August 22, 2025

Dear Family and Friends,

The Swanson circa 2003
St. Savior’s, Bar Harbor, ME

On August 26, 2005, as Hurricane Katrina bore down on New Orleans, George, William, and I gathered to finalize Katrina’s obituary, a collaborative effort with family and friends. In the early morning hours, as the storm passed, our small group birthed Katrina’s Dream. Twenty years later, this vision has grown from a modest initiative into a global movement dedicated to peace, justice, and equality.

The Ministry of Katrina’s Dream

Reflecting on our journey, I recall meeting William’s brother, Olof  through the efforts of the NYPD. Olof, a homeless advocate protesting near 73rd Street and Broadway in New York City, was reconnected with his family after an officer identified him through our website. One by one family and friends caught up with him. Visiting with him often our conversations would delve deep into global issues, homelessness, and women’s rights in the U.S. were transformative. Olof once said, “Katrina’s Dream is now Helene’s dream,” acknowledging my leadership after William’s passing. Over the years Katrina’s Dream has blossomed walking alongside Lady Liberty and the Spirit of Law and so many more titans. Today, Katrina’s Dream amplifies diverse voices united in pursuit of a shared goal: equality and justice for all. Katrina’s Dream is everyone’s dream.

This year, we hosted  AI, Automation, Amazon Labor Unions, and the Equal Rights Amendment, our  third United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women event. Our work is accelerating. The joke used to be ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day ya’know, it takes at least two weeks.’  Nowadays, with the assistance of AI things move at warp speed, so by the time this gets to press, I can assure you much progress will have been made on all fronts.

Sir Ketumile Quett Joni Masire and Family

Waka: Celebrating African Leadership

I’m thrilled to share Zambia’s UNIP President Mwamba’s article, Celebrating One of Africa’s Greatest Leaders: A Tribute to Sir Ketumile Quett Joni Masire. Bishop Musonda Selwin Trevor Mwamba, affectionately known as “Bish,” is a wise and inspiring figure. As a fellow board member and spiritual director, his counsel strengthens Katrina’s Dream.

Advocating for Workers’ Rights in the Information Technology Age

My advocacy for better labor conditions at Amazon has intensified. Days before being placed on paid suspension, I informed SNY5 Unite, my small labor group, of my intent to file complaints with the FTC (see Federal Trade Commission Complaint,) the New York State Attorney General’s Office, and OSHA regarding unresolved workplace issues. Coincidentally, I was targeted by a supervisor who previously discarded my union materials. This temporary suspension has allowed me to recover from severe foot pain and step away from a hostile work environment, yet the advocacy for workers’ rights continues.

Pushing for the Equal Rights Amendment

Tammy Simkins reports, “ Katrina’s Dream and ERA Action met with the offices of Senators Lisa Murkowski, Cynthia Lummis, and Joni Ernst to advance bipartisan support for the Equal Rights Amendment. In these productive conversations, we discussed next steps for Senator Murkowski’s resolution to establish the ERA into the Constitution, celebrated news that Senator Susan Collins will sign on, and explored opportunities to re-engage past supporters. Across all three meetings, we underscored the ERA’s Republican roots, broad nonpartisan appeal, and urgent need for action—momentum is building, and we are committed to turning it into results.”

Numerous meetings are being scheduled and upcoming talks with Senators Grassley and Marino, and a follow-up with Murkowski in October, signal growing momentum.

It’s time to pick-up the phone and be heard.  Use the Power of One Script.

The Bubble of Love

In 2014, inspired by my late spiritual director, Rev. Kathryn Piccard, I began using the “Bubble of Love” concept to surround challenges with positive energy. My “Power of 10” network—friends like Mad Max, Lady Jane, Crisopedia, Uncle Nasty, Sergeant Sweetheart, Bish, Dude, and Dr. K—embodies this principle. Through prayer and connection, we support each other and the ministries of Katrina’s Dream. I ask you to join us in praying for John Kratsios and Lady Jane’s recovery, as Bishop Trevor has exemplified. Take a moment each day to reflect, wrapping your joys and struggles in a “Bubble of Love”—God’s pure energy.

Moving Forward Together

Progress is being made, but challenges remain. In this information age, I’m troubled by negative rhetoric on social media. Katrina’s Dream counters this with person-to-person connection, not a numbers game. Each of us can move our nation forward through small, meaningful actions. Follow our work on X, Facebook, and our website, and stay tuned for occasional eblast updates.

Together, we are building a future of peace, justice, and equality—one connection at a time.

Love and Light in Christ,

Helene de Boissiere – Swanson