IREX now a member of Women's Foreign Policy Group (WFPG)

Bob just announced that IREX is now a member of Women's Foreign Policy Group (WFPG). Some key information about them is below. --Randal 

Mission Statement 

The Women's Foreign Policy Group (WFPG) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, educational membership organization that promotes global engagement and the leadership, visibility and participation of women in international affairs.

About WFPG  

The WFPG’s in-depth global issues programs feature women leaders and highlight their contributions and voices. The organization also hosts leadership development activities to promote the next generation of women leaders. The WFPG partners with many foreign policy organizations and is a key player in broadening the constituency for international affairs and helping educate Americans. The WFPG brings together participants from across sectors and links them domestically and internationally.

WFPG programs provide analysis and discussion of major international issues with women leaders and experts. Our programs include an Author Series, Embassy Series, and State Department Series. Recent programs have focused on U.S.-Iranian relations, the future of China, the Indian economy, the role of Islam, and climate change. The WFPG focuses on pressing international issues of the day, including topics that deserve attention but may not be on the front page of the news.

The WFPG highlights women’s leadership in international affairs at its Annual Luncheon Event. Dr. Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Secretary of State, was the keynote speaker at last year’s luncheon and Andrea Mitchell, NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Previous year’s luncheons have honored: Secretary of State Madeleine Albright; H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia; Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Karen Hughes; and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Each year WFPG members and guests also participate in a United Nations Study Visit at the UN Headquarters. This unique one-day event features briefings from top UN officials and ambassadors and provides participants with a forum for in-depth discussion on pressing issues facing the United Nations.

WFPG Mentoring Fairs and internships provide an opportunity for students to meet with international affairs professionals, receive counseling, and make connections in their fields of interest. Mentoring also provides WFPG members an opportunity to help and encourage future leaders. WFPG internships provide students and recent graduates substantive experience in the non-profit and foreign affairs fields.

From: Bob Pearson
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2010 9:24 AM
To: Bulletin Board
Cc: Chia-Yang Kao
Subject: FW: 8/05 Brown-Bag Lunch: Kyrgyzstan Refugee Situation

IREX is now a member of WFPG as part of our outreach on gender issues reflected in our new strategic plan.  If anyone would like to go, please coordinate with Chia-Yang as seating is limited.  Many thanks,

Bob

From: Women's Foreign Policy Group [mailto:wfpg@cc.memberclicks.com] On Behalf Of Women's Foreign Policy Group
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 6:57 PM
To: Bob Pearson; Chia-Yang Kao
Subject: 8/05 Brown-Bag Lunch: Kyrgyzstan Refugee Situation

Women's Foreign Policy Group

- Brown-Bag Luncheon -

A Status Report on the
Refugee Situation in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Refugees

Dawn Calabia
Senior Advisor, Refugees International

Maureen Lynch
Senior Advocate on Stateless Initiatives, Refugees International  


After months of political and ethnic struggles between the Kyrgyz majority and Uzbek minority, the violence reached a peak from June 10th-15th. UNHCR estimates that the riots affected 400,000 people, 75,000 of whom are still displaced and in need of shelter. Dawn Calabia and Maureen Lynch will share insights from their recent trip to Osh, Kyrgyzstan, where they met with displaced families in camps and in tents among the ruins.

Dawn Calabia is a Senior Advisor at Refugees International (RI) where she advocates on issues of statelessness, aid to displaced populations, resettlement, and asylum. Upon her return from Kyrgyzstan, she was interviewed by Fox News. Calabia has over 20 years of experience with foreign policy analysis, human rights issues, and public advocacy. She has handled governmental and non-governmental relations in the US and the Caribbean for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, served as the Director of Refugee Policy and International Affairs for the US Catholic Conference Migration office, and worked on Capitol Hill. One of the founders of the Women’s Refugee Commission, Calabia has led numerous fact-finding missions on refugee, humanitarian aid, and development issues. In 1996, she was honored at the White House for her work with refugee women and children. She also serves on the Board of the Women’s Foreign Policy Group. Read her RI blog on the issues.

Dr. Maureen Lynch is a Senior Advocate on Stateless Initiatives at Refugees International. Since 1999, she has conducted assessment missions to more than 20 countries including Azerbaijan, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Cote d’Ivoire, Ingushetia, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Syria, and Zimbabwe. Lynch, a frequent author and commentator on refugee and statelessness issues, now focuses on advancing awareness and action on behalf of the more than 11 million stateless persons worldwide. She conducted a previous mission to Kyrgyzstan in 2007. Read her RI blog on the issues.


Thursday, August 5, 2010, 12:00 noon
Brown-Bag Luncheon and Program

Academy for Educational Development
1875 Connecticut Ave., NW, 8th Floor Board Room
Washington, DC

Space is limited. Advance registration is required.

WFPG Members—Free of charge      Non-Members— $10

Please direct any questions to (202) 884-8597 or programs@wfpg.org.