Beautiful Manitoba Morning

It is another great Manitoba Morning with only 59 days to go until IAWP 2014 begins. 

 

A few years back I posted some winter scene photos and told you all that I was lucky to have an office inside of the amazing Assiniboine Park Zoo.  Well...IAWP 2014 is lucky to be back in those offices so these scenes are just around the corner from us.  I thought I would show you some summer scenes. 

 

 

I have been trying to show you some of the spectacular scenery around Winnipeg over the last few blogs.  There are so many great things happening in our city and this is just one example of fabulous places to visit.

 

 

 

By the way....you will get an opportunity to see Assiniboine Park on Monday, September 29 when we take you all on a "Journey to Churchill" inside of the park. 

 

Remember to register now if you have not already done so!  Check us out at www.iawp2014.org

 

Around the Manitoba Legislative Building

 

I had a few extra minutes on Friday to take some time and walk around the beautiful ground of the Manitoba Legislative Building.  As I came upon this statue, which is one of many around the area, I was reminded once again of the role that Canadian women have played in advancing Human Rights. 

 

This statue of the "Famous Five" is located on the west side of the Legislative grounds.  I encourage you to take some time to visit this statue and to read more about this amazing story of five Canadian women who fought for the basic right to be recognized as a "person".  

 

 

 

 

 

Of the "Famous Five", Nellie McLung was raised in Manitoba and featured standing at the back of this group.  The photo below provides reference for each of the women featured in the statue. 

 

 

 

I have included a link to provide you with further references to the "Famous Five" and the "Persons Case". 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nellie_McClung

 

Only 9 weeks, or 63 days until you can visit Winnipeg and see this statue for yourself.  Be sure to register soon!

How do you plan a parade?

Well ... you start at the beginning.  Today was a great day for a walk along the parade route starting here at the corner of Fort Street and Assiniboine Avenue.  It may not mean much to  you now but in only 75 days you will be familiar with Winnipeg and this intersection, just south of the Hotel Fort Garry.

 

 

Speaking of the Hotel Fort Garry...you will march right on by the hotel on your way to the Opening Ceremony.  This hotel has just as much majesty on the inside as it does outside.  (And have I mentioned there is a Spa too?!)

 

Genie was strolling along behind the group taking careful notes...like she has for the past three years.  This is Broadway Avenue near the front of the Manitoba Legislative Building.

 

Genie and I stopped to show off some IAWP 2014 wear.  Soon enough you will be able to purchase your conference shirt.  This is only one of a few version of shirts you can choose. 

 

Now this will be the end point, a view from the front doors of the Manitoba Legislative Building.  I can't give away all the secrets so you will have to see it for yourself this fall. 

 

So to plan a parade you take several friends from the planning committee (most of the others are camera shy so I can't show their faces) and you walk the route, taking notes, talking over potential glitches and mostly hope that the fabulous weather we had today holds out until September 28! 

 

See you all in 75 days!

Your "Journey" begins in 86 days!

There will be lots to see and do when you arrive in Winnipeg for the IAWP 2014 Conference.  Winnipeg's newest attraction, Journey to Churchill, is sure to be one of your highlights!


http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/bear-y-nice-265791381.html


On Monday, September 29, IAWP 2014 will host a hospitality night at the Assiniboine Park Zoo which features the new Journey to Churchill exhibit.  IAWP 2014 is going to get a preview very soon to ensure all runs smooth for the main event.


Watch our Twitter feed for more updates!

Happy Canada Day!

Canada Day 2014 happens to also be Day 89 in the 100 day countdown to IAWP 2014.  Celebrations are happening all over Winnipeg, including the Assiniboine Park, The Forks, and in Osborne Village.  I mention these areas specifically because when you travel to the conference you will either get a chance to see these places as part of the conference package or you are close enough to wander on your own and explore them.

If you have not already done so I encourage you to register.  You won't want to miss the conference.

100 days and counting...

Friday June 20th marked 100 days to the start of IAWP 2014... our Parade of Nations!

 

We brought attention to the countdown in the morning by presenting an overview to the local media. 

 

 

 

The afternoon was marked by a Volunteer Pep Rally.  We began planning for the conference in October 2010 and lots has changed and developed over that time span.  It made perfect sense to recruit volunteers by providing a new wave of volunteers with the updated agenda. 

 

Featured below is me (right) and Connie Johansson, Volunteer Coordinator for IAWP 2014.  We are both modeling t-shirt that will be available for sale during the conference.

 

A crowd of potential volunteers listen as Program Chair, Joanne Keeping, provides an update on the conference speakers. 

