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[ 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | HOME ] Start scrolling down for lots of photos!   One night in the fall of 1999, Briana Lawrie was surfing the web, and somehow, by fate no doubt, came across the RAWA website. She was shocked by what she found there. Having traveled extensively in Asia, she has a heart for that part of the world, and immediately started an Email correspondence with the RAWA women. In the spring of 2000, RAWA asked for volunteers to organize speaking events in the U.S. for two of their women. The Foreign Affairs Representatives spoke in Santa Barbara in July of 2000. Within a month afterwards, the local group was formed to raise awareness of the plight of Afghan women, and to raise money to support RAWA programs. RAWA Supporters Santa Barbara is a project of International Humanities Center, which provides non-profit status. July 10 -12, 2000   Sajeda Hyatt and Sehar Saba, Foreign Affairs Representatives for The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, visited Santa Barbara. A reception was held at Briana Lawrie's home, where Mayor Harriet Miller presented the Afghan women with gifts from the city. That evening, the women spoke at the Faulkner Gallery of the downtown library, first showing the documentary "Shroud of Silence." Afterwards they answered questions from the audience.   The next day, Sajeda and Sehar spoke at two classes at UCSB, and at a luncheon at the Women's Center. They were also interviewed on two radio stations. Sahar & Sajeda (faces disguised for security) dine with Briana Lawrie and Janet Uribe August - December 2000   The group began meeting at Briana's home, with eight original members. Ten burqas and literature were ordered from RAWA in Pakistan, along with items made by RAWA women. Annette Zumba, Margaret Matson, Antonia Robertson, Lorrie Sprecher, Jill Littlewood, Briana Lawrie, Ana Zaferris December 9, 2000   The group held the first Holiday Bazaar of Afghan Handicrafts at the home of Jill Littlewood. Items sold included embroidered shirts, scarves, tablecloths and napkins, carpet purses and silver jewelry. The local shop "Beads of the Earth" participated, selling antique Afghan jewelry, and donating 15% of their proceeds. [ 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | HOME ]