National Policy Summit

BPW has the power to make a difference

On the 16 and 17th August, BPW Australia held it's first Policy Summit in Geelong, Victoria.  BPW members and guests from all over Australia attended to hear what BPW is doing nationally and internationally to work for women's rights in the workplace. 

We heard a variety of guest speakers on the first day including Dr Meredith Burgmann, Judith Van Unen, Freda Miriklis and Pat Harrison.  Then National Policy Director, Sandra Cook led an interactive discussion about the hottest issues for working women including representation, education and workplace conditions. 

The second day was an action day.  We heard about the Fertility Project that was spearheaded by BPW South Australia and when Mary Louise Clifford was interviewed by the Productivity Commission and then subsequently nearly every media outlet!  

I got to meet some of the Young BPW members from Geelong and Mid City.  It would be great to see more Young BPW's there next time!!

Here are some of the photos.

Alicia Curtis

Young BPW Chair

Young BPW Joondalup Night WA

I recently attended the Young BPW night at BPW Joondalup in Western Australia and what a wonderful night is was.  There was about 50 people in attendence and there was an amazing young guest speaker, Sian White talking about her travels to India to help build a school.

Well done to Bianca Chantry and Kerry Anne Stevens (BPW Joondalup's new Young BPW Award winner) for organising and MC'ing a great night. 

Alicia Curtis

Young BPW Chair

Video Interviews from my travels

I've developed these two videos from my recent trip to the BPW New Zealand Conference. I hope you enjoy them.

You can view all the Young BPW videos at: http://www.bpw.com.au/youngbpw/ybpwaudio.htm

International Young BPW Opportunity

At the International Congress in Mexico in October, there will be a changeover in the International Young BPW Representative role as well as the Young BPW regional coordinators. Currently, Young BPW Australia member, Anna Rasalingam is the Asia Pacific Young BPW regional coordinator. This position is open to any Australian Young BPW members to nominate.

If you would like to find out more about this position, please email Alicia on alicia@aliciacurtis.com and I can put you in touch with Anna for more information about the role.

Alicia Curtis - Chair of the Young BPW Board

Financial Assistance to attend International Congress

Young BPW (BPW members age 35 or younger) and members of BPW Affiliates from low income countries can apply for funding assistance to attend Congress.

Young BPW Fund: Each grant is total 500 Euro. Total approved grants shall not exceed the balance of the fund. Grants will be restricted to members under the age of 35 years on the Opening Day of the Congress.

Application form for Young BPW fund:
International Aid Fund: Each grant is 1,000 Euro. Five grants is available, one for each region.

Application form for International Aid Fund:

Preference will be given to applications from affiliates / applicants most in need. Grants will be made on the basis of not more than one recipient per country. Consideration will only be given to applications from those Federations and Associate Clubs whose dues for the current and the previous years have been paid in full.

The President’s office will notify all applicants in writing of the success or otherwise of their application within seven days of the Executive Board’s decision. At the same time, successful applicants will be notified of the terms and conditions under which the grant will be paid. Members who receive the grant will also get 50% discount from standard registration fee for members.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICANTS: 24 May 2008

For more information, please visit: http://www.bpw-international.org/XXVI-congress/financial.htm

Young BPW Leadership Academy in Cyprus

Young BPW Cyprus Reports Back...
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: “WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP – DEFINING OUR STRENGTHS”
APRIL 12-13, 2008, LARNACA, CYPRUS


In the beautiful setting of a 5* hotel, right on the beach, 22 vibrant ladies enjoyed a weekend of learning, activities, and fun! Heleni Argyrou gave a drum inspired creative and emotional opening to the event. The trainers, Trish Knight and Carolyn Grady traveled all the way from the United States, and managed to impress all the participants! Despite, the jetlag, they did a fantastic job presenting various topics, ranging from identifying the different behavioral styles and applying more effective communication techniques, to learning how to listen and ask the right questions, to improving presentation skills, to practicing positive thinking and positive self talk. Miranda Ioannou presented very useful techniques of investing in oneself and to safeguard a career. Miranda Tringis gave an enlightening presentation on women and wellness. At night, traditional Cypriot food and wine was savored at a village taverna. The weekend ended up with excellent reviews and promises for the organization of a similar event in the future. And of course, with many new good friends!

National Young BPW Board Positions Available – Nominations Open

There are two positions on the Young BPW Board open for nominations – Membership Director and Communications and PR Director. The Young BPW Board is a vibrant group of Young BPW members who are passionate about growing the Young BPW program. We meet via teleconference every two months and communicate regularly over email. A board member gives approximately 10 hours a month to attend to their portfolio duties. If you are a Young BPW that is interested in fulfilling the positions available, then please email me (ybpw@bpw.com.au) for the nomination form ASAP.

Alicia Curtis - National Young BPW Chair