3rd Annual Atlanta Winter Social - touching tribute and phenomenal fundraising success!

Posted on 01/14/2010 - 9:54am

9to5 National Organizing Director, Cindia Cameron picuted with Atlanta member Tracie Herold displays her 2009 Extraordinary Agent of Change plaque at the Winter Social    On December 12, 2009 The Atlanta Chapter hosted our 3rd Annual Winter Social in honor of 9to5 staff member and Atlanta activist Cindia Cameron for her 26 years of dedicated service to the movement to gain raises, rights and respect for all working women.    The Chapter Board raised $1,300 in donations from allies, members and donors who were all eager to make contributions in honor of Cindia. Colleagues and friends  shared their excitement about this overdue recognition and celebration of the incredible contributions Cindia has made to the advocacy community in Atlanta Georgia and her unwavering commitment to 9to5 in the fulfillment of our mission to gain economic justice for all working women and their families. Former Atlanta 9to5 Director Verna Barksdale was on hand to present the plaque and certificate to Cindia, and shared her joy that the work is in good hands with current Atlanta chapter staff.   Her friends and colleagues had this to say about the legacy of Cindia’s work with 9to5…   Linda Meric, 9to5 National Executive Director - I’m honored and pleased to be able to share a few words in recognition of Cindia and her contributions to 9to5. As I’m sure others have noted, Cindia has dedicated 26 years to 9to5. That’s truly amazing. But what’s even more amazing is what she’s done in those 26 years and continues to do. Cindia is always focused on 9to5’s mission and vision – she keeps her eyes on the prize. She always puts our members’ front and center – recognizing and promoting their leadership. Cindia leads coalitions and policy campaigns for 9to5 that make a real difference in women’s lives. And Cindia does the work day in and day out that many of you don’t see – the fundraising, the planning, the direction that keep 9to5 strong. Cindia does this work when it’s easy and exciting, and she does this work when the going gets tough in the reddest state imaginable. Cindia does all this with a grace, an enthusiasm, integrity and a passion for justice that all of us at 9to5 admires and aspire to. And I owe Cindia a special note of gratitude, because she is the person who first introduced me to 9to5 14 years ago. So, congratulations, Cindia, and thank you for everything you do for 9to5!   Linda   Ellen Bravo, Executive Director Family Values @ Work Consortium & past 9to5 Executive Director -
First memories of Cindia are seeing her pregnant with Kyla at a Leadership Conference years ago. Since then I've watch Cindia give birth to dozens of projects and ideas, all as vibrant and solid as that lovely daughter is today. As 9to5's Organizing Direction, Cindia's been a model of combining deep involvement in the work with passionate commitment to family and friends -- a great example for all of us.

All best wishes,
Ellen   Stephanie Davis, Executive Director of Georgia Women for a Change- Cindia Cameron is an organizer’s organizer, a leader who knows how to lead from the back of the room by framing a difficult issue and then shining the light on those most affected by it and supporting their leadership on it. She is a feminist revolutionary, an inspiring teacher and a beautiful woman—inside and out—and whenever I wonder what to do about a difficult issue I just thinks WWCD—what would Cindia do?    
  The Atlanta Chapter Board was especially excited to take the lead in planning and hosting the event that drew over 35 chapter members out on a cold and rainy December evening. Thanks to good planning and a wonderful pot-luck spread of food, everyone had a great time. We want to thank Chapter Board Chair, Claudia Lewis for her special dedication to this event. Claudia secured the initial contribution from event Sponsor the Lloyd E Russell Foundation who provided 9to5 with the funds to offer a matching gift request from other potential donors. The chapter would also like to thank the Lloyd E Russell Foundation for their generous sponsorship of this event and their past support of the CIP Leadership Development Program in Atlanta.  Jesuit Volunteer and 9to5 Organizer, Jackie Hubbell was also instrumental in ensuring the event was a success by coordinating the honoree program and managing all the communications with members and chapter leaders. Many thanks to chapter members who braved the December rain to join us in celebration of a beloved member of our chapter and the Atlanta community. Lastly, thank you to the staff in the Atlanta office who helped behind the scenes to ensure the events success.       www.flickr.com/photos/9to5org/
Many thanks from Cindia Cameron Extraordinary Agent of Change 2009   Friends -

One of you said it best in your totally touching tributes - I much more comfortable in the back of the room than in the front.  Saturday's Holiday Party and tribute was a test of my nerves.

I got through it by keeping a tight grip on the beautiful plaque that the chapter gave me and concentrating on your words (and in Cathy's case, music!) that made it worth all the anxiety of being center stage.

I wanted to tell each of you what I told the room on Saturday:  When I was hired in 1983, I got in WAY over my head - directing a staff of three, leading corporate campaigns, working with a board and - much to my surprise - being responsible for filing state and federal payroll taxes (I'm so grateful now for Linda GB and Yaneth!).  About 6 months into the job, I seriously considered quitting.  Then I promised myself that I'd hang on for at least one year before resigning to let someone more experienced take over.  (We'd hired Jevne Diaz by then, and I was pretty certain she could handle it.)  But somewhere in the next six months I decided a couple of things: 
  • If our members could manage to raise families on less than I was making with less support at home and work than I had, I could hang in with them.
  • The other staff and leaders of 9to5 were so inspiring, filled with so much courage and dedication, that I wanted to continue being a part of their movement.
  • I was learning so much at 9to5 that I could probably learn how to handle the position, and wanted to make sure that other women had the opportunity to learn as much from such a great organization as I had.

That was 26 years ago.  It has truly been the opportunity to work with amazing leaders like each of you that keeps me here.  The tribute that Shyria and Claudia Lewis organized on Saturday meant more than I can quite articulate.  It really makes all difficult days - ones that we share - worthwhile.

Thank you for being such a big part of the reason I'm still a 9to5'er -

Cindia