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        • Thank You 2022 Sponsors!
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Find all the good we are up to on our blog.

WGC eNewsletter - July 2020

7/31/2020

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July 2020

​WGC Donors and Friends,

August is Black Philanthropy Month, which is a global celebration and concerted campaign to elevate Black philanthropic leadership around the world - and the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is excited to support it again this year as a financial sponsor, and locally in two ways:

First, tomorrow we launch our daily WGC’s “Our Giving, Our Stories!” Daily Profile Series throughout the month of August. Chaired by long-time WGC supporter and former Advisory Board member Malynda Madzel, I hope you'll follow along on our social media pages and our website to read about these inspirational philanthropists in our community!

And, we are hosting WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Virtual Happy Hour this coming Monday, August 3 at 6:00 pm, where we will celebrate our profile series and discuss women's giving in our 
county. Hosted by long-time WGC supporter Candace Dodson Reed, with featured speakers Jackie Hrabowski and Cynthia Bell, this will be a wonderful way to celebrate Black Philanthropy Month together - register here today!

Read on below to learn more about WGC's Black Philanthropy Month efforts, including us having a chance to discuss on the Elevate Maryland Podcast at 2 pm - tune in! And, make sure you read our latest WGC Her Mind Magazine columns that discuss Black Philanthropy Month, and our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts.

There's lots going on during the hot, hazy days of summer - please join with us and learn more about these incredible, dynamic philanthropists in our community!

Warm regards,


Barb Van Winkle
WGC Chair

wgcchair@wgchowardcounty.org

READ THE FULL ENEWSLETTER HERE

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"Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily HoCo Philanthropist Profiles in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month

7/29/2020

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August is Black Philanthropy Month.

Black Philanthropy Month is a global celebration and concerted campaign to elevate Black philanthropic leadership, and the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is excited to support it.


"We are excited to continue our support of National Black Philanthropy Month" said Hina Naseem and Judy Smith, co-Chairs of WGC's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. "Informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership are among the goals of this annual celebration and we are committed to advancing this important work in philanthropy, both in our community and across the country."

The WGC will highlight Black Philanthropy Month with two celebratory efforts:

WGC’s “Our Giving, Our Stories!” Profiles

Beginning on Saturday, August 1 and each day in August thereafter, the WGC will be sharing daily profiles of Howard County philanthropists in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. We look forward to highlighting these inspirational stories of women in our community who will discuss what moves them to give their time, talent and financial resources, when they started giving to issues that are important to them, and what advice they have for those interested in giving back. Follow the WGC on social media and be sure to check our website daily to learn more about these inspirational philanthropists! www.womensgivingcircle.org

“I am thrilled to be leading the WGC’s “Our Giving, Our Stories!” Profile effort for Black Philanthropy Month” said Malynda Madzel, philanthropist and former WGC Advisory Board Member. “As a long-time supporter of the WGC, I’m excited to elevate the voices of women in our community who give back in so many ways.” 

WGC’s “Our Giving, Our Stories!” Virtual Happy Hour 
Monday, August 3, 2020 at 6:00 pm

With Keynote Speaker Jackie Hrabowski
Joined by Cynthia Bell and Hosted by Candace Dodson Reed

Join us for a virtual happy hour to kick-off the WGC's series of “Our Giving, Our Stories!” profiles in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. We’ll discuss the WGC, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, and what motivates women to give. RSVP by July 31, 2020 at www.womensgivingcircle.org

“I am honored to host this important WGC Virtual Happy Hour conversation for Black Philanthropy Month” said Candace Dodson Reed, philanthropist and long-time WGC supporter. “Elevating the important stories of how women are giving in our community is critical as we work to engage others in collectively addressing critical issues in our community, and our country.”

This is the second year that the WGC is supporting National Black Philanthropy Month, and is among the first giving circles to become a sponsor.  "The WGC's continued support as a Black Philanthropy Month Sponsor is helping to lead the way nationally for giving circles to promote and invest in black philanthropic leadership during August and year-round" said BPM Co-Architect Valaida Fullwood, who founded a giving circle in North Carolina.

