About
www.bwufa.orgBlack Women United For Action (BWUFA) is a Virginia-based community service volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of women - especially, economically disadvantaged leads of household - and has implemented a community development program that uses a grassroots hands-on educational approach to providing support intervention. Organized in 1980, it receives no compensation for offering such services.
Several years ago, BWUFA created a mentoring program for Chantilly Mews, a federally subsidized housing area whose residents are considered "at risk". Through the "Chantilly Mews Family Preservation Project", these residents receive parenting support through workshops and seminars, professional development training for adult residents with an emphasis on employment readiness. Chantilly Mews school-aged children are given educational enrichment through summer school activities and field trips. They also are taught conflict resolution techniques. We are extremely proud of our "Higher Education Program" which guides students towards higher education. Through a unique partnership with St. Augustine College in Raleigh, NC, BWUFA has been able to provide room deposits, funding for books, transportation costs twice a year, and other student fees. An annual college tour to the school is sponsored in the spring. This program is not limited to Chantilly Mews residents, but has also been extended to include students enrolled at Accotink Academy in Springfield, VA. Our goal is to expand this program to include other students in the northern Virginia area and involve other colleges and university willing to partner with us.
Other BWUFA programs include:
Annual Slave Memorial Wreath laying Ceremony on the grounds of the
historic Mount Vernon Estate, home of President George Washington, in
Alexandria, VA. (NOTE: This year's event will be held on September 24,
2005).
The Nikki Giovanni Youth Writers Program
International Outreach Program
New programming for this year includes a "Women's Roundtable" discussion co-sponsored by the George Mason University School of Social Work. A special feature of the day is a youth forum for females aged 13-17. The event will be held on September 10, 2005.
To learn more about BWUFA, visit its website, www.bwufa.org.
- Status
- Private Company
- Founded
- 1985
- # Employees
- 1
Company History
In 1985, African American women were playing virtually no significant management roles in education and local government in northern Virginia. Since large numbers of highly-educated, professional, and extremely talented Black women resided there, a group of concerned African American women concluded that officials in decision-making positions were unaware of, or had overlooked this pool of talent as a vaiable information resource. The response to this problem was to found Black Women United For Action (BWUFA), an organization designed to increase the visibility and involvement of the African American family - and in particular, the African American woman. In doing so, the 12 founding BWUFA members believed they could enhance the quality of life for all.
BWUFA's focus has grown to include surrounding counties and cities in the metro Washington, DC area, as well as several states along the eastern seaboard and Canada. Its resources and talent base has expanded as well.
In 1990, BWUFA became aware of the existence of the Slave Memorial at Mount Vernon, and immediately realized that this important monument was receiving little to no recognition. BWUFA garnered the support of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (caretakers of the Mount Vernon estate) and implemented an annual commemoration of the Slave Memorial. As part of Women's History Month, BWUFA instituted the annual Women We Admire Luncheon. In 1992, Sheila Coates, BWUFA President, became a member of the Council of Presidents, a national women's organization representing over 100 women's groups.
In 1993, BWUFA became partners with the White House Office for Women's Initiatives and Outreach. Since then, BWUFA has been called on regularly by the White House as an important resource. In September, 1997, 12 BWUFA members were invited to the Oval Office to present President Clinton and Vice President Gore with a replica of the Slave Memorial.