Food for Thought Network

About the Network and its Purpose

The Food for Thought Network (FFTN) is turning eight in 2009.

The Food for Thought Network was founded by Varvara Ioannou in 2001. As an incorporated not-for-profit organisation, it has a development focus and runs events at a restaurant over food, wine and a motivational speaker or a panel of speakers. They discuss current issues pertaining to women in the areas of work, family, health and wellbeing as well as language and culture. Other activities include film nights, philosophy café and an e-newsletter.

Although established and coordinated by Greek women, the Food for Thought Network is not exclusive: you don't have to be Greek or female to get involved.

We fundraise and support different groups and individuals in need such as The Young Action on Breast Cancer Network, Fire Victims in Greece and Victoria and individuals to name just a few.

The Food for Thought Network is now an incorporated body and consists of a team of Greek Australian women of diverse disciplines, ages, interests and experience. Inspired by our ancestors, we take responsibility to share and spread knowledge in creating a better world and improving quality of life.

You don't have to be Greek, or female, to attend any of the FFTN Forums, the Philosophy Cafe or to join up!

Purpose:

To create an egalitarian environment where everyone is encouraged to participate and contribute
to share knowledge and collective experiences in the areas of work, family, language, culture, health and well-being
to acknowledge and celebrate our cultural heritage and embrace the diversity of other cultures
to create opportunities for continual learning, self-expression and empowerment
to provide opportunities for people to meet and support each other
to acknowledge, celebrate and capitalise the talents of our members, and
to advocate on CALD women's issues.

in a fun, inspiring and enriching way.

Seeking Volunteers

The network is currently looking for volunteers to assist with the website, the newsletter and in building up memberships and diversifying some of its interests. We are looking for people with a happy attitude who are community minded and like to give a couple of hours a week for helping the Network to progress.

We are particularly interested in people with website skills, marketing and or secretarial skills.

Responsibilities include attending a monthly committee meeting, helping with the updating of the website, sourcing stories for the newsletter, helping during the functions, and promoting the network to your networks.

Next Function - Celebrating 8 Years

Friday 1 May 2009

The Food For Thought Network will be celebrating eight years of existence. In view of this and Mothers Day, the next function is a special tribute to Mothers and Daughters.

A similar event in 2002 , "What it means to be a daughter in the Hellenic Culture", was sold out. People who wanted to come on the day could not be included, so please book early so you can ensure a seat.

We acknowledge that some of you may have been raised by a different person other than your mother, (grandmother, stepmother, or even a father who has played both the role of mother and father, an uncle, auntie, a neighbour and or a friend). So bring your special person along and celebrate the magic of this mother/daughter relationship.

We have invited two ladies who are spending their professional life researching this subject both from the mother and daughter perspective and have written books on this very complex relationship.

Come and share your stories with us...

Read more about the Mothers and Daughters Tribute ...

Read the flyer about functions for 2009 ...

Philosophy Cafe

In 2005, the Food for Thought Network introduced a Philosophy Cafe and to this date, offers these classes free of charge to members. Currently the Philosophy Cafe takes place on the first Wednesday of the month at the Birdie Num Nums Cafe, 745 Nicholson St., Carlton, Melbourne, at 6.30pm. Facilitator Dr Kostas Vitkos.

Seeking Sponsors

We are seeking sponsors, particularly women, who are working in similar areas - i.e. lawyers, doctors, property developers, financial planners, family counsellors, personal life and executive coaches, mentors, accountants, small business operators - in the fields of fashion, food, entertainment etc.

We would also welcome the sponsorship of any major organisation or government body that would wish to become involved.

Sincere thanks to our sponsors Dinos Toumazos, EasyMail at Australia Post and the Melbourne Fire Brigade for their sponsorship.