28th of Elul, 5784

Dear Family and Friends – and Champions of Justice!

I hope this message finds you well and inspired! Today, as Rosh Hashanah fades into Yom Kippur’s call—a day of atonement and new beginnings—I’m thrilled to expand our 20 for 20: Igniting Equality and Justice campaign, celebrating 20 years of Katrina’s Dream. In the Kabbalistic tradition, the Tree of Life maps the divine flow of creation through the Sefirot, where Chesed (loving-kindness) and Gevurah (strength) balance compassion with justice. Our six interconnected initiatives—Unveiling Valor, Power of One, Bubble of Love, Widows’ Walk, and Advancing Labor Justice—embody this sacred balance, channeling divine energy to heal, uplift, and transform. Rooted in the legacy of Katrina’s Dream, founded in 2005 amidst the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to honor Rev. Katrina Swanson, one of the Philadelphia Eleven, the first women priests ordained in the Episcopal Church, we strive for equality, interfaith bridges, creative expression, and transformative action.

From a simple memorial, we’ve grown into a global movement: walking over 7,000 miles from San Francisco to Washington, DC; sparking a movement that led Nevada to become the first state to ratify the ERA in the 21st century, followed by Illinois and Virginia. Now, we’re launching this combined fundraiser to sustain our dream with your $20 monthly commitment—while shining a spotlight on my sister Cheryl whose innovative spirit inspires our creative efforts, highlighting our core programs that empower individuals to drive change, including amplifying whistleblower voices against corporate overreach and supporting widows in their journeys of resilience.

Spotlight on Unveiling Valor

Cheryl de Boissiere is an American author, poet, and former technology professional known for her speculative fiction, sci-fi short stories, and poetry. A Navy veteran who maintained early GPS systems in the late 1970s, she later coded and wrote for LOADSTAR magazine on Commodore computers in the 1980s–1990s, and won Prosequest ‘99 in 1999. She also worked as a Las Vegas Teamster, contributing to her diverse professional background. Her collection Twilight Fingers (2000) explores dystopian tech themes, while her poetry delves into human introspection.

We’re delighted to announce that Cheryl is developing Unveiling Valor, a poetry competition for Katrina’s Dream! This initiative promises to celebrate emerging voices, foster creativity, and build a supportive community. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting, this is your opportunity to shine. Stay tuned for entry guidelines, themes, prizes, and involvement details in the coming months.

Here’s a taste of Cheryl’s evocative poetry with an excerpt from “It Does Entertain”:

Facilis descensus Averno

The descent to Averno is easy It’s true — it’s downhill

Jewish scripture does not have narrow paths

They have the Highway and many ways to Godhead

One can change lanes, take a detour, rest for a while

We’d love your thoughts—post in the comments on the poem’s page!

Empowering Action Through Power of One

The Power of One is our grassroots campaign harnessing the strength of individual voices to urge Congress to establish the ratification of the ERA and support the Warehouse Workers Protection Act and the Faster Labor Contract Act. As the program states, “We the people are calling upon our US Congress” via simple, one-on-one conversations and calls to the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and now includes the White House Comment Line at (202) 456-1111. It guides participants to contact their Senators and Representatives. Power of One proves one call can spark systemic change—why women deserve their fair share. This integrates seamlessly with ERA Action’s lobbying efforts through Katrina’s Dream.

Fostering Peace Through Bubble of Love

Marking our 20th anniversary on August 26, 2025, the Bubble of Love is our interfaith program launching on Yom Kippur 2025, inviting global atonement and reconciliation. Inspired by Rev. Kathryn Piccard in 2014 during my ERA pilgrimage, it calls us to “wrap the world in a Bubble of Love”—with roots in the Jesus Prayer drawing from diverse faiths for healing. Participate by reflecting/praying, hosting dialogues, acting for justice (e.g., calling Congress for ERA and worker protections, or the White House Faith Office at (202) 456-1414), and sharing with #BubbleOfLove #YomKippur2025. It’s a deeply personal response and tool to fractures like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Amazon workplace struggles, and the everyday struggles women face without the protection the ERA would provide, proving vulnerability builds strength.

Supporting Resilience Through Widows’ Walk

As the fifth program under Katrina’s Dream, Widows’ Walk is being developed to honor and empower widows navigating loss while continuing their advocacy for justice and equality. Headed up by Tammy Simkins of Chillicothe, Ohio, from ERA Action, this initiative was conceived in memory of her late husband, Tom Simkins, who stood by her side for over 30 years. Debuting at the 2022 Ecumenical Advocacy Days DC Conference, Widows’ Walk is in its early stages but invites prayers, participation, and support at all levels to create a supportive network for widows in faith-based and social justice communities. Learn more and join the journey.

Advancing Labor Justice: Amazon’s Empire of Shadows and UN Advocacy

Our work exposing Amazon’s ethical lapses is at the forefront of Katrina’s Dream’s mission, connecting labor rights to the ERA’s promise of equality. In “Amazon’s Empire of Shadows: Voices of Dissent from Within and Without”, we spotlight whistleblowers like Ahmed Shahrour, suspended on September 11, 2025, for protesting Amazon’s Project Nimbus—a $1.2 billion AI/cloud deal aiding Israel’s military amid Gaza’s crisis—this directly ties to our March 10, 2025, United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) event, “AI, Automation, Amazon Labor Union, and the Equal Rights Amendment”, hosted with ERA Action at the UN Church Center. Where we heard from the front lines of those with boots on the ground, advocating for the rights of workers aiding the Amazon Labor Union against retaliation and exploitation. Your support amplifies these voices, demanding accountability in Big Tech.

Why Now? Integrating Equality, Creativity, Advocacy, Peace, Resilience, and Labor Rights

The ERA stands at our doorstep with S.J. Res. 38, yet faces its final hurdle. We’ve collaborated with Senator Murkowski’s office, engaged the White House Faith Office, and amplified voices at the UNCSW—discussing empowering women and high-tech blue-collar workers in our March 2025 event.

Our Yom Kippur 2025 Bubble of Love calls for Gaza’s forgiveness and peace, resonating during this UN session. We’re also supporting the Amazon Labor Union for warehouse worker relief, developing Widows’ Walk for sustained advocacy, and will be following up imminently with Senator Murkowski.

This combined fundraiser is about action: Words inspire, but your support transforms. We’ve crafted 20 for 20 to fuel our mission, now enhanced by Unveiling Valor‘s creative spark, Power of One‘s civic drive, Bubble of Love‘s healing energy, Widows’ Walk‘s resilient support, and advocacy for the workers at Amazon.

Join the Flame: Pledge $20/month to light the way. One commitment sparks a movement. One commitment an investment in the future.  Donate now—protected by GoFundMe’s Guarantee. Share with #20for20ERA #UnveilingValor #PowerOfOne #BubbleOfLove #WidowsWalk #AmazonsEmpireOfShadows and tag friends!

Together, let’s enshrine equality, heal divides, empower voices through poetry and calls to Congress and the White House, foster interfaith peace, uplift widows in their walks, dismantle corporate shadows, and dream bigger.

Shalom,

Helene de Boissiere-Swanson

PS: As you reflect of our humbe request, please take a moment to listen to Barbara Streisand’s  powerful son ‘Where is it Written?‘ from the film Yentl. Let the lyrics resonate with you and guide your thoughts.