International Institute of Rhode Island's mission is to enable all area residents, especially immigrants and refugees, to become self-reliant, invested participants in our communities, while fostering respect and understanding among all people. Read more

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you are invited to join us for An Art Exhibit featuring the work of Refugee Women at the annual meeting of the board of directors!

International Institute Rhode Island will celebrate 86 years of helping immigrants and refugees build new and productive lives at its Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. The event will be held at 645 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island. Free Parking is available.

The Annual Meeting's Art Exhibit will feature the work of the Refugee Women's Co-op. Established in 2007 by the Refugee Resettlement Program of IIRI, the Co-op gives women the opportunity to utilize the skills they possess, to learn valuable skills of how to run a business, and to integrate with the Rhode Island community through craft fairs while receiving payment for their work.

While most refugee clients find employment within 12 months of arrival, older women with low or no literacy skills have a more difficult time finding employment despite their intense desire to work. The women work diligently in class and make incredible progress, however a meaningful career may still be years away.

The Refugee Women's Co-op seeks to empower these women and give them the opportunity to showcase their amazing skills while sustaining themselves with their traditional crafts.

Tie Dye is a traditional West African art form. The majority of recently resettled refugees in Rhode Island come from the West African country of Liberia. These women are gifted tie dyers and accomplished craftswomen. Many examples of their work will be on display and may be purchased at the Annual Meeting.

The Keynote Speaker will be President of Rhode Island School of Design, Roger Mandle. Awards will be given to Lillian McGee, Community Relations Manager of Verizon, William Hatfield, President of Bank of America Rhode Island, Dorothy Abrams, Professor at Johnson and Wales University. and Pam Pomfret, former Director of Development and Communications at IIRI. Refreshments will follow.  

For more information please contact Sarah Parrott at sparrott@iiri.org or 401.784.8634.

Above: examples of the Annual Meeting Art Exhibit featuring tie-dyed goods by International Institute Rhode Island's Refugee Women's Co-op.