A RWN woman is…

…a bridge, an advocate, and a leader for refugee and immigrant women.

From start to finish, the 9th Annual Refugee and Immigrant Women’s Leadership Conference was a model of colaboration and participation.

A national conference advisory group formed and supported the staff at RWN in figuring out the theme, types of tracks to be offered, and selecting the keynote speakers.

The group selected “In Our Hands: Building Solidarity & Community,” to note the significant contributions that the refugee and immigrant communities makes in solidarity with their American counterparts in building a stronger and a more just community for everyone.

Integral to the planning process was a vision for an art station at the conference; a place where participants would create artwork as a both healing and relaxing exercise. When  three local artists Sally Wyle, Robey Tapp and Ruth donated their time, supplies and love, the art station became a reality.

Sally, Robey and Ruth had been working with RWN Health Promoters in creating a journaling project. meet RWN woman/HP journaling. The Health Promoters had learned to express their knowledge through art. At each session they shared their journal and worked on a group project which became the center piece and the healing center  of the conference in 2008.

After decorating the hand, participants decided where the hand would go and pinned it there.

Sally, Robey and Ruth encouraged women to use glitters, beads, ribbons and markers to bring their inner artists.

Once the conference was over, the artists worked with the Health Promoters to finish the tapestry.