 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
A request from Anita Borg, Systers' founder
Dear Systers and Friend of the Institute for Women and Technology,
In 1987, I started Systers. Most of you have heard the story of how it began. In 1994, Telle Whitney and I started the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing. In early 1998, the Institute for Women and Technology (IWT, www.iwt.org) was born. Many of you know that Systers and GHC are now part of IWT. IWT also has new projects, including the Senior Women's Summit and the Virtual Development Center, both of which are going well. Our projects bring technical and political women together, and we're now exploring the possibility of collaboration with the new International Museum Of Women.
IWT is already changing the world for women and for technology honoring our original mission in every project:
To increase the impact of women on all aspects of technology.
To increase the positive impact of technology on the lives of the world's
women.
To help communities, industry, education, and governments benefit from
these increases.
I now have to ask you to help to reach toward the stars and make our work enable our vision: a world in which all women have the opportunity to participate in defining their technical future. Systers has never requested a membership fee. Nor will IWT. IWT intends to raise funds from individuals and organizations that can afford it and to provide services beyond them to women who cannot. However, in the 14 years that Systers have existed, many Systers must have been able to contribute to our effort, which is greatly appreciated.
Here is our current situation. In spite of our fabulous success in building programs, we need to quickly raise funding that will support our next year's operations. We need $750K to get us through the next year: we need $200K by October 31, 2001 to keep the doors open past the end of the year.
We are also starting an aggressive effort to raise a large endowment of at least $17M, "The IWT Endowment Fund" that will allow IWT to spend all of our effort changing the world for and by women. This is not an unreasonable goal based on our new partnership with UC Berkeley and longer-term efforts. But we need to bridge the time before the endowment is solidly in place.
Obviously, we are particularly looking for women, men, couples, and organizations that are willing to make significant contributions of cash or stock. Many women have benefited by the existence of Systers. I hope many can help us. If you know other people who might help, connect them or let us know about them.
Finally, the mission of the Institute for Women and Technology is my passion. I believe that women can play an extraordinary role in assuring a better future if we have the opportunity to significantly impact the technology of the future. Please help me sure that IWT and Systers can survive!
If you wish to contribute, send your check in US dollars made out to the "Institute for Women and Technology". Send it to IWT, 3333 Coyote Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304. IWT is a 501c3 charitable organization. Your employer may match your donation. You might also think of donating your special tax refund.
In addition, if you have any names, organizations, information that might help us, let us know at info@iwt.org. To find out about donating stocks, bonds or other valuables, or have any other questions please call IWT at 650-812-4496.
Thanks for your generosity,
Anita Borg, the original "Systers Keeper"
Dear Systers and Friend of the Institute for Women and Technology,
In 1987, I started Systers. Most of you have heard the story of how it began. In 1994, Telle Whitney and I started the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing. In early 1998, the Institute for Women and Technology (IWT, www.iwt.org) was born. Many of you know that Systers and GHC are now part of IWT. IWT also has new projects, including the Senior Women's Summit and the Virtual Development Center, both of which are going well. Our projects bring technical and political women together, and we're now exploring the possibility of collaboration with the new International Museum Of Women.
IWT is already changing the world for women and for technology honoring our original mission in every project:
I now have to ask you to help to reach toward the stars and make our work enable our vision: a world in which all women have the opportunity to participate in defining their technical future. Systers has never requested a membership fee. Nor will IWT. IWT intends to raise funds from individuals and organizations that can afford it and to provide services beyond them to women who cannot. However, in the 14 years that Systers have existed, many Systers must have been able to contribute to our effort, which is greatly appreciated.
Here is our current situation. In spite of our fabulous success in building programs, we need to quickly raise funding that will support our next year's operations. We need $750K to get us through the next year: we need $200K by October 31, 2001 to keep the doors open past the end of the year.
We are also starting an aggressive effort to raise a large endowment of at least $17M, "The IWT Endowment Fund" that will allow IWT to spend all of our effort changing the world for and by women. This is not an unreasonable goal based on our new partnership with UC Berkeley and longer-term efforts. But we need to bridge the time before the endowment is solidly in place.
Obviously, we are particularly looking for women, men, couples, and organizations that are willing to make significant contributions of cash or stock. Many women have benefited by the existence of Systers. I hope many can help us. If you know other people who might help, connect them or let us know about them.
Finally, the mission of the Institute for Women and Technology is my passion. I believe that women can play an extraordinary role in assuring a better future if we have the opportunity to significantly impact the technology of the future. Please help me sure that IWT and Systers can survive!
If you wish to contribute, send your check in US dollars made out to the "Institute for Women and Technology". Send it to IWT, 3333 Coyote Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304. IWT is a 501c3 charitable organization. Your employer may match your donation. You might also think of donating your special tax refund.
In addition, if you have any names, organizations, information that might help us, let us know at info@iwt.org. To find out about donating stocks, bonds or other valuables, or have any other questions please call IWT at 650-812-4496.
Thanks for your generosity,
Anita Borg, the original "Systers Keeper"