Half the Sky

Back in December RootsUp got involved with the Half the Sky Initiative at Rockford College.  We hosted several book discussions around the book Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn and helped promote events linked to the Half the Sky Initiative.  We met a lot of great people in the process-- people from all kinds of backgrounds and perspectives who are making a difference in this community and in communities around the world.

The Half the Sky Initiative culminated in a day-long visit to Rockford College by Sheryl WuDunn.  I was fortunate enough to attend a Q&A session with her in the afternoon.  Topics covered in the discussion delved deeper into subjects that were discussed in the book and many questions that I had gnawing on my brain after reading Half the Sky were answered or explained.  The only question I wanted to ask but didn't was how Sheryl and her husband have found balance between their very successful careers and their families.  It didn't exactly fit in the conversation, but I'd love to know nonetheless! 

Later in the evening was the patron reception with Sheryl which Rachel, Zoe, and I were graciously invited to attend by Jim and Pam Keeling.  Again, we got to meet and talk to some very interesting people who have dedicated their lives to bettering their communities. 

Finally, Sheryl WuDunn gave a public lecture which basically encapsulated the themes of Half the Sky, ending with the idea that we have all "won the lottery of life," by finding ourselves in a peaceful, bountiful, and comfortable position in life so we have a responsibility to watch over and care for those who have not been so lucky.  

Half the Sky was a great experience for RootsUp-- it really propelled us forward in our pursuits, connected us with a network of people who will be great resources for our work, and gave us something meaningful to work on while we worked on the background organizational structure of RootsUp.  We excitedly look forward to what will happen next for Half the Sky as the Keelings hope to bring the message of the book right here to Rockford by organizing networking opportunities for local nonprofits and other events that will strengthen charitable, community building, and women's issues work here in Rockford.