Chelmsford Women of Today Orientation

1. Chelmsford Women of Today Orientation Welcome to the gang!! Iva Mooney/Cheryl Hopkins

2. Mission Statement/Creed/General Info Organizational Structure Calendar Notes/Events Communications (Newsletters) External Programming Overview USWT Buckets of Sunshine Projects – types and examples Internal Programming Overview Project Recognition Personal Enrichment (PE) Areas Effective Speaking, Effective Writing, Team Building, Leadership Training , Effective Listening Focus on Women ( FOW) Chaplain S.T.E.P. (Success Through Enthusiastic Participation) Awards & Honors Sampler Overview

3. Mission Statement The mission of the Women of Today is to provide chapter members opportunities in the areas of leadership training, personal growth, community service and partnerships with established foundations

4. Creed Chelmsford Women of Today Creed Let us give generously our friendship to each other, our talents, ideas, labors and contributions to the betterment of our community, our hearts and our assistance to the unfortunate, and our attention to the great responsibilities that are ours as concerned citizens dedicated to serving our community United States/Massachusetts Women of Today Creed We, the United States Women of Today, are dedicated to serving our community and nation, are committed to strengthening our individual talents, and stand united by our friendship and belief in the future

5. General Info • The United States Women of Today was established on July 1, 1985; it was previously known as the United States Jaycee Women • Membership is $20/year and open to all women and men 18+ years old • Separate constitutions, policies and by-laws exist for each chapter and state as well as for the national organization. • Fiscal year runs from May 1 to April 30 • Nationally there are around 3,600 members in 188 chapters spread across 16 states

6. Member States (16) • Arkansas • Illinois • Iowa • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • New Jersey • North Dakota • Ohio • Pennsylvania • South Dakota • Washington • Wisconsin

7. Massachusetts Chapters (280 members) Greater Attleboro (A) Bellingham (B) G C Chelmsford (C) Easton (E) Georgetown (G) B E M N A Mansfield (M) Norton (N)

8. United States Women of Today (USWT) Organizational Structure • The Executive Committee is comprised of the national officers in Section 1, excluding the Presidential Assistant(s). • The National Staff is comprised of all those holding national office (Section 1 & 2). • The Board of Directors is comprised of those in Section 1, Section 2 and the State Presidents.

9. Massachusetts Women of Today (MAWOT)Organizational Structure (Board of Directors) Executive Committee President Chairman of the Board (COB) /Parliamentarian Programming VP External Foundation (National Charity) PM Treasurer External Foundation (State Charity) PM Secretary Membership VP Individual Development Program Manager ( Personal Enrichment, Success Through Enthusiastic Participation – S.T.E.P.) Awards PM Chaplain/Focus On Women PM The Executive Committee is made up of Officers. All other positions, except for the Chapter Presidents, are Program Managers (PM) Publicity/Historian PM Newsletter Editor (Calliope)(Secretary is normally responsible for this job) Web Master PM Chapter Presidents ( Greater Attleboro, Bellingham, Chelmsford, Georgetown ,Easton, Mansfield and Norton)

10. Chelmsford Women of Today (CWOT)Organizational Structure (Board of Directors) President Executive Board Chairman of the Board (COB) (Structure can change as needs vary) Treasurer Secretary Membership / STEP VP Focus on Women ( FOW) Program Manager Personal Enrichment PM Publicity Web Master

11. Mid-Year Convention – October; location determined by bid Annual Convention – June; location determined by bid; National Officers elected Greater Attleboro 3rd Wednesday Bellingham 1st Monday Chelmsford 3rd Tuesday Easton 4th Thursday Georgetown 4th Tuesday Mansfield 3rd Monday Norton 2nd Tuesday Calendar Notes National Monthly Chapter Meetings State • Fall Meeting – November • Winter Meeting – February; Overnight slumber party at Holiday Inn, Marlboro • Annual Convention – May; State Officers elected

