Week in Review October 20-26, 2013

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Women’s Intercultural Center Oct. 20-26, 2013

Brenda Aguirre takes a breath after being declared the winner of the Weight Loss Challenge

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

Letter From the E.D. If you wait until you can do everything for everybody, instead of something for somebody, you'll end up not doing nothing for nobody. ~Malcom Bane Many people get trapped in the ‘I’m-going-to-give-back-later [to society]‘ trap. I hope people have-n’t spent the first part of their lives just taking. I always encourage

others not to wait to get involved in their community, to get involved in the world. I tend to emphasize this more with our participants and work with my team to provide them the tools and resources for them to learn how to become involve. How they as individuals can create change. Since childhood my parents instilled in me the value of giving back to my community. It didn’t always have to be money, it included volunteer service or simple things like giving my old toys away to others that weren’t as fortunate as me. Lessons learned from my parents is what inspired me to find new and simple ways for people from every walk of life to support the work of the Women’s Intercultural Center. The Simple Ways to Help WInC can be accessed at: http://www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/donate. No matter who you are, you will find at least “one” way if not more ways to support our work without it even costing you a cent. When I came to the Women’s Intercultural Center I was ready to make a deeper transition to move toward a role in the nonprofit sector, I had already spent time volunteering, engaging, figuring out where my passion was. At the end of the day, this is work, a lot of work — hard, complex work — and you don’t get rewarded as much; you get different kinds of rewards. This is why my passion for educating, empowering and engaging women as well as all the skills I’ve gained over the years is what drives me forward. We live in a world where cross-sectoral work is vital. As a nonprofit leader, I not only had good intentions about doing the work that I do...I am experienced in working for government, public and private sectors. In having knowledge of how these sectors work, it facilitates my ability to work with my team to create viable solutions

that will be beneficial for all parties involved. Sometimes a simple call with options can be best in dealing with government decisions that are being implemented without having a view of an entire picture. And mind you this is not due to the fault of the people devising the plan, it is due to the fact they use their personal and professional experiences and we all don’t share the same experiences or insights that come in living our daily lives. So instead of accusations you bring solutions. This is what we do behind the scenes. When Governor Martinez mandated for the undocumented to go to Albuquerque to verify their addresses, we had to address the issue at the request of one of our participants who came to us telling us that one organization told her to ignore the mandate. We do not encourage people to go against the law specially when in the end such a decision would be costly to them. We told her she had to go; however, we would see what we could do to help her and anyone like her overcome this obstacle. We contacted the Governor’s office and informed them of the reasons why (money, transportation, passport, loss of wages, etc.) many of the people in Southern NM were unable to make the trip to Albuquerque. Then we offered solutions. We were willing to provide office space and lodging to their staff to do their work in Southern NM so that the people could obey the mandate required for them to retain their licenses. Within one hour, the Governor’s people informed us that they were opening up a Motor Vehicle Division office that had been closed to provide accessibility for the undocumented that couldn’t travel to Albuquerque. We asked if we could release the information to the media so that people would immediately be aware of the change in venue and they said “yes.” This is how we do the work at the Women’s Intercultural Center. We stick to our mission and values and we step in when needed based on the input of our participants. My experience in these fields allow me to bust some myths about the way people behave. You have to come in understanding incentives and intentions. As we get ready to celebrate our 20th Anniversary on

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Nov. 15, it is important to acknowledge that we would not be as successful in transforming the lives of our participants and their families without the help of our cross-sectoral connections and the generosity of our donors that give to us financially and the many individuals that participate in our simple ways to help WInC. The other thing that is probably the most exciting to me is spending time understanding and listening to the ideas of others. Many of which, have been implemented into our programming or in our operations of the Center. It’s exciting how we’ve participated and created movements around the world. One particular close to my heart is The Virtual Dinner Party. This was a collaboration we did with Eric Maddox. His idea of creating a multimedia initiative based on a simple premise: It is harder to ignore, vilify or harm those with whom we have broken bread with. The Center was the incubator for Eric’s idea as we connected families in Juarez, Anthony and in Santa Fe through Skype. The success of the project has taken Eric all over the world. He is making intellectual and emotional connections to keep pace with our digitally interconnected world. To me that is a game changer. The Women’s Intercultural Center is the stage for creating real change. Change to benefit our participants, the communities we serve and because of our interconnectiveness...sometimes the world. Join us in one of three celebrations in honor of our 20th Anniversary on November 15, 2013. Anthony Mayor Arnie Castañeda will join us in the celebration at the Business Breakfast and Participant/Volunteer Potluck Luncheon. A $20 donation is encouraged in honor of our 20th Anniversary. Hope to see you at one of our following celebration events: Business Breakfast Celebration—7 to 9 am Local area businesses are invited to a special breakfast celebration at the Center from 7am to 9am. Come learn what we’re all about and how we can work together for the betterment of your business and our community. Participant/Volunteer Potluck Luncheon

