Membership.
The members of the Seacoast Women's Giving Circle are women who live in Southern New Hampshire and Maine or who have a personal interest in supporting the region. We share a passion for educating ourselves about the critical issues facing the Seacoast community, and the drive to use our skills and resources to address these issues through collective giving and volunteerism. Our group includes social workers, small business owners, medical professionals, educators, full-time mothers and more.
In June 2009, we changed our membership structure to enable the Giving Circle to engage a broader network of women in our efforts. We now have Active, Alumna and Backer membership categories and are currently seeking new Backer Members.
All members are participants in our three-part mission: Learn, Give, Act. Each membership category offers a different level of time commitment and engagement in the group's efforts. Since the group is a giving circle, all members make a personal financial gift to the non-profit organization selected each year (minimum $200).
- ACTIVE MEMBERS
The Seacoast Women's Giving Circle is fully managed by the Active Members. These women select the Giving Circle's annual community issue focus and non-profit gift recipient, and organize all of the Giving Circle's events and volunteer projects. Active Members meet monthly, serve on the LEARN, GIVE, and ACT Committees and pay annual dues. At this time, the number of Active Members is limited in order to ease the facilitation of the monthly meetings (most of which are held in members' homes), to maintain an informal setting with guest speakers and facilitate decision making. We are not currently adding Active Members, but do experience some transitions in membership over time. Individuals who have a track record of being active participants and supporters of the Giving Circle's efforts are considered for future Active Membership.
We encourage you to let us know if you are interested in an active role in the Giving Circle by emailing us at info@seacoastwomengive.org. - ALUMNA MEMBERS
After serving for one year or more, Active Members who want a lighter time commitment can opt to transition to Alumna member status. Alumna Members participate in Giving Circle events and volunteer projects during the year, but do not attend monthly meetings, serve on the committees or pay annual dues. - BACKER MEMBERS
This membership category is designed for women who want to support the group's work, but need a flexible time commitment or prefer to be passive investors. Backer Members are invited to participate in a number of optional meetings and events throughout the year, such as: an educational meeting focused on a community issue with a panel of guest experts, a celebration of the annual gift recipient, and a volunteer service project. Backer members, like all members of the Giving Circle, contribute a minimum of $200 directly to the annual non-profit gift recipient. However, Backer Members do not pay annual dues, serve on committees, attend monthly meetings, or vote to select the annual focus issue or non-profit gift recipient.
If you are interested in becoming a Backer Member or would like additional information, please complete the on-line Backer Member Interest Form. - START YOUR OWN GIVING CIRCLE!
If you have a passion for community service, a few friends and bit of extra time, we encourage you to consider starting your own giving circle. It is a wonderful way to make a difference while enjoying the company of people with shared interests. We would welcome the opportunity to offer advice and encouragement.
Email us at info@seacoastwomengive.org.
