"Many of the women at this conference personally demonstrate the power of dedicated women when faced with adversity and challenge," says Donna Chavis, executive director of NCGives. "Their stories inspire others to do good works and their experience helps others to begin similar campaigns which have direct and immediate impact in their communities. Today is not only about learning from each other, it's a celebration of women who are striving to create healthy, sustainable communities because when women are supported, good families are supported and thus strong communities are built."
The movement within the philanthropic world toward such networks is clear and the conference boasted the following with state and nationally-recognized leaders in the field as speakers:
- Chris Kwak, Program Director for Philanthropy & Volunteerism, The W. K. Kellogg Foundation
- Sharon Steele, Executive Director of The Women's Fund of Central Ohio
- Barbara Bradley, Executive Director of Action for Children, NC
- Abby Levine, Foundation Advocacy Counselor of the Alliance for Justice
The conference provided women with the opportunity to network, learn from other NC female philanthropists, celebrate their accomplishments, and continue growth of NC's women's funds. A multi-cultural gathering of approximately 75 women from across NC attended the conference.
Perhaps the most beneficial portion of the conference was the acknowledgement of the great works already being accomplished by these women, disproving cynical perspectives that profess change is too difficult. Natasha Gore started a giving circle consisting of women in their late 20s and early 30s from the Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point area. Lillie Sanders has facilitated the distribution of more than $500,000 worth of food and clothing to people in Duplin County although she and her husband have never had a combined annual income greater than $25,000. Two years ago, Eleanor Owen and four friends created the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina which already has 237 members, providing $237,000 in annual grants to support women's needs and a growing endowment fund.
In addition to the celebration of some of the experiences of women conference attendees and networking, the program offered sessions ranged in educational topics as diverse as the women attending them. Some of those topics include:
- National trends in women's leadership giving
- The status of NC women and children
- The power of public policy to affect change
The North Carolina Network of Women Givers is a powerful statewide demonstration of the social, human, intellectual and financial capital women bring to solve the seemingly intractable problems facing women and children in our state. Through networking and support common to women who join together to address issues, these female philanthropists are contributing time, talent and treasury to their communities. The NC Network of Women Givers provides proof of the power of women when challenged to effect change.
