With thanks to our Sponsors   The IBWG Constitution 1. Establishment and Name 1.1. There shall be established in Abu Dhabi, a networking group to be known as the International Business  Women’s Group (IBWG) Abu Dhabi. 1.2. It shall be a non-profit making, non-political and non-religious organisation. 1.3. Postal address is: PO Box 59476, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. 1.5. Website address is: www.ibwgabudhabi.org 2. Constitution Ratification 2.1. This constitution came into being on 1st January 2003 after approval through the Committee and as updated on the 15th March 2006. 2.2. It shall be updated as and when necessary. 3. Objectives The group was founded in 1996 with its main objectives being: 3.1. To provide a networking forum for businesswomen in Abu Dhabi so they may: 3.1.1. Develop business relationships and opportunities between businesswomen locally, in the Arab world and internationally. 3.1.2. Exchange views, experiences, expertise, and knowledge. 3.1.3. Identify, discuss and pursue common interests regarding their activities. 3.1.4. Discuss common problems at work and assist each other in what is a predominantly male dominated environment. 3.2. To empower businesswomen by inviting credible speakers to discuss issues pertinent to women. The speakers’ topics will bring insight, firsthand information, experience, motivation, knowledge and touch of humour to the group, which they can apply to their day-to-day life being business or private. 3.3. To promote and provide personal development courses. 4. Membership and Fees 4.1. Members should be business owners/senior managers - whether proprietors or partners, directors, general managers or senior level management. 4.2. Members shall not participate in the name of the IBWG in any activities that may be construed to be unlawful, political in nature, for personal financial gain or religious in nature. 4.3. The membership fee will be decided by the current committee and should be reviewed on an annual basis. The fees cover the co-ordinator’s salary, printing costs, stationery, speaker’s gift, postage, committee expenses and other incidentals. 4.4. Membership fees are due on 1st January and must be fully paid up by 31st January. 4.5. Membership is valid for 1 year, running 1st January through 31st December. 4.6. Membership cards will be given to members on payment of the annual fee. 4.6.1. Membership cards are also valid for one year and are the property of the IBWG. They are non-transferable. 4.7. Members will be given a name badge to wear at each luncheon. Name badges are the property of the IBWG. They are non-transferable. 4.8. Abu Dhabi members can attend the Dubai group luncheon, paying their member lunch fee. This is a reciprocal agreement. 4.9. Committee members are exempt from membership fees for complete years served on the committee. They are expected to pay their lunch fees. 5. Committee 5.1. The affairs of the group shall be administered by a Committee of no more than six members (including the co-ordinator) who shall be vested with the authority and responsibility for the formulation and adoption of policies that govern the operations of the IBWG, and for the appraisal of the effectiveness of polices and their administration for the benefit of the group. 5.2. Committee Members must be members of the IBWG. They must be positive, open-minded, have great team spirit and have the welfare of the group at heart. They must be able to spare the time to commit to the group. 5.3. Committee members should serve on the board for the period of at least one year. 5.4. Committee members volunteer their time to the IBWG and do not get any remuneration. 5.5. Committee members shall be exempt from paying the annual membership fees. 5.6. The Committee meets once a month month and if necessary, at other times. Meetings are held to discuss current issues, forthcoming events etc. and Committee Members are obliged to follow up any actions required of them. 5.7. The Committee may establish sub-committee groups and may appoint IBWG members to serve on these sub-committees provided that a Committee Member heads each sub-committee. IBWG members may also volunteer to be on a sub-committee group. 5.8. When a Committee Member leaves, remaining Committee members may invite members of the group to fill the vacant post by applying in writing to the Committee. All remaining Committee members will agree on the new member. New Committee members are by invitation only. 6. Group Co-ordinator 6.1. The co-ordinator shall act as a focal point for the group, along with managing the administration and general control of the group’s affairs, including: 6.1.1. Processing all memberships. 6.1.2. Organising monthly luncheons; venue, invitation, speaker/guest correspondence, registration and general requirements. 6.1.3. Managing the database for members and non-members. 