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
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Sunday, March 16, 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
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.
Monday, February 17, 2014
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!
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!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
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)
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!
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!
See you soon in Winnipeg.
Monday, December 9, 2013
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/
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/
Sunday, December 1, 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
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!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
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!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
IAWP in Durban
As of today most members of the Board of Directors have arrived in Durban. Meetings are already planned for tonight and the entire board will begin the two meeting tomorrow at the SAPS Police Academy.
I have also seen IAWP delegates arriving and getting settled in. In only two more days, we will begin another historic journey forward when the Parade of Nations kicks off the conference.
Today I also had a long talk with Julia Jaeger, IAWP Region 13 Coordinator and IAWP 2015 Conference Co-Director. Based on my talks, I can guarantee that you will want be in Cardiff, Wales to take in that conference.
Speaking of conferences...have you checked out the IAWP 2014 website lately? The online registration is now live and we have some conference updates for the conference in Winnipeg.
Check us out at www.iawp2014.org
I have also seen IAWP delegates arriving and getting settled in. In only two more days, we will begin another historic journey forward when the Parade of Nations kicks off the conference.
Today I also had a long talk with Julia Jaeger, IAWP Region 13 Coordinator and IAWP 2015 Conference Co-Director. Based on my talks, I can guarantee that you will want be in Cardiff, Wales to take in that conference.
Speaking of conferences...have you checked out the IAWP 2014 website lately? The online registration is now live and we have some conference updates for the conference in Winnipeg.
Check us out at www.iawp2014.org
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
It is sunny and warm in Durban!
By now most delegates are making thier journey to Durban, South Africa for the IAWP 2013 Training Conference. I am confident this is going to be another momentus occassion for IAWP.
I thought I would start off by giving you a view of the hotel and conference center. Be sure to keep checking my blog for more pictures and updates throughout the week.
Below is the Durban ICC (International Convention Center) where the conference training sessions will take place. The ICC is located just outside the doors of the Hilton Hotel.
This is a view along the street alongside the ICC.
It appears our hosts, South African Police Service (SAPS), are busy preparing for the conference. Yesterday and early this morning SAPS vehicles have been coming and going. A sure sign of final preparations!
A view of the ICC from the Hilton Hotel.
For the third day in a row it is sunny and warm in Durban. The beach is a short ten minute walk from the hotel. I plan to enjoy the view along the board walk with my IAWP 2014 committee who have now arrived.
|Only 4 days to go!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
It's been an AMAZING Summer!
IAWP 2013 Approaching
Once again the summer has come and gone quickly. I hope you have all had a chance to enjoy some vacation time...or maybe you are saving that up to head to Durban, South Africa for the IAWP 2013 Conference? Only 16 days to go!
If you are not travelling to Durban please be sure to check back in here during the conference week (September 22-26) to see updates and photos. I promise to keep you up to date on this great event.
Until we meet in South Africa here is a snap shot of what has been going in Region 12 over the past few months...
AMAZING RACE Canada in Vancouver
In July, the AMAZING RACE Canada started off on the west coast and took a tour through Vancouver. Region 12 member Maureen Ing took part in this show (featured below) as a member of the Vancouver Police Lion Dance.
The full video can be viewed on You Tube at AMAZING RACE Canada, Episode 2.
Canadian Association of Chief's of Police (CACP), Winnipeg 2013
IAWP 2014 hosted an informational booth during the two trade show at the CACP Conference which was held in Winnipeg, August 18-21, 2013. Not only was this a great opportunity for us to promote IAWP and IAWP 2014, it proved to be a great opportunity to catch up with IAWP friends. Chief Leanne Fitch stopped by to say hello and so did Assistant Commissioner Tracy Hardy (RCMP).
Congratulations to Deputy Chief Shelley Hart, CACP 2013 Conference Chair, and her committee for an excellent conference.
Also congratulations to Assistant Commissioner Brenda Butterworth-Carr who has taken over command of Saskatchewan and becomes one of the highest ranking RCMP women in Canada. Brenda was in Winnipeg for the CACP conference just before her appointment took effect.
http://nationtalk.ca/story/assembly-of-first-nations-welcomes-appointment-of-new-rcmp-commanding-officer-for-saskatchewan-brenda-butterworth-carr/
Once again the summer has come and gone quickly. I hope you have all had a chance to enjoy some vacation time...or maybe you are saving that up to head to Durban, South Africa for the IAWP 2013 Conference? Only 16 days to go!
If you are not travelling to Durban please be sure to check back in here during the conference week (September 22-26) to see updates and photos. I promise to keep you up to date on this great event.
