What better way to discuss women empowerment groups, immigrant rights, and Boston leadership development than to recall the moment when Senator John F. Kennedy famously described our country as “A Nation of Immigrants.”
This is a country built by the dreams, perseverance, and sweat of those who came to this nation. Though times have changed, the stories of those who have come here over the years have not. And so often, it is women who must work the hardest to integrate themselves and their families into our society—who preserve their own culture while preparing their families to become integral parts of this one.
The mission and vision of Women Encouraging Empowerment (WEE) could easily be seen as an extension and continuation of this history and the never-ceasing process of immigration and integration. Their mission, as stated on their website, “is to educate, advocate, protect, and advance the rights of immigrants, refugees, and low-income women and their families through organizing leadership development and service delivery.” Through leadership development, WEE seeks to empower the success of immigrant women from a social and economic standpoint.
To that end, WEE offers a range of classes and services to help immigrant and refugee women, “achieve social and economic self-sufficiency, and become agents of social change in their communities.” The primary offerings are classes for English as a Second Language (ESL). This service is not only vital but also serves as a bedrock that can support access to our culture and paves the path to citizenship. Once these women can communicate with our larger community, they can more easily access the necessary services and assistance that give them the power to better help themselves and their families.
As part of the Boston leadership development community and women empowerment groups, WEE provides programs such as their Women’s Community Circle which assist families in becoming better acclimated to their surroundings. They also raise awareness about domestic violence and provide a Youth Advocacy Program—supporting immigrant, refugee, and low-income women in all communities. As an organization that works to support immigrant rights, WEE also provides services that aim to help immigrants and refugees apply for citizenship, and become active and engaged community members.
This is how we continue to weave the great American tapestry. It’s with the help of organizations such as Women Encouraging Empowerment that the dream of this “Nation of Immigrants” is kept alive.
Get involved, and help support women and immigrants in our own community by supporting the work of Women Encouraging Empowerment.