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!

January/February 2009 Newsletter

Alma de Mujer welcomes you to our monthly blog newsletter! We have many wonderful announcements, developments and programs coming down the pipeline. Visit us frequently to learn more about what we have going on.

NEWS

(Some of Alma's Local Council Members: Courtney Morris, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, Maria Elena Martinez, Velia Sanchez Ruiz, Lourdes Kaman, Adela Mancias)

In Fall 2008, Alma de Mujer instituted an intergenerational Local Council which is providing oversight and support to Alma’s programs and operations.Council members are (alphabetical by first name): Adela Mancias (RedSalmon Arts), Carmen Llanes (PODER), Courtney Morris, Esther Schroeder, Erika Gonzalez (PODER), Lourdes Kaman, Maria Elena Martinez, Maribel Garza, Mary Margaret Navar, Rosa Tupina Orta, Rosalind Chou, Velia Sanchez Ruiz and Wura-Natasha Ogunji.

In January 2009, Ana Lara was hired on as Alma's Program Director. In her role as Program Director, Ana will lead the development and implementation initiatives & programs, including:

• expansion of Alma de Mujer's Indigenous Arts & Culture program to include a new Artist in Residence program for Texas-based Indigenous women/women of color visual artists and writers


• expansion of the Alma's Sustainable Communities program to train Community Health Workers/Promotoras de Salud on Indigenous Health & Medicine and in the development of Indigenous environmental stewardship camps for youth and families


• redirecting the Indigenous Women's Leadership program to focus on providing training for Austin-based Indigenous women through a local internship program, and gatherings focused on activism and social justice initiatives throughout Texas

In 2009, Alma de Mujer will also be hosting seasonal events (Equinox Brunches), workshops, Moon gatherings, youth/family camps among others!!

I am really excited at all of the potential, but am also deeply moved by all of what has come before me. This moment wouldn’t be possible without all of the love, energy and effort that has brought Alma de Mujer to this point. This is the perfect moment in time to institute long-lasting, effective growth at Alma de Mujer; we have a new President in D.C., and we have a local community that is mobilizing in new and dynamic ways. I am especially grateful to the leadership of Alma's Local Council, who through their heart and hard work, bring smiles and inspiration to me on a daily basis." ~Ana

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 15, 2009 - Announcing Alma de Mujer's Artist in Residence program!!
Alma de Mujer, a project of the Indigenous Women's Network, is proud to announce it's new Artist in Residence Program.

Applications are available starting January 15, 2009 and are due (postmark) by February 17, 2009.Texas Indigenous women/women of color artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply including writers, visual artists, performers, multi-disciplinary artists and curators/critics.All artists receive shared accommodations, a private work space, and basic food provisions at no cost. Artists are responsible for transportation toand from the residency, materials, and additional food costs.

You can download a pdf of the application here. Or, to request an application, send an email to almaresidence@gmail.com or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Alma de Mujer/ 13621 FM 2769, Austin, TX 78726

Note: Postmark deadline is February 17 2009. There is a $20 application fee.

January 25, 2009 - Alma Volunteer Day
From 10am - 2pm, Alma will be buzzing with activity. In preparation for the Artist in Residence program, we will be cleaning out the studio, painting and making small repairs. We will also be working on clearing beds and raising beds for the new Medicine Wheel Garden. Bring yourself, comfortable work clothes and the great light in your heart. Join us for a community day of service.

February 7, 2009 - Chicana Chronicles: A Monthly Writing Group

This program, in collaboration with People in Defense of Earth and Her Resources (PODER) is a monthly writing group for young Chicana/Latina women exploring history, politics, identity, land and love. Registration is closed for the winter and will open in early summer. For more information, contact Ana Lara at programs@indigenouswomen.org

February 14, 2009, 8pm - Alma Love: A Sensual Night of Performance, Dinner & Dancing
Join us for a night of sensual performances and a DJ Dance party just for you! Enjoy a dinner made using local and organic ingredients, and an atmosphere that says all love is good and possible.

Tickets: $30.00; to purchase, call 512.258.3880 or email programs@indigenouswomen.org

Look out for more information on upcoming programs in the early spring, including: a Full Moon meditation group, yoga classes, Indigenous agriculture, health and healing workshops and much, much more!

BOOKINGS

Retreat Center space is available for meetings, gatherings, retreats, workshops.Click here to find out more about bookings. To request a booking, email: bookings@indigenouswomen.org

MEET ALMA’S LOCAL COUNCIL

Velia Sanchez Ruiz

Velia came to Alma de Mujer for the first time in February 2008. It was soon after her mother’s passing and she fell n love with Alma because of the sense of healing and peacefulness. “The trees were all bare and the colors wer so beautiful and I sat at the bench in front of the Madre and it was an awesome experience. I knew then that Alma needs to wake up one more time and provide healing for others.” Velia is a retired school teacher and is well known and loved for her dance lessons in her Physical Education classes at Linder elementary, where she taught for 27 years. Velia is also a Master Gardener and a member of the Day Lily Society and of the Violet Crown – one of the oldest garden clubs in the state of Texas. In addition to staying active at Zilker Botanical Garden, Velia is helping out on Alma’s Local Council. After seeing Alma’s garden, she had a dream of a wheel, and with the help of her friends Doris Ledesma Green and Sylvia Ledesma, she came up with a design for Alma’s new Medicine Wheel Garden.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Alma de Mujer exists for Indigenous communities, communities of color and communities in harmony with our beliefs. Our programs serve communities based in Austin, throughout Texas and in the Southwest region of the United States and Northern Mexico. Alma de Mujer’s gates are open during daylight hours, seven days a week. If you’re in town or just passing through, come by and see us sometime! Call 512.258.3880 to stop by for a site visit.