Until we meet in South Africa here is a snap shot of what has been going in Region 12 over the past few months...
AMAZING RACE Canada in Vancouver
In July, the AMAZING RACE Canada started off on the west coast and took a tour through Vancouver. Region 12 member Maureen Ing took part in this show (featured below) as a member of the Vancouver Police Lion Dance.
The full video can be viewed on You Tube at AMAZING RACE Canada, Episode 2.
Canadian Association of Chief's of Police (CACP), Winnipeg 2013
IAWP 2014 hosted an informational booth during the two trade show at the CACP Conference which was held in Winnipeg, August 18-21, 2013. Not only was this a great opportunity for us to promote IAWP and IAWP 2014, it proved to be a great opportunity to catch up with IAWP friends. Chief Leanne Fitch stopped by to say hello and so did Assistant Commissioner Tracy Hardy (RCMP).
Congratulations to Deputy Chief Shelley Hart, CACP 2013 Conference Chair, and her committee for an excellent conference.
Also congratulations to Assistant Commissioner Brenda Butterworth-Carr who has taken over command of Saskatchewan and becomes one of the highest ranking RCMP women in Canada. Brenda was in Winnipeg for the CACP conference just before her appointment took effect.
http://nationtalk.ca/story/assembly-of-first-nations-welcomes-appointment-of-new-rcmp-commanding-officer-for-saskatchewan-brenda-butterworth-carr/
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Zumba in support of IAWP 2014
IAWP 2014 hosted Zumba in the Club this past Friday, June 7 here in Winnipeg. The event was an overwhelming success so I think that you can expect to see some of these instructors while you are here in Winnipeg for the 52nd Annual IAWP Conference.
Organizers setting up for Silent Auction
Lana Maidmont gets ready for the Zumba. A special thanks to Lana and her crew of instructors for the donation of time and energy for this event!
And the fun begins!
Our energetic guests! Some of these women did Zumba for over 2 hours.
A final thanks to the Zumba instructors featured here. This was the best (and most fun) workout I had in long time.
A very special thanks to the organizing committee. All of your efforts are sure to help make IAWP 2014 a great event!
Be sure to check back to the IAWP homepage soon. Our IAWP 2014 conference website is set to launch in the coming weeks. We will have updates on our program and special events and tell you all about our plans for Durban, South Africa. See you all soon!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Region 17 - Crime: Working toward a solution
Congratulations to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the T&T Policewomen Association and IAWP Region 17 members for an outstanding conference! Delegates came from all over the Caribbean, including places like Curacao, Antigua, Barbuda, Bahamas, Nevis, and Barbados. IAWP well represented by members from Region 16 (photo below) all the way from Abu Dhabi and Region 12 (Winnipeg).
Patsy Joseph and Ann Marie Alleyne took a short break to pose for a photo. Both of these ladies worked tirelessly to ensure that delegates enjoyed the conference and took every opportunity to make connections with other officers.
On behalf of Region 12 I would like to congratulate Ann Marie who is the first female police officer promoted to the rank of Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police. This promotion took effect shortly after the conference.
Fabian, Step and Tamia took a rotation at the IAWP membership table where over 77 new members signed up during the two day conference. Region 17 now boasts the largest regional membership in IAWP. With 300 delegates at the conference, the word about the IAWP is sure to continue spreading.
IAWP Board members pose for a photo (below) before the panel presentation about IAWP membership benefits.
The two day conference in Port of Spain wrapped up with an award ceremony to recognize the many accomplishments of women around the region. IAWP President Jane Townsley (below right) is always pleased to take part in these ceremonies. Here she is presenting a long service award to an officer who has dedicated 41 years to policing!
IAWP Chaplain Tamia Dow (below right) is featured with Trinidad and Tobago Police ACP Pasty Joseph with the Ann Duncan Award. Ann's husband Roland and her niece were in the audience to take part in the award ceremony. A proud moment for everyone involved!
I took part in several training presentations during the two conference, which included topics on prison programs for women, domestic violence, career planning and advancement, and victim based approaches to crime. As with every other IAWP event I have attended, the discussion was lively, the learning was rich, and the connections to other women memorable! Be sure to watch for more from Region 17...possibly an IAWP Annual Training Conference.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Historic Trinidad and Tobago
Once again IAWP makes history. Our meeting in T&T represents the first time the board has travelled to Region 17 as a group.
No one is more happy to see IAWP here than Patsy Joseph (photo below). Patsy has been instrumental in arranging the conference, Monday and Tuesday, and showing off her beautiful country. Here Patsy gets us all ready for our tour to Pitch Lake.
