What is a SIG?
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) bring together members who share common interests, activities, or goals. Members drive SIGs. Members initiate them, decide how the groups should be ran, and provide their own leadership and organization.
Although some SIGs are unlimited in participation, many limit the members to a manageable size. This is a decision made within each SIG so that good conversation among members can be had or to accommodate to the spaces used for meetings.
How Do I Join?
Join by contacting the SIG lead listed, and they will give you the information needed start attending the meetings. Sometimes a SIG may be at capacity and no longer available. Although disappointing, there are alternatives. Check to see if there is a similar SIG open or drop a note to the SIG Coordinator. She will begin another SIG with the same general intent or include it in the next SIG and Peer Group Open House.
Starting a New SIG
Our best ideas come from our members! If you have an idea for a new SIG, email the SIG Coordinator. If a new group is not started right away, the idea will be included in the next SIG and Peer Group Open House. Once there are 5 interested members, there will be a meeting to get the group started.
At an organizational meeting, members will discuss how the SIG will be run: the mission, rules of operation, meeting time and place, etc. At this meeting a volunteer SIG Lead, a point person, needs to be determined. This person(s) will organize communications and meetings on an ongoing basis. This position can be a rotating position. The rules for the Lead position can be set up as part of establishing the SIG. To help formalize the process, a SIG formation sheet will be utilized and a copy given to the SIG Coordinator for the Chapter's records. Click HERE to download the form.
Since Special Interest Groups are a Women's Connection member benefit you must be a member in good standing to participate in them. This is a reminder that when a member decides not to renew her membership, she is no longer a member of the group(s) she was a part of.
SIG Member Responsibilities
When deciding to join a SIG, keep in mind the commitment that may be needed to be involved with the group. Most groups need members to attend meetings regularly. With other groups there is minimal involvement. Many of the groups meet either in homes or in restaurants, and plans are made based on attendance. Once you have joined a group, be considerate and keep the Lead informed of when you will or will not be at a meeting.
Emails are the primary form of communication with Women's Connection. Check your in-box often for updates within the groups your are in.
If a SIG doesn’t seem like a good fit, or you find that your participation is low, consider stepping away from the group. Doing this will help new members find ways to be involved with what Women's Connection has to offer.
Your ideas are encouraged!
Where one member has an interest, there are sure to be more!
Enjoy and have fun!