 

 

And finally...you can tell our Pep Rally plan worked as several people filled out forms and stepped forward to help make the conference a huge success.

 

We are now at 97 days and counting...

Why do we do the things we do?

Do you ever stop to consider why you got involved in something?  I have given several presentations over the past month regarding the IAWP 2014 conference and when I pause to analyze the basic premise I am putting forth to the crowd, "why am are we doing this?" becomes the logical framework.  My most recent presentation to the Winnipeg Police Service Senior Managers Group is a great example.

When a small group of officers first proposed hosting the IAWP 2014 conference in Winnipeg we highlighted the fact that Canadian women, in fact Canadian police women, are afforded all the rights and privileges of male officers.  Pretty straight forward in our context but consider that 4 police women have been killed this year in Afghanistan...simply because they are women doing a "man's job".  Or consider that there are still Island nations in the southern hemisphere that provide training to male officers but not the female officers.  Neither scenario is acceptable in this country.  The rationale to host the IAWP 2014 conference became a celebration of all the rights and freedoms we, myself and all my law enforcement colleagues, enjoy in Canada.

The rational to host the conference also became focused on leadership we take pride in as a country.  We have great training, practices and protocols in Canadian law enforcement that we wanted to share with the world.  The training program has focused on case studies and innovative training tools to showcase the best this country has to offer.  The Program Committee has woven best practices and innovation from other countries as well all intended to highlight the role of police officers as defenders of rights and freedoms no matter which continent you work. 

In the context of being a female officer, with 20 years of service, I have seen significant changes in the role of women police.  We continue to make strides in all areas of policing.  However, we also wanted to ensure that we make the path to a career in law enforcement is ease for those who follow us to travel and that the movement forward continues many years into the future.  The Future Women in Law Enforcement program was created to pave that path.

I have some personal reasons for doing this work though.  I am proud of the IAWP and all the work the organization has done to connect women police with training, mentoring and support.  I am proud of the City of Winnipeg and all that is changing on our landscape.  That seemed a pretty good combination to show IAWP this great city and show Winnipeg all that IAWP has to offer  It was enough inspiration for at least 100 volunteers to work on the various planning committees.  The three original partner agencies, Winnipeg Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Brandon Police Service have been joined by volunteers from Canadian Boarder Services Agency, Correctional Service of Canada and community volunteers.

Tomorrow marks the start of the 100 day countdown to IAWP 2014, marked by the Parade of Nations, MACP Memorial Service and Opening Ceremony.   IAWP 2014 is hosting a Volunteer Pep Rally for one final group message to explain "why we do the things we do" on behalf of IAWP. 

For further information on the program agenda, Future Women in Law Enforcement or highlights of special events, please continue to check back on the conference website at www.iawp2014.org

Are you getting curious about Winnipeg?

 

I was out and about in Winnipeg yesterday and thought it you may like to see some of the city.  Well...this is not the entire city but areas that you will become familiar with when you attend IAWP 2014 this September.

 

It was a sunny 15 degrees Celsius yesterday.  A great day for a walk and a great opportunity for me to snap some pictures for you.

 

 The historic Hotel Fort Garry is the main venue for IAWP 2014.  Be sure to check out their website...there is spa inside ladies!  I am not encouraging you to cut class but if you are interested take a look at TEN SPA to see what they have to offer.  I have tested it first hand (once or twice...lol...) and assure it is every bit of luxury they say it is.

 

 

Right beside the hotel, to the east, is the Manitoba Club. 

 

Winnipeg has it's own Union Station just like New York.  The main rail line for Winnipeg is located one block from the hotel and if you enjoy the splendour of historic buildings this one should be on your list.  This is located one block east from the hotel.

 

From old to new...the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is a majestic sight on the Winnipeg skyline.  Winnipeg is very proud to be the home of Canada's only national museum located outside of the capital city (Ottawa).  The CMHR is a very short walk from the Hotel Fort Garry and it one of the attractions you will want to take in.

 

 

Shaw Park is located kitty corner to the CMHR.  It is home to our baseball team who play in the Northern League, the Winnipeg Goldeyes.  For those of you who know Cynthia...she is a big fan of "The Fish".

 

To the south of the CMHR, Esplanade Riel, takes visitors into the French Quarter of Winnipeg.  It is another more recent example of unique architecture in our city.

 

This is just a small example of what you will see and experience in Winnipeg this fall.   The IAWP 2014 is counting down the days until we see you here!

