About the National Congress of Women

Fleshing out the Women's Climate Congress theme of women's leadership for united action on climate change the National Congress of Women (NCW) Women comprises:

Day One: Women Rising. Why women? Why now?
Held on 30 November 2021 (online)
Day Two: Weaving. How can we collaborate across difference to restore climate balance? 28 April 2022 (online),
Days Three and Four: Renewal. What commitments do we need to make to save the Earth for ourselves and future generations?
11–12 September 2022, face-to-face, Canberra

This series of events builds towards a public declaration from participants - A Women's Charter for Change - what is needed to restore climate balance and protect life on Earth for current and future generations.

We warmly invite women from all walks of life to participate and to be part of building a nonpartisan women’s movement for collaborative action on climate change.

We'd love to see you there.

About Day Two of the NCW

Weaving: How can we collaborate across difference to restore climate balance?

28 April 2022 (online); 10.00am-5.00 pm
Day Two will include deep conversation and learning, authentic connection and community building and collaborative action planning.

We will share stories and experiences of collaboration relevant to climate in the local, national and international spheres and on how these can be nurtured at the individual, community and national level. With an election campaign in full swing, our Day Two gathering will be turbo-charged to seize the moment to promote multiparty collaboration for action on climate change.

The overall theme of ‘Weaving’ starts from the opening session which includes an address by Dr Glenda Cloughley (Jungian analyst, songwriter and composer for A Chorus of Women) and on into the morning session, which explores ‘Women weaving opportunities for redefining power’. Our moderator for this morning session is Associate Professor Sara C Motta (Newcastle Business School, Politics and International Relations; Convenor, Women in the New Economy Hub, New Economy Network Australia) and speakers are

Dr Janet Salisbury (science communicator, businesswoman, Founder of WCC)
Women’s Climate Congress — Vision and introduction to the Women's Charter for Change
Laurann Yen and Alex Marsden (public policy and governance analysts)
Proposal for a 'Women's Caucus for Climate Change' in the Australian Parliament
Kirsten Anker (legal and mediation background; centred in care for her family and community, founding member of WCC)
'Neighbourly conversations' — a WCC initiative for conversations across parties
Cristina Talacko (President, Coalition for Conservation) – News from the centre right
Karen Cain (former CEO La Trobe Valley Authority) – Coal transition: How to make it work.

After a break, Rhian Williams (dispute systems design practitioner) will give a keynote presentation on 'Weaving wisdoms across the divide - the role of a transformative process in bringing us together!' And this will be followed by conversation among the speakers and with online participants.

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Our afternoon workshop, facilitated by Caresse Cranwell and Deb Collins (Wicked Elephants Co-op) has the theme of ‘Weaving up renewal— Caring for future generations and the Earth’. We will explore how notions of care for the earth and for future generations are inspiring women to step up. Our guests are:

Dr Michelle Maloney (Co-founder Australian Earth Laws Alliance, and New Economy Network of Australia)
Alana Marsh ( a Merium [Torres Strait Islander] woman, community leader and Wayapa Wuurrk practitioner who encourages women to engage with the natural cycles within and around them)
Emma-Kate Rose (Operations Director, The Next Economy; co-founder, Food Connect)
Flora Vano (Program Manager, ActionAid Vanuatu and the Women I Tok Tok Tugetha (WITTT) initiative which has mobilised 5000 women in the response to climate change

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Artistic expression is integrated throughout the day along with small group conversation, plenty of revitalising breaks and activities to mitigate Zoom overload.
See the full final program here.

Note that you don’t have to have attended Day One inorder to come to Day Two — although the themes build on each other, each event is stand alone.

If you attended the National Congress Day One event last November, you will remember the energy and excitement that was generated that day! Recapture some of that ‘Women Rising’ ‘vibe’ in Claire Harris’s Blog article about the day: Launch of a National Congress of Women brings Australian women together for climate action

Further reports and recordings are on the National Congress website.

About fees

The Congress is a volunteer-run organisation and we are working to keep fees as low as possible. We have suggested a full fee for Day Two of $50 and have also offered an optional lower fee of $25. Please decide what is within your capacity to pay and if these amounts don't work for you, contact us for assistance and we will work out how to get you there.

If you can, we invite you to offer a little more via donation to enable us to offer a place to a woman unable to pay and/or to support the work of the Congress.

A recording of the program will be made available after the event to all who register. People loved Day One (see comments below) so don't miss out

Further information and contacts

More about the NCW, including updates on the program:
www.nationalcongressofwomen.com

Enquires: Lyn Stephens - lyn_s@iinet.net.au

What people said about Day One
- Wow! My heart and soul have expanded, swirling around the Earth to connect with you all and to all women everywhere! Wow!
- Fabulous. Huge love and gratitude to you all.
- Wonderful day. I’m excited about the conversations early next year and looking forward to gathering face to face in September.
- Great day - thanks so much! Looking forward to taking this much further.
- What an inspiring day! I'm very excited for what's to come!
- Absolutely one of the most creative online meeting that I've ever had the privilege of participating in! Inspirational!