Comments for A Thousand Sisters

Comment on What draws us to the Congos of the world? by Noelle K.

Noelle K. — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:56:08 +0000

Thank you so much for this particular entry… I leave for Africa in a couple weeks and I’ve been struggling so much with the guilt (or pre-guilt) of knowing that no matter how much I do for people over there, I will gain more. And that it’s such a western luxury to be able to go and do work for people in another country. I’m coming from a place of privilege, which is obvious, but even privilege by western standards because of the mere fact I’m taking this journey, that I’ve had the education and upbringing that allows for me to be aware of such a need and be able to reach out. I consider myself so lucky and eternally grateful (and well, I haven’t even gotten to Africa yet.)
The questions you are going to raise in this book are EXACTLY the ones I want to be able to answer for myself as I move into my new future, my new life. Even saying those words, “new life,” make me feel selfish and undeserving.
Lisa I’m so happy I’ve learned of your work and book – hopefully I can get a copy and take it with me.

Comment on Act by A Thousand Sisters | by Lisa Shannon | Following Generose

A Thousand Sisters | by Lisa Shannon | Following Generose — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:33:47 +0000

[...] Act [...]

Comment on Boycott Conflict Minerals: I hereby take full responsibility for my own supply chain. by Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:22:29 +0000

I’m so inspired by this, but I don’t think I (and a lot of people) are aware of all the conflict minerals, and what companies use them? More info please! I want to spread this to my entire college campus!

Comment on Boycott Conflict Minerals: I hereby take full responsibility for my own supply chain. by Robin Potawsky

Robin Potawsky — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:13:15 +0000

Count me in! Just last night my son and I were researching phones. Our contract is up and we were trying to decide what new gizmo to get. I will either keep my phone or buy a used one on Ebay.

Comment on Boycott Conflict Minerals: I hereby take full responsibility for my own supply chain. by Kathleen

Kathleen — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:51:29 +0000

I’m in. For Generose, for my three Congo sisters, for the children, mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, fathers, brothers and grandfathers that have died and those that will continue to die until this senseless killing stops. It is the least I can do to create a small economic disincentive.

Comment on Boycott Conflict Minerals: I hereby take full responsibility for my own supply chain. by Richa Sehgal

Richa Sehgal — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:21:11 +0000

My Congo sister’s face and heart is my constant reminder of the actions I take and not put her life at risk.I can choose to be indifferent and go my own way but I make a conscious choice not to do so. Imani, by beautiful Congo sister, I take this pledge with Lisa to not get any products that have conflict minerals in them as it will be a mockery of what I really want for you.I want to come some day to Congo and give you a hug so I will act in such a manner to protect your life .
Love you tons, Imani.
Your loving sister,
Richa

Comment on Boycott Conflict Minerals: I hereby take full responsibility for my own supply chain. by Ann Shannon

Ann Shannon — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 05:28:19 +0000

Count me in…I’ve been buying used cell phones on EBAY for years, and saving a bundle in the process. But we need an email that goes viral and a you-tube video calling for the boycott on upgrades to sell the public on the idea. Dan? Anyone else with the talent and skills to come up with a video? We need a video of kids marketing the idea to kids about video games, cell phones, and upgrading their Wi games.

Comment on Boycott Conflict Minerals: I hereby take full responsibility for my own supply chain. by Katherine Yarges

Katherine Yarges — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:27:48 +0000

Lisa, I’m with you all the way. Can we set up a page for Boycott Conflict Minerals that connects to A Thousand Sisters? The average person would be asking, “What are conflict minerals?” Let’s educate them.

Comment on What draws us to the Congos of the world? by Richa Sehgal

Richa Sehgal — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:59:20 +0000

Lisa, today I feel so connected to Congo as I have the picture of my Congo sister that I received on Saturday , July 9th . Her name is Imani Furaha which in Swahili means ” Faith and Joy” . My faith and joy in GOD has definitely been answered by this beautiful woman in my life.
I feel so grateful to have met you for you have answered my prayers through Imani.
Imani is a widow of 3 children.Her courage to live and carry on despite all the odds has shown me my strength too. It may be the selfish way of achieving it but sure is going to last for a very very long time.

Love and Hugs to Imani and Mother Ann and you,

Richa

Comment on What draws us to the Congos of the world? by Katherine Yarges

Katherine Yarges — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 08:45:18 +0000

@Ann, definitely easier and safer to be a critic. @ Lisa. What draws people like us to places like Congo? The most important part of ” A Thousand Sister’s” message to me was, and is, we are here to help. We will not come and change your lives to live like we American’s do. We will not swoop you up and bring you to America. With our help, you will change your lives and rebuild your country. I was in the Soviet Union in 1989. Mikhail Gorbachev was Prime Minister. Perestroika. The churches were just opened up to the Russian people. I attended many masses. Priests were allowed to come out mingle and walk with the people, along with the military with machine guns and many forms of artiliary. Mr Gorbachev, whom I love dearly, was trying to bring democracy to the Soviet Union. After my three week tour of talking with people in the Soviet Union, I realized democracy was not an option for them. Three or more generations had be governed by Communistic rule. The people had no idea what their lives would be without the government. They still don’t. The break up was altimate chaos, as it still presides today. What, you, Lisa Shannon and other charities are doing for Congolese women is giving them confidence,a future, a challenge to change and heal, and a voice. Opra opened the door. You took the ball running. Not all Congolese women will empraise the challenge. Selfish, I think not. We were born in the United States. Not our choice. We just got lucky in the grand scheme of things. We were brought up knowing we could be anyone we wanted to be with any standard of living we could achieve. We were free to reach as high as we were willing to educate ourselves and work for. I want that for every person on this earth to have the same advantage. I don’t want to bring my sister to the United States. I want her to better herself and her own country. I want her to have the same opportunities as I do, no matter the color, gender, or race. What I think: We reach out to others when we are the most confident with ourselves. We are no different. We have the guts to step outside our comfort zones as do the the Women of the Congo. We know there are many causes, and we embrase them and contibute to them. My son is a retired rodeo bull rider. A song sticks out in my head with the lirics, “Every now and then, every once in a while someone comes along. That one in a million heart so pure and so strong. They can face up to the truth and somehow still find a smile. We only find them every once in a while. That one in a million eyes that never tell a lie. That’s why we call them hero’s and that’s why we only find them every once in a while.” You and many others here in the United States found them. Introduced the Congo women to the world. We have to find them before we can make the pledge to help them. Susan G. Kolmen had to loose her life to breast cancer before any of us could or would support the cause for cure. And many, many other causes. We are all individuals with individual personalities. We will all be drawn to diffrent charities and causes. As American’s we are fortunate to find the one cause that fits our individual personality. We have the voice of independence and free speech. We have the resoruces both political and monetarily to help. I’ve seen that person who will put thier last dollar in the Salvation Army’s red pot at Christmas time. It was me. I’m looking forward to your next book.

Thank You,
Katherine