Welcome to the Section on Women in Public Administration (SWPA) of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). SWPA continues to be one of the largest and most active ASPA Sections with a growing membership and full range of activities and programs for its members.

The SWPA mission can be summed up as a Section where women and men work together on projects and programs promoting participation and recognition of women at all levels and areas of the public sector.

SWPA members and leaders have developed an Action Agenda focusing on key priorities for 2007-2009 although the SWPA experience offers a wide range of opportunities:

• Enhance the value of SWPA membership so that the Section retains its current members; attracts new members and continues to increase diversity
• Offer stellar career and leadership experiences such as the new Transitions program.
• Accelerate outreach to ASPA chapters/sections and national organizations to increase SWPA impact and networking opportunities for its members.
• Focus on issues of significance to women and minorities by increasing information and advocacy.

Here is a Snapshot of SWPA Impact and Opportunities for its Members:

• Leadership
  Eleven women national presidents and women leaders throughout the organization and profession have roots in SWPA.  SWPA members garneredfour of the top 2007 ASPA Awards.
  
• Visibility and Participation
  The number of SWPA presenters at the 2007 ASPA Conference increased by 26% from 2006.
  
• Professional Development
  A new professional development program Transitions debuted in the summer issue of the SWPA official publicationBridging the Gap (BTG) and will be featured on www.swpanet.org in the coming months.
  
• SWPA Scholarship Program
  Nominations are now open for SWPA Scholarships to attend the ASPA National Conference. SWPA has been the leader in awarding scholarships to young and emerging professionals to interact with national leaders in public administration.
  
• Networking
  SWPA offers networking through working together on SWPA committees, participating in SWPA activities at the ASPA National Conference, regional meetings as well as ASPA chapter and section programs. Through the power of the SWPA Web site, members can now communicate more easily with other colleagues around the country and the world!
  
• SWPA National Awards Program
  The SWPA National Awards program honors four outstanding contributors to the field of Public Administration at its Annual National Awards Breakfast
  
• Research and Scholarship
  The SWPA Women’s Research Project offers opportunities for members to contribute to such publications as Profiles of Outstanding Women in Public Administration.
  
• A Strong Voice on Issues of Gender and Diversity
  SWPA is accelerating its program in providing timely information on issues of major relevance to women and minorities through BTG, its, Special Alerts, its Web site and SWPA programs.

The impact and strength of SWPA depend on sharing ideas; making suggestions and telling us how we can better meet YOUR needs as public administration professionals. This Web site is YOUR Forum for communication and interaction with SWPA members and leaders throughout the year. Please BOOKMARK www.swpanet.org and return often. Thank you for being a member of this dynamic Section! If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us…

SWPA is a charter member of of the National Women's History Museum's National Coalition. Visit www.nwhm.org for more information.