As we close out March and reflect on Women’s History Month, I’m reminded of the extraordinary strength, leadership, and resilience of the women who shape our communities every day. And I am very proud that our Women’s Giving Fund puts critical funding resources behind our commitment to women in the IE, including this year’s grantee organizations: NORA, Shelter from the Storm, Foothill Family Shelter, and House of Ruth. Women are due every opportunity to thrive, through education, entrepreneurship, safety, and health care, and it takes money and supportive policies to make those happen – thank you to our donors and fundholders for all you do for women in the IE!
This month brought forward troubling allegations of abuse by César Chávez from Dolores Huerta and other survivors. It would be fine to say we stand in solidarity with those women, but our statements need to go further. Too many of us have experienced or know others who have experienced sexual assault and violence, most often at the hands of someone we knew. It took tremendous courage for Dolores and others to speak out, and we must work for a day where every woman is safe from physical and sexual violence, starting in our homes. Equally important, these women have reminded us that a movement is not one person, and the focus on farmworkers puts back in the frame the people who still need our support and advocacy.
Last, I want to thank our IE Congressional and Senate leaders who were generous with their time during my visit to DC for Foundations on the Hill, an advocacy conference elevating the issues of foundations and nonprofits to meet this moment. We co-led a small California team to attend, and made sure the things facing our IE and California communities were shared. Our conversations left me hopeful about the road ahead and the partnerships we need to sustain to improve a thriving IE for all.
Michelle Decker, President & CEO, Inland Empire Community Foundation
