Building Community: Women in Construction Make an Impact

NAWIC women build communities, not only through their professional work but also as volunteers. Here are a few ways our chapters offer opportunities for women in construction to give back in their hometowns.
 
Building opportunities
Some volunteer opportunities draw on the professional skills of NAWIC members. Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Days, which encourages women to learn how to build a home for a family in need, is a particular favorite of many NAWIC chapters, as are other Habitat projects.
 
For members of the Salem, OR Chapter, the Santiam Canyon Rebuild Coalition Shed Build in 2021 was another building opportunity. To help property owners recovering from devastating Oregon wildfires that occurred in 2020, 250 sheds were built to hold food, belongings, and equipment while the owners living in trailers and RVs rebuilt their homes.
 
Women helping women
NAWIC chapters help women in the community with projects such as:

  • collecting gift cards, food, and hygiene items for women’s shelters,
  • providing care packages for service women deployed overseas,
  • supporting programs to help women heal from abuse and exploitation,
  • and sharing their experiences as women in construction for career programs. 

Focus on children

  • Besides NAWIC chapter events like the Block Kids building competition and Camp NAWIC, members often volunteer their time at children’s events such as STEM programs and career days. Other ways NAWIC chapters have volunteered to help children include:
  • collecting diapers and donations to help families in need,
  • holding a construction book drive for a local children’s home,
  • and hosting events like golf tournaments to benefit the NAWIC Founders Scholarship Fund. 

Combating hunger
No one should go hungry. That’s why NAWIC chapters often volunteer at local food banks and other organizations that serve food-insecure community members.
 
Helping pets in need
From donating items like blankets to a local dog rescue organization or building dog houses for local shelters, NAWIC members love volunteering for pets.
 
Women in Construction (WIC) Week
Many of our chapters use Women in Construction (WIC) Week as a way to give back to their communities. The 2023 WIC Week, which takes place March 5-11, 2023, is the 25th anniversary of the event and will be bigger and better than ever. Follow NAWIC National and your local chapter on social media to stay updated on WIC Week 2023.

More ways NAWIC members give back
You can find NAWIC members serving as firefighters and on town committees. They volunteer at events like benefit walk/runs and Toys for Tots. About 48% of respondents to our recent member survey belong to other organizations, such as scouts, Special Olympics, and other construction organizations. With more than 115 chapters and over 5,000 members in the United States, NAWIC members are making a difference.
 
NAWIC
The National Association of Women in Construction is the leading women’s construction association, providing community, mentorship, networking, leadership opportunities, and education for its members. Our members represent all levels and all areas of the construction industry, including the trades, project management, administrative, and allied fields such as finance, legal, and insurance.