MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR AMERICAN WOMEN OF INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING
WHEREAS, American Women for International Understanding, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1968 and incorporated in 1972 to create an international network of women to foster understanding and goodwill among nations. AWIU members seek to acquire knowledge through study, travel, and symposia designed to develop international understanding and to foster personal and organizational relationships among women throughout the word; and
WHEREAS, AWIU sponsors delegations of their members to meet with women throughout the world to learn about the issues they face and establish meaningful dialogue. The first delegation in 1968 was to Russia, followed by China in 1973, and subsequently delegations were sent throughout the world, including Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and Southern India, Iceland, Argentina, Libya, Russia, Japan, the Balkan countries, Mynamar, Ethiopia, Chiapas, and in November, 2017 to Nicaragua.
WHEREAS, AWIU awards grants that focus on strengthening the work of women around the world, to enable women to gain a new education and skill that they can apply in their home country. Grants have been awarded to women in over 17 developing countries. The grants average between $2500 - $5,000 per applicant or groups they represent.
WHEREAS, AWIU chapters throughout the United States educate and support women worldwide. In Chicago, AWIU programs educate members on the role of women in various countries and the problems they face. AWIU also has virtual chapters focusing on problems effecting women worldwide and a Passport to the Future program for younger members.
WHEREAS, AWIU annually honors the Secretary of State's International Women of Courage recipients in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, California. These recipients are awarded the only award within the State Department that pays tribute to outstanding women leaders worldwide, recognizes their courage and leadership as t...
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