What I Did:
For the past 11 years, a grass-root committee hosts a brunch in March honoring 3 women nominated from the community as unsung heroines who go above and beyond, usually with little to no recognition for their selfless acts; as role models for us all to show the difference one person does have in a community. Attendance the first year was only 20. Last year, we peaked at 150 attendees of all ages and professions. We often have entertainers from the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities, as well as local groups.
For our 10th anniversary, we also hosted a free movie night and showed 'Iron-Jawed Angels'.
How I Did It:
With a lot of help! Committee members include: Altrusa International, a Mary Kay director, the local NAACP representative, and staff from WESST in New Mexico (Women's Economic Self-Sufficiency Team), and women leaders from banks and local businesses.
We often have entertainers from the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities, as well as local groups.
Advice
- get the community involved and use the local media (newspaper, radio, and television) to help spread the word and call for support.
- I also recommend working to a plan and starting early (we meet in September as our first planning session).
What were your hopes and goals? Were they met?
My/our hopes were met in that we honor 3 women each year and public support has grown over the years. On a personal note, my daughter is now involved which makes me proud! Younger women are learning our collective history and we are passing the torch to the next generation.