One of the two tour guides at Pitch Lake, Cyril, shows off the various stages of "pitch" to IAWP board members and conference delegates. It was a hot and interesting tour.
Later in the day, post tour of Pitch Lake, we were provided with lunch at one of the many T&T police buildings. Many thanks to the T&T police for hosting our meetings, providing the support to our Region 17 members and to hosting the conference. Look for further updates on the support from IAWP President Jane Townsley via her Twitter account.
Last night, actually day 2 in Trinidad for many BOD and conference delegates, the T&T Police hosted a Welcome Reception. Acting Police Commissioner (photo below) Mervyn Richardson addressed the audience and welcomed us to the country. In his words "the story of one police officer is the story of all police officers" and he is committed to the stories of the women police in T&T.
And of course the work of the BOD is important and the reason we are here. Our meetings began yesterday at the T&T Police Training Academy. This is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in the city. It is wonderful venue for our work.
In between the formal work items, BOD members take time to discuss ongoing issues and catch up on IAWP work around the world.
Unfortunately I did not know Anne Duncan personally. But I do know that it was her dream that IAWP visit here one day. IAWP Region 17 Coordinator, Anne Marie, and many others (Patsy and Odette!) have worked very hard to make Anne's dream a reality. And for that...I am once again proud to be part of that dream, the history and IAWP!
Be sure to check back for more updates
Monday, April 15, 2013
Honouring Heroes
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Joy Smith Foundation Gala in Winnipeg, Manitoba. You may recall Joy Smith from the 50th Annual IAWP Conference in St. John's, Newfoundland where she presented on the topic of Human Trafficking. She is a fierce advocate for victims and her foundation was established to aid in training for law enforcement, advocacy for victims, and awareness of the crimes associated to Human Trafficking.
During the gala event, Joy Smith honoured several heroes who have worked to combat this issue. Among the Heroes was Inspector Gerry Kerr of the RCMP (Nunavut) who worked on a video depicting the impact of this crime on the victims. Also honoured were Inspector Gord Perrier and Detective Sergeant Shawna Neufeld of the Winnipeg Police Service for their work to return two children who had been abducted and taken to Mexico.
Please see more on Joy Smith and her foundation in the article below.
http://www.joysmithfoundation.com/notices_detail.asp?notice_ID=223
During the gala event, Joy Smith honoured several heroes who have worked to combat this issue. Among the Heroes was Inspector Gerry Kerr of the RCMP (Nunavut) who worked on a video depicting the impact of this crime on the victims. Also honoured were Inspector Gord Perrier and Detective Sergeant Shawna Neufeld of the Winnipeg Police Service for their work to return two children who had been abducted and taken to Mexico.
Please see more on Joy Smith and her foundation in the article below.
http://www.joysmithfoundation.com/notices_detail.asp?notice_ID=223
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Bullying
Yesterday, April 10th, I had the good fortune to be invited to attend a morning work shop on bullying in the workplace. Here in Manitoba there have been recent changes to our Workplace Health and Safety Legislation to expand the definitions of prohibited workplace behaviours that could be considered harassment. The second aspect of the presentation focused on work place bullying and the effects on employees and the employer (wide implications for the business or organization).
One of the most telling bits of information that I took away from the presentation is that research indicates that at one point in time we have all most likely been bully or have been the target of the bully. The thought that I have likely at one point been a bully jarred me. But it gave me pause to reflect (which was the point of the workshop!) and agree that "yes" I have at time displayed behaviours which are not reflective of who I want to be as a police officer, a supervisor, or most importantly as a person.
It takes dedicated and conscious effort to be on our best behaviour at all times. The workshop yesterday reminded me of this. I began my post workshop commitment to strive toward being a person who stands up against bullying by doing some online reading. I hope you have time to read a few of the links I have provided here and make the commitment as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Bullying_Day
http://www.dayofpink.org/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ns-cabinet-and-public-concern-drive-call-to-reopen-case-of-bullied-teen/article11033039/
www.workplacebullying.org
www.mobbing.ca
www.pipsc.ca
One of the most telling bits of information that I took away from the presentation is that research indicates that at one point in time we have all most likely been bully or have been the target of the bully. The thought that I have likely at one point been a bully jarred me. But it gave me pause to reflect (which was the point of the workshop!) and agree that "yes" I have at time displayed behaviours which are not reflective of who I want to be as a police officer, a supervisor, or most importantly as a person.
