WHEREAS, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION, hereinafter referred to as NAWIC, is an international association dedicated to the advancement of women in the construction industry, and
WHEREAS, integrity, professionalism, respect and courtesy are all fundamental values of NAWIC, and WHEREAS, NAWIC's officers, directors, staff and members represent the Association to others within and outside of the construction industry, and
WHEREAS, NAWIC and its members wish to set out in writing the code of professionalism by which they strive to implement their fundamental values in all their actions, for both internal and external activities,
NOW, THEREFORE, the following is adopted as the CODE OF PROFESSIONALISM of the National Association of Women in Construction:
NAWIC members will act at all times in conformance with the following Association Policy - NAWIC is self-governing, non-profit, non-partisan and non-sectarian.
NAWIC members will use their best efforts to ensure that the statements made and positions taken fairly represent the view of the entire group on behalf of which they are authorized to speak.
NAWIC members, when representing members of the Association, will take steps to hear and consider the views of all their constituents and make those members feel that their views are important, even if the position taken is in disagreement with any members's particular views.
NAWIC members, when representing the Association, its Committees, Regions, Councils or Chapters shall give those positions their full support.
NAWIC members shall treat as confidential any information to which they are given access by virtue of being an officer or director, candidate for office, or director-elect.
NAWIC members shall conduct themselves professionally in the course of any activities affecting the Association, including campaigning for office.
NAWIC Facts
CORE PURPOSE
To enhance the success of women in the construction industry.
CORE VALUES
*Believe in ourselves as women.
*Persevere with the strength of our convictions.
*Dare to move into new horizons.
OBJECTIVE
To unite for the mutual benefit women who are actively employed in the various phases of the construction industry.
To promote cooperation, fellowship and a better understanding among members of the association.
To promote education and contribute to the betterment of the construction industry.
To encourage women to pursue and establish their careers in the construction industry.
To provide members an awareness of legislative process and legislation as it relates to the construction industry.
As an employer why should you consider investing in the National Association of Women in Construction?
Our name offers several good reasons why –
Networking opportunities
Acquisition of knowledge
Workplace issues
Industry involvement
Creative development
NAWIC membership can work for you by Sharing Knowledge and Ideas
Through NAWIC membership, your employee will increase her knowledge of the industry by associating with members employed in all phases of the construction industry.
Monthly chapter meetings, annual conventions and regional forums provide opportunities for association and a strong communication network for developing and broadening valuable business contacts for your firm through your employee.
NAWIC members are updated on pending legislation, both locally and nationally, through the Legislative Industry Issues Committee.
The Association’s special interest councils for business and management, professional services, tradeswomen and owners, as well as various committees, such as Safety and Health Awareness, Professional Education and Legislative Industry Issues, encourage the member to participate in her area of individual expertise. They also expand your employee’s knowledge by support from other members with similar specializations.
More than 30 associations work with NAWIC to share resources, aggressive problem resolutions, and safety training and practices. Together, we create a more positive image of not only the industry in general, but also of the role of women in the non-traditional field of construction.
Through Liaisons and Partnering Agreements
NAWIC’s first partnering agreement was signed in October 1993 with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to promote and enhance the role of women in the construction industry.
NAWIC’s partnering agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor signed in September 1994 provides access to grant applications and involvement with the Department’s programs served by the Women’s Bureau, Glass Ceiling Commission, Employment and Training Administration, Small Business and Minority Affairs and OSHA.
A partnering agreement with the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) allows NAWIC members and firms to participate in ABC’s Construction Education Foundation modular program, “Wheel of Learning,” and provides access to ABC’s national legislative updates.
NAWIC is an active participant in the coalition initiated by the Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. (AGC) to define intergovernmental programs, laws and regulations adverse to the construction industry and to build a consensus on successful strategies to address major legislative issues.
Representatives from NAWIC have been appointed to serve on committees of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the National Advisory Committee for Construction Safety and Health.
Through Construction Education
As a NAWIC member, your employee can participate in the educational programs developed by the NAWIC Education Foundation.
Courses in the fundamentals of construction terminology, processes, procedures and technology provide the member with an overview of the industry.
Other courses include topics, such as drawings, specifications, estimating and scheduling, that cover the interpretation of information conveyed from architects and engineers to contractors by way of a legal document and implementation of that fundamental understanding.
The Foundation also offers two certification programs recognizing participants as Certified Construction Associates (CCA) and/or Construction Industry Technicians (CIT).
An important focus of the Foundation is to concentrate on kindergarten through 12th grade education processes for all young people, with primary emphasis on exposing children to career opportunities available in construction.
More than 11,000 students participate each year in the Foundation’s award-winning National Block Kids Contest, which promotes construction education at the grade school level. The CAD/Design/Drafting Competition is offered at the junior high/middle school and high school levels.
