Chicago Abused Women Coalition

Volunteer
Information

	Supporter Profiles
•	Centrifusion
•	Women's Jewelry Association



	Chicago Abused Women Coalition P.O. Box 477916 Chicago, IL 60647-7916 Administration: 773.489.9081 Email: cawcadmin@mindspring.com

THE WOMEN'S JEWELRY ASSOCIATION is an organization established to provide a forum for professional women in the jewelry industry to learn more about their related businesses and each other.

Over the years, the WJA has reached out to the entire jewelry industry to foster professional skills with its programs and workshops, and to encourage young women through its Scholarship Fund. The association strives to play a relevant role in the lives of its members and the vitality of the jewelry industry.

WJA MEMBERS are professional women from all aspects of the jewelry industry, award winning designers, dealers, setters, gem cutters, gemologists, sales representatives, suppliers, retailers, suppliers, and professionals from marketing, media and security. Associate membership is open to men in the jewelry industry who support the goals of WJA.

A REGIONAL RESOURCE — Meetings are held at least six times a year, with guest speakers introducing topics ranging from industry specific issues to personal development. Meetings are held at a variety of exciting Chicagoland restaurants/venues and provide an excellent opportunity for networking and peer support. A regional Membership Directory is provided to members. A Midwest Chapter Newsletter is published several times a year, providing industry and Chapter news.

A NATIONAL RESOURCE — A National Newsletter is mailed to all members twice a year, covering news from around the country. A National Membership Directory is provided to members. Annual Awards of Excellence recognize women for their outstanding achievements within the jewelry design. Diva Award recognizes excellence in jewelry design. Meetings are held in New York and Las Vegas, providing an opportunity for national networking and peer support.

WJA has chosen Chicago Abused Women Coalition (CAWC) as recipient of its fundraising and philanthropic activities. Over the last six years WJA has supported CAWC's programs on myriad levels — from donating the revenue from their Annual Benefit to giving slightly used clothing (including professional suits, etc. for CAWC's Greenhouse Shelter residents who are entering the workforce).

Women's Jewelry Association
General Membership: $85.00 per year
Associate Membership (men only): $60.00 per year
Membership year: August 1 - July 31 (Membership includes both Local & National Dues)

WJA- Midwest Chapter
PO Box 11182
Chicago, IL 60611

For general information on WJA call: 773 202 4552

If You Need Immediate Help
24-Hour Hot Line 773.278.4566

In 1998, WJA — Midwest Chapter sponsored a national jewelry design competition - "Breaking Free" - to benefit CAWC. Winning designs were unveiled at WJA's "Magic of Denim & Gems" at Sotheby's Chicago Auction House on September 26th.

The competition endeavored to highlight the struggle made by survivors of domestic abuse from lives of violence to lives of independence, self-empowerment and peace. The winning design inspires us as a symbol and as a piece of art. Manufactured pieces will be available for sale in June 1999 with proceeds going to CAWC.

Gillian Schultz, WJA President observes, "Every movement toward social change has adopted a recognizable icon. As an example, the struggle to educate the public about HIV/AIDS was carried to new levels when celebrities and leaders adopted the red ribbon. It is our hope that the community will embrace the WJA/CAWC symbol as a way of supporting women and child victims of domestic violence."