EVERYONE HAS A STORY!

The Montana group of  Women’s Federation for World Peace opened their afternoon program at the Billings, MT Library on April 21, 2018 with the theme, “Everyone has a Story!”  Ms. Felig, WFWP representative in Montana, chose this theme after a trip to Boston, MA with her son for The Boston Marathon. She shared that it’s a race that challenges all runners even the recognized ‘elites,’ to perform at their best: a quality of spirit that WFWP envisions and promotes within our own members and friends as we pursue international peace and reconciliation through service, character, family, and community. It is our personal stories that inspire people, motivate them, and everyone has a story to share.

Guests were invited to respond to the question, “Who is my role model; who inspires me with their vision and action?” One person shared enthusiastically about a dedicated coach working with youth in sports. Two participants lovingly talked of their mothers’ warmth in caring for children who were not their own, smiling while they spoke about her firm, “no jumping on the beds,” policy.  A woman told of the patriotic and upright influence of an uncle who was recognized for outstanding service as a law enforcement officer. Her husband spoke of his mother’s selfless service as a public health nurse. These heartwarming stories inspired everyone there to find new opportunities to serve.

A moving YouTube presentation by Tanisha Akinloye, CEO of “Empowering Through Beauty Foundation,” was a further call to action. Her personal story of her work as a beauty consultant who empowers people who are homeless and in-transition truly touched everyone! Tanisha’s talk recommended filling gently-used handbags and backpacks with health care products:  shampoo, rinse, soap etc. to help people get back on their feet. Inspired, WFWP Billings repurposed 10 used handbags to fill, a number which shortly doubled with all the subsequent donations. They found a gifted hairdresser in Billings to donate shampoo and rinse, and after a few more toiletry donations these “Beauty Booster Kits” will be donated to local organizations which serve youth and families.  

The organizers then introduced WFWP’s “Areas of Impact” and “The Vision and Mission Statement.” Sharing with guests how WFWP can strengthen individuals, harmonize families and impact the community through simple acts of loving service. With every action we write our stories, let them be ones that inspire!