About Us
CFCIBWC HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In 1992, the Central Florida Chapter International Black Women’s Congress, Inc. (CFCIBWC) was founded by Corine V. Wilson and began operating as a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the National headquarters of the International Black Women’s Congress (IBWC). The CFCIBWC has focused on networking and education through monthly meetings, annual regional meetings, conferences and workshops. Ongoing projects that have been sponsored by CFCIBWC are the “Genesis: Top Notch Teens (TNT) Rites of Passage” program, workshops, annual women’s health conferences, and college scholarships.
Our networking model has its origin in traditional African cultures and the sharing of information, knowledge and services for the good of the community. In this role, the organization provideseducational outreach programs and information forums to adult and adolescent females, which empower, encourage, and increase awareness and enhance physical, emotional, spiritual, social and economic well-being in the communities in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. In addition, the youth symposium provides an outreach to the youth, (ages 11 -17) in mentoring and developing quality of life concepts such as productive citizenship behavior, leadership, self-esteem, and community service.
The Central Florida Chapter of the International Black Women’s Congress brings a little history on our “Red Dress” Conferences.” First we want to thank the National International Black Women’s Congress Founder and President Emeritus, Dr. La Francis Rodgers-Rose for bringing to us this special topic. Dr Rose taught us the power of the color red. She spoke life into the color of “Red” breaking the silence of our beauty and exhilarating zest for life by sharing with us that in past history Black Women were not allowed to wear bright colors. This was done to suppress our vibrancy and individuality. So now we must be encouraged and encourage others to wear bright, lively colors – like red, yellow, orange and bright greens – to show our joy and exuberance. Rising from the words of Dr. Rose, our annual Red Dress conference evolved
On March 6, 1993, we were installed as a Chapter of the National organization and Dr. Rodgers-Rose electrified the members and their friends on the silenced concept of “Red” thus evolving our traditional “Red Dress” women’s health conference. The Central Florida Chapter International Black Women’s Congress has continued the “Red Dress” tradition for 16 years. Each year we focus on a theme that will empower and encourage adolescent and adult women with knowledge for the betterment of self. The theme includes various Topics that are important to our well being, bringing balance and wholeness, of mind, body and spirit.
Topics fo Yester Years:
- Every Black Women Should Wear A Red Dress
- The Ties That Bind: Toward A Spiritual Re-Awakening
- Giving Back –Reclaiming our Communities
- Preparing for the New Millennium: A Women’s Empowerment Workshop
- A Red Dress Gala - Dinner Dance: Topic- Relationships
- I Hear Music In The Air: Connecting Past, Present and Future
- For Every Mountain
- Reaching Out: Empowering Women
- “Prime Time: Embracing Wellness & Health”
- JIBWC Workshops: “Sexuality/Abstinence/Relationships/Finance/Self Image”
- Dance to the Music: Featuring Better Health; “HIV Aids, Hypertension, Heart Disease, ETC”
- A Youth Symposium: Empowering Yourself from the Inside Out: Beauty is only Skin Deep;
- Esteem and Body Image; Food Talk (Obesity); Relationships from a Male Perspective;
- Let’s Talk about Sex: Are You Ready
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
WHO JOINS CFCIBWC
Women of African descent from all walks of life located around the world, and other individuals who believe in the objectives of the organization; people who understand the benefit of a network system that exist at the community; people like you, who feel that it is time for women to organize around our own needs and address our problems from an African-centered perspective. For additional membership information, please visit our online Membership Center
The mission of Central Florida International Black Women’s Congress (CFIBWC), is to provide Educational, Cultural and Socio-Recreational programs to the economically disadvantages and under-served families in the Central Florida area to enhance their quality of life.
VISION
Our vision is a community where families are educated and empowered to lead safe, healthy and self-sufficient lives.
VALUE STATEMENT
As Educators and Motivators in the community, CFIBWC value and treat our families, volunteers, staff and partners with integrity, respect and compassion. CFIBWC embraces the following values:
· All persons are entitled to be educated on health, economic, social and cultural issues that impact themselves and their communities.
· All persons should be treated with respect and integrity regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.
· Moving forward, the organization strives to empower families to be safe, healthy and self-sufficient.
CFIBWC OFFICE
250 Wilshire Blvd Suite 175
Casselberry, FL 32707-5383
Casselberry, FL 32707-5383
