A Critical Time for The Congo

The new U.S. law regarding conflict minerals is keeping attention on the Congo. Check out this article by John Prendergast of Enough! Project. He suggests that now is the time for the U.S.-- namely Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, to orchestrate and secure a long term solution for this war torn region. Let us hope that this critical window of opportunity is not missed.

Check Option

I have had a number of people tell me that they don't like donating online. So here is a solution for all of you who prefer writing checks. Please make your donation payable to Women for Women International and send it to Waggin' Tails, Attn: Carol, 1525 Aviation Blvd. #185., Redondo Beach, CA 90278. Thank you for your generosity!!!

Art Incites Action

I am so grateful to have experienced one of the final performances in Los Angeles of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, RUINED. The artists were astonishing; the story was both provocative and heartbreaking.

In creating this story, both playwright, Lynn Nottage and director, Kate Whoriskey traveled to Uganda and spent ten days with Congolese refugee women, interviewing them and listening to their horrific stories. What they discovered was that all of these women have a powerful desire to share their stories with the world. Whoriskey commented about this fact, "They wanted Peter Jennings and instead they had Lynn and Kate. We know that theater has such a small voice in comparison but we have done what we can to make these stories heard."

But the voice of RUINED is not a whisper but a powerful call to action. The story gives a face and voice to thousands of women who have suffered unspeakable horrors. They have been raped repeatedly, been beaten and tortured, watched as their husbands and children were tortured and murdered. They are not unscathed but what is truly remarkable is that what remains within them is a spark of hope and courage. Please let us continue to fan this spark. Donate today.

Small Steps in eastern Congo

A rebel commander accused of helping lead the attack that involve the raping of an entire village has been handed over to the United Nations by his superiors. The UN has been subjected to the harsh criticism of the entire international community after it was made known that the UN Peacekeepers in DRC were aware of the mass rapes occurring in a local village and did nothing. It was likely that criticism that was the impetus for the arrest. Read the full Guardian article.

Accountability is one necessary step to break the horrific chain of violence against women in this country.

What's Next??????

Some of you have asked me what's next, if I intend to take up a new cause after the 1000 mile journey. I have a long way to go so I can't believe you all are asking this. I have a commitment to the women of the Congo to raise 50 thousand dollars. Women for Women International's Congo program is making a measurable difference for so many women. I may have to walk 5000 miles to get there. I need some corporate sponsors so please let me know if you are well connected. Also, for those who have donated please be sure to check if your employer has a matching program. I know many larger companies do.

But... Since you asked... The answer is yes. I do plan to continue walking to make a difference. My next project will be to build a school in Cambodia. Girls from poor families who are educated are less likely to be sold into brothels. But that's all I want to say right now except that it will be very exciting --- there will be a contest to name the school.

For now, let's stay focused on the Congo. Donate today. Spread the word. And I'll keep walking.

Meet Lexi

Lexi is the newest and youngest member of Team Canine Congo Run. What she lacks in experience she makes up for in enthusiasm, boundless energy and sheer cuteness. A five month old pit bull mix, Lexi already bears the scars of abuse but she is a sweet, loving girl on the fast track to recovery. Her foster family found her irresistible and soon made her a permanent member of the family--- much to the delight of Henry, her big brother who adores her. Lexi can already keep up with me and Henry on our two hour trail hikes. Once again, I am so grateful to have such delightful company on the thousand mile journey. So for the love of Lexi and all abused animals who forgive people so easily, please give today and assist the women of the Congo on their long road to recovery.

Half The Sky

I am currently reading Half The Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity For Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. This national bestseller, written by the first married couple to win a Pulitzer Prize for journalism, is, I believe, one of the most important books of our time, dealing with the single most important issue of our time: gender inequality. Yes, I do believe that before we can tackle any of the other challenges that we face on a national or global level we must first raise the status of women worldwide. "Through inspiring stories of extraordinary women, Kristof and WuDunn show that the most effective way to fight global poverty is to unleash the potential of women. They also offer an uplifting do-it-yourself toolkit for those who want to help."

I am currently focusing my efforts on the Congo but there are places all over the world where help is needed. And it's not just in the developing world; sex trafficking and forced prostitution occur in this country as well as in other developed nations. It's tragic, it's shocking, it's unnecessary and it's time for the world to stand up and say, "Enough!" In their introduction to the book, Kristof and WuDunn tell their readers, "It's true that there are many injustices in the world, many worthy causes competing for attention and support, and we all have divided allegiances. We focus on this topic because, to us, this kind of oppression feels transcendent--- and so does the opportunity. We have seen that outsiders can truly make a significant difference."

Read this book. Make a contribution of your time, your money or your attention. I know many people are struggling financially right now. But there are so many ways to help. Take a moment out of each day to send healing and love to these areas of the world, envision light in these places of darkness and despair. You can make a difference.