Working with Local Organizations: The Women’s History Crawl

To celebrate Women’s History Month, California State Parks is hosting a Women’s History Crawl at the Sonoma Barracks Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 11am-5pm. The event will provide a space for the community to come together to learn about, share information on, and celebrate women in California who have made a difference.

The event will also include talks given by two sets of authors who will discuss their women centered books. For the history crawl, guests will “crawl” between eighteen organizations tabled in the Sonoma Barracks Courtyard to not only learn about the highlighted women, but to learn about the participating organizations, the services they provide and their future events.

There were four key factors in working with the various organizations for this event.

The first was to engage the organizations early to increase the chances they would be available, and to give them adequate time to think about the specifics of their role in the event. Beginning last November, emails were sent to twenty-five organizations to gauge interest in a Women’s History Crawl. The emails consisted of a statement of purpose for the event, an explanation of the organization’s role in the event, and a deadline to confirm their participation. Once the deadline passed, representatives from the organizations were invited to a Zoom meeting during which event details were discussed and questions answered. Most organizations were enthusiastic about participating in the event and expressed delight in being invited. A highlight for these organizations has been the opportunity to sell memberships and their books at the event.

The second key factor was asking local businesses for crawl prize donations. I either emailed businesses, or I walked around Sonoma Plaza in my interpreter uniform, explained the event and asked for a small prize donation. Most were happy to oblige and donated anything from gift cards to wine tastings and museum tickets.

The third factor is a collaboration with the Sonoma Community Action Network (Sonoma CAN). This organization operates a shelter and transitional house for women and women with young children. As a result, I am asking event guests to donate selected items as suggested by Sonoma CAN. Guests who donate an item are entered into a raffle for a chance to win an after-hours tour of the Vallejo Home with s’mores, warm cocoa, or fine wine and cheese by the fire pit. Requested donations include twin comforters, twin sheets, standard pillows, towels sets, and pots and pans. Collaborating with Sonoma CAN has been a great way for all those involved, including California State Parks, to feel a part of the community in a positive and meaningful way.

The fourth factor is yourself. When organizing a community event your own enthusiasm is pivotal, don’t be afraid to ask people to participate, and ask them what they need from you. Have fun!

 —Deborah Lee, State Park Interpreter I, Relevancy & History, Bay Area District