About Us
Organization History
Constitution and Meeting Minutes
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for implementation of all programs and operation of the Congress. It meets at least 8 times per year as required and is present at the monthly members meetings.
The Board consists of nine elected officers: President, Vice President, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership, Program, Fundraising and Social Director. Elections are held every two years. Learn More
Standing Committees
These standing committees: Financial, Membership, Fundraising, Program, and Social are chaired by each respective Director. Publicity is chaired by the VP and Scholarship is chaired by a member in good standing with one Board member, VP on the committee and at least two members in good standing.. Committees are called by each respective chairperson.
Meetings
General membership meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month except during July and August. All meetings include the business component of the Congress as well as developmental sessions, open discussions or seminars. Guest speakers may be invited to do brief presentations.
Liaison
The congress liaises with other women's organizations in the Province and the national foundation.
The focus is on supporting good employment and workplace standards, affirmative action, human rights, pension reform, eliminating racism, public speaking, computer and facilitation skills and personal development and strengthening cross-cultural relations.
Public Speaking and Personal Development
Members are given the opportunity to help organize a variety of events for the Congress. Participation in event planning and implementation provides our members with a chance to develop many skills, including public speaking, community service, and networking. Many events are created to help raise awareness of issues relevant to Black Women, and participating members become more informed representatives of the community.
Scholarship Program
The Congress encourages the education and development of Black Women. Annual scholarships were awarded students enrolled in post secondary education.
The Congress provides a network of solidarity for Black Women in Manitoba in a united voice in the defence and extension of Human Rights and Liberties. It fosters a climate in which it is acceptable for Black Women to openly examine issues affecting themselves and their families.
It provides a dynamic forum for Black Women in Manitoba to discuss relevant issues and recommend solutions for constructive change.
The Congress plans and implements a program of service and action geared to the needs of Black Woman in Manitoba. It encourages the education and development of Black Women and familiarizes them with the educational systems and institutions so that Black Women and their children can achieve their full potential.
Program Activities of the Congress includes:
> KWANZAA, is held annually second week in December. Next event December 11th, 1100 Fife 10:30AM-3PM. Contact the office or email us withthe number of children their ages and gender. Also email number of adults. Children are free adults pay only $5.00
> CULTURAL AWARENESS WORKSHOP in conjunction with Black History Month, last presented on Feb 22, 2011.The Congress contributes to communities by increasing their understanding of diversity within diversity. Specifically, Workshop Attendees gain a better understanding of our cultural heritage, contributions and issues of concern to Blacks. We seek increased public awareness of the Congress’s work and increased membership of the Congress’s overarching goals. Next event February 21, 2012, Viscount Gort Hotel, 8:30-4:30. Theme: Looking back, Moving Forward: The Impact of History on Mental, Spiritual and Cultural Care.
> CULTURAL UNITY DINNER AND DANCE occurs annually in the fall, next date November 5, 2011.
> A BLACK WOMEN’S FESTIVAL OF ART AND CULTURE called “MANITOBA`S EBONY EXPRESSIONS”, last held in 2009 and then in 2011 in conjunction with Multiculturalism Day.
The Congress holds monthly membership meetings including brief educational and social program .The Annual General Meeting is usually held in late April, at least one month after the end of the fiscal year.
Manitoba‘s Multiculturalism Secretariat through Culture Tourism and Heritage’s Ethno cultural Community Support Program, provides funding to assist the organization to achieve its mandate. Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council provides some in kind support and periodic funds for special needs. Event tickets, registration fees, membership dues and donations help us with worker acknowledgements. Our New Horizon’s Project titled “Seniors and Youth for Cultural Participation Project`` (2010) has helped to increase youth involvement. Membership is predominately seniors therefore effort is being made to increase involvement of youth in order to carry on its mandate.
Manitoba E Association has been supportive of the Congress. In fall 2011 Congress commence participation in their Community Assessment Program- Youth Initiative, for more information check this program on line. You may contact the office at 775-4378 to book a session on comuter skills. Some group programming will be arranged or individual depending on need.