We’re Returning to Atlanta for the 2020 IBWPPI Planning Retreat
We are excited to welcome IBWPPI Board of Directors and members back to Atlanta for our 2020 Retreat and Planning meetings on February 28 th through March 1 st . This will be a weekend of empowerment and community building!
We will begin with a Friday evening reception and celebratory gathering and on Saturday at noon we will host our Key Influencers Luncheon. This is where local women are invited to share the afternoon with members of our board of directors visiting from other countries and major cites in the US. If there are members in Atlanta who are interested, please reach out to us for more information.
The events will take place at the Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta located at 2625 Circle 75 Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30339.
IBWPPI Launches New Global Engagement Committee
With the vision of connecting and advocating for Black women and girls through acts of kindness and public policy, IBWPPI has established the newly formed Global Engagement Committee (GEC). The committee will operate under the auspices of the Board of Directors and will have representation from women in IBWPPI’s network of countries to develop and implement strategic goals.
The committee will form IBWPPI “circles,” which are networks of women in separate geographical locations (countries) who embrace the vision and mission of IBWPPI. The circles will increase engagement among women who are committed to the advancement of the organization through their active membership and the local application of the IBWPPI’s strategic initiatives and 4 pillars: 1) Human Trafficking 2) Economic Security 3) Health and Wellness 4) Education.
What will this look like in practice?
Our target countries are the Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Ghana and Haiti. We have bold objectives to increase IBWPPI membership by 20% of women in the African Diaspora, increase our capacity building for local projects such as the “Reading Room” and “Boots on the Ground,” and mentor Young Ambassadors, who are the next generation of global leaders.
Stay tuned for more updates on this committee. If you have questions or want to get engaged in the GEC, please email erica@ibwppi.org .
Commemorating the Second Anniversary of the Reading Room in the Bahamas
IBWPPI recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary of the Reading Room in Nassau, Bahamas at the Lillian G. Weir-Coakley Public Library. President Perkins traveled this month to visit and meet with Director of Libraries Dorcas Bowler and the staff to learn about the progression of the Reading Room and observe how community members are utilizing the space for their benefit . She was joined by Director Coralie Adderley, Project Organizer Delerice Mackey and IBWPPI US staff member Valarie Walker. A plaque to commemorate the grand opening of the space designed by Director Cynthia Heard and Reading Room Initiative Chairperson, was presented to the library.
The Reading Room is a quiet space set up in the library where individuals of all ages can read and study. Ms. Perkins has had a special connection with the library because she visited frequently throughout her childhood. The Reading Room initiative promotes leisure reading as a key to unlocking a youth’s full potential and helps to foster a love for reading amongst children. IBWPPI has already established Reading Rooms in Ghana and Bermuda. In the summer, our team will be traveling to South Africa to establish a new Reading Room for children and adults.
While in the Bahamas, President Perkins, had an unscheduled conversation with the Honorable Prime Minister Hubert Minnis and was able to share with him details of our work in the Bahamas including the ongoing recovering efforts from Hurricane Dorian. We look forward to continuing our engagement in the country and working towards the long-term restoration of the Bahamian people.
Volunteer Opportunity: Health Research and Policy Working Group
IBWPPI will be leading a working group that will collectively identify issues of importance as it relates to Black women’s health. If you are a subject matter expert or would like to help research or identify resources related to maternal mortality, mental health, cancer, or other health issues, email policy@ibwppi.org .
An invite for our introductory virtual meeting will be sent in the next few weeks. This working group is open to everyone who has an interest.
Welcome to Our New Staff
Executive Director
Dr. Bass Flimmons will oversee the day to day operations, lead the team in implementing the goals and objectives set by the board of directors and guide the organization’s development plans.
Sr. Policy Advisor
Ms. Fujii will provide expertise in policy development, organizational strategy and global engagement.
Membership Recruitment Mont
As we continue to adjust to the new normal, we want IBWPPI to be a home for Black women who want to connect, heal and support one another. C onsider gifting yourself with a free membership and joining a network of global Black women. Become a member today by filling out the membership form here .
Why Join IBWPPI?
IBWPPI started 10 years ago in the spirit of global unity and sisterhood. Our mission is to connect and advocate for Black women globally through acts of kindness and public policy. We thank our members and ask that you continue your support of IBWPPI and ask others to join us.