12. A bimonthly newsletter, Today’s Leader, is distributed free to all member chapters, Board of Directors, past national presidents, and the presidents of the USWT Foundation and the USWT Ambassadors. Individual subscriptions are $15/year (Also viewable on national WEB Site) The United States Women of Today Staff also publishes periodic newsletters covering their respective areas there is a website at http://www.uswt.org A quarterly newsletter, Calliope, is emailed/ US mailed to all Massachusetts members. there is a website at http://www.mawt.org accessible through http://www.uswt.org Communications National State Chelmsford Chapter • Local emails to chapter members • www.mawt.orgwww.cwotma.org • Address: Chelmsford Women of Today, P.O. Box 154, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863 • Chapter meetings and public events are advertised in the Chelmsford Independent, Lowell Sun, Action Unlimited, Merrimack Journal and Chelmsford Cable TV

13. External Programming Overview • National • a charitable foundation is chosen every three years on a bid basis (Parents of Autistic Children: 2004-2007). Each chapter is requested to support this foundation by fundraising events and/or providing educational information. • Public Relations Program – Buckets of Sunshine • Massachusetts • a charitable foundation is chosen every three years on a bid basis (Shriners Burn Hospital, Boston: 2003-2005). Each chapter is requested to support this foundation by fundraising events and/or providing educational information • Chapters/Chelmsford • Each chapter runs external projects focusing on community service, education and fundraising for local needs.

14. USWT Buckets of Sunshine (External PR) • The goal of this program is to provide “buckets” (tote bags/baskets/trash cans) filled with products (food, toiletries, cleaning products, etc) to local Food Pantries, Halfway Houses, Veteran’s Centers, Hospitals, AIDS Centers, etc • The Chelmsford Chapter has continuously contributed “Buckets of Sunshine” to a battered women’s shelter, Alternative House, in Lowell, MA. Items are collected at: • Mother’s Day – personal donations of unwrapped toiletries • Halloween – chapter funded candy/gifts for children • Christmas – personal donations unwrapped toiletries for mothers • Easter – chapter funded candy/gifts for children

15. Internal -- Projects that are only run for the chapter/state Ways and Means: Pays for chapter and state expenses and are not used for donations.. ( ie: raffle for Condo vacation in Maine to pay for 2004 National Convention) Member Enrichment: chapter or state Individual Developement/growth programs/training. ( ie: parliamentary procedures course) Member Social: events with your chapter members or members’ families. (ie: June Strawberry social)  External -- Projects that are run for the community or another organization. Fund-raising: moniesraised for a specific community project or priority area.. ( ie: Chelmsford scholarship fund) Education: These are educational programs held for the general public /chapter/state members. ( ie: Baby Sitting Clinic for 5-7 graders ) Service: projects held for or within your community in support of an event or needy cause. ( ie: community cleanup) Project Categories

16. Education/Service Make quilts for pediatric patients (Linus project) Secret Santa – give Xmas gifts to Chelmsford children in need Used clothing drives Blood drives with Rotary Club – supply cookies, juice, etc Conservation Land/Playground/Park improvements (ie: paint Robert’s Field swing set, slide, etc) Eye Screening Clinic with Lions Club Work with elementary schools to teach Poison Prevention (Kindergarten) Work with elementary schools to teach fire safety (“Capt No Burn” ) Ways & Means/Fundraisers Pheasant Lane Mall’s “Evening of Giving” – sell tickets to a night of discount shopping the Sunday before Thanksgiving Pheasant Lane Mall’s Xmas Charity Gift Wrapping – we get paid to wrap gifts Yankee Candle Sales Beautiful Baby or Beautiful Pet Contest – people submit photos that we display at local Supermarkets and viewers pay a small amount to vote for their favorite July 4 Parade booth – kids games Breakfast/Muffins with Santa Chelmsford Projects

