Empowerment of Women
Program: Empowerment of Homeless Women and Cultural Exchange

Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, during the Special Session of the Millennium Summit stated, "Poverty is a global issue and that homelessness is one of the major components."

The United Nations and members of the international community have provided various mechanisms, technology and numerous methods to reduce poverty and to help alleviate homelessness and other components of poverty. None of these methods will succeed without the empowerment of the homeless, themselves.

Through funding from HIP-Health Plan of New York, the National Council of Women/US was given the opportunity and challenge to address an aspect of poverty with homeless women through a program of empowerment and exchange. In cooperation with the Grand Central Neighborhood Social Service Corp. (GCNSSC) the program,The Empowerment of Homeless Women and Cultural Exchange was established. The empowerment Series Program and Luncheon were at the Church of Convent, New York City.

The program goal is to encourage and empower homeless women to reclaim their self esteem, self worth and dignity in preparation for entering or re-entering the workplace in the development of a productive livelihood.

The program addresses mental health and other personal issues that appeared to affect positive attitudes and behaviors needed for maintaining a positive and productive livelihood.

For additional information email info@ncw-us.org

Children's World
Program: The Children of the World

A video was produced entitled The Children of the World: One Family. The video was design especially for children and on behalf of children traumatized by the events of 9/11.

This video is available and can be shown to children of all ages. Interested individuals, institutions and organizations with a mission to care for children may obtain more information. Email info@ncw-us.org and request The Children of the World video.

Racial, Spiritual and Ethical Harmony

The Founder of the National Council of Women of the United States over 100 years ago dedicated not only to the struggle for women's equality, but they and their predecessors dating back to 1830 and 1840 were leaders in the Anti-slavery movement as well. Their founding documents stated their vision as an "A federation of all races, creed and traditions to further the application of the golden rule to society, custom and law".

Today, the entire world resounds with a new drumbeat of racial, spiritual and ethical hostility, conflict, violence and misunderstanding. The human, social and economic cost for these prejudices affects all and society pays a terrible price for these misdeeds.

In keeping with the pioneering tradition of our founders and social responsibility, NCW/US will implement a new project that will address the advancement and enhancement of racial, spiritual, and ethical harmony.

We have a special concern for all children and their future and a great concern for the double jeopardy still facing many women especially minority women of all ethnic groups. This project will have a long-term focus.

This project will emphasize the positive aspects in our society and will recognize efforts to create racial, spiritual and ethical harmony. We will build upon the many fine activities of our affiliated member organizations and we will spearhead and implement programs that will include:

• Recognition of the contributions of the corporate sector
• Recognition of outstanding women leaders and advocates addressing the issue of racial, spiritual and ethical harmony
• International Lecture Series - Luncheons
• A Series of dialogues between and among people with of different ethnic background and views
• Special programs for children of all ages