District or United Level:

Every district in the state holds its membership meeting or BWA convention annually. It is usually hosted by BWA unit(s) on a rotating basis. These events are well attended since all members are invited to participate and much camaraderie is evident. The format is quite similar --- a religious service, general membership meeting with a guest speaker and luncheon followed by a program. The afternoon program vary depending on the host unit(s)..i.e. entertainment by representatives of each unit or a special program selected by the host.
 

State Level:

Every four years, the Hawaii Federation of Buddhist Women's Associations holds a State Membership Conference. This is held the year preceding a World Convention. Since it is hosted by different districts in turn, in 2005, the Oahu United BWA hosted the 10th State Membership Conference at Ala Moana Hotel. The program consisted of services, Dharma speakers, workshops, banquets and provided updated information about the World Convention to encourage more participation.

Everyone came away with having contributed towards the Buddhist Women's movement in Hawaii, renewing old and developing new friendships.
 

World Level:

The first Buddhist Women's World Convention was held in March 21-22, 1961 in Kyoto, Japan and is held once every four years at one of the five World districts (Japan, Hawaii, BCA, BCC and South America). This certainly gives our women a wonderful opportunity to meet Buddhist women abroad who have the same ideas and goals. The most recent was in Sao Paulo, Brazil in October 8-10, 2002. The 13th World Buddhist Women's Convention will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii in September 1-3, 2006. Japan will be the next host in 2011.  Click here for a listing of previous conventions (acrobat file).