A Wisconsin delegation travel to Chiba Japan every other year. Our next delegation is scheduled to leave in 2009. Our general time frame has been mid-May, but exact dates will be specified for each delegation.

If you are interested in participating in a Women of Wings delegation, please read on.

Who is Eligible?

Any business, state agency, volunteer or professional organization may nominate a delegate. Delegates must be 21 years or older. You may also nominate yourself. Participants must be in good health, as the dawn to dusk itinerary is very demanding.

Who Sponsors the Exchange

Finalists will be selected by the Women of Wings Program Committee of Wisconsin-Chiba Inc., a volunteer group of citizens who coordinate business, education, and cultural exchanges between Wisconsin and Chiba.

What are the Costs?

Participating Wisconsin state agencies, organizations, associations or businesses often contribute the exchange costs for the individual they noiminate. However, a sponsoring organization is not required. The per-participant cost is approximately $2,000 for 10 days and covers airfare, meals, discounted hotel rooms, and some ground transportation. In return, the Japanese hosts provide many meals, sightseeing, and workshops.

Expectations of Particiipants

Participants will have at least two orientation meetings, will help pl;an/host future Japanese Women of Wings delegations, and will become active in Wisconsin-Chiba program activities.

If you are interested, please send your requests to:

Wisconsin Women of Wings
Attn: Janie Ritter
PO Box 352
Madison WI 53701-0352
jritter@wmc.org
Phone: 608-661-6930
Fax: 608-258-3413

To recognize the volunteer and public serrvice efforts of women in Chiba, in 1990 the prefecture governement began sending annual delegations of women, know as "Women of Wings", to Wisconsin.

Women were impressed by the similarities in their issues, struggles, and career goals. The exchanges are a grass root effot to connect the lives of women and to creat gloablly linked communities, families and neighborhoods.

In 1999, the first delegation from Wisconsin staged a return exchange, participating iin a 10-day visit. Since that time other delegations from Wisconsin and Chiba have visited each other's sister state. These exchanges have included tours of eduucation, cultural and business sites, incorporating home stays with Japanese families and presentations at conferences.