Enlightening Women Through womenlighte.ning.com

Today marks the official debut of our own Social Network - womenlighte.ning.com! This is not about me, this is about us. Many of you have facebook or myspace pages, and I'm sure this has provided a great way to "network" with friends, relatives, and business associates. What I have learned in my research into this technology is that it provides a way for others with similar interests or affiliations to stay in touch. The FB & Myspaces will always have their place, but the future of Social Networking is in the creation of small, private, but powerful networks that are more homogeneous, but can be "daisy-chained" with other more intimate networks by design, not by force.

That is what womenlighte.ning.com is about. Women of Wealth coming together in one group or forum to bring their cause or concern to a group of like minded individuals. I have created one such group - Women With Cause - specifically for members who work in philanthropy or volunteer in a non-profit, or for profit organization that needs support. Many times, there are ways we can help each other, even though time and distance may separate us. We can create other groups as needed, and I invite your suggestions. There are several other features I think you will enjoy - videos, blogs, forums, events, etc.

Many of you have already received invitations to join the womenlighte.ning network. More invites will be going out over the next few days. Each invite will contain a "member number" that you will be prompted to enter when you set up your network profile. You will also be asked to enter your "sponsoring member" (me, in the initial few invites). This is to ensure that only invited members are allowed to join. This is not meant to be discriminatory, but rather a precaution as many of you have high public profiles and do not like the "openness" of FB and Myspace. This will also allow us, as a group to adhere to a set of Virtues for a Virtual World, and keep our mission focused. If you know of someone who is interested in joining, have them sign up to be put on our email list using the box in the sidebar to the right of this blog.

Let's make this new tool a force for change, and a community that cares. Together, we can make a difference!

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG -JBHIV

St. Patrick and St. Elizabeth

Today is the day we traditionally celebrate the efforts of the "patron saint of the Irish" - St. Patrick. Let us not lose sight, however that 2009 marks the 200th Anniversary of the founding of the American Sisters of Charity by St. Elizabeth Seton in Emmitsburg, Md. This is a significant event both for the Sisters of Charity and for the American Catholic Church, since the Sisters of Charity were the first active congregation of women religious founded in the United States, as well as the largest community to serve our country and church during the entire antebellum period. She was also the first US-born woman to be canonized.

There are many ways Women of Wealth can serve our communities, our country, and our world. In last Saturday's post I mentioned two local women who saw a need, and created an organization to address it. As you celebrate your "inner Irish" today, think about what you can do to follow the example set by St. Elizabeth, and countless others in service to womenkind.

Perhaps the most compelling thought I'd like to leave you with today is one of outrage. Not the kind that is being unleashed at AIG because of recent bonus revelations, but rather, positive, meaningful, outrageous CHANGE. This is the message of St.Pat and St. Ann - be not afraid to think big - you may never know where your ideas and efforts may go!

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG - JBHIV

Remote Possibilities

Many of you have asked how you can participate in activities or projects that Women of Wealth are currently involved in, or are are now contemplating. I will be adding a section in the sidebar of this blog shortly that will allow interested followers an opportunity to receive email updates on a regular basis. As I come across interesting articles or projects looking for support, I will pass these along to those who sign up. Even though these groups may be scattered geographically, they may benefit by your support.

This blog and your participation in it is evidence that with today's technology, even remote participants can make a difference. This ability, coupled with a well thought out social biography, can magnify the impact Women of Wealth can have on their local community, and the world. There is a popular phrase "Think Globally, Act Locally". With a strong Moral Compass, and the capacity that wealth brings, it is possible to now "Think Locally, Act Globally", as well.

Please join us as we bring meaningful change into the lives of others.

Until next post, continue to achieve, believe, receive. SDG - JBHIV