Working with the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP)

Beginning in January of this year I started working as a intern of media and communications for the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders. The International Coordinating Team based in NYC is a small team of women making a huge impact working with women in grassroots organizations around the globe. 

The past two weeks has marked the busiest time since I began working with the group as it was the 56th meeting of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women which: 

The NGO Committee on the Status of Women, NY supports the work of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women, the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). By playing an active role in the UN Community the NGO CSW, NY advocates for gender architecture reform at the UN, women’s rights and the advancement of women and girls worldwide. In its work with the NGO Committees on the Status of Women in Geneva and Vienna, the NGO CSW, NY supports the Beijing Platform for Action, UN Security Resolution 1325, the Millennium Development Goals, and CEDAW. 

From participating in a training where the Nobel Peace Price Winner Leymah Gbowee spoke, to sitting in on the European/North American regional NGO caucus and conversation circles I have experienced many new and exciting aspects of the work I've been motivated by for years. Attending our member meeting last week with so many amazing women from around the globe including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Rwanda, Canada and Nepal was humbling. 

This summer I will be working as a consultant for GNWP on their 1325 Monitoring Report which has been released for the past two years. 

10 Gifts for the Lesbian, Vegan, Feminist in Your Life

Here are some suggestions to make gift giving to your lesbian, vegan, feminist friend or partner a little easier!

1. Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook.  There is a good chance she already has this, but if not she will squee with glee to receive this gift.
2. A Gift from Babeland. I won't choose for you, but keep an eye open for the items that are labelled vegan including this Sliquid lube. And also, recharable vibes!
3. A book from The Feminist Press. I personally recommend Witches, Midwives and Nurses but you can dig around and see what suits your lady's fancy.
4. Sponsor an animal. Help pay for the shelter and care of an animal at a farm sanctuary such as Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Even better, take her to visit the animal!
5. Membership to Citizen Radio Productions. There are lots of reasons to support these indepedent, witty, informative, feminist, vegan podcasts -  here are a few.
6. Magazine Subscription. Might I recommend N+1, Harpers or The Nation?
7. Autostraddle Calandar. Super sexy lesbians in a cofee table style calandar with behind the scenes info on the Autostraddle website. Win!
8. Teal Cat from The Teal Cat project. This tchotchke supports Trap-Neuter and Release programs and involves, well, a teal cat.
9. Support the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Maybe by purchasing the "I Heart my 2 Mommies" Dog, Cat or Puppy T-Shirt or Justice tote?
10. The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For. Alison Bechdel's comic strips are hilarious and clever and addictive so you should just get them all in this collection of all the Dykes to Watch Out For strips.