“What can I do?”
It’s a small question with big impact.
As I was thinking about the celebration, the empowerment and the inspiration we’ll see for #IWD2024 today, I couldn’t help but feel how important it is to make all that rallying more than just lip service.
Spreading messages that support women’s rights, creating awareness for the battles still to be won is so important. But we can do more. Not just the collective “we,” but the small scale, “you-and-me we.”
I can do more. You can do more.
We can and need to do more to uplift women still held back by more than just their feminism–women who are marginalized, discriminated against and fighting to find footholds for progress in a system built for people of privilege. The women behind International Women’s Day agree. This year’s theme is #InspireInclusion.
Inclusion requires action. Not sure what action to take? Ask.
Reach out to organizations in your community working to support marginalized women. Ask them, “What can I do? …How can I help?”
Supporting women happens in the fight against cycles of poverty, in supporting survivors of domestic violence, in uplifting young girls to reach their fullest potential, in family planning and care, and health rights for underserved communities. Women, everywhere, need our help, as people in the pursuit of happiness. There’s so much to do to remove the barriers in their path. So much it can often leave one thinking, “What difference can I make?” Turn that question from rhetorical active and ask, “What can I do? What difference can I actively make?”
It’s a low risk question. No need to know anything in advance. It’s a question that creates a connection and leads to action.
I asked this question of myself, “What can I do with the skills and resources I have?” And in the spirit of what I can do, I’m offering to donate all proceeds from any speaking engagements booked this month, March 2024 (even if delivered at any point in the remainder of the year) to organizations supporting women in my community.
Book any of my speaking sessions that could bring value to your company or organization and all proceeds will go to an organization that supports women.
A few in my community that are near and dear to my heart include the YWCA, Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester, Teen Empowerment and The Hub 585. If there is a different organization supporting women your company wants to support with this promise, let’s talk about it.
If you work at a company that values team development, consider recommending these speaking opportunities to your HR or leadership team and create a win-win for your group and the women supported by a benefiting organization.
There’s always something we can do with the means and resources we have. Ask yourself or ask someone else, “What can I do?”
