Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of membership?
A member of a local club is automatically also a member of the district, national, provincial, and international organizations; entitled to attend events; receive communications; and contribute to policy development - all included in the single fee. Each club has its own calendar of events and committee activities for its members.

Download a Membership Form

When and where are meetings held at each level?
The Toronto Clubs meets 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 holds its Annual General Meeting in the fall, usually in October.
A Provincial Conference is usually held on the last weekend in May. The location is chosen by the host club, which changes every year.
The Canadian Federation holds a National Convention every two years, moving from West to Central Canada to the East. Manitoba will host the convention in 2008. In alternate years, an Annual Meeting is held wherever it is most convenient for the Board of Directors.
The International Federation holds a Congress every three years. The last congress was held in Luzern, Switzerland. The next congress will be held in 2008 in Finland.

How are clubs run?
Each club has its own Board of Directors or Executive.

What are the duties of membership?
Members in good standing are those who have paid their annual fees and continue to support the aims and objectives of the organization. They are encouraged to participate in committee work and stand for office as well as attend meetings, which are usually held once a month.

How much are membership fees?
The membership fee is $100 per year. This amount includes fees to the provincial organization and the national and international federations.

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.

What is the purpose of the provincial BPW organization?
As an advocacy group, BPW must address issues at the appropriate level of jurisdiction. BPW Ontario lobbies government and other organizations on matters of provincial concern on behalf of all its members across Ontario.

BPW Ontario also holds membership/voice/voting privileges in other organizations within the Province to promote mutual interests