The 2020 IBWPPI Planning Retreat Was a Success!
It’s been just a few weeks since IBWPPI membership and Board of Directors gathered in Atlanta for our annual retreat and planning meetings. The weekend was a tremendous success and we thank everyone who traveled near and far to attend this IBWPPI signature event.
The breakout sessions were impactful as we discussed our international engagement plans, policy work, branding and fund development strategy, and so much more! We had five new members who joined IBWPPI after attending our Key Influencers Retreat and there is a lot of excitement around our new Global Engagement Committee (GEC). The GEC is is made up of Board of Directors from every country where we have done work and have representation. This committee will do the critical work of growing our global network of Black women change agents and there is a place for you! Keep a look out for more updates. If you’re interested in getting engaged e-mail Erica@ibwppi.org .
I want to send a special thank you to our public officials who joined us over the weekend: Hon. Deana Holiday Ingraham , Mayor of East Point; Hon. Astra Armbrister-Rolle , the Bahamas Consul General; and our Board Advisors, Hon. Paula Cox , Former Premier of Bermuda and Hon. Katherine Smith , Managing Director, Bahamas Disaster Reconstruction Authority.
Empowering Ghanaian Students Through Safe Sanitation and Hygiene Initiatives
Renovated Public Restroom at Mampong BUNOSO Basic School
In October 2019, President Barbara Perkins and Vice-President Kathlyn Adams Seay traveled to Ghana to lay the groundwork for IBWPPI’s long-term engagement in the nation. They spent considerable time observing schools, coaching educators and planning for sustainable projects. As a result of relationships built, IBWPPI and Bridges Without Africa Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization founded by Director Dawn Sutherland, partnered to renovate a public restroom at Mampong BUNOSO Basic School.
There previously was no restroom in the school for teachers or students to access. The old structure that was in place had not been maintained in years and had hazardous conditions. The school community unfortunately had to resort to relieving themselves of their natural wastes in the bush, an inhumane and unhygienic practice. Because of the support of our sponsors, now over 500 children have a proper place of convenience to utilize as needed. We pledge to continue to make children our priority and invest in initiatives that will impact lives for years to come.
BEFORE
AFTER
Updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
This past Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic as the Coronavirus rapidly spreads across the world. The seriousness of the epidemic has called IBWPPI to be a conduit of key information for an extended period of time.
The Coronavirus has rapidly spread to more than 121,000 people from Asia to the Middle East, Europe and the United States. The CDC recommends several practices to reduce the chance of contracting coronavirus or spreading it to others in the workplace .
Avoid close contact with people who are sick,
- Avoid handshaking. Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
Stay home if you are sick.
- Avoid going into the office and infecting others. Employees who have signs of acute respiratory illness or fever should not come into work until they have gone at least 24 hours without symptoms and without taking medication meant to artificially depress those symptoms. If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard.
Practice basic hygiene.
- Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
- Keep tissues at hand and use them to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Put used tissues in a waste basket. If no tissue is available, sneeze into your upper sleeve, not into your hand.
- Use soap and water to wash hands after using the bathroom and after coughing or sneezing. At least 20 seconds of hand washing is most effective.
- If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol to clean your hands.
- Use disinfectant wipes to clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, workstations, countertops and grocery carts.
Be cautious in making travel plans
Consult the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance regarding travel to foreign countries.
The Black News Channel Launches During Black History Month
The country’s sole African American-led news network the Black News Channel debuted the second week of Black History Month. Our very own IBWPPI Director Cheryl Brownlee, Founder and CEO of CB Communications, is handling public relations for the new network.
The 24-7 cable channel features black anchors “dedicated to the unique perspective of African American communities,” according to its co-founders J.C. Watts and Bob Brillante. It’s available to select Spectrum and Xfinity X-1 customers and will premiere on Sling and Roku at a later, unspecified date. To learn more about the Black News Channel visit its website .
Celebrating Our Members
Are you a member of IBWPPI? Do you want to share news about a new job, promotion, book or latest entrepreneurial project? Email us today as we would love to celebrate you! See our latest member highlights.
Lisa Fowler is elevated to new post as Vice President, People Operations at Xome, a real estate services company. Director Fowler is a successful Human Resources executive who holds valuable experience in multiple industries. Congratulations Director Fowler!
Director Lula Ballton Publishes Book on Christian Community Development
Extraordinary Ministry in Ordinary Places: A Guide to Christian Community Development looks to the scriptures and ground-level experience to help churches, faith-based institutions, nonprofits, and others breathe life into communities with a stewardship approach to social and economic justice. Through her cofounding of the West Angeles Community Development Corporation, Lula Ballton offers us an in-depth guide and discussion.
Purchase the book on Amazon .
President Barbara Perkins Publishes Inspirational Book
Restoration: Seven Promises of God explores one resilient woman’s path to healing from stage III breast cancer. Only through faith, courage, and vulnerability will she be able to reclaim her mind, soul, and body for her next chapter of life. No matter the trial, God’s seven promises offer a light in dark times.
President Perkins is a survivor of Breast Cancer and is a woman of strength who is leading a full life with faith and resilience.
Purchase the book on Amazon.
Volunteer Opportunity: Health Research and Policy Working Group
IBWPPI will be leading a working group that will collectively identify issues of importance as it relates to Black women’s health. If you are a subject matter expert or would like to help research or identify resources related to maternal mortality, mental health, cancer, or other health issues, email policy@ibwppi.org .
An invite for our introductory virtual meeting will be sent in the next few weeks. This working group is open to everyone who has an interest.
Become a Member of IBWPPI
As we continue to adjust to the new normal, we want IBWPPI to be a home for Black women who want to connect, heal and support one another. C onsider gifting yourself with a free membership and joining a network of global Black women. Become a member today by filling out the membership form here .
Why Join IBWPPI?
IBWPPI started 10 years ago in the spirit of global unity and sisterhood. Our mission is to connect and advocate for Black women globally through acts of kindness and public policy. We thank our members and ask that you continue your support of IBWPPI and ask others to join us.
