Promises are only as good as the actions that follow up on them. When I and my fellow board members asked for your vote, we talked about our perception of PWA’s mission and how we felt we could best serve it. Now I’d like to confirm our plans for the upcoming year.
EuropeanPWN - One of our primary goals is to strengthen our relationship with EuropeanPWN and maximize our benefits of membership. Our first action was to offer to host the EPWN annual Presidents’ Meeting here in Milan and I am glad to announce that it is confirmed for June 27 and 28. It will be a great opportunity for PWA members to meet presidents from other networks, and we will be adding a special event for PWA members and EPWN presidents to meet and compare experiences in person with issues, strategies and activities on Thursday, June 26. In addition, it will draw local media attention and raise visibility of our association, as well as offer the opportunity for those of you who would like to get involved in organizing the event. If you are willing to support us on this project, please email me at president@pwa-milan.org.
Events – We will continue to hold one speaker meeting and one networking aperitivo per month, while our two annual parties will be held in July and December. Based on your feedback, we will also be reintroducing networking dinners throughout the year, to allow you to spend a relaxing evening for more in-depth conversation over a good meal. Mark your calendar for February 27, details to follow soon.
Speaker meeting venue – As you can see from our calendar, our next speaker events will be held at the Starhotel Rosa, located near Piazza Duomo. Centro Svizzero will be closed for reconstruction in January and has yet to confirm when the new incoming restaurant management will be in place. As it happens, Starhotel Rosa will close for major renovations in April. We’re currently looking at the other location options for the latter part of 2008 and will keep you updated. If you have any suggestions, please email me at president@pwa-milan.org.
Networking aperitivo venues – Based on member comments, we will be varying the networking aperitivo locations during the year. We’ll be selecting centrally-located spots that are convenient to mezzi, provide a comfortable space conducive to conversation, and offer good quality drinks and appetizers. Check the websites for updates, and if you have a suggestion, contact Maria at networking@pwa-milan.org.
Workshops – We are planning to add workshops to allow more in-depth exploration on topics of special interest. These might last several hours or a full-day, will have limited number of participants and will be available at a nominal fee. Many members have already offered their expertise in various areas for this format; if you have ideas or requests, please speak up! Marketing? Communication? Legal issues? We want to offer you what you are looking for in PWA.
These are our plans for the upcoming year, but before ending my letter I would like to share with you some of the reflections that I went through before deciding to stand for President.
One of the things I found most inspiring about the two WIN conferences that I attended was the constant call to action: it is always nice to spend time together talking about our life experiences, but it is not enough. If we truly want to shape the future, if we want to take charge of our lives and make things happen, we need to concentrate on action. The world we live in is not going to change if we don’t become aware of our power to influence as individuals and act upon it. Everyone of us is a role model to somebody else, whether it be partners, friends, colleagues, or members of the community.
I believe a primary duty of the board is to provide members with an open environment to encourage the free exchange of ideas, advice and support. Please work with us to shape it and make it the best that it can be.
I do believe we, PWA, are ready for action. We are ready to make our voices heard and make things happen. Start this journey with us, because together we can move mountains!
I look forward to a successful 2008 with your help.
Monica Pesce
President, PWA
Monica Pesce
President, PWA
president@pwa-milan.org