yse presentation
TRANSCRIPT
The Didi Society:Empowering women through just trade and education
Didi works for positive, lasting change by empowering women through trade, and educating youth in Victoria and the global north. “…there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women” ~ Kofi Anaan, former Secretary-General to the UN
Lasting change:By educating youth here in Victoria, we hope to encourage and challenge the inherent inequalities that the current world trade system produces.
What does Didi mean?
We chose this name because it reflects the relationship we hope to maintain with the women's groups we work with.
It reflects the respect and familial relationship that we encourage within the organization and within society.
Didi = respected elder sister in Hindi.
Where did this start?
The wonderful women from the beginning
Opportunities We offer youth and young adults the
opportunity to volunteer Volunteers receive valuable mentorship,
training and feedback from qualified and experienced professionals
We actively partner with community members and groups to increase awareness and opportunity
Products Our products come
from India, Kenya and Guatemala.
We’re looking into partnering with local artists to have some product lines finished here, locally
Education We have an exciting new pilot project
we hope to launch in June including training facilitators (youth and young adults) in youth social justice facilitation!
Our program will continue to expand, as it has this past year with invitations from across districts
Board and Volunteers Our Board of Directors is a fun, young,
innovative bunch
Volunteers are a constant surprise! Quality, determination, expertise and
interest One Goal of 2013 is to create an effective
volunteer management strategy
Partnerships Community Micro Lending Cordova Bay United Church Ethical Deal Ten Thousand Villages Moksana Yoga Global Villages Victoria Global Villages Penticton BC Teachers Foundation School District 61 Central Middle School
Challenges Volunteer
Management as we grow
Sharp increase in programs stretches resources
Multi-focused goals Solid communication
with cooperatives Volunteer run –
juggling jobs Social Enterprise a
new concept Funding is limited
for social enterprises
Start-up business versus charity status
Supports we would love to have access to: Advice on structure (Charity vs.
Business) Grants for Social Enterprise Shared space Collective of non-profits in similar field
Our next steps: Education pilot program Increase retail store reach Paid staff in June New cooperative on board! Evaluate and monitor progress
“I think I would tell the young people that the most important thing is to
follow your heart and your dreams as you see them today. They may be different tomorrow, but the most
important thing is to do whatever you do with a love and with a passion.”
An environmentalist and political activist, Wangari Maathai in 2004 became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.