• Entry type: Organisation
  • Entry ID: AWE1020

Forum Communicators Association Inc.

  • Former name The Association of Women's Forum Club of Australia
    Former name Association of Queensland Women's Forum Clubs
(From 1941 – )

Summary

The Association of Women’s Forum Club of Australia was established in 1941 with the aim fostering public speaking abilities in women. By 1988, some eighty clubs had been established although only thirty seven were currently active. In 1997 the Association, by now limited entirely to the Association of Queensland Women’s Forum Clubs, was renamed the Forum Communicators Association and was no longer exclusively a women’s association. The Association produces constitutions, syllabuses, newsletters and holds biennial conferences.

Details

On 22nd July 1941 a public meeting was called of women interested in the formation of a Club to foster public speaking amongst women. The first President was Miss Ruth Don OAM. The three original Founders of Forum, Lady Groom, Mrs Marjorie Puregger and Miss Ruth Don remained active members throughout their lifetime.

During 1945 a movement grew for the establishment of further clubs and the organisation grew throughout Queensland. It became apparent that a supervising committee would be necessary and in October 1947 the Association of Queensland Women’s Forum Clubs was formed, known as the Dais and eventually regional councils were formed. In 1997 the name was changed to Forum Communicators Association Inc.

In 2004 there are 23 Forums in various locations in Queensland and the organisation described itself as: ‘an organisation for you to increase your self esteem and gain confidence through learning specific skills; effective communication; club administration; chairing meetings; leadership; the duties of office bearers – all in an atmosphere of support and encouragement.’

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Archival resources

  • Australian Historic Records Register
    • The Association of Women's Forum Club of Australia

Published resources

  • Report
    • Forum: 50 golden years, 1941-1991 / The Association of Women's Forum Clubs of Australia, [1991]
    • Secretary's report, 1965-1997
  • Conference Proceedings
    • Biennial Conference / The Association of Women's Forum Clubs of Australia, ?-1997
    • Conference / Forum Communicators Association Inc., 1999-
  • Book
    • Criticism: A guide for critics' circle and other members, 1977
  • Resource

Related entries


  • Previous
    • Association of Queensland Women's Forum Clubs (1947 - )
  • Founded
    • Don, Ruth (1902 - 2003)