Recap by Hollis Vaughen, AWC Berlin
“Women & Democracy” was the theme of the FAWCO Region 5 Regional Meeting hosted by AWC Berlin November 15–17, 2024. The venue was DoubleTree by Hilton KuDamm and Jennifer Post Draeger served as Meeting Chair and Moderator.
AWC Berlin welcomed 52 participants from 15 FAWCO Member Clubs. This included participants from eight Region 5 clubs: AWC Berlin, AIWC Cologne, AIWC Düsseldorf, AIWC Frankfurt, IWC Leipzig, AWC Hamburg, Heidelberg IWC and AWA Vienna. Representatives from sister clubs in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Bern, Central Scotland, Denmark, Kenya, London, and Paris also attended. The AWC Berlin delegation included 19 members!
In addition to updates from FAWCO, The FAWCO Foundation, and the Target Project Awesome Blossoms, the weekend included a post-US election panel discussion moderated by member Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson; a talk on “The Power of Story” from member Syd Atlas; a lecture about the women’s movement at the turn of the century when AWC Berlin was founded from member Mary Pepchinski; and personal stories on applying for German citizenship from three members and friends of our Club. AWC Berlin received numerous comments from attendees on the insightful and engaging talks presented by their members – kudos!
Over €2000 was raised for the Target Project Awesome Blossoms at the event through a Silent & Live Auction, member Fran Durocher’s Tour of Nefertiti and various other fundraising activities.
Special thanks to Gwen Calisch, who served as Registration Manager; to our local Organizing Team of Gwen Calisch, Renee Johnsson, Alex Kinney, My-Linh Kunst, and Hollis Vaughen; and to FAWCO Region 5 Coordinator Angelika McLarren.