In case you need something to run for . . .

Yesterday, I received an email from Hannah at Women to Women International asking me to help spread the word about a series of races that will support women and children in Congo.

Well, once I read some of the material that Hannah sent and that is available on their web site (here), I had to write about it right away. Sure, I'd read things here and there about the situation in Congo, and I'd heard a mention or two about the Oprah episode, but I guess I hadn't really paid attention.

So now I am. Now I'm getting more informed. And now I'm sharing some info with you. There are six Runs for Congo Women planned for this fall. If one is in a city near you, I encourage you to check it out! Here is the information on the series from Hannah:

Change Your Life. And Hers.

Join Women for Women International and stand up for women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo! Participate in a 2009 Run for Congo Women.

Run for Congo Women began with one woman’s determination to raise awareness about the dire situation in Congo and has become an international movement.

• More than 5.4 million people have died since 1998 in this conflict.
• Half of these deaths are children under the age of five.
• For women in Congo, brutal gang rape and torture are a daily reality.

Run for Congo Women is your opportunity to support these women and children as they rebuild their lives.

Visit www.runforcongowomen.org to learn more and register for one of the following runs today!

Morrison, CO - Saturday, September 19^th

Portland, OR – Saturday, September 19^th

New York, NY - Saturday, September 26^th

Tempe/Phoenix, AZ - Sunday, September 27^th

Chicago, IL - Saturday, October 3^rd

St. Louis, MO - Saturday, October 17^th

By signing up today, you will support Women for Women International’s program in Congo, in which women receive direct assistance, rights awareness and job skills training that make it possible for them to start their own micro-enterprises. You also allow them to provide for their family and to regain their role as an active member of their community.

When you join us, you help spread this message: Congolese lives matter. The lives of Congolese women are significant. The lives of Congolese children are precious. We are running to help.

Run on! Oh, and if you do decide to sign up for one of the Run for Congo Women races, let me know! I want to be able to send you lots of good vibes :-)

~ Felice