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 they fight for social justice, human rights, and the advancement of women; AWIU awards each recipient a grant to enhance their efforts in their home country; and
WHEREAS, AWIU presents an Internationalism Award every year to a woman who has demonstrated understanding and commitment to women worldwide. Past awardees include Doris Buffett, Laura Bush, Marie Royce, and The Honorable Melanne Verveer and Harriet M. Ful bright, among others.
WHEREAS, AWIU is celebrating their 50th year on October 14, 2017 in Chicago of furthering understanding and dialogue of women throughout the world from disparate backgrounds and circumstances; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michele Smith, the Alderman ofthe 43rd Ward, home to committed AWIU Chicago Chapter members, have apprised this august body of American Women for International Understanding's significant milestone; now, therefore,
BE RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members ofthe City Council gathered together this fourteenth day of October, 2017 do hereby salute the AWIU for 50 years of contributions to international understanding and learning among women worldwide and express our heartfelt best wishes for continued success in all of American Women for International Understanding's future endeavors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy ofthe resolution be prepared and presented to AWIU in Chicago.
MICHELE SMITH Alderman, 43rd Ward