Sister Societies are Proudly Sponsored by The Global Women’s Leadership Network is a World Council Program The Global Women’s Leadership Network is Chaired by

Who Are We? WOCCU The World Council of Credit Unions GWLN The Global Women’s Leadership Network Local Sister Societies

What is World Council The leading international trade association and development agency for credit unions worldwide.

The Global Women’s Network Mission: To provide credit union women the opportunity and resources to make a measureable difference in each other's lives; in the lives of credit union members; and in their communities. The Network provides members with opportunities to engage with leaders and future leaders, to enhance their awareness of issues and trends impacting the credit union movement, and to improve financial services for women worldwide.

The Global Women’s Network The purpose is to provide women with an international network that engages them in professional and personal development. This is to be a safe forum in which women can discuss business issues. It is not meant to be patronizing (north - south) or (male - female) and it is not meant to be divisive (feminist or separatist). It is meant to be a humanist initiative to convene women with a common interest across borders.

The Global Women’s Network Since its inception in 2009, the Network has reached over 700 women from 53 countries worldwide. With the support of men and women alike, momentum is strong and our goal is to reach over 1,000 women by 2018.

Network Programs: Forum The annual Forum event is the Network’s flagship program. This all-day workshop takes place during the World Credit Union Conference and connects over 100 credit union women from all over the globe. Focusing on professional development, participants engage in interactive dialogue sessions, expand their knowledge and grow business relationships. Network members work face-to-face with women from other cultures and gain new skills to apply within their organization.

Network Programs: GAC Breakfast Held during CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference, this educational and networking event brings U.S. men and women together in support of advancing women’s leadership. The Global Women's Leadership breakfast, sponsored by CU*Answers, is an excellent opportunity to connect with C-suite contacts within the U.S. credit union system and engage with legislators working to advance women.

Network Programs: Scholarships The Network offers a scholarship program to support emerging credit union leaders who lack resources to participate in the professional development and credit union training opportunities the Network provides. Scholarships offset membership dues and costs associated with the Leadership Forum at the World Credit Union Conference.

Network Programs: Empowerment Grant Each scholarship winner is asked to design a concept that increases access to credit, loans, savings, and leadership opportunities for women in their communities. Network members vote on each proposal and World Council staff evaluates the project’s strength, financial needs, opportunity for Network membership participation and potential value to the community. In addition to receiving funds, grant recipients receive technical support, expertise and guidance from their Global Women Network peers worldwide.

Network Programs: Sister Societies Sister Societies are local chapters of the Global Women’s Leadership Network that are established around the world to further the Network’s global mission by making a local impact. The purpose is to convene credit union women, discuss credit union issues, exchange ideas, network with neighboring credit union leaders, and share lessons learned with Network members worldwide.

Sister Societies: Who Are the Leaders Sister Society leaders are Global Women Network members who volunteer as World Council representatives and serve as key administrators and spokespersons of their group locally and internationally. Depending on the chapter, there may be one or more Sister Society leader.

Sister Societies: Who Can Attend Any person, at any stage in their professional journey, connected to a credit union is welcome to participate in the sister society program. To attend a Sister Society meeting, membership in the Network is not required; however, World Council encourages attendees to join after participating in a chapter meeting.

Sister Societies: Why Attend By interacting with other professionals in a business forum, attendees have the opportunity to network with women in all stages of their professional journey, gain new insights on credit union trends, develop new skills and participate in the global credit union movement.

Sister Societies: Why Attend Attendees also have the opportunity to become members of the World Council’s Global Women’s Network and empower women by partnering with local nonprofits and getting involved with World Council’s projects in developing credit union systems.

Sister Societies: Partners Sister Society development and management is generously funded by PSCU. At the local level, Sister Society leaders work with credit unions to secure in- kind conference space and solicit contributions to offset the costs associated with luncheons and coffee/tea provided. World Council oversees the vision, mission and objectives of the Sister Society program and ensures programming is properly aligned with World Council’s strategic goals. Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates supports World Council by promoting interest in the Network among U.S. national female and male credit union leaders. In collaboration with World Council, they collaborate with leaders to establish local Sister Societies and setting of the individual chapter goals.

Sister Societies: Commitments Carry out three (3) meetings per year. World Council would like one of these meetings to connect with another Sister Society or World Council development project. Submit one (1) blog post, resource library, or social media entry per month. Donate time, expertise, or financial resources to a local organization that is empowering women or get involved with a World Council development project to advance women.

Join the Network Today! 1.Go to CUwomen.org and click “Join Now” 2.Become a part of the movement to connect and empower women leaders worldwide!

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Sister Societies are Proudly Sponsored by The Global Women’s Leadership Network is a World Council Program The Global Women’s Leadership Network is Chaired by Thank you!