News from FAWCO

by Danielle Kuznetsov

2020 is under way and not wasting any time moving us forward.

The women of FAWCO are already hard at work in their local communities and preparing for this year’s conference in Luxembourg. Here is the link to register if you are interested in attending https://www.fawco.org/about/conferences/upc oming-conference.

As an AWO Moscow member, you are automatically eligible to become a member of the FAWCO family: 60 clubs in 30 countries (mothers and daughters!) that join forces together to enact change in the world. The conferences not only serve to manage the “business” of FAWCO, but also to build community, connect club members to each other, and raise funds to support the FAWCO Foundation’s programs that focus on improving the lives of women and girls worldwide.

FAWCO is volunteering at its best and offers something for everyone! If you are interested in global issues and want to partner globally with other women, this IS the organization to join. For US citizens, FAWCO offers several ways to be informed on issues important to Americans living and working overseas. Check out this link to read about the upcoming elections, tax information resources, and REAL ID, and changes affecting children born outside the US: https://www.fawco.org/us-issues.

For clubs, the Development Awards are a fantastic way to bring FAWCO’s power back to your local community. Is there an organisation you want to support or invest in? FAWCO offers grants in Education, Human Rights, Health, Environment, and Global Issues. The application period for 2020 is closed, but don’t let that deter you from taking this opportunity seriously for 2021. Here is the link to read more about it: https://www.fawcofoundation.org/programs/de velopment-grants.

For individual members, The Education Awards are there for YOU or your family members - daughters and sons- to learn and grow. $45,000 worth of Academic, Member, and Dual Cultural Awards are available to apply for yearly. Why not take advantage of this? To read more about them and those who have received them, click on this link: https://www.fawcofoundation.org/programs/ed ucation-awards. The Target Project is funded and invested in by FAWCO members to empower women and girls. Target Programs follow a three year cycle of awareness, education, and project selection. Once a project is voted on, clubs work together to fundraise, monitor the project, and provide review and evaluation. All funds raised during the three years support the Target Project. Take a look at the short listed projects coming up for vote in Luxembourg: https://www.fawco.org/global-issues/targetprogram/health/blog-health-matters/4248-thethree-shortlisted-target-project-proposals.

Finally, FAWCO is a United Nations accredited non-governmental organization (NGO) with special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). If you are interested in UN advocacy and getting involved, follow this link for more information: https://www.fawco.org/un-advocacy.

FAWCO is waiting for you! Come and experience the rewards of investing your time and talents to improve the lives of women and girls both near and far. Bring your daughters as well and let the women inspire them to dream big. I will close with a quote from Emily Van Eerten, FAWCO President. “Our children don't necessarily listen to what we SAY, but they do model our behaviors — I can't think of a better mindset to model to our children than volunteering with FAWCO.”