New Member Orientation

1. New Member Orientation

2. Logistics • Restrooms/Emergency plans • Handouts – Board members can return at the end of the session • Time for networking at the end of the event • Survey will be sent for feedback

3. MDWA Collect History The BPW Collect History • The Collect was written by Mary Stewart, in 1904, as a prayer for the day, not for any particular person or group. She published it as a ‘Collect for Club Women’ because she felt that women working together with wide interests toward important ends was new, and that a special meditation of their own would give them a sense of unity. The Collect was soon adopted among working women throughout the world. • The first printing of the Collect was an obscure paragraph in a column of club notes in the Delineator. Copies were later printed locally. In 1909, Paul Elder and Company, San Francisco, printed it as a wall card, and it has since been printed in many other forms and in many other publications around the world. • Mary Stewart, who until 1910 signed the Collect with her pen name, “Mary Stuart”, remained involved in BPW until her death in 1943. • The Collect was officially adopted by National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs meeting at their second convention in 1920, in St. Paul. It was read into the printed records of the Congress of the United States by Senator Tobey of New Hampshire, at the closing session in 1949.

4. MDWA Collect History The Collect Keep us, O God, from pettiness; let us be large in thought, in word, in deed. Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking. May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face — without self-pity and without prejudice. May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous. Let us take time for all things; make us to grow calm, serene, gentle. Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straightforward and unafraid. Grant that we may realize it is the little things that create differences, that in the big things of life we are at one. And may we strive to touch and to know the great common human heart of us all, and, O Lord God, let us forget not to be kind! — Mary Stewart, April 1904

5. MDWA Mission Statement The mission of Mid-Day Women’s Alliance shall be to promote equity for all women and to develop their potential through networking, advocacy, mentoring, education and skills-building. About Us Mid-Day Women’s Alliance (MDWA) is a Fox Cities-based group of professionally minded women who support and encourage one another. Now more than ever, women are faced with a myriad of professional and personal challenges. MDWA offers an abundance of opportunities to help strengthen your ability to navigate successfullythrough these challenges. Additionally, enrichment through friendships which naturally develop among members is a common outgrowth from getting involved. Developing your unique potential is just the beginning of what MDWA has to offer you through “NAMES” • Networking • Advocacy • Mentoring • Education • Skill Building We offer a variety of events and engagement opportunities including: • Monthly Meetings • Mentoring Program • Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Workshops • Fundraisers, like our Black & Pink Ball, supporting local non-profits Membership is open to all women and is required for participation in certain programs and events.

6. MDWA Membership Why become a member of Mid-Day Women’s Alliance? In addition to joining a powerful movement aimed at making a difference in women’s lives, membership offers numerous benefits.  Highlights include: • Access to the MDWA Mentoring Program as a mentee or a mentor • Opportunity to promote your business at meetings, events, and online via the Women’s Business Directory • MDWA Toastmasters group with opportunity for cost reimbursement • Reduced fees for meetings and events About Mid-Day Women’s Alliance Mid-Day Women’s Alliance (MDWA) is a non-profit 501(c)6 organization committed to supporting its members and women in the Fox Cities region.   With members from a variety of backgrounds including: and everything in-between, MDWA provides a welcoming environment for all women who desire personal growth and development. Women are drawn to MDWA for a variety of reasons.  With the common theme of women supporting women, our events are designed to provide an array of activities that enhance each woman’s desire for expansion and empowerment.

7. Meetings Mid-Day Women’s Alliance members and guests meet the third Wednesday of the month. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. with the lunch program from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. Online Registration and Pre-Payment Policy Registration is done online through our website. • Early-bird online registration will be available until midnight on Thursday night prior to the members meeting at discounted registration fees. • Regular rates will apply to online registrations until midnight on Tuesday night prior to the members meeting. • After that time, only walk-in registration will be available. To ensure your seat is reserved and your meal is provided on time, please register online. Members and guests can register for the luncheons directly on our website: https://middaywomensalliance.wildapricot.org/events or through the registration links provided in emails you may receive. Payment is required at the time of registration. Those who are not preregistered may not receive the same meal as those who have preregistered. At the time of registration, you will be given the choice to preorder a Regular, Gluten Free, or Vegetarian meal.

