Wall, South Dakota Woman Appointed
to Civil Rights Council
Gwen Caldwell,
who is a long time family rights advocate and Founder of
Voice of Women has been honored this month by being appointed to
serve on the National Board of Directors of the United Civil Rights
Councils of America. She was selected because of her “experience,
activism, writing skills, common sense and geography”. This is not
the only recognition Caldwell has received this year for her
volunteer work. She was selected to serve on the State Board of
Directors for UCRC of A earlier this year and is among Cambridge’s
Professional and Business Women’s Who’s
Who for 2007/2008 for her ongoing commitment and effectiveness in
advocating for family rights.
“It is an
honor to be appointed to a national position such as this, but most
humbling is the recognition for the work I’ve done that brought me
to the attention of the United Civil Rights Councils of America”,
Caldwell stated. She went on to say, “ I am a firm believer in
family values. I believe that the family is the most primary and
important social structure of a child’s life. Therefore, family
preservation and shared parenting are essential for the well being
of children.”
Senator Bill
Napoli R-Rapid City , says of Caldwell's announcement, “I'm happy
that we have citizens such as Gwen in South Dakota who's work gains
national recognition based on their dedication to family values and
volunteer efforts. This is quite an honor for Gwen and well
deserved. Caldwell had her article, Paper Orphans, published in Well
Nations Magazine earlier this year and has been featured on several
national radio programs. She is an outspoken critic of the Adoption
and Safe Families Act which gives states financial incentives for
terminating parental rights and then adopting the children out. She
is particularly concerned with the high rate of removals of children
from Native American parents in South Dakota. She claims that, “The
outcomes are in violation of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act”,
and notes that “even South Dakota’s Supreme Court has ruled against
the state several times regarding this very issue.”
"I appreciate
the efforts that Gwen has put forth to draw attention to family
issues in South Dakota and look forward to working with her in the
future.” Senator Napoli said.
Ms. Caldwell
has been invited to be a featured speaker at the National DC Rally
on Family Rights in Washington, DC, August 18, 2007. She will be
speaking on the role of women as the generation keepers and address
family preservation solutions from a traditional perspective. Your
help is needed. Your generous donations will make this trip possible
for Gwen to attend this very important event.
The Gwen
Caldwell Voice of Women Fund has been set up at First Western Bank.
Donations may be made at any branch office or mailed to First
Western Bank PO Box 402 Wall, SD 57790. For more information or
questions please write
voiceofwomen@hotmail.com
