5556 or via email at iarrieta@qwestoffice.net. 15
Women’s Intercultural Center WHERE IT STARTS 303 Lincoln Street / PO Box 2411 Anthony, NM 88021 575-882-5556 Fax: 1-866-285-7245 www.womensinterculturalcenter.org
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