UAW celebrates 'Women Creating Caring Communities' on March 19

DETROIT -- In honor of the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, the UAW Women's Department is hosting "Women Creating Caring Communities" on March 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the union's UAW-Ford National Programs Center. 

International Women's Day is recognized nationally on March 8. 

UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada and legendary Detroit activist Grace Lee Boggs will open the event encouraging women to create new connections between the labor movement and those working for sustained community change. 

"We're excited about the commitment and abundance of energy emerging from women throughout labor and in our communities. This program gives us an opportunity to renew the woman-to-woman relationships that keep us connected and strong and begin a dialogue to carry us together into the future," said Estrada, who directs the union's Women's Department. 

Here's more information: 

What:    "Women Creating Caring Communities" event

When:    Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where:  UAW-Ford National Programs Center, 151 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48232 

The afternoon panel includes Myrtle Thompson sharing her experiences in using urban gardening to grow community ties, along with Ann Heler of FernCare, who will discuss the creation of a community-based, free full-service health clinic for the noninsured. There will also be speakers on education, digital justice, time banking and labor's contribution to community activism. 

Connie Leak, a UAW International representative, and Adrienne Marie Brown will facilitate a town hall discussion about the connections, creativity and labor women bring to the community. In addition, there will be poetry readings by Dr. Gloria House, and the program concludes with tributes to women pioneers and emerging community leaders. A light lunch will be provided.