"We are very proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month" said Barb Van Winkle, Chair of the Women's Giving Circle. "We look forward to promoting this important work and invite the community to join us!”


​

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Our Giving, Our Stories! Virtual Happy Hour - Join Us!

7/27/2020

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Please join us for a virtual happy hour to kick-off the WGC's series of "Our Giving, Our Stories!" profiles in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month.

We’ll discuss the WGC, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, and what motivates women to give. 
​
  • With Keynote Speaker: Jackie Hrabowski
  • Joined By: Cynthia Bell
  • ​Hosted By: Candace Dodson Reed

​Register here by July 31, 2020

Jacqueline C. Hrabowski retired in 2009 as Vice President of Corporate Community Involvement at T. Rowe Price. Mrs. Hrabowski is currently an active community volunteer and advocate of mentoring and child development initiatives.  A philanthropist, and trustee of the Abell Foundation, she is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc., and has received numerous awards, including being named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.

Cynthia Bell 
is a God fearing daughter, sister, wife, mother of four, and philanthropist.

“I am honored to host this important WGC Virtual Happy Hour conversation for Black Philanthropy Month” said Candace Dodson Reed, philanthropist and long-time WGC supporter. “Elevating the important stories of how women are giving in our community is critical as we work to engage others in collectively addressing critical issues in our community, and our country.”

Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August, is a global celebration and concerted campaign to elevate African-descent giving. The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. 

"We are excited to continue our support of National Black Philanthropy Month" said Hina Naseem and Judy Smith, co-Chairs of WGC's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. "Informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership are among the goals of this annual celebration and we are committed to advancing this important work in philanthropy, both in our community and across the country."

This is the second year that the WGC is supporting National Black Philanthropy Month. 

"The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is among the first giving circles to support Black Philanthropy Month by becoming a sponsor" said BPM Co-Architect Valaida Fullwood, who founded a giving circle in North Carolina. "The WGC's continued support as a BPM Sponsor is helping to lead the way nationally for giving circles to promote and invest in black philanthropic leadership during August and year-round."


"We are very proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month" said Barb Van Winkle, Chair of the Women's Giving Circle. "We look forward to promoting BPM's important work and invite the community to join us!”
​

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WGC's Emergency Response Network is Trying to Raise $5,000 to Support Columbia Community Care ... Can You Help?

7/8/2020

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** UPDATE: We did it, together! Thanks to so many of you who jumped into action yesterday and gave to support CCC. As of this morning, 7/10, we have raised over $5,200. We are leaving this fundraiser open and all donations will go directly to CCC. Thank you!

​___________________________________________________________________

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County quickly raised $2,500 in several hours this morning  to support families in need in Howard County that are being served by Columbia Community Care.


As Erika Strauss Chavarria, Founder of Columbia Community Care said, "when women support one another with true compassion in the fight for justice, and in the spirit of community care and mutual aid, anything and everything is possible."

This is what the ERN is all about. And, to underscore this, a donor has just challenged us to do even more.

She is donating $1,250 and challenging us to match it with another $1,250 through the WGC's Emergency Response Network so we can raise a total of $5,000 to support our friends and neighbors through Columbia Community Care.

Can we collectively raise another $1,250 today?

Any and all donations, regardless of the amount, are appreciated!


​Columbia Community Care is a grassroots mutual aid group that began in March 2020 in response to the growing and dire needs of our community members who are struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. CCC has been providing emergency food and other basic needs items. They are receiving donations but are running out of food and other basic needs items by the end of the day. Donations have been slowing lately and they are in need.
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Improving Our Philanthropy Through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

7/7/2020

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Philanthropy means generosity in all its forms and is often defined as giving gifts of time, talent and financial resources to promote the common good. In order to do this work and improve our philanthropic efforts to better meet our mission, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is working to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in our giving circle and our grantmaking. I have invited my friend and colleague Judy Smith to guest write my column this month and highlight the important DEI work she is leading for the Women’s Giving Circle. – Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director

July 2, 2020

By Judy Smith, WGC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Co-Chair
​For Her Mind Magazine

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, abounding racial inequities, and increasing political polarization, Hina Naseem and I, co-chairs for the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County’s (WGC) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, are incorporating mindful leadership in all we do for the WGC and the Committee.

