From the beginning I wanted to collect clothes and sort them out in order to help a charity. I have chosen this good deed because my team members and I agreed to help others and to have direct contact with them.
I have made the poster for the collection of clothes. I saw the different responsible to have the permission to put our posters. I helped to carry the bags to the association. At “Emmaüs Alternatives” I took photos. I also was ironing and ordering.
I went to the association in Montreuil at Wednesday the 9th April 2008 with Armelle, Janine and Jan. We were the “helping hands” team. The manager of the association presented the workshop, the working process and the activities of the association. Each team member has participated in the regular working process with the help of the employees (reception of the bags, separation, washing, ironing, stowage). After an hour we changed the tasks.
In the evening we went to one of the four Emmaus’ shops near the Porte de Montreuil in order to see how the clothes are sold. We visited the stock and the shop with the person in charge of the shop. He explained how they fix the prices and that the shop has success.
At last I have learned to iron shirts and trousers.
The task was a little bit difficult because it was physical work and we stood up all the afternoon. Carrying clothes was exhausting but the employees were very friendly.
This is an overview of Emmaüs in english.
In 2006 I was the president of communication of the association “solidarité”. Within this association, the student organised some events to raise funds to fight against AIDS ect.
Every thursday I went to a retirement home called ORPEA in Courbevoie, France. I helped the coordinator during the games with the elderly. I spoke with them and trained their memories.
I spent good moments with the residents and they were happy to see us.
What is BPW?
BPW (Business and Professional Women) is an international network of Business and Professional Women. It was founded by Dr Lena Madesin in 1930.
BPW promotes equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. Membership is open to women abd men who support the mission of BPW.
BPW is one of the most influential international network which supports many women’s issues and is represented in many international institutions.
My commitment
I organized the national conference of BPW France in June 2008. It was a big work, with the help of other members, I prepared the different round table (about the place of women in politics, within BPW, in small and medium entreprises, in the big companies, in the media) and was responsible for the preparations of the room too.
During the national conference of BPW France, I supervised the time, I was the time keeper. I took care the guests and distributed them presents.
It was a intense experience and very stressful too. It was the first time that I had very big challenges but the people trusted me spite of my young age. I met important leading figures (like Edith Cresson) and CEO. I was very impressed.
My project
Currently I greet the members of the BPW Germany, Sydney…who come to France to meet us and share some experiences. It is good event to speak and improve foreign languages.
In September 2009 it will the european conference of BPW europe. It will take place in Munich, Germany. I don’t know what is my task for it.
