RWN GLOBAL NETWORK
CONNECTING WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD
Dear Colleagues,
I would like to share with you a very exciting opportunity for Rochester Women's Network!
Background
On Friday, March 4, 2008, twenty three distinguished women from various countries around the world participated in RWN'S First Annual Symposium: Networking and the Advancement of Women. The women were part of the International Visitor Leadership Program which is under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The dialogue among RWN members and the international guests was lively, insightful and candid. As a result of this spontaneous discussion of personal and professional issues, RWN members and the visitors decided to explore specific ways to continue sharing professional expertise with one another. A bond was formed with a promise from me to have RWN develop a simple and workable process that would continue this productive networking experience while promoting citizen diplomacy.
Purpose
Regardless of language, culture or religion, women around the world strive to achieve excellence in their professional lives, in their community activism and in their personal pursuits. The RWN Global Network: Connecting Women Around the World seeks to cross borders to promote dialogue and useful connections among women of different backgrounds and abilities, much like the Rochester Women's Network accomplishes regionally for its members.
Issues such as women seeking to change their economic circumstances, the promotion of not-for-profit organizations outside their locale and the entrepreneurial spirit in need of physical access to mentors and business connections were the most prominent themes discussed by the attendees at the March 4, 2008 Symposium.
Process
An Ad Hoc Committee was formed to explore the many facets of this concept, culminating with a written proposal. The proposal was reviewed by representatives of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for any conflicts. As Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee, I then presented the proposal to the 2008 RWN Board of Directors for discussion and vote approval. The Board voted affirmative.
Implementation
In keeping with the goals of this initiative, an appropriate technology was selected that is private whereby members could belong by invitation only. The key for its success is the application of available internet technology to host an online group including an online forum and document storage abilities. This entails minimal cost to RWN for the startup application.
RWN is very fortunate to have Emily Carpenter's technical expertise to help develop & implement this visionary initiative. In the beginning stages, Emily along with interested RWN members will be the organizational catalyst. They will use the internet to host and/or moderate discussions on a myriad of topics that have been raised in recent meetings with delegations of international visitors. Initially, RWN members will create the website and begin the discussions with our international colleagues and this will progress to a professional, global dialogue. The strengths and challenges for this initiative will be reviewed on a consistent basis.
Conclusion
As a premier networking organization for career-minded women in Rochester, New York, RWN extends this collaborative exchange to sustain a spirit of global citizenship and the celebration of diversity - enabling women to be valued as leaders in their respective professions. In doing so, we empower each other to learn, develop our talents and excel in the global community.
If you are interested in developing the Global Network: Connecting Women Around the World, kindly contact Sandy Richardson at sandy.richardson@rwn.org or (585)271-4182.
Bring your creativity, enthusiasm, expertise and RWN spirit!
I look forward to participating in this "State-of-the-Art First" for RWN!
Warm regards,
Esther
Dr. Esther Denaro Maltese
2008 RWN Board President
RWN
249 Highland Avenue Rochester, NY 14620 585.271.4182 rwn@rwn.org