|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
About UsHistory of International Women’s Association of YakimaThe International Women’s Association of Yakima was founded in the spring of 2002 by eleven women. The original idea for the organization came from Diana Aboulhosn who had been a member of an International group in Venezuela. This founding group consisted of both American-born and foreign-born members.
At the first gathering, in May 2002, there were approximately 90 guests representing 31 different countries. It was decided to meet 8-9 times a year for a social gathering or for a program presentation. Since there was such cultural diversity within the group, a presentation on the representative countries was an early goal. Many IWAY members have volunteered to give a presentation on the culture of their own country. There have been country-specific presentations from Africa, South America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Since the beginning, the group has delighted in sampling ethnic food, and enjoyed the music, videos, artifacts, and unique personal stories of life in different countries. Additionally, we have shared tales about coming to the United States and immigration and adjustment challenges.
Download the By-laws of the
International Women's Association of Yakima [ One Member's Perspective - The importance of IWAYWhen you come from another country, you have to start from square one. When people meet you, they can’t see your achievements, education, values, and culture. It takes several years before you establish yourself, learning the system of your new environment and how to project your personality in that environment. At the same time, you need some kind of a support group that will help you assimilate, and will have similar experiences to yours. This group will be the first step to creating the new network around you. So where can you find it?
So if you are looking for adult, intellectual conversation that doesn’t revolve solely around children, you need a group like IWAY. A group like IWAY is where your “otherness” is actually an asset, and not a handicap; a place where you can learn the new social codes in a patient and forgiving environment. In sharing our cultures from our respective countries, we open our
eyes, mouths, noses, minds, and eventually our hearts, to other cultures
and to the experiences of a newcomer. And we are also doing this: we are
building tolerance to other ways of life. And this may be a small step
towards more peace in the world. I hope you will do the same for others, and I hope I can find something similar to IWAY where I’m moving in California. Adi Breman, IWAY Member from Israel
|
These
eleven women formed the group with the purpose of having a place for international
women to get together and share each other’s cultures. Many of them
had experienced certain trials and difficulties through coming to a new
country to live. Not only was there often a language barrier but also
a cultural one. It was decided that it would be helpful to also invite
American born women to the group to promote “goodwill” among
women of all cultures regardless of race, religion, creed, political affiliation
or economic status. 
Out
of this we have found many shared experiences. The gatherings continue
to be interesting to the members as well as guests, and provide the setting
for the beginning of many wonderful, new friendships.
Not
in the grocery store or in the gym. Not even in your kids’ school,
unless you are naturally inclined towards it, and want to express yourself
in that way. You might find it in a church, but even this is not always
the right place for everyone. 
2007-2008
Officers / Board