What we’re about
MISSION STATEMENT:
- OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE A SUPPORTIVE AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY FOR WOMEN OVER 50 TO FOSTER NEW FRIENDSHIPS AND MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS WITH EACH OTHER.
- WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF MINDFUL SOCIALIZATION. THEREFORE WE STRIVE TO CREATE A SAFE SPACE WHERE WOMEN CAN GROW, SUPPORT AND SHARE WITH EACH OTHER THEIR LIFE EXPERIENCES WITHOUT JUDGEMENT. IN THIS MUTUALLY SHARING SPACE IT IS MY GOAL TO PROMOTE POSITIVITY, INCLUSION, AND RESPECT FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THIS GROUP WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
- EATING WISELY & MINDFULLY
- MAINTAIN AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
- REMAINING ACTIVE & ENGAGING IN ACTIVITIES THAT NOT ONLY CARE FOR OUR PHYSICAL WELL BEING BUT ALSO OUR COGNITIVE, EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING.
- PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES WITH OTHERS THAT BRING US HAPPINESS AND JOY.
That being said this is a private group and we do have etiquette and rules just like other organizations. There is a recommended dues of $10-20 /year to become a member of this group. This is strictly to cover the dues and the expenses of the organizer. As the sole organizer I pay dues twice a year every 6 months of $98.94. That dues is just for the standard membership. You are welcome to pay by pledging your dues or do cash or check if you prefer.
GUIDELINES:
- No one gets left behind in any event.
- If anyone is more capable than someone else it is okay to walk or hike ahead. There are always more or less two women walking or hiking or kayaking together. No one should feel left out or left behind. I am the leader and I do take the time to make sure that everyone is safe and cared for. But it is ultimately your responsibility to be safe and stay within the limits of your own bodies capabilities.
- There is no room in this group for "mean girls" we are no longer in high school. In other words pettiness, argumentativeness, judgement and gossiping will be frowned upon in this group.
- Be mindful of your fellow members and the space you take up. Remember, when you sign up for an event if there is an event limit which there always is, you essentially prevent someone else from joining. Believe me this happens more often than I would like to admit. What I am getting at is that when you take a spot at an event you hold that spot for a couple of weeks and no one else can enter. When you cancel three days before, two days before or in the last 24 hours, it is not likely that someone else can take your spot last minute because she has probably already made plans. Therefore, if you are one of these members please be mindful when you sign up if you are iffy about making a commitment don't sign up. Please think about the other members. If you cancel from events 3 consecutive times you may be dropped from the group. Again there are exceptions to this rule when it is necessary and an emergency please contact me and let me know.
I do know and understand that there are extenuating circumstances we all get sick, injured and have family emergencies and I completely understand that. However, I am just asking that you do not misuse this caveat. - If you are inactive in the group for 6 months and or have never attended one event since you signed up you may be cut from the group to allow other members who are interested to join. If you are cut from the group you are always welcome to reapply at another time when you can make a commitment.
- This may sound silly but when you leave the house to attend an event please make sure that you take your drivers license, money, credit card if you use one and your insurance information. It is always wise to have identification on you should something happen. Many times we attend events that we need to show identification so don't forget. Be mindful of the other group members that you are joining with on an event, if you forget your identification you have just spoiled the event for the others.
- Please be on time for all events. Be kind and considerate to other members. If you are going to be 15 minutes late please let me know. I know that there is a lot of traffic on the road and this can result in delays but we do need to be mindful about all the other members that did get there on time and are waiting for you.
Message from Linda the Organizer:
Hi, my name is Linda, I am the group organizer of this group of lovely women. I started this group because I realized that friendship is a necessary part of our lives. The current research states that you you don't have a community, a tribe and friendship network it is likely to take 15 good years off of your life. It is as dangerous to your well being as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Relationships are just as important as good sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising and hydrating our bodies. Friendships require time, effort, commitment, love, understanding, loyalty and so much more it is not easy. According to the current research forging a friendship requires at least 200 hours of connecting with each other on a regular basis. When you think about it that is a big commitment.
"Friends give us the courage to lift the blinds on our hearts. To open up and show what we generally keep hidden from the rest of the world." (Unknown) What a gift friendship is. Let's appreciate that gift.
I spend a lot of time planning and organizing these events and trying to come up with varied ideas that will appeal to all members. I am always available to listen to members when there are problems and I am willing to help. I am also very interested in hearing from members about what they are interested in and events they may want me to slate on the calendar.
We all have a lot to be grateful for and I am personally grateful for all of the learning opportunities I have encountered in this group. I have personally grown from all of these experiences and it has enhanced my ability to be a better friend and organizer. I did not have any experience as a lay organizer or groups and definitely did not know much about friendship due to my being an introvert. However, Since December 15th of 2022 I have grown as a person and I think in my heart I am still an introvert but I do believe I am more balanced and more capable of interacting with others. This is an amazing group of women and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience and I hope you will too. I welcome all new members with open arms.
Sincerely,
Linda