Did You Know?
Breastfeeding saves money - approximately $1,000 a year.
Committees
Several committees are important to the structure and function of the BCW. These are briefly described below. Details about the roles and responsibilities of these committees and members can be found in the BCW Guidelines.
BCW Eastern and Western Steering Committees
Role: Regional Steering Committees support the coordination of statewide efforts and determine the program planning priorities to further the BCW Mission.
Composition: There are two Steering Committees, one from eastern Washington and one from western Washington. These Steering Committees are composed of 1-2 representatives from each local coalition, representatives from other allied organizations within that region, plus members at large.
Meetings: Currently the Western Steering Committee and the Eastern Steering Committee meet individually twice a year. Additionally, there is an Annual Meeting combining the membership of the two Steering Committees for the purposes of celebrating accomplishments, planning and networking. Meeting agendas are coordinated and facilitated by the respective chair and the BCW Coordinator. Meetings are run by Consensus Process.
BCW Executive Committee
Role: The Executive Committee serves as the liaison among the funder (DOH), the administrator (WithinReach), the Regional Steering Committees and the Program Coordinator. The Executive Committee provides leadership, planning and administration of the organization.
Composition: This Committee consists of five individuals: The Eastern Steering Committee Chair, the Western Steering Committee Chair (AKA the “co-chairs”), a Department of Health representative, the HMHB Executive Director and the BCW Program Coordinator.
Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington Guidelines
This document provides an overview of the BCW, details about it’s structure and function; an overview of statewide breastfeeding promotion efforts; local coalition projects; policies and procedures; communication and organizational tools; and a summary of other coordinated breastfeeding efforts.