Click on the links below to read Dawn Marie Lemonds' letters and journals related to Project Independence.

Project Independence 2006 Update
Our 2006 update on the impact Project Independence and Soroptimists have made on women survivors of war.

Read Dawn Marie's Journals from the Rwanda Study Tour 2006
From February 12 - February 25, two different groups of Soroptimist International members from around the world met in Kigali, Rwanda to witness first-hand Women for Women International's programs on the ground. They also saw how Project Independence: Women Survivors of War is giving women the opportunity to take control of their lives after the detrimental effects of war. Below is information that discusses the trip more in-depth.

Support the Peace Marathon in Rwanda
Soroptimist International clubs in Rwanda, in cooperation with SI clubs in Europe, organized a Peace Marathon in Kigali for May 15th, 2005. Click the link above to read more about this special event! Maggie Allan of SI Tynedale (SIGBI) successfully ran in the dust and heat of Kigali, Rwanda. The event was so successful that another Peace Marathon was held in May 2006.

Dawn Marie's February 2005 Journal
Project Independence is fully running due to the work of Soroptimists around the world. The best source of current information is the official website for Project Independence. This website is updated at least every 6 weeks – with everything from stories of participants, official reports, copies of news releases, electronic products (poster, brochure, etc.) sample presentations, and innovative ideas from Soroptimists around the world! All press releases sent to us will be put on the website!

Dawn Marie's February 2005 Donation Update
A quick and basic reference guide on the different types of donations you can make and the donation process.

Project Independence 2005 Update
A short update on the impact Project Independence and Soroptimists have made in the last year.

Dawn Marie's April 2004 Journal
So many projects are abounding world-wide and it is not possible to tell about all of them. Right now, 1,200 boxes of cards and 2,000 pins, featured in last The International Soroptimist issue, have been circulated to more than twenty people around the globe. These cards and pins will promote our project as well as “kickstart” fundraising so we can begin helping Project Independence groups in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Rwanda.

Dawn Marie's March 2004 Journal
Imagine this: twenty women showing up for their first day for of a one year program offering education and support provided by Soroptimist International members via our partner, Women for Women International. This program promises to be an opportunity for these women to get education about human rights, basic life skills, job skills, a small stipend and the support of other women who have also endured the consequences of war.

December 2003 Letter
We’re only six months into our new Quadrennial Project, Project Independence: Women Survivors of War, and I’m already overwhelmed and overjoyed by the response I’ve gotten from the local clubs and members I’ve visited with and talked to. I’ve heard of new and innovative fundraising and outreach ideas – everything from Golf Tournaments in California to Peace Marches in Rwanda. I’ve been inundated with requests for materials. The response to our new project has truly been inspiring!

Soroptimist International Members' Reflections

Soroptimist International - Sarajevo
To raise awareness about Project Independence, SI Sarajevo is starting a column in its newsletter called "My Story." This column will discuss the experiences of SI Sarajevo members during the war. The first column focuses on Aida Volic. Aida is an ORL ear, nose and throat surgeon from Sarajevo and was the second President of the Soroptimist International club in Sarajevo. During the war, Aida provided medical care to the wounded and to civilians from all ethnic groups.

Click here to download the article in PDF form.