	About Women in Mining
Women in Mining
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		What is Women in Mining?	WIM's History
		WIM National Organization	WIM Chapters
		WIM Objectives	WIM Membership

What is Women in Mining?

WOMEN IN MINING (WIM) is a nationwide organization composed of individuals employed in, associated with, or interested in the mining industry.

Members include engineers, geologists, land men, secretaries, lobbyists, mine workers, educators and concerned citizens. Many WIM members are business and civic leaders extending their influence and expertise into their local communities. Such varied backgrounds are extremely beneficial to the organization and members are encouraged to share this expertise and experience both formally and informally.

In addition to providing valuable educations benefits, the WIM organization offers members an opportunity to become acquainted and work with others involved in the mining industry and thereby acquire new personal and professional contacts.

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WIM's History!

WIM was founded in 1972 in Denver, Colorado, by several women whose intent was to facilitate education about the mining industry for themselves and for those not acquainted with the role the industry plays in their lives. With mining historically a male-dominated industry, these women felt their purposes could best be served via an organization composed predominantly of women. The organization was formalized and approved by Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)6 nonprofit business league organization.

As membership grew and knowledge of the organization and its activities spread, interest developed in forming chapters nationwide. WIM chapters now exist in many parts of the country.

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WIM National Organization

In August 1979, a meeting was held in Denver to discuss establishing a national group. The National Organization was formed in 1981. The purpose of WIM National is to enhance communication and coordination among chapters, assist formation of new chapters and support chapter educational programs. The WIM National Quarterly provides information on national and chapter events plus articles of interest to the natural resource industries. An annual meeting is conducted each spring on a rotational chapter basis. To view a list of National officers.

2004-2005 WIM NATIONAL OFFICERS

President

Scotty Norman
wim@womeninmining.org

Vice President

Debbie Schumacher

Secretary

Phyllis A. Lyday

Treasurer

Carol Berry

Standing Committees:

Bylaws - Susan Yadon & Winnemucca

Finance - Jill MacGregor & California

Historian - Scotty Norman & Battle Mountain

Membership - Karen Jass

National Quarterly -
Karen Jass - Chair
Delva Martinez - Editor

Public Relations - Denise Talvitie & CA

Executive Board:

Debbie Schumacher - At-Large

Sally McLeod - Battle Mountain

Scotty Norman - Battle Mountain

Betty Peters - California

Carol Woodward - California

Lisa Corathers - DC

Adele Abrams - DC

Sharon Kirts - Denver

Karen Jass - Denver

Carol Berry - Education Foundation

Denise Talvitie - Education Foundation

Susan Hanel - Winnemucca

Susan Yadon - Winnemucca

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WIM Objectives

The overriding goal of WIM is to educate both the members and the public about the mining industries. WIM's stated objectives are:

to educate members of the technical and other aspects of the mineral resource and related industries through informative and educational programs.
to institute and promote such educational, scientific, legislative and other programs as will foster public awareness of the economic and technical interrelationship of mineral production with the national economy and the public good.
to preserve the heritage, and maintain the history of mining and mining people.

The WIM bylaws direct the organization to devote 80 percent of regularly scheduled programs to educational subjects pertaining to the mineral resource and related industries. Each year these ongoing programs have been enhanced and have grown in scope.

Educating the Community

One of the first WIM programs to receive nationwide attention was OPERATION RESPECT, a cooperative effort with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. OPERATION RESPECT was presented to Colorado school children to promote respect for miners' property and equipment and to educate them about the dangers associated with trespassing on idle mine property. Since then, several WIM chapters have been involved in similar programs. These programs have been attributed with improving the safety records in mining communities around the nation.

To help keep the public aware of legislative activity relating to the mining industry, WIM sponsors candidate meetings featuring candidates at the local, state and national levels, legislative update meetings, letter writing and community awareness programs.

Educating Youth

WIM chapters participate in educating elementary, junior and senior high school students about career opportunities in mining and the importance of mining in their everyday lives. Chapters sponsor college scholarships, speech contests, essay contests, provide materials for class curriculum at all grade levels, host field trips, teachers workshops and seminars, and sponsor public meetings using speakers, movies, videos and other media.

Educating Ourselves

Education for WIM members includes monthly meetings featuring prominent speakers such as company executives and government officials. The chapters sponsor field trips to local mines, power plants, coal terminals, research labs, geologic sites and mining museums. WIM also sponsors annual seminars which address various facets of the extractive industry, including land, geology, processing, economics and policy.

Professional Development

Chapter meetings also provide a vital communication link for the variety of people represented in WOMEN IN MINING. A number of personal improvement workshops are offered through WIM.

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