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March 2002

Selfless Giving Women’s History Month & Mentoring
By Matilda Raffa Cuomo and Louisa Efua Essandoh

As recently as the 1970s, women’s history was a topic rarely discussed in classrooms. In March of 1978, an Education Task Force of the Sonoma County, California Commission on the Status of Women initiated a Women’s History Week. The purpose of the week was to enlighten school children and the public about the role of women in history. Within a few years, several schools planned special programs and activities for Women’s History Week. In 1981, in answer to the request of women’s organizations, President Jimmy Carter instituted the first National Women’s History Week. Six years later, in response to a petition by the National Women’s History Project, the United States Congress declared March to be National Women’s History Month.

The role of American women in history and the present is one of great importance. Women such as Mary McLeod Bethune, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Maya Yin Lin, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Maya Angelou, Sojourner Truth, Condoleezza Rice, Dolores Hureta, Mother Theresa, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Geraldine Ferraro, Dr. Rita Montalcini and others have made contributions to the growth and development of our nation and the world. We want to encourage everyone to visit the National Women’s Hall of Fame located in Seneca Falls, New York State. Your visit is sure to be exhilarating, motivating and educational.

This year the theme for Women’s History Month is “Women Sustaining the American Spirit.” American women are of every culture, class and ethnic background. They have been leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement. Women past and present have been concerned about social issues and the welfare of others. Mentoring is one of the greatest and beneficial social movements of the 21st century. It is no surprise that women make-up the majority of our nation’s volunteers. Mentors are dedicated volunteers who tirelessly and consistently give of themselves to children. Over 50 percent of the volunteer mentors at Mentoring USA are women. As mentors, these women give of their time, energy, and love to the children they mentor. The relationships that develop are precious and long-lasting.

A few years ago, to promote the recruitment of mentors for MUSA and to express appreciation for the volunteerism of these caring dedicated people, I compiled and edited the collection of essays called “The Person Who Changed My Life.” There are 78 celebrities, women and men of every political persuasion who tell us about their unforgettable mentors. The mentors range from parents, grandparents, teachers, neighbors, friends and family members. I was fortunate to have the cooperation and enthusiasm of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, who offered to do the foreword to the book.

The month of March is dedicated to the myriads of extraordinary women past and present. We must all use Women’s History Month to honor and appreciate the mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, nieces, teachers, friends and leaders. We thank you for encouraging the next generation of great females to aspire toward greatness, for they are to be the leaders of tomorrow.#

Matilda Cuomo is the former first lady of NY and founder and Chairperson of Mentoring USA.

 

Education Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001. Tel: (212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919. Email: ednews1@aol.com.
All material is copyrighted and may not be printed without express consent of the publisher. © 2001.




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