BPW/WA Individual Development Program (IDP)

BPW/WA is committed to promoting full participation, equity, and economic, self-sufficiency for working women.

The Individual Development Program (IDP) was originally instituted in 1968 by BPW/USA to help participants develop leadership skills while introducing them to BPW/s mission, goals, programs, and issues. The Individual Development program has been revised to meet the needs of today's working women, to take a broader approach in the areas that face women on a day-to-day basis in the workplace. This program is sponsored by individual Locals throughout the state as a communication enrichment program to help build confidence in speaking.

The Individual Development program is one way that BPW/WA helps working women, both members and nonmembers, acquire the skills they need to be active and progressive participants at work and in their communities, and to be able to speak effectively on issues that concern them.

Individual Development Means ...

Speaking ... Without fear of recrimination when learning to organize and present ideas.

Participating ... In discussions and role play learning exercises designed for the novice to those who want to sharpen existing skills.

Analyzing ... The dynamics of personal and group behavior: the criteria for effective communication and leadership.

Inquiring ... Into the issues affecting working and how to take action.

Evaluating ... Individual strengths and weaknesses, performance of others and effectiveness of class events.

Individual Development Will ...

Provide a detailed course manual with class outlines and handy "Basic" sheets for future reference.

Provide trained instructors who are dedicated to the education and advancement of America's working women.

Invite participants to shape the class, using real-life circumstances to analyze and act upon.

Train participants to evaluate their own performance and those of others.

Take a step-by-step approach through the way and why of effective communication, and show how to plan and deliver a speech or presentation.

Note: The ID Program is a registered trademark owned by the BPW/USA Foundation and is used under license.