Seven women gathered about a television in Cheryl Edelen's Newtown home, Sunday evening, January 24, their attention riveted to a video playing there. On the screen, the faces and voices of women from the impoverished Oaxaca, Mexico region flashed by, sharing tales of how the Puenta a la Salud Communitaria programs had supported them, given them confidence, and helped improve their lives. It was a brief video, but like so many that the women have watched over the past 36 months, one that had impact.

The women are members of the Newtown chapter of Dining For Women, a national organization devoted to supporting programs that assist women and girls in developing countries.

According to its website, diningforwomen.org, "Dining for Women chapters meet on a regular basis - most monthly - and share a meal together. Members share camaraderie and learn about that month's featured programs through videos, educational documents and presentations, and free and open discussion. Funds raised each month go to fund the featured program and sustained program. Any amounts over the agreed upon grant amount go to a reserve fund for future projects or to fund any program shortfalls. Eighty-five percent of every dollar donated goes to fund our grants. The programs we support educate girls, teach women a skill, help develop markets for their products, and fight the prevalent gender inequality in the world. Our program selection committee vets scores of organizations every six months, ultimately choosing 12 a year to whom we provide grants of up to $50,000. Once selected, organizations must provide regular progress reports and updates as part of our monitoring and evaluation process. We fund grass-roots programs in education, healthcare, economic and environmental sustainability, safety and security, leadership and agriculture."

Three years ago, Barbara Myers and former Newtown resident Claudia Velano read Half the Sky, a book focused on the oppression of women in developing countries. They were wondering how they could help affect change, when Ms Velano heard about the Dining For Women organization, from a friend in Portland, Oregon. It seemed to be the perfect answer.

The Newtown chapter of Dining For Women was formed, and has been meeting on a bimonthly basis, since. There are nearly a dozen members, but the group would like to see more people join them in helping women around the world - and enjoy a pleasant gathering, as well.

"I joined primarily because it's a women's initiative," said member Peg Heetman, "and to learn about things going on in these countries." The programs, all vetted by Dining For Women, have been well-selected programs, she said.

Along with viewing a video about a selected program, their group also utilizes educational material and spends some time in discussion at each meeting. It is the educational aspect that is appealing to them, as well as the opportunity to donate to support the programs, said several of those at the January 24 meeting. Donations are optional, and can be done after the meeting or online, said Ms Myers. "The model is you give what you would have paid for a dinner out, and giving is confidential," she said, adding that there is no minimum amount of donation required.

"It's amazing what a small amount of money can do, though," Ms Myers said, when added to the general Dining For Women fund.

"There may be a small number of women who benefit [from any one program], but the ones who do, benefit mightily," added Ms Edelen. Many of the programs selected are self-sustaining, giving women a hand up, rather than a hand out, she noted.

Lorraine Cino learned about the group while volunteering at Hospice with Ms Myers. Having volunteered for 15 years with a crisis line, services that benefit women and children have always been of interest to her, she said.

"Women in the United States have such power to put voice to causes. Many women in the world do not. Dining For Women, for that reason, is very powerful," Ms Cino said. "Because of [Dining For Women's] success, it has grown tremendously. If you educate a man, he becomes successful. It you educate a woman, she is a potential mother, who changes the family, who changes the society. With Dining For Women," she said, "it is always a multilayered approach."

Every chapter has a different feel, said Ms Myers, and the Newtown chapter is focused on good discussion and good food, all in a homey atmosphere. Members meet in each other's homes, although no one is obligated to host "It's a good balance," she said.

"It's wonderful to have a way to be in touch with women in developing countries, and to learn about things I didn't know about," said Kim Roberts, another member of the local chapter. "To be in such a comfortable format is really special," she said.

The education is often a painful enlightenment, observed Ms Heetman, as they find out about situations facing women around the world. The programs they have supported include ones to alleviate sex trafficking and other human rights violations. Malnutrition, abuse, and cultures that have not traditionally valued women are hard lessons to learn about.

"We're all enormously privileged," Ms Edelen said, "and there are all these women in the world who are not. It's a way to give back, just a little bit, even."

The Fun In Learning

There is fun to each meeting, though, along with learning, said Ms Heetman. "It's the dinner aspect, and cooking recipes from the culture that our group tries to do." In addition to the educational information, Dining For Women supplies each chapter with recipes and information about the culture of the highlighted country each month, she said. "We have the best dinners," Ms Heetman said.

"Getting to eat the food from these countries, there is the chance to try things we wouldn't normally have in our diets," added Carol Benson.

The Puenta a la Salud Communitaria program is focused on teaching women to farm amaranth in the Oaxaca region, an ancient grain that is highly nutritious, and relatively easy to grow in harsh climates. Not only can the women sell the farmed amaranth and products made from it, but amaranth is helping to offset the problem of malnutrition and obesity in that region.

The Newtown chapter discovered that amaranth, more readily available in natural food markets here, is a delicious addition to main courses and even desserts. Ms Heetman contributed savory patties made from the grain to the evening's dinner table, while Ms Myers brought molasses sweetened amaranth cookies. Other recipes from the Oaxaca region rounded out the meal. Ms Benson provided "papitas al ajillos," potatoes with garlic, and a corn dish; guacamole and chips were from Ms Roberts. The women lamented that the January 23 snowstorm had prevented one member from attending, who had planned to bring stacked enchiladas.

As they gathered around the table to enjoy the meal and continue discussion, they took part in a ritual that all chapters are encouraged to embrace - that of the Dinner Affirmation.

"As we share food, we share something of ourselves and we honor each other. We recognize the powerful associations of women to food, life, and nurture in all cultures. We honor the importance of those. We also recognize the burdens they can bring. We remember the women about whom we've learned, the ones they strive to nurture, and the organizations that are trying to nurture them. By eating together as women, we remember and honor those women, who also have favorite foods and family recipes. And we express the hope that through our efforts, they may find more sustenance for their lives. May we all be able to feast together some day."

"Learning about issues of women around the world, and constantly sharing with women I know and my daughters has a ripple effect," said Ms Cino. "I do feel enriched when I leave a meeting. We can help other women."

To join the Newtown chapter of Dining For Women, contact Ms Myers at 203-426-8034 or e-mail her at barbara.myersletson@gmail.com. Ms Myers is also the mentor for Connecticut Dining For Women, and can assist with starting a new chapter.