Sedona AZ (April 3, 2013) – The Sedona Women, “Dames Who Make A Difference” are presenting their April Meeting program “ATHENA Behind Bars” on April 10th, at the Sedona Creative Life Center, at 10:00 a.m. It is an exploration of a unique women’s leadership model that has been transforming lives in Arizona’s Perryville prison.
Our presenters are Martha Mertz and the Rev. Karen Spencer-Barnes. Ms. Mertz is the founder of ATHENA International, a non-profit organization that seeks to support, develop and honor women leaders, inspire them to reach their full potential, and create balance in leadership worldwide. She has just returned from presenting an ATHENA award to Condoleezza Rice. Rev. Spencer-Barnes is a retired minster and now a Deacon in the United Methodist Church whose activism is now focused on the issue of justice and creating systemic and sustainable changes in our prison system.
“Leadership is a journey – it starts with each individual. We lead our lives. Before anyone or anything else, first we lead ourselves.” That was the compelling message brought to the women of Perryville prison beginning 3 years ago. “You’ve led yourselves into this place. You are responsible for leading yourself out. You can make a positive difference. You can re-dedicate yourself to high expectations. You have value.”
The leadership model presented in classes at Perryville has literally transformed attitudes and lives. Why should we care? It is so easy to lump incarcerated persons into worthless categories. But delve a little deeper and one learns their personal stories. Some make us cry, others make us laugh, but they all move us and give us food for thought.
Martha Mertz and the Rev. Spencer-Barnes invite you to come and learn with us as together we seek to expand our understanding of leadership changes that are making a remarkable impact in this most unexpected place.
The Sedona Women, Dames Who Make A Difference, meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Sedona Creative Life Center, 333 Schnebly Hill Road, Sedona. A “Meet & Greet” begins at 9:30 AM with the program following a short business meeting at 10 AM. The Sedona Women invite all women in the Verde Valley to attend these free programs. The Sedona Women are dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact on the community by providing opportunities for women to build relationships, to learn about the community, to support community needs and to enhance the natural beauty and distinctive character of Sedona. The word “Dame” is used in England as a title of honor – the counterpart to a Knight – and connotes commitment, integrity, passion and earned knowledge. A “Dame” is a woman of substance.
To learn more about The Sedona Women organization and membership, please visit the website at www.thesedonasomen.com