17. Running A Project • Appoint a chairperson(s) who will: • Form a committee • Set committee meeting dates with agendas to discuss • goals; step by step project plan; project schedules; project Budget • Manpower; assignment of tasks; method of recording activities and expenses • Procedure to charge materials/pay bills • Follow Through • Get your budget approved at next monthly general meeting • Make sure each person knows his/her job • Keep chapter president and general membership informed on progress • Check frequently with project participants to see that the project is on track. • Thank those who directly or indirectly worked on project • Records • Try to complete a project report and a possible project expense report • Present wrap-up report to the chapter showing the number participating, money raised and service hours worked

18. Internal Programming Overview • Project Recognition • Personal Enrichment (PE) • Focus on Women (FOW) • Chaplain • Success Through Enthusiastic Participation (STEP)

19. Internal – Project Recognition All projects should be documented in “Project Reports” that describe details about the project • These reports can later be referenced if the project is to be run again. • The reports can then be submitted to: • State • effort is recognized and report is kept in a library for future access • National • the Project report must be in a special outline form not to exceed six pages • the Project report is entered into a contest for recognition

20. Description of Project Purpose and Goals of Project Brief statement on why you are running project and what it entails Number of people you wish to benefit/reach/participate Amount of money you wish to raise (when applicable) Promotion to Public and Chapter TV, radio, newspaper promotion used Fliers and posters distributed Participation of Members and Number of Hours Worked % of chapter members that participated Number of members needed to run project successfully number of hours worked by chairman/committee/membership Budget Actual Income/Expenses Profit or loss Evaluation of Project Evaluate each goal previously given and how it was met/not met Recommendations What recommendations can you make to improve the project? (What do you suggest be repeated and what do you suggest not be repeated and why?) Substantiating material photos, actual newspaper articles, pamphlets, etc Internal –Project Report Outline (Partial)

21. Internal - Personal Enrichment (PE) Areas • Certificates are awarded in each of these areas to members who complete corresponding requirements • Effective Speaking • Effective Writing • Team Building • Leadership Training • Effective Listing

22. Ice Breaker (examples) Introduce yourself Lead Pledge of Allegiance Lead Chapter Creed Impromptu two to five minute speech on a topic given a few minutes in advance Report (examples) report on an upcoming or completed project officer report committee report Prepared Presentation this is a four to six minute prepared speech; participant chooses topic Competitions four to six minute prepared speech on a given topic held at Massachusetts State Meetings and at National Convention Internal – Personal Enrichment: Effective Speaking

23. Goals Write personal or local chapter officer goals, and your plans for achieving them Letters Write a letter or memorandum of at least 100 words Articles Write an article for your chapter or state newsletter, or the local newspaper Extended Writing Write an essay or short story of at least 300 words Should be critiqued by a Woman of Today member or individual outside the organization Competitions National: 600-800 words on a given topic State: 600-800 words on a given topic Internal – Personal Enrichment: Effective Writing

24. Internal – Personal Enrichment (PE) Team Building, Leadership Training and Effective Listening • Special exercises are offered in these areas by qualified chapter or state members • Exercises run at least thirty minutes • The names of members who have completed an exercise session are submitted to the State Individual Program Manager for official certification in the respective area

25. Internal – Focus on Women (FOW) • Program is designed to inform, educate and update members on a wide variety of contemporary issues and topics of concern to women • Topics • Health and Personal Concerns • Women's Issues • Careers and Economics • American Involvement • Chapters can create programs, bring in speakers, give short presentations, etc. • Participation in these efforts is recognized through a certification process • Essay Competition • 800-1200 words on a given FOW topic • held at National Convention

26. Health and Personal Concerns Present/assist in a health program Attend/present a self-improvement seminar Certify in CPR Have a physical or breast self-examination Other approved activity Women's Issues Present a program on Women in History Compete in a Focus on Women essay contest Be a member of another organization Attend an event honoring outstanding women. Other approved activity Careers and Economics Attend a continuing education , vocational or college class Organize/present a careers or economics program Attend a seminar on wills or update your will Read an article related to this area Other approved activity American Involvement Be registered and vote Attend a meeting of a governing agency (i.e. school board, city council, etc.) Participate in a program that improves your community. (i.e., recycling, conservation) Present a forum on an aspect of US government structure Other approved activity Internal – Focus on Women (FOW) Certification Complete a requirement in each of the four areas plus one additional