Celebration—12 to 2pm Bring your favorite dish and your favorite story of the Center to share with your peers. All former participants and volunteers are encouraged to join the fun. Let’s remi-nisce and catch up. Celebration Dinner—6:30 to 8:30pm Current and prospective donors join us in celebrating 20 years of being a catalyst for change. Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to provide the tools and resources needed for women to become the authors of their own lives. To RSVP and make a donation please visit http://www.eventbrite.com/rss/user_list_events/5533803352. For additional information contact Mary Carter at 575-882-5556 or via email at [email protected]. Let’s Celebrate! And let’s find out what we can do together!

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Weight Loss Challenge Winner The Zumba Weight Loss Chal-lenge is a friendly competition to see who can make the greatest strides in overall health and fitness. The participants of Marisela’s Zumba Class is made up of people from all walks of life, with a mission to inspire others to a better quality of life. When Brenda Aguirre entered the friendly competition she never imagined she would win. Her loss of 16lbs made her the winner of the Zumba Weight Loss Challenge. As she was congratulated for win-ning the $100, one of her close friends said “Forget the $100, the accomplishment of losing weight is enough.” While most people may believe that losing 16lbs is not an earth-shattering number for Brenda that has been the same weight for the past two years it is HUGE!! Nothing motivated her more than improving her health. She counted every calorie and did Zumba in the mornings and sometimes in the evenings. She was tempted many times but somehow through the support of her peers she tapped into her inner strength and kept going. Brenda has struggled to lose the weight. Now she is setting small realistic goals. After winning the challenge she is more motivated than ever. She feel stronger than ever that I can definitely reach a healthy weight.

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Chaquira Class Creations

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Should a woman keep herself young and beautiful if she wants to be loved? Is it her duty to be beautiful? Are women happy with the way the look? A recent study published in The Journal of Women & Aging found that the majority of women aged 50 and older are still not happy with the way they look. "The interesting thing at WInC is that our participants are happy with their size and shape. Within our community there are no social pressures to retain a youthful thin appearance, they do however, encourage healthy practices." said WInC Director Mary Carter. The Gender and Body Image Study (GABI) used a sample of 1,789 American women from which researchers discovered that just over 12 percent of the participants reported being satisfied with their body size. Based on the study, satisfaction was defined as having current body size equal to their preferred size.

Are women who are happy with their body image more likely to take regular exercise and less likely to have eating disorders? According to the research the response is “yes.” We definitely can agree as we see this with the group of women that take advantage of the many exercise options we provide to them (i.e. Tai Chi, Zumba Toning, Zumba and yoga). Although, we must admit the women participating in Zumba and Zumba Toning are more driven and have a stronger bond then our other exercise classes. They motivate each other more and have a stronger peer support network than the other classes. "They are not impervious to dissatisfaction with other aspects of their physical appearance; especially those aspects affected by aging." wrote Cynthia Bulik, director of the University of North Carolina's Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders and co-author of the study. While this may be true, the way our

participants greet each other helps them become satisfied with their appearance. “When asked how are you doing? The usual response is ‘Getting better every day!’ said Carter. In this study the appearance of their skin caused the most upset, with almost 80% of the women citing this as a cause for concern, followed by their stomachs (56%) and faces (54%). Within our WInC community these are skewed results. Most of our participants may make a comment of their stomachs but that’s as far as it goes. They are quite satisfied with their skin and faces. While weight and shape may play a considerable part in women's self-evaluation; at WInC this is not the case. Maybe because we’re so geared towards valuing the uniqueness of the individual woman that body image is not an issue. In placing value in the woman herself, it validates her beauty and acceptance of who she truly is not just her body.

Body image satisfaction

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The cake decorating class learned how to make clown cakes.

