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The Manitoba Provincial Organization of Business and Professional
Women's Clubs was formed in the 1920's and has been a major women's
organization for over seventy (70) years. BPW has had as many as
twelve (12) clubs during its history and has been represented in many
communities around the Province. Currently, there are five (5) Clubs:
Churchill, Selkirk, St. James, Thompson and Winnipeg. XANA (Ex Army,
Navy, Air Force) disbanded within the past six years and its members
joined the other two Winnipeg clubs.
In Manitoba, the Provincial Organization of Business and
Professional Women's Clubs serves as a catalyst for the activities of
the Local Clubs, and as a liason between locally - organized clubs and
the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs. It
promotes and furthers the aims and objectives of the Canadian
Federation in the province and fosters networking, friendship and
mutual support among clubs and its members.
Specific issues and concerns peculiar to provincial conditions are
pursued through study, briefs and projects. The officers and chairs
provide leadership in the province and invite consultation. Provincial
and regional or district meetings and conferences are organized for
delegates and observers from the Clubs. A newsletter or other
publication is distributed to members and directives are sent to club
officers. Each of the provincial organizations in Canada operates
according to its rules of procedure or by - laws which vary by
province. Duties of officers and committees are outlined in these
rules.
The President of the Provincial Organization serves as a member of
the Canadian Federation's Board of Directors. Each provincial
committee chair is automatically a member of the corresponding CFBPWC
standing committees.
The Organization provides members with a variety of opportunities
to develop their leadership skills while serving their community.
Currently, there are Clubs in Selkirk, Thompson and
Winnipeg (Winnipeg Central)
Community support includes:
- support for women through scholarships for education,
- support for the elimination of abuse and family violence,
- support for programs that alleviate child poverty,
- support for programs that advocate early literacy,
- support for women's health issues.
- support for other women's groups.
Community involvement may include:
- networking with other women's groups,
- networking with local Chambers of Commerce,
- participating in local initiatives i.e. Operation Rednose,
Community Christmas, Christmas hamper,
- presenting workshops open to the public,
- participating in election forums for women.
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