How we can all #inspireinclusion
The #WickedWednesday newsletter is inspired by my desire to share stories focused on promoting community and creating positive change, something we all need more of nowadays.
The long awaited list of International Women's Day (IWD) events in Massachusetts is finally here! When I saw the lack of Massachusetts events on the IWD site, I made it my mission to search the internet far and wide to curate a special list just for #WickedWednesdays.
Before we get to the good stuff, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the theme of #inspireinclusion.
As we transition from #BlackHistoryMonth to #WomensHistoryMonth, it is not lost on me the need for allyship and actively speaking out for one another, regardless of race or gender. Because to me, #inspireinclusion means progress & progress is not a zero-sum game.
As the famous Shirley Chisholm quote goes, "if you don't have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." I've also heard a new version of the quote declaring "we're building a brand new table."
Now, I'm no woodworker, but I do know the value of creating something new. It's exciting. It's hard work. There are people who would rather keep bringing folding chairs to the already existing table. Yet, we have the tools to include everyone, if we put aside our fear of the unknown.
So, let's get building!
The Unofficial List of MA IWD Events
Event registration linked on the date lines. Free unless otherwise noted.
What am I doing on International Women's Day? I'm excited to finally be attending an event that has been on my list since I moved to Boston.
On March 8 at 9 a.m., Simmons University will host the annual International Women's Day breakfast where there will be a panel discussion entitled "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges," moderated by Karen Holmes Ward, host of CityLine at WCVB-TV Channel 5.
I will be there and a special thank you Black Lion Strategies for sponsoring this event!
On March 3 at 1 p.m. at MIT, the Nepali Women's Global Network (NWGN) New England Chapter will be hosting "invest in women, accelerate progress, inspire inclusion."
On March 7 at 6 p.m. in-person, Boston Public Library will be hosting a discussion on gender equity and finance.
On March 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ula Cafe in Jamaica Plain, join local author and travel entrepreneur Beth Santos for her official book release of WANDER WOMAN: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo.
On March 8 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an International Women's Day breakfast and panel entitled “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress."
$35 ticket price: On March 8 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at Salem State University, the ACE Women's Network will be hosting an International Women's Day breakfast where Mara Bolis, Fellow at the Center for International Development at Harvard’s Kennedy School, will deliver the keynote Preparing for the Future of Work Through a Gender Lens.
If you want to attend a local IWD for a good cause (& dancing!)
On March 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Kenda Scott jewelry will be donating 20% of sales to Junior League of Boston and their focus on Advancing the Economic Empowerment of Women and Girls in Boston.
Suggested donation of $20 per person: On March 8 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at High Street Studios in Ipswich, there will be a dance party raising funds for Holler Health Justice, a POC- & queer-led racial, economic & reproductive justice nonprofit in West Virginia.
Donation of $30 per person: On March 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. at New World Tavern in Plymouth, enjoy tunes from the 70s to today and please consider bringing a donation of a period product for The Lady Locker or making a donation to help end period poverty for girls and women in the community.
Feel free to check out https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ for more ideas on how to celebrate!
Got feel good stories to share for future #WickedWednesdays? Visit wickwriters.com, post a comment below or drop me a line at rachaeldubinsky@gmail.com.
Until next week, stay #wicked.