ProgramsProgramming Overview
The Women’s Intercultural Center utilizes a programming structure that interweaves leadership development within three (3) major components: Education & Personal Development, Economic Self-Sufficiency, and Consciousness-Raising for Change. Additionally, the Center works with local, state, regional and national organizations and agencies to provide special services, trainings and workshops that help meet the needs of Southern NM and West TX. Each component reinforces and complements the other to empower Center participants.
Alternative Education and Personal Development
Mission
To provide alternative, non-intimidating, non-traditional learning settings for women who have limited access to; had bad experiences with formal education; and /or whose life circumstances prevented them from entering fully into society, the workforce or traditional schools.
Program Description
The program employs a holistic approach and utilizes some principles of Popular Education for social change as taught by Brazilian educator,Paulo Freire.
Through our educational programs, the Women’s Intercultural Center serves as a springboard for women to unlock their potential to subsequently consider higher education and/or starting/advancing a career field through classes such as English as a Second Language (ESL): The five multi-tiered ESL program (Pre-ESL, Beginning, Intermediate, Advance and El Civics) includes group sessions and individual tutoring.
Other Classes Offered Per Semester: A broad range of courses are incorporated into the Center’s semester schedules in the spring, summer and fall. Course offerings vary throughout the year depending on availability and demand. Classes include but are not limited to: basic computer skills, financial literacy, health and fitness, job hunt readiness, nutritional cooking, parenting, public speaking, values and life, visual arts and crafts, and special skills classes.
Special Workshops/Sessions: These workshops / sessions are provided on Fridays and tend to vary. Example topics include but are not limited to: managing grief, domestic violence, organic gardening, diabetes, weight control, tai chi, spiritual days of reflection, and much more.
Contact
For additional information or to volunteer as in instructor, please contact the Director of Programs @ 575-882-5556.
BORDER AWARENESS EXPERIENCE (BAE)
Mission
To raise awareness of border issues and promote cross-cultural dialogue.
Program Description
The BAE is an educational immersion that takes place on the Southwestern U.S./Mexican Border. This region is a microcosm for global concern, and a place where critical issues intersect in tangible ways -- economics, human rights, ecology, migration, labor, militarization of the border, health and more. BAE participants have the opportunity to engage in discussions with local residents and professionals, receive presentations from topic experts, and meet with local grassroots organizations involved in the issues. Participants stay overnight with local host families (optional) -- a highlight of the overall experience.
The program educates the participants on the complexities of border life and its implications at the national level. The BAE is intentionally designed to be a challenging educational experience centered on questioning and reflection on the presented material(s) and experienced realities. This Center initiative is much more than simply a border tour. It is an initiative to present BAE participants with a tacit understanding of the issues so they can form their own opinions about U.S. and Mexican policies in relationship to the present day globalization process. This in-depth experience takes participants beyond the sound bytes of the nightly news. The immersion also provides a taste of the rich culture that is alive on both sides of the border. The personal face of immigration and border life is a face that impacts the participants and one they can learn from. This program prepares participants to take actions on the issues presented in one's local community.
Contact
For additional information and/or to schedule a BAE contact the Consciousness Raising Coordinator @ 575-882-5556 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Click on the following link to view what previous participants have said about their BAE experience:
http://www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/programs/border-awareness-experience.html
CONCIOUSNESS-RAISING FOR CHANGE
Mission
To provide opportunities for women to arrive at the truth in order for them to determine means of action and organizing to eventually create change within their respective communities.
Program Description
The program provides the means for women to make an analysis of social, environmental, immigration, and economic justice as well as any other situation(s) for them to in turn organize others, leading to an action phase. The program awakens women to start thinking and acting. Issues are presented through both sides of the coin in order for women to make the appropriate decisions for their families and respective communities.
It is through this program that women realize that their current understandings of the world and their place in it have been limited by existing social structures. Most importantly, women learn to find their voice and realize their potential to affect societal change.
Outreach is done through workshops, forums, guest speakers and cultural events scheduled throughout the year to address issues impacting communities at the local, state, regional, and federal levels. Topics include but are not limited to: immigration, environment, drugs and youth, impact of global economics on border communities, and much more. Skits and “street” theater, field trips, participation in community events, and other types of interactive experiences are often utilized.
Contact
For additional information, volunteer and/or propose workshops, forums, guest speakers and events, please contact the Conciousness Raising Coordinator @ 575-882-5556.
ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY (ESS)
Mission
To foster the entrepreneurial spirit of women through the development of diverse and creative opportunities that promote an exchange of knowledge and skills that will enable women to produce and market quality goods and services.
Program Description
The program provides a spectrum of opportunities for women to achieve economic self-sufficiency by tapping into their existing talents and building their marketable skills to eventually consider micro-enterprise/small business possibilities. The Center also assists in the marketing and selling of products handcrafted by its program participants. Economic Development Projects include:
- Catering and Food Sales: Participants receive training in nutritional cooking, food handling, menu preparation, presentation and other skills. When needed, the Center hires from this group of women to assist with catering jobs.
- Sales/Marketing of Handcrafted Items: The Center receives a 20% consignment fee for displaying and selling the participants’ handcrafted items in its Gallery, Website, and in organizing participation in craft fairs and conferences in New Mexico and Texas.
- Supporting Individual Entrepreneurs: Women interested in starting a micro-enterprise /small businesses have the opportunity to enroll in the Center’s Small Business Development Academy. The Academy prepares the participants to become successful entrepreneurs by educating them in the areas of strategic planning, law, accounting, marketing, human resources, and business resources. By the end of the 12 week course, participants are confident as they each work towards making their foot marks on the expedition that is life as business owners.
Contact
For additional information, to volunteer your expertise, interest in purchasing the products of the women and/or business propositions, please contact the Director of Programs @ 575-882-5556.
MEETING THE NEEDS OF SOUTHERN NM AND WEST TX
The Women's Intercultural Center also launches initiatives based on the needs of the respective communities we serve. Often times serving as the incubator for the program/project then transferring it over to the appropriate entity to manage.