The journey through existence is always teaching us lessons. If we are observant, we can learn so much just from our personal experiences and those of the people around us. Interesting creatures that we are, people are often inspired by the stories of other people and their struggles and triumphs. Dramatic productions have entertained people…
The 64th Session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women will not be proceeding as planned this year because of “the current concerns regarding coronavirus disease (COVID-19).” All side events and parallel events were cancelled. We hope that the virus will be contained, and look forward to being able to be involved with…
The focus of Big Ocean Women’s discussion for February is that we are each unique and innately worthy of respect. In articles, photos, and a video, Ann, Norma, and Shelli show us great examples of the Provo Cottage working together with other organizations, churches, the community, and families “crossing borders, erasing barriers, seeing beyond differences…
With a smile that lights up a room, and a positive attitude that helps everyone around her, Michelle Meline is one of the newest Big Ocean Women board members. Michelle grew up in a large family with seven siblings with whom she “worked hard and played hard.” She related that she had been “surrounded by…
The first tenet of Big Ocean Women is “We believe in God and are women of faith.” We don’t, as an organization, have expectations of what faith tradition our members espouse. We only recognize that there is and has historically been a high percentage of women who identify with some faith, and we also find…
In 1923, Alice Paul, who was a crusader for women’s equality and heroically influential in the passage of the 19th Amendment (“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex”), wrote a proposed amendment to the…
I remember reading a story to my children about a desert nomad who had a camel that kept asking to come into his tent. Of course, the man told the camel that he could not come in, because obviously camels do not belong inside tents with people. As further support for his refusal, the man…
Each of us has within ourselves an internal compass that can help us as we navigate life. Sometimes we will feel called to do something that may be frightening or overwhelming, and sometimes what we know deep within ourselves must be done may be hard to do. This is the case with Gracey Van Der…
I believe that two of the most important responsibilities each of us has are learning and teaching. In this vast world, opportunities may vary as far accessibility to classrooms, certified teachers, libraries, computers, and the Internet; but whatever is available should be cherished and utilized. Likewise, life circumstances for some have made being taught by…
Debora Fletcher is a woman on a mission. This vivacious mother of 10 has been traveling around the world to share the message of the power of family capital. In June and July she took her backpack and little black purse to Holland, Switzerland, Columbia, and Peru as she researched hunger and agricultural projects, attended…