February/March Newsletter

Welcome to Alma's Newsletter.

Mark your calendars...

UPCOMING:

March 6^th ( 7pm): Xicana Chronicles: International Women’s Day Reading at Resistencia Bookstore as part of Resistencia’s on-going series “Café Libro”. Readings by the participants of Xicana Chronicles followed by an open mic. Resistencia Bookstore: 1801-A South First Street, Austin 78702

March 6^th (7pm): Women’s Evening Gathering – Join us for a monthly evening gathering for women that includes meditation, yoga and healing conversations. Open to all women. Alma de Mujer, 13621 FM 2769, Austin, 78726

March 14^th (2pm - 6pm): Alma de Mujer’s monthly Day of Service – Volunteers! Join us on March 14^th for our monthly day of service. Beverages and light snacks provided. Alma de Mujer, 13621 FM 2769, Austin, 78726

March 22^nd (11am – 1pm): Equinox Brunch – Bring in the spring with excellent locally grown, organic cuisine and jazz. To make reservations, email: programs@indigenouswomen.org. Cost $20/person includes full brunch buffet and jazz. Alma de Mujer, 13621 FM 2769, Austin, 78726

March 28^th (9.30am): Alma de Mujer is cop-sponsoring PODER’s yearly Cesar Chavez March. Opening Blessing at 9.30am; March begins at 10:00 am from the Pan American Recreation Center, 2100 East 3^rd Street. The March will end at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) where there will be speakers, music, dance, and poetry from 11am – 1pm. We will be gathering signatures to make Cesar E. Chavez Day a national Holiday. We will also have a voter registration table.

And there’s more!!!

In March/April we will be announcing a state-wide activist gathering on July 29^th – August 2^nd for women activists working on issues of environmental justice, immigration and Native sovereignty. Information will be made available on the Indigenous Women’s Network website: www.indigenouswomen.org

Are you a school teacher or principal, or do you lead a community group? Alma de Mujer is hosting half-day field trips on Environmental Stewardship and Indigenous Arts & Culture. To find out more or to receive a program brochure, contact: programs@indigenouswomen.org

Alma de Mujer will be hosting Environmental Learning day camps for youth ages 14- 17 in July. To find out more information, contact programs@indigenouswomen.org. Registration is now available.

Our Medicine Wheel garden is well on its way. Look out for announcements on opportunities to visit the Garden in April and May, as well as garden workshops for those interested in learning more about Indigenous medicines.

Volunteers at Alma de Mujer

Thanks to all of our volunteers who came out on January 25^th for our first Day of Service. Special thanks to the Valkyrie Rugby team, and all the folks who helped move rocks, lug out junk, work on decks and generally improve the state of things at Alma. We couldn’t have done it without you!!

Alma Love

On February 14, 2009, Alma de Mujer hosted its first yearly Valentine’s Day event – Alma Love. Over 40 guests came and enjoyed a delicious dinner, singing and drag performances, poetry and dancing with DJ Ebeelo (aka Chorizo Funk). We hope that we see you there next year.

Photos by Senalka McDonald

Announcing Alma de Mujer’s membership program!!

Alma de Mujer has launched a membership program to raise funds for the organization’s operations. There are five levels of membership, each one with benefits including: invitation to a yearly members’ Harvest Open House, original artists’ posters and much, much more. Find out more by visiting our membership page. Become a member today!

Meet Alma de Mujer’s Local Council

Esther Schroeder

A Biomedical Engineer and Clinical Researcher, Esther is equally passionate about Alma de Mujer’s mission and vision as she is about the mystical qualities of life and science. She is driven by Alma’s mission to create healing spaces for women and their families. “I see everyone as a reflection of myself, and in that our mutual sacredness.” Esther is also a loving mother of three boys, and brings her tenderness, joy and sense of positivity to everything she does. Esther has lived in Austin for several years now and we are lucky to have her on our Local Council. Thank you Esther!