Each year the international President is privileged to have the opportunity of selecting a theme for her year of office that is adopted as the official International Inner Wheel Theme for the year.   Usually this theme will reflect in some measure her own hopes and aspirations and will help encourage members in what they undertake within their clubs.   I have chosen as the Theme for 2009/10

Very briefly, IIW is a non-sectarian, non-political organization giving women with a wish to serve their communities and to promote international understanding the opportunity to come together in Friendship.   Very often, those we try to help have very little - often nothing.   We may not be able to wave a magic wand and solve all their problems, but we can always bring a little HOPE - and very often that HOPE is perhaps enough to be of real HELP.

And that, through our Theme for the year, is how I am encouraging our members to think this year.   We may not be able to offer very much but we can bring HOPE and in bringing HOPE, together with whatever else we can offer, we can bring HELP.

If you would like to learn more about the work of Inner Wheel, please do look at the content of this website and if you would like more information - or if you think you may like to help us and join us please don't hesitate to get in touch - there is always more need than the capacity to meet it!   Just click on the "Contact us" button and we'll be happy to help you.

 In friendship

Background

International Inner Wheel is most probably the largest women's Voluntary Service Organisation in the world. We hold Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) status with the United Nations and have representatives in its three centres of Geneva, New York and Vienna and are therefore able to play an important role in today’s world.

Since its inception in 1924 Inner Wheel continues to grow as new Clubs form in many countries. Currently we have more than 100,000 members in over 101 countries and geographical locations and members enjoy working together making new friends and having fun whilst experiencing the sense of ‘belonging’ that Club life brings. Visiting members wherever we are in the world is a great joy and the start of lifelong friendships.

However that is by no means the sole objective of Inner Wheel as Service to those less fortunate than ourselves - the vulnerable, young people and the elderly - both at home and in the developing countries is equally important. It is given in many ways from general long term support to providing goods, funds and practical ‘hands on’ help in emergencies and disaster areas and our members are among the first to respond.

The IIW Newsletter, which can be found amongst these pages, will give you an insight into what is happening on a global scale and how our members work tirelessly to Help Bring Hope.

The IIW Social project for 2009/10 is the UNICEF Education programme for Girls. It is so important that girls, especially in the developing countries, receive an education, for when a girl is educated the whole family, and ultimately the world, benefits. More information about this can be found on this web-site.

We are the sister organisation of Rotary International, and work closely with its members.

Inner Wheel members are compassionate people but we are also enthusiastic and fun loving so if you are wanting to help others, have the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile and looking for firm and lasting friendships then please contact us – you will always be most welcome.