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BPW Clubs in Canada
BPW Canada was founded in 1930, at the same time as our International BPW Federation, which now has clubs in more than 100 countries around the world. We are a non-sectarian, non-profit, non-partisan organization that works to improve economic, political, social and employment conditions for women in the workforce in Canada. BPW Canada develops the professional and leadership potential of women in Canada through education, awareness, advocacy and mentoring within a supportive network.
We are Women Working for Working Women.
We have clubs across the country (see list, below), which are involved in some key issues that affect working women. These include childcare, pay equity, incomes for senior women, and access to EI maternity/parental benefits for self-employed and business-owning women. A major priority is to see more women involved in politics at all levels.
If you have questions about BPW Canada that aren’t answered here, please feel free to contact our
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. And do browse our site – it will hopefully give you a good idea of what BPW Canada is all about!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What are the benefits of membership?
- When and where are meetings held at each level?
- How are clubs run?
- What are the duties of membership?
- How much are membership fees?
- What happens if a member moves away from her club?
- What is the purpose of the provincial organizations?
- What is Young BPW?
- How do I know if there is a club in my area?
- I’d like to join but there’s no BPW club in my area. What can I do?
- BPW Clubs in Canada
1. What are the benefits of membership?
Membership in BPW offers many opportunities and many benefits to working women. Our advocacy work gives women a chance to be involved in the key issues that affect women in Canada and around the world. Clubs provide a “training ground” for developing leadership skills, allowing members to build networks and create lasting friendships. Members participate in a range of activities that lead to personal and professional development and career advancement. A member of a local club is automatically also a member of the district, national, provincial, and international organizations. She is entitled to attend all events, including national and international conferences. In addition, we have some specific programs (e.g. mentoring, insurance) that are available only to BPW members. Click on Why join BPW? FAQ Index
2. When and where are meetings held at each level?
- Most local clubs meet once a month (with a break for the summer), and hold an Annual General Meeting in May along with a social event in spring or summer.
- Each District (Ontario only) holds its Annual General Meeting in the fall, usually in October.
- Provincial Conferences are usually held in May, with elections held every other year for an incoming executive.
- The Canadian Federation holds a National Convention every two years, usually in July, and an Annual General Meeting in the off-year. The most recent Convention was held in 2008 in Winnipeg. The next one is slated for Moncton in July 2010.
- The International Federation holds a Congress every three years. The last congress was held in Luzern, Switzerland. The next one will be held in Mexico in October of 2008. FAQ Index
3. How are clubs run?
Each club has its own Board of Directors or Executive, usually made up of a President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer and chairs of Standing Committees. The executive is elected at the Annual General Meeting, and holds office for a two-year term. Clubs set their own agenda for the work they do. Some have Bursary Funds for young women going into post-secondary education. Some are involved in community activities, raising money or raising awareness about issues affecting women. Visit individual club websites for more information. FAQ Index
4. What are the duties of membership?
Members in good standing are those who have paid their annual fees in May, and continue to support the aims and objectives of the organization. Members are encouraged to participate in committee work and stand for office as well as attend meetings, which are usually held once a month. FAQ Index
5. How much are membership fees?
Each club sets its own fees. The average is about $100 per year. This amount includes fees to the provincial organization and the national and international federations.FAQ Index
6. What happens if a member moves away from her club?
A member of any club in Canada can transfer her membership to any other club in Canada at no cost. FAQ Index
7. What is the purpose of the provincial organization?
As an advocacy group, BPW must address issues at the appropriate level of jurisdiction. The provincial organizations lobby provincial governments and other organizations on matters of provincial concern. BPW Canada addresses issues that are of national interest. FAQ Index
8. What is Young BPW?
BPW Canada has a special category of membership for women who are 35 years of age and younger called Young BPW. Young BPW is part of an international network of younger members. Many clubs now have a Young BPW committee, which may hold special meetings to address issues of particular concern to young women. For more information, visit the Young BPW page. FAQ Index
9. How do I know if there is a club in my area?
Click here to view a list of Canadian clubs. Clubs always appreciate enquiries so feel free to contact someone either through the Club website or the provincial one, for more information. Clubs also welcome guests at their monthly meetings. FAQ Index
10. I’d like to join but there’s no BPW club in my area. What can I do?
We now have a Virtual Club for members who travel a lot and/or live in an area without a club. You can contact the president of the Virtual Club, Shannon MacNeill, for more information. We are also in process of starting clubs in a number of areas in Canada, and would love to work with you to get one going in your town or city. Please contact the Federation Promotion chair for more information. FAQ Index
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