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"Our WOCA van" |
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By Yolanda Martinez
"It is through Self-Development of People
fund that this dream has become a reality."
When we first began discussions to purchase
a van. many of us didn't believe we could really have get a
decent van. We spoke about it but no one really gave it much
thought afterwards, it just seemed to fade into thin air. Looking
back on it now, I wondered if many of us felt we didn't really
deserve the van or how low had our self-esteem gotten that we
felt our dreams slipping away. Many of us were transplants from
states like, California, Arizona, Texas and Washington State,
where cultural awareness is not an issue. But once I learned
about the Women of Color Alliance (WOCA) I wondered if this
organization could meet my needs as well.
I came to WOCA with hopes to meet women who
looked and sounded like me. and that is what I found. I found
a home away from home. The women strong and vibrant shared with
each other their dreams and hopes to create a place safe for
women of color to come to. |
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There was no organiza-tion that existed
in Idaho specifically addressing women of color issues, especially
women of color or poor white women struggling in rural Idaho.
What I have learned in WOCA is that Internalized Oppression comes
in many shapes and forms but often it stems from the upbringing
in your own home, and the myths that people of color have about
each other, Mexicans about Natives, and Natives about African
Americans, and so on. |
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Women of Color Alliance, Boise,
Idaho: left to right: Yolanda Martinez, Gloria Mabbutt, Mary
Lu Owens, Adriana Solis-Black and Jennifer Gadaleto. Photo
by Sonya Rosario
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Because
of the work that we are doing on building cross-cultural alliances
we can also see how this van will bring women together as they
journey through Idaho. It is through Self-Development of People
fund that this dream has become a reality. Sending out the photos
of the new van to our sisters in Idaho has caused a stir of
excitement. Seeing this beautiful 2002 mini van has made us
feel good about the journey we will all be taking together,
along with our struggles and dreams. Having the support from
Self-Development of People Fund will give us the ability to
now go where we are truly needed without worry if the car will
make it. This van will give us visibility and a presence in
the communities. Seeing one or two women get out of car is okay...seeing
seven to eight women get out of a van sends another message,
help and hope has arrived. |
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