We are actualizing the DEI charter by moving from words on a sheet of paper to the implementation of a measurable action agenda. 


​Our goal is to ensure all WGC activities reflect the organization’s DEI commitment in practice, policy and governance. Our approach incorporates strategic thinking, team building, egoless actions, innovation, and presence.

The DEI Committee’s action agenda incorporates two tracks:
​
Track 1 – Learn and Reflect
  • Understanding DEI
  • Usage of uniform language
  • Storytelling
  • Awareness Building
  • Understand the “What” and “So What” of DEI

Track 2 – Act and Dive Deeper
  • Use your will and skill
  • Study the Impact of DEI initiatives on Howard County and WGCs nationwide
  • Translate our collective knowledge and experience into action
  • Define and monitor measurable outcomes
  • Answer – “Now What?”

This approach acknowledges that each of us still has more to learn about DEI while knocking down unknown structural barriers that prevent us from closing any equity gaps in grant giving.

So, where does WGC stand with its DEI initiatives?

  • Diversity, outcome focused – “Presence of difference within the WGC setting” – Going from good to great
  • Equity, process focused – “Ensures everyone has equal access” – Progressing
  • Inclusion, outcome focused – “Ensures everyone is asked to the table” – Going from good to great

What can you expect in the upcoming months from the WGC’s DEI efforts?  We have a busy summer agenda:

  • Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) celebration throughout August 2020:
    • A Conversation with Black Philanthropist to discuss – “Why Should You Give”
    • A Virtual Event that explores philanthropy through via film
    • Published reading list and calendar of local BPM activities
  • Drafting of the WGC DEI framework to guide us through assessment and measurement
  • Continued committee, Board and community training

As I reflect on the task at hand, some moments present great joy and honor to be a DEI co-chair.  Then, there are times when I am overwhelmed by the thought of such an enormous task.

Those are the times when I ground myself in the facts:
  • WGC is a great organization that continues to address the needs of women and girls in the Howard County Community through giving
  • It is a circle of fantastic women and the circle continues to grow
  • I can see my resources (time, talent and dollars) in action and helping others daily
  • My past DEI experiences (both positive and not so positive) are leverageable to affect change within my community for the good
  • Finally, it just plain unadulterated fun

​It is my hope that I have shed some light on the WGC DEI Committee and you too will see the value in joining Hina and I as we journey to be a part of WGC efforts to expand philanthropy and increase giving by local women to help local women.

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"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving​." - Barb Van Winkle, Immediate Past Chair
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EIN Number: 52-0937644
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  • Home
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    • WGC - 20 Years at a Glance
    • WGC Herstory
  • Give
    • WGC's 4 Distinct Ways to Give >
      • WGC Community Member >
        • WGC's 20th Anniversary
        • WGC In Her Honor >
          • In Honor and Memory of WGC Supporter Jackie Melonas
        • WGC Core Support
        • WGC Impact 2024
      • WGC Sponsor Member >
        • Thank You 2023 Sponsors!
        • Thank You 2022 Sponsors!
      • WGC Legacy Member
      • WGC Big Give Member >
        • WGC Big Give $1,200 Individual Donation
        • WGC Big Give $1,200 Team Donation
        • WGC Big Give Process and Grantmaking Guidelines
    • WGC Emergency Response Network
    • WGC Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund
  • Grants
  • Events
    • WGC's 2023 Annual Celebration & Pink Party!
  • News
    • WGC's 20 Years, 20 Stories >
      • #16 - Our Giving, Our Stories
      • #17 - State of Women and Girls in Howard County
      • #18 - Local Funding Partnerships
      • #19 - First Executive Director
      • #20 - Celebrating 20 Years of Impact!
    • WGC's 20 Years in Photos - A Snapshot
    • WGC's State of Women and Girls in Howard County
    • WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories Series >
      • 2022 OGOS Black Philanthropy Month
      • 2021-2020 OGOS Black Philanthropy Month
      • 2023-2021 OGOS Monthly Profiles >
        • OGOS Nominations
    • WGC's (S)hero Mosaic
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