Presidents and representatives from organizations concerned with the welfare of women and families recently gathered together for the annual meeting of the Sisterhood of Women’s Organizations.
Patricia Kane, NYS Nursing Association, who last year led the Sisterhood in increasing awareness and provided parents with information to eradicate substance abuse, passed the Sisterhood gavel to NYS Women Staten Island president Christine Olivieri Donahue.
Representatives of local organizations agreed to pool their talents and resources and volunteer their time to collectively focus on providing women and their families an opportunity to explore occupations. “The Staten Island chapter of New York State Women is proud to lead the Sisterhood this year,” said Christine Olivieri Donahue. “Together we will look to provide for women and their families with an event where they can be exposed to new careers so they make decisions that help them realize their full potential. Many are only aware of a small number of occupations and the Sisterhood of Women will work together to develop their vision for their future.”
A working meeting to discuss plans is set for Thursday, February 9, 2017, 6:30p.m., 900 South Avenue, Room 100, first floor. Representatives of organizations are welcome to attend.
About the Sisterhood of Women’s Organizations
Women’s organizations on Staten Island have a long history of providing the financial and emotional backing to support issues important to them. They volunteer countless hours of resources, time and energy to address needs and improve opportunities for women and their families.
Many of these organizations have been working for nearly 100 years advocating for change and supporting initiatives that promote the status of Staten Island women. In 2010, for the first time in our borough’s history, women’s organization responded to a call from the Staten Island chapter of New York State Women to unite and join together as a “Sisterhood,” as volunteers to approach issues with a united voice. The response was overwhelming.
The presidents of every group met during the first year to establish guidelines and brought issues they believed to be of importance to the table. Domestic violence topped the list as an issue important to address in our community. World of Women led the Sisterhood in 2011 uniting representatives from 16 groups into the Sisterhood Domestic Violence Task Force (SDVTF). The Sisterhood Domestic Violence Task Force, chaired by Bernadette Davenport, for two years continued to work to increase awareness about domestic violence. United, the women of the Sisterhood urged for the passage of the Jessica Tush Act, increased awareness at public forums including the annual SIEDC Conference, and participated as sponsors of two educational conferences and the Twilight Walks at the Staten Island Youth Center.
The following year, as the SIDVTF continued its work to increase awareness about domestic violence, Soroptimist International-SI took the helm and expanded the Sisterhood agenda to address women’s health issues. A one day health conference was developed and featured medical and health experts in an effort to provide women with the information that helps them live healthier lives. Carol Lundrigan chaired the 2012 Sisterhood conference.
The Staten Island chapter of New York State Women accepted leadership of the Sisterhood from Soroptimist International-SI in January 2013 and addressed issues that impact the self esteem of local girls. They developed a program in partnership with the College of Staten Island Liberty Partnerships Program and invited girls and their moms or guardians to a free city-wide interactive program, Stand Up & Lead! Nearly 500 attended the event at the College of Staten island. Educators George Anthony and Lindy P. Crescitelli led this United Federation of Teachers ‘Be Brave’ campaign sponsored program, chaired by Jill Holterman-Bowers.
Led by the Staten Island Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (SIAC DST), expanded the Sisterhood program the following year to include a free one-day forum, What About Me? Envision Your Future, in an effort to address the emotional wellness, health and financial needs of women. Beth Coleman-Oliver chaired.
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) focused on increasing awareness and providing parents with information to eradicate substance abuse. Chaired by Patricia Kane, the Sisterhood unites to present, “SI Parents: You Matter,” a free awareness program for parents on February 25, 2016/ Patricia Kane chaired.
New York State Women –SI will lead the Sisterhood in 2017 and focus on expanding awareness of career options so women and families can reach their full potential. Christine Olivieri Donahue is chair.
The Sisterhood draws members in good standing of organizations that address the needs of women and their families. There are no fees and no governing body. The women of the Sisterhood volunteer together and pool their talents and resources to foster positive change.
For more information contact Rosemarie Dressler, [email protected].