Diary of a Travelling IAWP Conference Director

I spent my first week as a full time Conference Director for the IAWP 2014 in Duluth, Minnesota for the Minnesota Association of Women Police (MAWP) Conference and Awards Banquet.   It was a fantastic way to kick off my full time duties...networking and promoting IAWP with an outstanding group of officers, cadets and students!

 

The crowd enjoys discussion and dinner before the awards are announced. 

 

 

MAWP Board of Directors (featured below) should be very proud of the work they did to host this event!

 

I hope to see many of my new MAWP friends in Winnipeg for the IAWP 2014 Conference this September.

 

Be sure to check your next issue of Women Police to see who was MAWP Officer of the Year.

 

 

Diary of an IAWP Conference Director....so much to tell you all....

Hello IAWP Conference fans!  I apologize as it has been a long time since my last update.  So much has happened in the past month.  For one, I have been to Las Vegas, Nevada for the Early Board Meeting (snapped this photograph at the Winnipeg Airport just before I left) where I provided an update on the conference planning.   One of the most exciting news items I had to tell the Board was the day I was leaving my fellow IAWP 2014 Committee members were gladly accepting a sponsorship cheque from Continental Tire!  Anyone who has planned a conference knows the value of the corporate support.

Not long after arriving home from the Early Board Meeting, I was back in the swing of things.  IAWP 2014 Executive Committee members meet on the third Wednesday of every month so that everyone keeps on track.  On top of that regular meeting, sub committees meet to plan the various aspects.  The Program Committee has recently toured the conference hotel and finalized which training sessions will be in the various rooms.   They have also nearly finalized all the training sessions so watch for the full agenda soon.

The other major development that IAWP 2014 has to announce is that we have received generous funding through the Western Diversification (Federal Government) to host our Trade Show and to provide French translation.  This funding was made possible through a partnership with the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police, who you may recall are also our partners for the Opening Ceremony.  Information on the Trade Show is now being distributed to sponsors and interested vendors/companies.  We are sure that this aspect of the conference will be a great success.

Have you ever planned a parade?  That is one huge endeavor but the Special Events Committee seems to have this well in hand.  Parade permits have been secured and I have recently been advised that IAWP 2014 has secured commitment from local Girl Guides to carry the country signs for us.  This was a great idea we borrowed from other committees (2011 and 2012). 

Tonight marks my last night doing double duty...working my normal job on a platoon and conference planning.  Winnipeg Police Service Chief Clunis has been supportive of the IAWP 2014 Conference from the start and has agreed to allow me to finish the conference planning full time.   I have an RCMP counterpart who is also going to work full time with me starting on May 5th.

Thanks to all of you who are keeping in touch and sending proposals for training sessions and expressing interest in our conference in general.  I can tell you that the IAWP 2014 Committee is looking forward to hosting you here in Winnipeg this fall!

Diary of an IAWP Conference Director

Details, Details...

One of the fun aspects of planning an IAWP Conference is picking out designs for a t-shirt or other items that you may like for a souvenir of the event.

The IAWP 2014 Executive Committee held our monthly meeting yesterday.  We had some great discussion about design concepts.  Two new committee members, Theresa and Sue, jumped in about two months ago and really got the ball rolling on this.  They have a collection of great ideas, other than just t-shirts, that I am sure you love.

The other detail that took up much of our discussion was planning for the final Gala.   Some of you may recall that 2014 is the 40th anniversary of women in regular forces of the RCMP and that is the back drop to our last night of the conference.  You will love what we have planned!  Sorry...can't tip our hand too soon though.  

Details matter when making the final arrangements for an IAWP Conference.  Rest assured...we care about the details so check the website and be sure to register soon.

Take care..Sandra

Diary of an IAWP Conference Director

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in planning an IAWP Training Conference?  I think many of you are curious about the planning process and the decisions and work that leads up the big event.  Over the next few month,  I plan to "talk out loud" on my blog about all the details, debates and decisions that are going on for IAWP 2014.  

We are currently less than 200 days to the start of the conference.   The big part of our work at this time is the registration process which includes helping to facilitate visa applications for some of the delegates countries.  At least...this is the largest part of my work!  Many of the IAWP 2014 sub committees are busy with their own plans for events such as the Opening Ceremonies, Awards Luncheon, and Final Gala.  My role is to help coordinate their plans with the other committees and ensure that everything has its time and place during the conference week.

I have found myself sending more frequent email questions to Sue Bill, one of the Co-Conference Director for IAWP 2012.  It is a great help to check to our progress against the past committees and Sue is quick to respond to all our queries.   Other past conference planners, such as Mylan Masson, Robin Mathews, and Cindy Shain to get their perspective on conference planning.  I have come to realize that IAWP has an amazing cache of event planning expertise. 

