Below are all of your answers on How to Join BWi.

When are new members accepted? New members are accepted every semester. Although our numbers are likely to be greater in the Fall semester because that is when BWi actively recruits new members.

Can anyone be a member? Yes. Black Women Investing is open to anyone who is interested in learning how to get their money together in order to build wealth. However, our organization is focused toward Black Women - so that will be something to consider.

 What is the difference between a Member and a Partner? Black Women Investing is structured so that the members who seek to benefit from all there is to learn and offer are rewarded.  Every woman that has paid her dues is a member and will have the chance to become a partner. Becoming a partner will be a the discretion of a member and the current partners. Partners are members of BWi  and the Investment club and have voting rights on investment decisions.

What are the benefits of membership? Well, in order to become a partner, all women must be members first. But of course, the benefits don't stop there. Members have all of the same benefits as partners - the only difference is that they do not have voting rights on investment decisions. Members still vote on club functions, become members of the executive board, access all resources that BWi offers and is gifted with.

Can you tell me more about being a partner? Being a partner is a long-term commitment. Partners are all connected through the Black Women Investing investment club as share owners. We are considered an actual business under the state of California. While we have only begun to make investments in stocks, we plan to pursue other investment opportunities, by pooling together our resources. Partners are all committed to a 3 year partnership (effective in January 2005) to realize the full potential of the market and our decisions. New partners will be only be held to the remainder of the  3 year period, depending upon when they join. It should be noted, that partners may opt out of the 3 year term through the "buy-out process," whereby a new partner buys the old partner's shares in the club.

All new partners must already  be a member of BWi and submit an application to the partnership for consideration. Partnership applications are available in the Fall of each semester, and new partners will be voted in for the Spring semester of the same year.  The number of new partnership positions available are dependent upon the number of buyouts and the current amount of partners, which is not to exceed 40 according to the BWi partnership agreement. The partnership will also consider participation in club activities when voting on new partner applications.

How much are dues? Dues for the 2005-2006 year include a free one-year subscription to Black Enterprise Magazine.  Membership dues are $30 for the year. Partnership dues are $15, but are required to purchase 2 additional shares in the club account.

***New Member Applications  can be downloaded here.

This is a pdf file. You will need adobe acrobat reader to download.

For more information or general inquiries, please contact Britni Rillera - President of Membership at bwiusc@usc.edu.