FORM A CIRCLE OF TEN

A Circle of Ten is a meaningful and simple approach to philanthropy. Here’s how it works in the context of raising scholarships for the upcoming BWA Women’s Leadership Conference.

1. Gather 10 women who want to provide a BWA Women’s  Leadership 

Conference Scholarship.

2. Decide how to multiply the Circle of Ten. Each participant is responsible for collecting $300. She may contribute the $300 herself or enlist the help of friends.

3. Choose meeting times. Once the original circle has been chosen and multiplied, circles need to decide how often they want to meet to collect funds:

1. •    Once per month for three months.
   

2. •    Every other week for a total of three gatherings.
   

3. •    Once--for those who want to contribute everything at one time.
   

4. •    Whatever suits everyone’s schedule.
   

4.  Choose participation level. In addition to philanthropy, a Circle of Ten is an opportunity for participants to gather to discuss issues related to women globally. Topics could include education, health care, and economic development. There are three possible levels of participation:

1. •Mild: Meet after church or Sunday school to collect contributions. OR arrange for participants to mail checks to initiating circle of ten.
   

2. • Medium:Gather Circle of Ten (or 2 or 4 or 40!) at a friend’s home for potluck and fellowship.  OR Include circles as part of a Bible study.
   

3. •Hot: Gather Circle of Ten (or 2 or 4 or 40!) at a friend’s home to discuss international women’s issues. See NABWU’s Action page or the BWA Women’s Department website for ideas.OR watch a movie with a theme related to national or international women’s issue.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

May we collect money for more than one scholarship?

Yes.

Where do we send the money?

The plan is very flexible. If the scholarship is for a woman in your church, you could contribute through your church, which would issue receipt for income tax purposes. You could also send your donation(s) to  your regional or national Baptist women’s organization, NABWU, or the Baptist World Alliance Women’s Department (below) State that the donation is for a BWA Women’s Leadership Conference Scholarship, along with any other specific request such as the name or designated country of your intended scholarship recipient. Consult your church or women’s organization treasurer regarding the best way to process donations so that that each donor can receive receipts for income tax purposes.

May we name the scholarship in someone’s honor or memory?

Yes. This is a wonderful way to recognize someone’s life and work. As a scholarship sponsor, your circle and circle’s honoree will be listed in a special scholarship participation publication.

May an individual give the entire $3,000 without gathering a circle?

Yes. The BWA Women’s Department is looking for generous women who can be Kindred Spirits.

May any Baptist woman attend the BWA Women’s Leadership Conference, July 24 –27, 2010 in Waikiki, Hawaii?

Yes. You are invited and encouraged to attend the conference. Visit the Women’s Department website for details and to register.

Information supplied by the BWA Women’s Department:

405 North Washington Street

Falls Church, VA  22046 USA

1-703-790-8980

womenbwa@bwanet.org

Now’s the time for  groups and individuals to raise scholarships so that our best leaders (experienced and emerging) can benefit from this amazing gathering of women from around the world. Leadership scholarships are $3,000 and include transportation, lodging, registration, and meals. One way to contribute is through the formation of a Circle of Ten.