Our next planning meeting in Tuesday. Then I will be off to the board meeting and conference in Las Vegas.  Can't wait to see all of my IAWP friends!

Be sure to continue checking in with me.

Diary of an IAWP Conference Director - Day One

International Women's Day seems like a good time to launch my blog feature, Diary of an IAWP Conference Director, for several reasons.

My first reason stems from the theme of IAWP 2014, The Strength of Many - Embracing Human Rights.  It is a day like today, International Women's Day, that gives me pause to reflect that I am blessed to have the RIGHT to work as a police officer.  I have the RIGHT to all of the benefits and privileges of my male colleagues, including proper fitting equipment, training and to apply for promotion.  I have the RIGHT to speak my views and debate my opinions with my peers and my superiors.  And I have the RIGHT to take part in education. 

The RIGHT to be educated brings me to the second reason for choosing today to launch the "Diary".  Yesterday I was honored to attend a movie screening of the documentary film "Girl Rising".  It is powerful film that speaks to the challenges that many girls and women in developing countries face in trying to obtain even basic education.  It is also a film that speaks to the power of human resolve to face those challenges and make improvements for yourself and other girls.  As the film ended and discussion was opened up regarding the film messages and how we could help promote education for girls I was proud to stand and tell the audience that IAWP does it's small part in helping to advance training and educate women police in developing countries through our International Scholarship Award.  If you have not seen this film, I urge you to take the chance to view and judge its powerful message for yourself. 

My last reason has to do with IAWP as an organization and how we have achieved so much over the past 99 years to make improvements in the working conditions for women police around the world.   My desire to host an IAWP conference in Winnipeg, a dream shared by others on the Executive Committee of IAWP 2014, is deeply rooted in my pride in this organization and my role as a women police officer.

Please continue to check back here for weekly updates on IAWP 2014 plans and highlights.  And if you have not done so yet, please be sure to register and take advantage of the extended early bird rate. 

I wish you all a peaceful day on this 2014 International Women's Day.

RCMP Western Hockey Tournament

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Western Hockey Tournament celebrated it's 40th anniversary this past week in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Teams from K Division (Alberta), F Division (Saskatchewan) and D Division (Manitoba) participated in the tournament.

 

And to mark help celebrate 40 years of hockey the RCMP invited women of the RCMP to enter a team for the first time.  The team was made up of RCMP members joined by Winnipeg Police Service, Manitoba Youth Center, and Canadian Boarder Services officers to round out the roster.

 

 

 

 

Inspector Joanne Keeping (Number 4 In photo below) looks on as women play the team from K Division.  You may recall that Joanne was an IAWP Bullet when the team played during the 2006 IAWP conference.

 

 

Power of Volunteers

As the bi-annual board meeting approaches I have been thinking about the strength of IAWP.  I have come to the conclusion that we have many strengths, but the one I am most proud of is the strength of the spirit of volunteerism.

IAWP has just celebrated 51 years of hosting an annual training conference.  That takes many volunteers working many volunteer hours to make that happen.   I know that the IAWP 2014 is putting in long hours, on top of regular duties, to put together a full agenda and program for conference delegates.

I have also been thinking about the volume of work that our Board of Directors and Board of Trustees put in to push the goals and objectives of the organization.  Many directors attend meeting on their own time.  Many hours go into updating blogs, researching business process and preparing reports to ensure we make sound business decisions for the organization. 

There are many more hours of work that happen for regional conferences, which have become a common side event to bi-annual board meetings.  Several Region 9 and 10 members are hard at work to make the coming event in Las Vegas as success just as the many volunteers did last year in Port au Spain, Trinidad. 

IAWP owes special tribute to all of our volunteers who have contributed to our success.  Next year we celebrate 100 years as an organization.  And that does not happen without dedication and effort of volunteers.  We all benefit from the power of our volunteers.    Thanks to all who take time to pitch in!

Promises, Promises....

Normally it is not a good idea to make promises you can’t keep.  For example it may be a safe bet for me to promise that you will not experience the bitter cold and blizzard like conditions that have set in on Manitoba.  We have gone from Blizzard on Friday (follow the links to local news stories)

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-crews-plow-through-238756101.html

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Snow-ends-cold-temps-return-238711151.html

to becoming on the of the coldest places on earth!   We have even become somewhat infamous for being the coldest place in the milky way! 

http://quiz.ca.msn.com/EN-CANews/Jan3-2014

I can’t promise sunshine and blues skies (which has been the pattern for the past two fall seasons here) but we do not expect anything near this is September when you come to visit us during the IAWP 2014 conference.   I just wanted to give you a view of what makes us a very unique and interesting place to visit.