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WInC participants embrace their creativity in the Arts and Crafts class. The classes which are held on Mondays and Fridays always offer the participants something new to learn and do. They have so much fun together that their classes extend beyond the regular two hour class schedule, they actually spend four hours

together. One hour is dedicated to socializing over lunch as they each bring their favorite dishes to share with one another. The projects they select are based on what the participants want to do and how cost effective the project is. “I always on the look out for new pro-jects that can be made through recy-

cling efforts. This way we recycle, turn something used into something beautiful and it doesn’t cost that much to make.” said Mirtha Anguiano, Art and Crafts Instructor. The decorative flower (pictured above) they made can be used as a center piece or can be mounted on the wall. It is made out of small pieces of colored paper.

Arts & Crafts Class

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Benefit from making your 2013 gift to the Women's Intercultural Center through your IRA.

The IRA Charitable Rollover was extended through December 31, 2013, as one of the provisions of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The IRA charitable rollover enables individuals age 70 1/2 and older to make direct transfers up to $100,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations, without having to count the transfers as income for federal income tax purposes. Who qualifies to use the IRA charitable rollover provision? Individuals who are age 70 1/2 or older at the time of the contribution. From what accounts can I make transfers? Transfers must come from your IRAs directly to the Women's Intercultural Center. If you have retirement assets in a 401(k), 403(b), etc., you must first roll those funds into an IRA, and then you can direct the IRA custodian to transfer the funds from the IRA directly to the Women's Intercultural Center. How much can I transfer? Up to $100,000 per spouse for 2013. Does this transfer qualify as my minimum required distribution? Once you reach age 70 1/2, you are required to take minimum distributions from your retirement plans each year, according to a federal formula. IRA charitable rollovers count towards your minimum required distributions for the year. What are the tax implications to me? Please consult with your own tax advisor to learn how an IRA charitable rollover may benefit you. Under federal law, the transfer of funds as your charitable gift, from your IRA account directly to the Women's Intercultural Center from your IRA custodian, will not be counted as income to you. You can lower your taxable income by making a charitable rollover distri-bution, which may place you in a more favorable tax

bracket. However, you will not be entitled to an income tax charitable deduction for this gift. Can I use the rollover to fund life-income gifts such as a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust, a donor advised fund or a supporting organization? No, these are not eligible. How do I know if an IRA charitable rollover is right for me? If you are at least 70 1/2 and: You do not need the additional income necessitated by the minimum required distribution, OR 1. Your charitable gifts already equaled 50% of your

adjusted gross income, so you do not benefit from an income tax charitable deduction for additional gifts, OR

2. You do not itemize deductions, OR 3. You are subject to income tax deduction and

exemption phase outs. What is the procedure for executing an IRA charitable rollover? To complete an IRA charitable rollover, the first step is to contact your IRA custodian to learn their procedures. Please contact Mary Carter at 575-882-5556 or via email at [email protected] for wire transfer instructions before you direct your IRA custodian to transfer the funds to Women's Intercultural Center or kindly notify us if your IRA custodian will be sending your funds by check.

Thank You for Your Support!

TAX-WISE GIVING - ACT NOW

BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2013


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TOYOTA Help save lives & WIN! The first year after a teen gets their license will be one of the most dangerous years of their life. (Source: National Safety Council) Toyota believes that teens have the power to inspire others and make a difference. If their friends were going to watch ONE video that made them think twice about making bad decisions behind the wheel, what would that video be? This is what they’re asking TEENS to create. It’s simple…just follow these steps! REGISTER at http://

www.toyotateendriver.com/teens/video-challenge/entry. Deadline for submission is March 13, 2014 – but get started now!

BE CREATIVE! Create a 60

-90 second video. Work on an independent sub-mission or with up to three friends.

SUBMIT your video as a YouTube link. Check out the Video Entry Checklist at http://www.toyotateendriver.com/sites/toyotateendriver.com/files/video_challenge/Video%20Challenge%20Checklist.pdf and the Contest Rules at http://www.toyotateendriver.com/sites/toyotateendriver.com/files/video_challenge/Video%20Challenge%20Rules.pdf to make sure it qualifies to win.

Good luck!

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The arts and crafts class held a special workshop. The Barbie Workshop showed participants how to turn a used Barbie or similar doll into a center piece for birthday parties, Quinceañeras, Sweet Sixteens, weddings or to add to a doll collection.

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Progress is made in steps, not in leaps. At WInC we move only as far as the opening allows. We remain neutral and tolerant of adversity. When in doubt, we remain still until we’re able to see a view of the entire picture and not just a glimpse. We do not make fruitless comparisons among the situations of our participants, or some imagined ideal, each situation is considered unique. We engage the power of the Creative to find the tools and resources needed by each individual. Though outer conditions appear unpromising, we faithfully look for the good in others, ourselves, and the situation. We find moderation in everything. Moderation of enthusiasm keeps us balanced. Moderation of despair deepens our understanding.