6.1.4. Preparing and distributing the Committee Meeting agenda and minutes. 6.1.5. Website management 6.2. This is a paid position (hourly rate) within the group. Rates to be reviewed on an annual basis by the committee however the need arise. 7. Luncheons 7.1. The luncheons will be held once a month, with the exception of The Holy Month of Ramadan and the Summer months. This meeting will take the form of an evening function with the aim to raise funds for locally based charities. Members, guests and their families are welcome to this charity function. 7.2. Children are not allowed at monthly luncheons. 7.3. Luncheons are hosted by local hotels and start at 1.00pm 7.4. Luncheon costs are stated on the invitation and shall be reviewed annually. 7.5. Members receive a discounted price. 7.5.1. A cancellation fee shall apply to any member/guest who does not cancel their reservation within 24 hours of the luncheon (mentioned on the monthly invitations). 7.6. A speaker shall be sourced for appropriate functions where he/she shall present a topic that is conducive to businesswomen and women in general. 7.7. Each month an open forum takes place after the speaker, where members may introduce themselves and their company to the group. There shall be a maximum of three members per lunch each having five minutes to speak to the group. 7.8. The group has a no-smoking policy during the luncheon. An area outside the function room will be provided for smoking (mentioned on the monthly invitations). 7.9. Members and their guests are requested to switch off their mobiles during the speaker’s presentation. 7.10. Information on the group will be available for new members and guests of the group. 7.11. A display table shall be available for attendees to display information relating to their company. 7.12. All IBWG Luncheons are smoke free. No smoking events. 8. Other Functions 8.1. The IBWG will hold other functions throughout the year, including joint functions with other Abu Dhabi based business groups and workshops or wherever the opportunities arise. 9. Finances 9.1. The financial year of the IBWG shall be from 1 January to 31 December. 9.2. An annual financial statement for the previous year will be available to all members at the January luncheon and thereafter by request. 9.3. Any surplus monies at the end of each financial year shall be donated to worthy causes based in Abu Dhabi or used to enhance group skill and knowledge. 9.4. The treasurer (a Committee Member) will prepare a financial plan in December for the following year to ensure all costs are covered. The committee will approve this plan. 9.5. The treasurer shall be responsible for the groups finances, including: 9.5.1. Monthly luncheons 9.5.2. Other functions 9.5.3. Co-ordinators salary and expenses 9.5.4. Committee expenses 9.5.5. Stationery 9.5.6. Bills 9.5.7. Petty Cash 9.6. IBWG Abu Dhabi will open an account in the name of one of the committee members and the account will have the (IBWG) as part of the account name. Statement will be sent whenever a transaction takes place by e-mail to the committee. 10. PR & Marketing 10.1. A Committee Member(s) shall be appointed to cover all aspects of PR and marketing, to include: 10.1.1. Liaising with the media to ensure each event is covered so that the IBWG receives positive media coverage. 10.1.2. Sourcing annual sponsorship and discounts for the group. 10.1.3. To meet the group administrative expenses IBWG will adapt a policy of inviting sponsors on board. Sponsorship income will be used to fund the group. IBWG will approach companies who fit the IBWG vision and values (maximum of 10 sponsors per year). Sponsorship policy and benefits will be reviewed on a yearly basis. 11. Website 11.1. The website address is www.ibwgabudhabi.org 11.2. The website is for both members and non-members. 11.2.1. Non-members may access the public areas and members may access both public and private areas of the site. 11.2.2. The website will hold information including: 11.2.3. IBWG and joint function dates 11.2.4. Social events 11.2.5. Speaker details and a synopsis of the previous month’s presentation 11.2.6. Members contact details 11.2.7. Press releases 11.2.8. Newsletters 11.2.9. Members forum 11.2.10. Employment opportunities 11.2.11. Discounts list 11.2.12. Sponsors 11.2.13. Useful links 12. Dissolution of the IBWG 12.1. In the event of the dissolution of the IBWG, all properties and funds belonging to the IBWG shall be donated to worthwhile causes determined by a Quorum of the membership of this organisation. 13. By-laws to the Constitution 13.1. By-laws may be adopted to the constitution, amended and revoked from time to time, at the discretion of the Committee. 14. Amendment to the Constitution 14.1. The Committee may propose amendments to the constitution from time to time.