That at future Federal ICPA Conferences that ICPA branch conference delegates’ and observers’ partners be offered conference observer admission at a very low rate to encourage participation and greater gender diversity of our organisation.
At the present time, gender diversity within ICPA at all levels is heavily skewed to females, to mothers. Whilst there are many practical reasons for this, we need to be mindful that our actions need to actively encourage both parents - mothers AND FATHERS - and ensure that both are made feel welcome to participate in ICPA. And that diversity on Councils and Committees make for more robust and strong decision making.
The historic practice of organising fun and highly subsidised (for eg. Darwin tours capped at fee of $20 but true cost much greater) PARTNER TOURS during conference time may actually attract partners, Dad’s, to participate in those as opposed to going to conference - where they can hear, see, understand, contribute (and be impressed by) the activities of their partners. Pre and post tours could be arranged or participation as observer at conference at the same low rate as the Partner Tours offered.
We acknowledge that some states and branches have a much greater gender mix than others and applaud them on that. This motion is targeted at creating the conversation to be mindful of gender inclusiveness and to be careful that our actions aren’t contributing to some choosing not to actively participate in ICPA.