SUPPORT ALMA DE MUJER

Love, energy and the money to get things moving. It’s easy to support Alma de Mujer. You can volunteer or send a love donation in the form of a check, money order, or through a bank draft. We’re also looking for donations of in-kind items. To donate furniture or other in-kind items, contact us at programs@indigenouswomen.org

Alma de Mujer Memberships

Become a Member of Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change today!!

Eagle Circle

$25 (student/low-income)/$40 general

Benefits: Annual Members Harvest Open House

Hare Circle

$75/year

Benefits: Annual Members Harvest Open House, Limited Edition Art Poster

Deer Circle

$150/year

Benefits: Annual Members Harvest Open House, Limited Edition Art Poster, One ticket to a Seasonal Brunch

Turtle Circle

$300+/year

Benefits: Annual Members Harvest Open House, Limited Edition Art Poster, Two tickets to a Seasonal Brunch

Snail Circle

$1000/year

Benefits: Annual Members Harvest Open House, Limited Edition Art Poster, Two tickets to a Seasonal Brunch, Private Snail Circle Reception with an Artist in Residence

Alma de Mujer accepts check or cash payments and donations. Please inquire about in-kind donations. All donations are tax-deductible. Checks can be made out to: Alma de Mujer

Mailing Address:

13621 FM 2769

Austin, TX 78726

About the Retreat Center

Alma is an affordable retreat facility available for booking to both non-profit and for-profit groups and individuals working in the fields of education, the environment, cultural and social awareness, the healing arts, women, family, children and youth groups, social justice and indigenous organizations. We have served more than 400 local, regional, national and international organizations in the 8 years of our operation.

Located 20 miles northwest of Austin, the natural and rustic setting provides a beautiful, private environment. Our main lodge has 4,000 square feet of space and our sleeping quarters can accommodate 30 people. Encampments are possible for larger groups. Catering, camping, organic gardening, and a meditation knoll are also available. We are available daily, weekly or weekends.

About Our Facilities

Main Lodge Meeting & Dining Space

Our Main Lodge is a spacious 4,000 square foot, two story sky-lit cedar lodge complete with a natural stone fireplace, commercial kitchen, three bathrooms and a large outdoor porch/deck. The main floor of the lodge serves as meeting space and dining area where Alma's video and resource library, international craft corner and indigenous art collections are available for year-round viewing. This area can be arranged to conform to your special needs, with either seated or buffet dining, creating a more informal meeting space for larger groups.
Sleeping Accommodations

Treehouse Sleeping Quarters: Nestled high in the cedars and oaks, "Alma's Treehouse" is available for overnight guests. Separated into five distinctly charming cabins, sleeping 4-6 in each, the Treehouse is a large separate cedar lodge, located directly next to the Main Lodge, which can accommodate 22 overnighters. Linen, towels, bathroom accommodations, AC and heating are available in each unit.

Encampments: For larger groups, we can accommodate campers with tents. Our encampment area is located along Cypress Pond near the meditation knoll and garden.

Meals

Alma's kitchen provides creative, healthy, and quality vegetarian or meat menus. Menus are created with group and individual dietary needs in mind and prepared by experienced and loving hands. For planned meals, a minimum number of persons is required. Meals are charged on a per guest basis, separate from the room charge.

About the Land

Alma de Mujer Social Justice Retreat Center is located on 23 acres of central Texas woodlands. There are over 80 indigenous natural medicines found growing wild throughout the land. Most of the acreage is covered by endemic forest, which is also home to wildlife including: deer, rabbits, boar, fish and numerous bird species.

As part of its mission to model Sustainable Communities, Alma de Mujer maintains the land according to indigenous values. In addition, we also maintain an Organic Garden/Fruit Orchard, A Meditation Knoll and the Cypress Creek pond.

Organic Garden/Fruit Orchard

In keeping with the spirit of maintaining a sustainable and healthy environment, Alma has developed a one acre model organic garden. Alma's garden serves as a role model to the community in using self-sustaining, traditional agriculture methods as well as supplementing meals for guests.


Meditation Knoll

The Meditation Knoll provides a quiet area in which guests can sit and rest. "Madre el Mundo," a life-size sculpture by founding Mother Marsha Gomez is the centerpiece of the meditation knoll.
Pond

Cypress Creek, a main artery to Lake Travis, provides Alma with a beautiful lush spring-fed pond. Guests are welcome to sit by the pond, or to enjoy the swimming hole.

Bookings

Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change is located on 22 acres at Lake Travis.

Alma de Mujer is available for small and mid-size organizational and community gatherings, meetings, overnights and camps.

We have a dining room, living room, a full service kitchen and 20 beds available in dormitory style rooms as well as campgrounds and outdoor space. Meal plans are also available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

To find out more about pricing or to make a reservation, email us at: almademujerbookings@gmail.com or call: 512.258.1858