 This year has been a unique one for Meeker Citizens of the World and for our world at large! For over 30 years, this program has centered on the rich growth that comes from a cultural exchange - listening, exploring and embracing many different concepts and perspectives. It hasn’t been unusual over the past years for the program to adjust with the times during economic challenges or unexpected hiccups, although dealing with a global pandemic is definitely a first. Just as the teachers we partner with are missing the face to face hellos with students in the hallways and classrooms, we too are missing our connection with the core mission of the program - the kids! While this photo is from past sunnier days, we have met as the MCOW Board of Directors each and every month to adjust, consider new possibilities, and strategize on program elements for the exchange program. Earlier this month we gathered via Zoom to reflect on this year; we’ve shared with one another many laughs, difficult decisions, and choked-up moments during the year. And, we’ve started looking ahead as we turn the page into 2021! Our program year starts each April so there are dreams, contingencies and practicalities already being discussed for the return of the program. This group of adults serving as the Board each has their own ties to the program. Despite our small NE Tacoma community, some of us never knew each other until MCOW brought us together. Each of us brings different talents, but we all share a love of kids and this program. Whether you are a community partner, teacher, former Ambassador, former Host, or family member with ties to MCOW, we send our heartfelt hugs and warm wishes this holiday season. To our New Zealand friends, we send joyous greetings for you all with the hope you are enjoying your summer, the holidays, and the conclusion of your New Zealand school year! Happy Holidays!
|
| Hello friends, neighbors, and MCOW Alumni! Happy December! This month is like no other, because Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday season reminds us of hope, joy, comfort, peace, goodwill, and family. It restores a bit of wonder to our lives. Despite all the craziness of this year, we hope this holiday season will be a special time for you and your family, filled with what you treasure most. On behalf of the MCOW Board of Directors, we want to remind you of the importance of today - GIVING TUESDAY. This is a very meaningful day for the non-profit community. Organizations like MCOW rely in large part on the generosity of individuals to make their programs possible. Simply put, we wouldn't exist without YOUR help and financial support. Each year since 1989, we have been able to continue our mission of engaging young minds in a cross-cultural experience with our partners in New Zealand because of the generosity of our community. It's been 31 years of awesome! Beyond MCOW, we encourage you to consider supporting other non-profit organizations on Giving Tuesday 2020. The work they do is critically important. There are MANY community programs that make a real difference in peoples' lives, right here in 98422 and all around the world. Giving Tuesday recognizes not just the financial needs but also the volunteer service critical to non-profit organizations to fulfill their mission. Each year our Student Ambassadors engage in community service projects. They serve their 98422 community prior to their trip, and then in New Zealand the last few years they have served the local Invercargill community as well! THANK YOU for all the ways you help make our community better. We are tremendously grateful for your support of MCOW over the past three decades! Best regards, Allison, Amy, Annette, Charles, Liz, Louann, and Stephan MCOW Board of Directors 2020-2021 |     |
Archives
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
September 2020
August 2020
June 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
Categories
All
2019-2020
2020 2021
2020 Ambassadors
MCOW Board
RSS Feed
For more history and older blogs, please see our Archives.