It takes dedicated and conscious effort to be on our best behaviour at all times. The workshop yesterday reminded me of this. I began my post workshop commitment to strive toward being a person who stands up against bullying by doing some online reading. I hope you have time to read a few of the links I have provided here and make the commitment as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Bullying_Day
http://www.dayofpink.org/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ns-cabinet-and-public-concern-drive-call-to-reopen-case-of-bullied-teen/article11033039/
www.workplacebullying.org
www.mobbing.ca
www.pipsc.ca
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Awards and Kudos
Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee year is now over but her Diamond Jubilee Awards have lived on into 2013. Several members from the Winnipeg Police Service received a Diamond Jubilee Medal at a ceremony in February.
Congratulations to Senior Police Communications Operator Penny Kennedy, Patrol Sergeant Kathy Antymis, Constable Helen Peters and Patrol Sergeant Edith Turner for receiving this prestigious award. These are truly outstanding women in law enforcement!
Speaking of Edith....
Congratulations to Edith Turner who has also been nominated for a 2013 YWCA Women of Distinction Award here in Winnipeg. I will be at the May 1 Gala to cheer loud and proud when her name is called!
I also want to offer huge KUDOS to members of the IAWP 2014 Conference Committee, Lana Bouroughs and Michelle Roch, who have recently been promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant. The promotions take place April 21, 2013. Best wishes in your new roles.
Congratulations to Senior Police Communications Operator Penny Kennedy, Patrol Sergeant Kathy Antymis, Constable Helen Peters and Patrol Sergeant Edith Turner for receiving this prestigious award. These are truly outstanding women in law enforcement!
Speaking of Edith....
Congratulations to Edith Turner who has also been nominated for a 2013 YWCA Women of Distinction Award here in Winnipeg. I will be at the May 1 Gala to cheer loud and proud when her name is called!
I also want to offer huge KUDOS to members of the IAWP 2014 Conference Committee, Lana Bouroughs and Michelle Roch, who have recently been promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant. The promotions take place April 21, 2013. Best wishes in your new roles.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
When will I be a veteran?
IAWP First Vice President Margaret Shorter posed for one last "official" photo wearing her red serge last March in Dhaka. She is now retired from the RCMP and has embarked on the next chapter of her life by returning to university. Below is a excerpt from a recent project.
I had decided that June 21, 2012, would be the day I formally retired from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It was then that I began to think about being “a veteran”. I had already grappled with the association of aging with the word ‘retirement’ and I was pretty sure that veterans were even older than that. Other than my retired RCMP father, veterans had survived world wars. I could see them in my mind’s eye standing, or sitting in wheelchairs, at cenotaphs on November 11th each year on Remembrance Day —and there had never been any women in those images!
One of the earliest strategies I implemented to help me adjust to my anticipated life as an ex-member of the RCMP was to enroll in a Master’s Degree Program at Royal Roads University. I did this one year prior to my retirement date knowing that, once retired, I would be free to devote my full time to my studies in the second and final year of the Program. One of the things I enjoyed about going back to school as an adult was that it gave me complete control over what I chose to study. Moreover, at the post-graduate level, the focus is on research and one can study whatever one is interested in, curious about, or compelled to investigate. I concentrated on packing and planning the requisite “retirement party”.
As I worked my way through the paperwork toward official retirement, I began to experience some trepidation about life without my RCMP family and what it would mean to be a veteran police officer. Where were the female Mounties who had retired before me? I had nobody to ask but I did remember that one of them had written a book titled The Red Wall: A Woman in the RCMP. Its author, Jane Hall, was not only a veteran of the Force she was a member of the Vancouver Chapter of the RCMP Veterans’ Association and a member of its Board of Directors.
Jane and I met in January this year at a special veterans’ tour of the new ‘E’ Division RCMP Headquarters in Surrey, B.C. As I had learned from her book, Jane is a fundamentally positive person, fair, encouraging, and full of ideas. From the moment we connected, Jane was open to my research question on becoming a female police veteran. Our collaboration has resulted in a profile interview to be published in the Spring 2013 edition of WomenPolice magazine, the official publication of the International Association of Women Police (IAWP). An audio version of the interview can be heard on Jane’s new website, www.redwalljanehall.com. It can also be accessed from the IAWP website, www.iawp.org , and from the website of the Vancouver Chapter of the RCMP Veterans’ Association at www.rcmpveteransvancouver.com .
One of the things I have learned in life is that knowledge has more power when it is shared. Jane and I hope you enjoy our interview conversation. Going back to Depot; through the early days of women in operational policing and the changes in Canadian society; to the challenges of today’s leadership, it reflects our experiences as women in the RCMP—both as serving officers and as veterans. Please connect with others and share your thoughts.
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