FAQ

1) What is the Barcelona Women’s Network?

2)  How did the group get started?

3)  What kind of women belong to the BWN?

4)  Why should I join?

5) I work full-time; do you have anything for me?

6) Do you have activities for families?

7) I’d like to learn more about Barcelona; do you have any cultural events?

8) Where and when do you meet?

9) How much does it cost to join?

10) Does the BWN have different types of membership?

11) What is done with the money collected from membership fees?

12) How is the group organized?

13) Is the BWN affiliated with other organizations?

14) Who do I contact with further questions?

1) What is the Barcelona Women’s Network?

The BWN is a group of international women living in Catalunya who meet to make friends, learn about Barcelona, make professional connections, and support charities.  Their common language is English.

2)  How did the group get started?

The BWN was set up almost 10 years ago as an informal group of international expatriate friends joining together to share their experience of living abroad. From there, a network of women - new and not so new to Barcelona - evolved.

3)  What kind of women belong to the BWN?

All kinds!  We range in age from 20 something to 70 something, half are old members, half are new, and we come from 27 countries.

4)  Why should I join?

In the words of one of our members: "To socialize, share experiences, learn, be stimulated and be part of a group."

5) I work full-time; do you have anything for me?

In addition to evening tapas and drinks parties, there are many regular evening events including a monthly professional networking event, a dinner for members (partners or friends welcome too) and a monthly evening drink in one of Barcelona's many bars.

6) Do you have activities for families?

Yes! For small children not in school, there is a weekly play group where the adults can also get to know each other. For older children, there are regular group outings to, for example places like Porta Aventura, Catalunya's fantastic theme park. There is also a children's Christmas Party.

7) I’d like to learn more about Barcelona; do you have any cultural events?

Once a month there is an opportunity to join a group for a day trip which can be inside or outside Barcelona. On these trips members have explored nearby cities, tasted local cavas, toured historic homes, had guided museum tours, and even shopped together. At other times we also meet at museums and galleries, and sponsor concerts.

8) Where and when do you meet?

We meet monthly in several locations around the city on the second Thursday from 11:00 - 13:00, followed by lunch in a nearby restaurant.

9) How much does it cost to join?

A regular annual membership costs 60 euros per year, a business membership costs 110 euros, and a corporate sponsorship costs 300 euros.

10) Does the BWN have different types of membership?

Yes. Ordinary Membership includes all group activities, access to the group by email and through a directory, and participation in the running of the organization during monthly meetings. Business membership entitles you to present your business to the whole BWN membership in all of the following ways: Listing in the Business directory Monthly Business emails (Business BON) Information table at the monthly coffee mornings Present your products or services at one of the regular bazaars Please contact bwn@bwnwomensnetwork.com to find out more about any of the above. As a business member you can also participate in the Professional Networking programme. If you want to host a separate event to showcase your products and services or wish to promote your business in other ways please contact professionals@bwnwomensnetwork.com. Corporate sponsors receive larger advertisements on the BWN website, in the directory, and are featured in the programmes for concerts and other events.

11) What is done with the money collected from membership fees?

Like most organizations, some of the funds are spent for publicizing and hosting events, and renting meeting space. Whatever funds are left beyond operating costs are all donated to charities that the membership chooses to support. Last year, more than 6,000 euros was given.

12) How is the group organized?

The Executive Board consists of 5 members, a president, two vice-presidents, a treasurer and a secretary. The Board meets monthly, and the president votes only in the case of a tie vote. The annual general meeting is held in May when new officers are elected. The BWN is also registered with the local Spanish government as a not-for-profit organization.

13) Is the BWN affiliated with other organizations?

When the BWN began, it became one of the groups under the Federation of American Womens Clubs Overseas. This association has provided web-hosting, a connection for women moving to Barcelona from other FAWCO clubs, opportunities for networking around the world, and ideas for philanthropy.

14) Who do I contact with further questions?

Write an email to bwn@bcnwomensnetwork.com We'd love to hear from you.