International Women’s Day!

Please join us in celebrating
the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day!

Dear friends,

International Women’s Day was first celebrated in Europe in 1911, and since then it has grown to become a global day of recognition of the rights and accomplishments of women everywhere.

This year, Buddhist Global Relief is proud to join Oxfam America in celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, and we invite you to join us in supporting this very important initiative.

On March 8, 2011, Oxfam will be sponsoring special events across the country to mark the anniversary. These events will focus on raising public awareness of poverty and hunger, and on celebrating the vital role that women play in feeding the world and acting as agents of change.

We believe that the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day will be an excellent opportunity for all of us to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. There are a number of ways that you can participate in your own community:

• Host a film screening – Spread the word with Oxfam’s new videos featuring the Sisters on the Planet, a diverse group of women leaders who are committed to fighting poverty and hunger. Get started and order your free DVD here.
• Host a house party – It can be a great way to help people learn more about critical issues and to inspire them to take action. Get started here.
• Hold a meditation or chant-athon fundraiser – In San Francisco, for example, the community of Aloka Vihara is sponsoring an evening of continuous chanting on International Women’s Day to raise funds to support Buddhist Global Relief.
• Hold a Hunger Banquet^© fundraiser – An Oxfam America Hunger Banquet^© is a unique and powerful event designed to give participants a deeper understanding of the problems of hunger and poverty. Request Oxfam’s free Hunger Banquet^© toolkit created especially for International Women’s Day here.
• Post your photo on Oxfam’s Ending Hunger online photobook – It’s a very simple way to declare your support for women. Get started here.

Individuals and organizations all across the country are planning to join Oxfam in celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. You can learn more about them here.

Buddhist Global Relief is pleased to have been among the very first organizations to declare its support for Oxfam’s International Women’s Day celebration in 2011, and we do hope that you will be able to participate.

This event – and your support – can do so much to help women around the world

Thank you in advance for your support. And thank you for all that you do to make a difference in the lives of the world’s poor and hungry.

Warmest regards,

Kim Behan Executive Director Buddhist Global Relief

Liz Carty Strategic Alliances Manager Oxfam America