While we accept natural limitations, we still strive to find some kind of opening. And when there is an opening, we go forward with balance. When the way is closed, we with-draw willingly until we can find another way. We do not enter into conflict; we stand quietly and keep our balance. This enables us to come up with a true and lasting resolution. Shock doesn’t frighten us, and we don’t think it’s bad. We simply learn the lesson that it has come to teach, we are thankful for it. We don’t waste our time with restless efforts for they undermine everyone’s interests. We do not charge repeatedly at a closed door, we look for other doors waiting to be opened. We accept both the challenges and the blessings that each day brings us.

We overcome difficulties by standing firm against harshness, doubt, and despair. We make room for help to come to us whenever we need it. We don’t have any agendas. What is necessary and worthwhile arises from the needs of our participant base. It is them that drive us and lead the way. We understand the necessity of adversity. We hope to create peace from discontinuing the strivings of the ego. We do not look at the outward situation, but at the effects of our thoughts and actions. Through self-contemplation and self-correction, we arrive at a proper understanding. We believe that the solution to every situation is always available. By remaining open and moderate, we allow the creation of creative solutions to aid us.

Life's Turning Points @ WInC

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Texas women planning to vote using their maiden or hyphenated name may experience a hitch or two at the polls because of the state's new voter ID law. The issue came to light when a district judge in southern Texas had trouble casting a ballot. With early voting already underway in Texas, women are encouraged to take proactive steps to thwart potential ID problems. Name changes that may have come as a result of marriage or divorce can cause problems at the polls. If you want to avoid any problems, you'll want to understand what the new Texas

law requires, what photo IDs are acceptable and how to get them by visiting the Texas informational website at http://votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/need-id/. Your Rights Under Texas' Voter ID Law The state's new voter ID law requires that names on both the identification card and the voter registration card be "substantially similar," according to the state website. A "substantially similar" name may include a nickname, a maiden name, or a suffix such as "Sr./Jr./VII." If your name doesn't match exactly, you still have at least two ways to vote, according to the law: If your name isn't a perfect match but

is "substantially similar," you must sign an affidavit affirming you are who you claim, which is then marked in the poll book.

If your name is deemed dissimilar, you can file a provisional ballot and present updated information within six days of the election.

Groups like the ACLU and League of Women Voters are spearheading lawsuits against voter ID laws in a number of states, alleging these changes have a disproportionate adverse impact on women, the elderly and minorities. In the meantime, Texas Voter ID law is still in effect. So you must take it upon yourself to be prepared.

Why could women who plan to vote using their maiden or even hyphenated names experience a glitch or two at the polls in Texas?

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Kaplan University—Washington Redskins Military Family Scholarship Kaplan University and The Washington Redskins have teamed up to establish a scholarship program to assist spouses and dependent children of U.S. military service personnel in achieving their educational goals. Applicants may choose to enroll in an associate's or bachelor's degree program to attend Kaplan University online or to attend Kaplan University’s Hagerstown Maryland campus, or the Kaplan University Learning Center Rockville, Maryland, campus.* One full scholarship and up to 30 partial tuition scholarships will be awarded. The scholarship application period for both full and partial scholarships will be open on September 9, 2013 and will close at 11:59 pm CT on October 26, 2013. For more info visit https://www.scholarsapply.org/kuwrs/. Transitioning Veterans Scholarship—CityUniversity of Seattle

To demonstrate its commitment to serving and supporting Washington state-based U.S. Veterans, CityU is dedicating $100,000 to support a Transitioning Veterans Scholarship on November 8, 2013. This will initiate a scholarship fund that is dedicated to Washington-based Veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian life. For more info on the scholarship visit http://www.cityu.edu/admissions-financialaid/scholarships/transitioning-veterans-scholarship.aspx. Alaska Sea Services Scholarship The Navy League and Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) has announced eligibility requirements for the Alaska Sea Services Scholarship for academic year 2014-2015. For more info visit http://www.navyleague.org/corporate/donate/scholarship.html.

Health Advisory The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers to stop using OxyElite Pro, a dietary supplement, because of suspected links to acute hepatitis. For more info visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalPro-ducts/ucm370857.htm.

