After seeing an article in the Jordan Times in June 2003, about Detta and Martha, the USA Team took part in the first bike ride in 2004. Participation grew in 2005 and 2007 and in 2008 we have again increased participation from the USA.
Fundraising has consisted primarily of appeals by mail and numerous speaking engagements - both before and after the rides - to spread the word about FTW. We hope to gain non-profit status in the next year in order to expand our work.
Activities have included:
- Cycling together, for fun
- Fundraising with letter appeals and speaking engagements
- Sponsoring the Central Massachusetts Middle East Film Festival for the past two years
- Participating in Difficult Dialogues, a program at Clark University, aimed at having thoughtful and respectful conversations about complex issues
- Connecting with the Boston Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, an organization project that sponsors delegations of doctors, lawyers, environmentalists, journalists and others to Palestine and - Israel to document conditions on the ground and work in solidarity with those in the Palestinian and Israeli peace movement; and
- Attending conferences, talks, etc. on Middle East issues as representatives of FTW/USA
- Maintaining our website
www.followthewomen-northamerica.com