27. Internal - Chaplain • Program is designed to promote family involvement and the spiritual enrichment of our members • Chapters can create programs, visit nursing homes, help at homeless shelters, etc • Sympathy and Get Well cards can be sent to those in need. • Activities do not have to be done solely through Women of Today but may be accomplished via other organizations or in the home • Participation in these efforts is recognized through a certification process

28. Family Life ( complete two) Attend a program/forum on family life Participate in a family- oriented activity held by your chapter Participate in Family Week Read a book dealing with family issues/relationships Participate in a special family event, i.e. birthday, family reunion, weekend camping, vacation Compile a family tree; talk with older relatives to gather materials Participate in a “safety-related” event (i.e. fire drill, home safety check) Participate in “family night” (playing games, talking-NO TV). View a film as a family and discuss it Other approved activity Spiritual Enrichment ( complete two) Attend a fellowship service at state convention Participate in a prayer chain, attend a Christmas caroling event, or keep a daily journal Participate/attend a project that is run by a church Attend a spiritually orientated program/project Read a book on a religion or spiritual leader (i.e. Jessie Jackson, Billy Graham etc.). Visit a nursing home, hospital or shut-in Donate to or help at a local homeless shelter, crisis nursery, or women’s shelter Other approved activity Internal – Chaplain Certification

29. Internal – S.T.E.P. (Success Through Enthusiastic Participation) • The STEP programs are tools used to promote growth and activation of members. Participation in these efforts is recognized through a certification process. • STEP I • Familiarizes the new member with local, district and state activities • Must be completed within the first 90 days of membership • STEP II • Member becomes activated in the local, district, regional, and state levels. • Must be a member for l2 months or less • Competitions exist at this level • STEP III • Allows continued activation in the various levels of our organization • Must be a member for longer than one year or must be any person in good standing that leaves the organization for any length of time and then rejoins the organization at a later date • Can complete once each year • Competitions exist at this level

30. Mandatory Requirements Attend a local or personal orientation Attend three (3) Women of Today meetings (two local and one other). (1 or 2) General membership or local board meetings Visit another chapter State executive committee meeting District, regional, or state meeting Local chapter project committee meeting Chapter social Participate in one local Women of Today project Optional Requirements (complete one) Originate a project for the local chapter Be a member of a committee Complete the first step of Effective Speaking (ice breaker). Bring a prospective member to a meeting Certify in a Personal Enrichment Program (Effective Writing, Effective Speaking, Leadership, Effective Listening, or Team Building ) Know and recite state creed Internal – STEP I Certification

31. Mandatory requirements Know and recite the USWT Creed Sign a new member Certify in a Personal Enrichment Program (Effective Writing, Effective Speaking, Leadership, Effective Listening, or Team Building ) Serve as a project chairperson or co-chairperson Attend an orientation program or personal orientation Participate in an activity determined by the local chapter Optional Requirements (complete 8) Attend a state or national business meeting Give a report at a meeting Present a complete outline for a new project Write an article for newsletter or local paper Present or participate in a program for a local meeting Participate on an extension team Bring a prospective member to a Women of Today activity Participate in a state or national project Serve as a local officer or standing committee chairperson 6 other unlisted activities Internal – STEP II Certification

32. Mandatory Requirements Know and recite the USWT Creed Sign a new member Certify in a Personal Enrichment Program (Effective Writing, Effective Speaking, Leadership, Effective Listening, or Team Building ) Serve as a local officer, committee chairperson, or co-chairperson Attend another Women of Today meeting other than the local chapter meeting. Participate in an activity determined by the local chapter Optional Requirements (complete 11) Assist in re-activating and retaining a current member Participate in a USWT external area Participate in a presentation of an orientation program Participate in a Focus on Women activity Attend a USWT Midyear Meeting or National Convention Serve as a speaker at a non-Women of Today meeting in support of the Women of Todayorganization Serve as a state or national officer or committee member 12 other unlisted activities Internal – STEP III Certification