I can promise that polar bears love this Arctic weather.  I can also promise that we will give you the opportunity to see polar bears and get a glimpse of our northern City of Churchill, where cold, snow and polar bears are common sight.  IAWP 2014 has secured a private showing of this fantastic new venue complete with a tour of the polar bear exhibit and virtual tour of the Arctic climate. 

After you take a few moments to view the links to see our new baby in Winnipeg and the videos of Journey to Churchill please consider registering for the IAWP 2014 Conference.  You won’t want miss this or the other events and training we have planned!  That is a promise I feel confident I can keep!

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/baby-bear-on-board-238687741.html

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Journey-to-Churchill--168656636.html

See you soon in Winnipeg.

Visit www.iawp2014.org for details on how to register online.

Pioneers!

As my career moves along I reflect more and more on the women who came before me.  The women who first dared to challenge stereotypes ...women can't be cops!  The women who challenged the status quo....women can't work the streets!  The women who just wanted to contribute to the welfare of our city and did so without many accolades.   These are the women I admire. 

One of those women was Helen Woollard, who was Winnipeg's first women to graduate recruit class and work a full 30 year career as a police officer.  Sadly she passed away on November 29, 2013. 

She was a true pioneer...making in roads for women like me long before I even thought about a career in policing.   Helen Woollard was a true pioneer in this city.  Rest in peace, Helen.


http://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-208489/name-Helen_Woollard/date-range-all/last-name-woollard/order-publish_date%7CDESC,last_name%7CASC,first_name%7CASC/

43 Weeks to Go!

Today marks exactly 43 weeks to the Parade of Nations and Opening Ceremonies for the 52nd Annual IAWP Training Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Our Executive Planning Committee  is working hard to ensure a full agenda for you.  First, and most importantly, our Program Committee has put together an amazing training program.  There are a few bios listed on the website but be sure to check back in early 2014 for the full agenda. 

Second, the Post Conference and Companion Tours Committee has secured tours that will take you around Manitoba and up to our beautiful north to visit the City of Churchill.  For those of you who can make the trek north, this committee has secured the new "Journey to Churchill" display at the Assiniboine Park Zoo for a evening hospitality event.  You will be able to meet Winnipeg's newest citizens, Hudson and Aurora the polar bears!

The Special Events Committee is in full gear to plan the Awards Luncheon, Parade and Opening Ceremonies.  We are thrilled to announce that the training portion of the week kicks off on Monday of the conference with a breakfast celebration to honour the 2014 International Scholarship recipient  The Keynote Address will immediately follow.    And, if you were in Durban for IAWP 2013 you know how much fun we had at Hockey Night in Canada so watch for repeat here in Winnipeg!

The Logistics Committee has kicked into high gear to work out the details for transportation and security.    And finally, the Marketing Committee (which has worked very hard on our website and registration process) is currently researching promotional items.

IAWP 2014 would like to thank the Emirates Police Women Association for the opportunity to promote Winnipeg at their conference in Abu Dhabi.  Sergeant Lisa Mandziak and Sergeant Cheryl Larson attended on behalf of the committee.

Be sure to continue checking for updates at www.iawp2014.org  If you have suggestions or require assistance in planning your conference trip, please email us at iawp2014@winnipeg.ca 

See you in 43 weeks!

Hockey Night in Canada...

...in Durban, South Africa!

 

 

 

The SAPS Jazz Band was instrumental in helping to make the IAWP 2014 Hospitality Night a smash hit!  Not only was the music fantastic but the band showed support by sporting a Team Canada shirt and helping put together nets (photo below).

 

 

Team Finland and Team Germany are always big fans for Canada.  They are featured here with a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. 

 

The Durban ICC proved to be a great venue for this event. 

 

IAWP 2013 Conference Director took part in the Honorary Face Off to mark our official 2014 street hockey game.  

 

I will let you be the judge but I think we did a pretty good job of setting up a "rink".  Leave it to crazy Canadian hockey fans to find a place to play, eh!

 

 

THANKS to all who attended to support IAWP 2014!  We promise to show you more fun like this next year so be sure to register now and mark your calendar!

 

See you in Winnipeg!

Parade Day

As always the IAWP Parade of Nations was a great event.  The weather cooperated and the parade route was lined with citizens to support us as we marched.  It was truly an amazing event.

 

 

It is hard for me to explain how large the crowd at the opening ceremonies was.  Let's put it this way...IAWP has announced 1235 delegates at this conference!