Parker Hannifin Parker Hannifin is hiring veterans. For more info visit http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employer/parker-hannifin/?ESRC=mrvr.nl. Tresco, Inc. Various position announcements. Visit their website for full job descriptions at http://www.trescoinc.org/employment-opportunities/current-openings/.

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Our donors are the stars the light our path. This week we’d like to give special thanks to Allen G. Carter, Jr. and our anonymous donors for their financial donations to the Center. Thank you for your generosity! We also would like to thank the many others that support our cause through the different options we provide. Thank you Grace Jacquez-Chase and Lana Ulrich

for your recent item donations to our Thrift Store. Your support helps us recycle, provide affordable goods to the community, donate items to those in need and to raise funds for our operations. Thank you!

Thank Suki Rodriguez and Nancy Arreola for

donating candies for our upcoming Halloween Party!

FEATURED WAYS TO HELP WInC Help us grow sustainability. Give monthly and

support our sustainable growth. Help increase our impact and the opportunities we can provide! Donate online at https://www.networkforgood.org/

donation/MakeDonation.aspx?OR-GID2=850411225&vlrStratCode=LXrclW0rab93RDW8vxOVF3mlY2gFi%2bog7%2f%2fq5DfL%2fhTwDMwUN10yCQYyNBNPpf7g.

Print Common Kindness coupons, save money &

generate funds for WInC at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Womens-Intercultural-Center/252514849425?sk=app_208195102528120&app_data.

We-Care.com daily deals posted on our facebook

page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Womens-Intercultural-Center/252514849425).

OTHER SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP WInC Other ways to help us through everyday tasks can be found at our website at http://www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/donate. If you have other creative ways to help, please don’t hesitate to contact Mary Carter at 575-882-5556 or via email at [email protected].

Thank you for your support!

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Interested in teaching a class, scheduling a workshop, presentation or training at WInC? We are always searching for Volunteer Instructors to teach in their areas of expertise. We currently have a special need for a haircutting instructor. For more info, contact Ilse Arrieta, Program Coordinator at

dates to remember For additional information please contact us at 575-882-5556 or the contact number listed next to the event announcement.

October Open Enrollment—Medicare from 10:30am to 3pm

by Irene Sonora from the Sonora Insurance Group. The enrollments will be on Thursdays on the following dates: Oct. 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21; & Dec. 5: Open Enrollment - Medicare

17-Dec. 5

Join our Halloween Party and have fun with us at 5 p.m. 31

Health Fair & Enrollment in Anthony - The health fair will have a presentation on the Medicaid Expansion along with information regarding the marketplace exchange. Eligi-

bility specialists will be enrolling individuals in Medi-caid along with the 4 providers (United Healthcare, Molina, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Presbyterian) that serve NM. La Clinica de Familia will be there to test blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

November

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Health Sciences Academy Board Meeting at 6pm. 4

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Come make an altar

with us. A new altar will be added each day in honor of the designated deaths based on the Mexican cultural celebration of the Day of the Dead. The Altars will be on exhibit from Oct. 28 thru November 2. Official Celebration Day will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 9-10am. Join us for Chocolate, coffee and sweet bread and admire the altars.

28-Nov 2

Women’s Camp from 10 am a 2pm. Enrich and enhance your mind, body and soul. 4-8

20th Anniversary Celebration: Join us in one of three celebrations in honor of our 20th Anniversary. Anthony

Mayor Arnie Castañeda will join us in the celebration at the Business Breakfast and Participant/Volunteer Potluck Luncheon. A $20 donation is encouraged. RSVP at https://winc20thanniversarycelebration.eventbrite.com/ Business Breakfast Celebration—7 to 9 am Local area businesses are invited to a special breakfast celebration at the Center from 7am to 9am. Come learn what we’re all about and how we can work together for the betterment of your business and our community. Participant/Volunteer Potluck Luncheon Celebration—12 to 2pm Bring your favorite dish and your favorite story of the Center to share with your peers. All former participants and volunteers are encouraged to join the fun. Let’s reminisce and catch up. Celebration Dinner—6:30 to 8:30pm Current and prospective donors join us in cele-brating 20 years of being a catalyst for change. Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to provide the tools and resources needed for women to become the authors of their own lives. For more info call: 575-882-5556.

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Women’s Intercultural Center WHERE IT STARTS

303 Lincoln Street / PO Box 2411 Anthony, NM 88021

575-882-5556 Fax: 1-866-285-7245

www.womensinterculturalcenter.org

Documents

Week in Review October 20-26, 2013