33. STEP II Complete STEP II Certification Get Letter of Recommendation Create STEP II resume- emphasis mainly on chapter involvement ( 3 page Max) List Personal Data List type and number of all meetings attended ( chapter, state, national, etc).Indicate extent of participation. List all project participation List all other areas of involvement by entrant (committees, officer positions held, membership recruitment,certifications, visitations, etc.) Give 4 copies of everything to Chapter STEP Program Manager along with entry fee. He/she will give to State ID PM to record and forward on to USWT STEP PM STEP III Complete STEP III Certification between May 1 and April 30 Get Letter of Recommendation Create STEP III resume – equal emphasis on Chapter & State involvement (10 page Max) List Personal Data List type and number of all meetings attended ( chapter, state, national, etc). Indicate extent of involvement List any offices or standing chairmanships held. Indicate duties and responsibilities List all project participation/extent of involvement Indicate any other involvement (extensions, membership recruitment, joint work with other chapters, certifications, forums, visitations…) Give 4 copies of everything and entry fee to Chapter STEP PM. He/she will give to State ID PM to forward to USWT STEP PM Must be present for oral interview at National Annual Convention in June Internal – STEP II & III Competitions

34. Nominated Awards Ambassador Award - highest award a member can receive. Must be a member 5 years. Get plaque and pin. Outstanding Local and State Officers US Presidential Pin - recognizes outstanding contributions and leadership Programming Awards All American Chapter - planned and accomplished a well-rounded program of projects and activities in a year Outstanding Achievement In Programming - members who participate in all areas of programming offered by USWT during the year Membership Awards 100% Retention - no member resigned during quarter Year End Growth – got new members Eileen Murray State Officer of the Year Award –Eileen helped to found the Massachusetts Women of Today. She is still an active member and this award recognizes an officer who demonstrates dedication and commitment to the Women of Today Awards & Honors Sampler State National Chelmsford Chapter • Woman of the Quarter/Year Award – eligible after 18 months of membership • Officer of the Quarter/Year Award – no membership time requirements • Rookie of the Quarter/Year Award - eligible during first 18 months of membership

35. ETC….. • Parliamentary rules govern all meetings • Emailed state newsletters as well as documents found on the national Web site are stored in Adobe Acrobat File Format (pdf). To view these documents you will need to download a reader from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html • If some activity requires a form to fill out, contact your chapter officers first. Most state and national forms are now kept by the chapters and don’t need to be mailed to State and National officers even when the form says to mail them. Basic form data is sent by chapter officers to the proper State or National officers via email.

36. NO PRESSURE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY ACTIVITY IF YOU DON’T WANT TO!!!! MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING ATTENDENCE IS NOT MANDATORY. YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE WITHOUT EVER LEAVING HOME. (MAKE PHONE CALLS, BAKE FOR BLOOD DRIVES, WRITE NEWS ARTICLES, ETC) WE HAVE MEMBERS WHO ONLY SHOW UP FOR ONE ACTIVITY A YEAR!! WE OFFER CHOICES NOT OBLIGATIONS!!

37. Credits • Author – Iva Mooney – 2004-2005 Chelmsford Chapter Membership VP and Chairman of the Board • Co-Author - Cheryl Hopkins– 2004-2005 Massachusetts Individual Development Programming Manager • Editors • Marcia Allison – 2004-2005 Chelmsford Chapter President • Reviewers • Kathy Simmons - 2004-2005 Massachusetts State Foundation PM and Chelmsford Chapter Treasurer • Becky Fleming (Easton) - 2004-2005 Massachusetts Chairman of the Board