December 16, 2020
It’s hard to believe that we are coming to the end of 2020. We have lived through so much over these difficult months, yet time and time again we have been given cause for gratitude. It’s in this spirit that we want to look back on what 2020 has shown us as an organization working to change culture.
In times of isolation, we have been able to connect, through summer Happy Hour Hangs and mission-critical programs like the Black Member Forum, Black Member Support Space, and a Covid-19 support group. In times of unpredictability, many have been able to receive guidance through the Help Line which continues to offer support for those experiencing harassment, discrimination, and misconduct, and offers programming and resources to support overall wellness for our community during trying times. When our industry faced unproven changes, our programs adapted so that fellows could continue to workshop, receive mentorship, and form vital bonds.
Thank you for joining us for screenings, panels, and interviews. You kept the conversation going, and you can still watch online if you missed our chats with Gina Prince-Bythewood, Julie Taymor, Cheryl Dunye, Elle Fanning, and so many more. Thank you for celebrating our annual fundraiser with us as we never had, watching the Make It Work! special on The CW as our message of equality in the workplace was shared with the world by women like Hillary Clinton, Jane Fonda, Alfre Woodard, and Rita Moreno (to name a few).
Thank you for your commitment to the WIF community, as we launched our new membership model and code of conduct last month, and are so excited to see how the WIF family is growing. We encourage all members at Storyteller level and above to invite someone into the fold by purchasing a reduced-price gift membership for a rising talent in your life.
Thank you for prioritizing yourself by taking part in our career programs and grants. We have been delighted by the response to the NEW Emerging Producers Program, and for those who need some financial support to get through the next few months, please apply to the Hire Her Back Fund. If your stability has been impacted by the pandemic, the Fund is for you.
Despite all we’ve accomplished together, WIF (like so many nonprofits) faces unprecedented challenges. We could not do this critical work without the support of the organizations and individuals like you that value our mission. If you would like to see this community grow and continue to thrive in an unpredictable 2021, donate now to the WIF Annual Fund. Any donations that you can make before the end of the year will make a huge difference for us and the women that benefit from our work. Thank you for your generosity.