The NAWIC Founders’ Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships each year to students pursuing degrees in construction-related fields with at least one year of course study remaining.
By Serving the Construction Industry
Many NAWIC chapters have established scholarships and financial awards for students in their areas who are pursuing degrees in the various fields of construction. Greater Tidewater Chapter #137 has an established scholarship fund in place.
Local NAWIC chapters initiate and complete construction projects that benefit the industry and the community, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Samaritan House. Local NAWIC projects may benefit your company directly or indirectly but, most importantly, can involve you and your employee as you work together on behalf of the industry.
As an employer, your support of NAWIC by sponsoring your employees as either chapter or individual members will bring you recognition as a supporter of women in the non-traditional field of construction.
How can an employer participate in NAWIC?
1. Acquaint yourself with the many benefits of your employee's membership in NAWIC.
2. Encourage your female employees to join NAWIC. Your endorsement will generate interest among other employees.
3. Share your knowledge and experience in construction by participating in local chapter activities.
4. Support your female employees in NAWIC by paying their dues as you do for other employees of your firm who belong
to professional organizations. NAWIC dues may be tax deductible as a business expense. Check with your
HOW CAN A NAWIC MEMBERSHIP ENHANCE YOUR CAREER IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?
BY ASSOCIATING WITH OTHER WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY –
Members of the Association are business owners and executives, subcontractors, managers and office administrators. They are also attorneys, architects, engineers, accountants, estimators and tradeswomen. Some members are employed in construction trades including welding, electricity, carpentry and plumbing.
Monthly chapter meetings, national conventions and regional conferences provide opportunities for association and a strong communication network for developing and broadening valuable business contacts.
Various committees such as Safety and Health Awareness, Professional Education and Legislative Industry Issues encourage the member to participate in her area of individual expertise and offer enhanced knowledge and support from other members with similar specializations.
THROUGH CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION –
More than 30 associations work with NAWIC to share resources, aggressive problem resolutions and safety training. Together we can create a more positive image of the industry and the role of women who work in the non-traditional field of construction.
Partnering agreements with the U.S. Department of Labor, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, National Center for Construction Education and Research, American Subcontractors Association, Small Business Administration, Women Build of Habitat for Humanity, Construction Financial Management Association, American Society of Professional Estimators, National Society of Professional Engineers, Southern Building Code Congress International, and the American Institute of Constructors enable members to share in educational and governmental programs.
BY SHARING KNOWLDEGE AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES –
NAWIC members are updated on pending legislation, both locally and nationally, through its Legislative Industry Issues Committee.
The NAWIC Education Foundation offers two courses in the fundamentals of construction terminology, processes, procedures and technology that provide an overview of the industry.
The Foundation also offers certification programs recognizing participants as Certified Construction Associates (CCA), Construction Industry Technicians (CIT), and Construction Document Specialists (CDS).
An important focus on the Foundation is to concentrate on kindergarten through 12th grade education processes for all young people, with primary emphasis on exposing children to career opportunities available in construction.
More than 6,000 students each year participate in the Foundation’s award-winning national Block-Kids Contest, which promotes construction education at the grade school level. The CAD/Design/Drafting Competitions are offered in the middle school/junior high and high school levels.
The NAWIC Founders’ Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships each year to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in construction-related fields. Many NAWIC chapters have established scholarships and financial awards for students in their areas who are pursuing degrees in the various fields of construction.
BY PROVIDING MEMBER SERVICES AND BENEFITS –
The Association offers its members a wide range of discounted member services, which includes a credit card program, travel, car rental, office supplies, subscriptions to industry publications and discounts on all textbooks offered through the NAWIC Education Foundation.
Industry news and features are regularly promoted in the Association’s national magazine, The NAWIC IMAGE.
BY PROMOTING INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT –
Local NAWIC chapters initiate and participate in projects that benefit the industry and community, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Phoenix, Arizona., chapter’s Construction Dictionary, which is now in its ninth edition with approximately 85,000 volumes sold.
NAWIC members are involved in joint activities with area construction companies, civic organization and other associations, creating a network of communication and support with their communities.
NAWIC chapters conduct career day seminars in local schools and communities to encourage men and women to enter the world of construction.
Many chapters participate in job fairs to recruit women who are interested in changing careers and to provide information on educational and training requirements for both traditional and non-traditional construction opportunities.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION –
NAWIC is a professional association comprised of women working in construction and related industries. It was established in 1955 by 16 founding members. Today, there are approximately 6,000 members across the U.S. and in two Canadian provinces.
You can become a chapter member by applying for membership at a chapter meeting or get an application online at www.nawic.org. You can become an individual member if there is not a chapter in your area by getting an application online.
CORE PURPOSE
To enhance the success of women in the construction industry.
