What we’re about
"There are no strangers here; only friends you have not yet met" William Buttler Yeats
We are a sisterhood of friendly and supportive women of all ages and interests. We meet to uplift and inspire one another to enjoy a life filled with friendship, while exploring varied activities and all that Bend and the surrounding areas have to offer.
We strive to foster an environment that reflects the incredible community we live in and where every member can be her authentic self. Our values are those of mutual respect, equality, diversity and inclusion. Activities and topics vary from culture and art, book clubs, discussion groups, outdoor activities, and much more. We encourage members to suggest their own ideas and even host events (with our help as needed).
New members can do a trial membership for 30 days to check us out. At the end of the trial period a mandatory annual $10 dues fee will be charged (non-refundable).
We welcome you! Let's continue to build an amazing community together.
1) PHOTO REQUIREMENT
We require that all members post a recent close-up photo of just themselves, so we can recognize Members at events. Sometimes we carpool, meet in public places, or open a member’s home for an event. Photos are intended to promote safety for all of us.
If you don't know how to download a photo to the Meetup site, contact one of the Organizers for help.
2) CANCELLATION POLICY & RSVP POLICY
Event RSVP's go fast in this group! The venues we favor have limited space therefore most of our events are limited to a specific number of attendees. If you are interested in attending an event you must RSVP to attend.
If you RSVP for an event, please show up. We understand that life happens, but if for any reason you cannot attend, kindly remove your name from the RSVP list. If there is a wait list, the next person in line will automatically be put into your space. We appreciate 48 hours notice so ladies on the wait list can be reached. While participating in events held by Ladies & Friends, we ask that if you are sick please be mindful of others and change your RSVP.
Please be considerate of the organizers' time and effort that is put into planning and organizing a meetup event. No-shows are tracked and members who reach three No Shows may be suspended from group events for 3 months to allow others who are committed to attending to have a space for the events.
3) SOLICITATIONS
With the exception of official event sponsors, no business solicitations or activities are allowed at any of our events. Anyone interested in becoming a group or event sponsor should contact Mary Grassley, Pamela Manning, Marie Hitchcock, or Kathy Sabatier. Events to further a partisan agenda are not allowed.
4) RELEASE OF LIABILITY
By attending any Ladies & Friends event, you agree to hold Ladies & Friends, its organizers, and its event leaders, harmless from any liability resulting from any injury or property damage.
Your RSVP and/or attendance signifies that you agree. The Release of Liability form is posted in the Pages Section of the Ladies & Friends Meetup site.
5) PARTICIPATION
We strongly encourage member participation. If you have a skill/hobby/training you would like to share with others, please let Mary Grassley, Pamela Manning, Marie Hitchcock, or Kathy Sabatier know. We will help you plan a successful meetup.
6) 10 ESSENTIALS LIST
For activities that involve hiking, boating, or the backcountry, the 10 Essentials could be used to prepare you for an accident, an emergency, and your general well-being. The Ten Essentials is posted in the Pages Section of the Ladies & Friends site.