8. Financial Hardship Assistance • We have established a reduced/subsidized membership fee for those with financial need. The reduced membership fee would only be effective for one fiscal year and won’t automatically renew. This reduced membership fee is $60 per year, not to be prorated, and includes any benefits and discounts provided to all members. • The following requirements would need to be met in order to receive the membership fee subsidy: • Provide an explanation in writing (one paragraph) as a letter to the VPs of Membership to explain why you need this reduced membership fee. • Actively participate in Mid-Day in some way as a board or committee member. Indicate in your letter to the VPs of Membership what you expect to do. • Introduce Mid-Day to three people by having them each attend at least one meeting.

9. Financial Benefits and Perks of belongingto Mid-Day Women’s Alliance WILD (Women In Leadership Development) MDWA provides 4 leadership workshops each year on leadership and professional development. Attendance to these workshops is included in the annual dues to MDWA. $25/workshop waiver Total Benefit: $100 Monthly Meetings Members receive a discounted fee when registered at least 2 days before our general meeting. $5/month savings Total Benefit: $60 Toastmasters MDWA has its own Toastmasters International Chapter to empower our members to achieve their full potential by improving their communication and leadership skills. Members have the opportunity to earn reimbursement of their first year’s dues to Toastmasters by finishing the initial Toastmaster’s book within their first year. Members can attend the State Convention for free. $90/year Total Benefit: $90 FUSION Event MDWA is a co-sponsor, with 20+ other organizations and companies, of this outstanding event that focuses on enhancing the potential of Fox Cities area women. The national speakers are always excellent and inspiring! The public has the ability to get tickets through MDWA sponsorship. Members receive a $5 savings on the ticket price. Priceless Total Benefit: Priceless / $5 Mentoring Program MDWA members have the privilege of participating in our mentoring program. Mentees are matched with a mentor who has skills and experience in selected areas for focused discussion and support. Priceless Total Benefit: Priceless

10. Financial Benefits and Perks of belongingto Mid-Day Women’s Alliance

11. History of MDWA Please refer to your handouts for: • Historical timeline • Written summary of historical highlights

12. 2014-15 MDWA Legislative PlatformStill valid for current year Mission Statement of MDWA • The mission of Mid-Day Women’s Alliance shall be to promote equity for all women* and to develop their potential through advocacy, mentoring, networking, skill building and education. Mission of Legislation Program • To advance equity for all women, the mission of MDWA’s Legislation program is to identify and take action on legislation consistent with our platform: pay equity, equal opportunities for women in the workplace and schools, women’s health issues, and ending all violence and acts of discrimination against women in accordance with the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of all Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) . Preamble • Because fundamental law is embodied in our governmental constitution and all statutory rights are derived from the U.S. Constitution, support of the Alice Paul Equal Rights Amendment and the UN-CEDAW, shall stand first and foremost above all other items which may appear on the Legislative Platform until equal rights for all citizens are constitutionally guaranteed. Purpose • Mid-Day Women's Alliance supports the right of women to develop to their fullest potential and encourages responsible political involvement at every level of government. *The term ”women” is used to refer to females of any and all ages

13. MDWA Legislative Platform Action Items ITEM 1: Support initiatives to bring about equality for women in all areas of employment including achieving pay equity and the elimination of gender discrimination. ITEM 2: Support comprehensive health care for all women including research, funding, and access to preventative health measures, reproductive health and equitable insurance coverage. ITEM 3: Support access to affordable dependent care as a prerequisite for women’s employment and economic development. ITEM 4: Support and encourage equal opportunities for women in education at all levels and in all areas of study. ITEM 5: Support initiatives to end all acts of violence against women (including children), including but not limited to: domestic violence, sexual violence and human rights trafficking. ITEM 6: Support initiatives to strengthen economic security for all women in Wisconsin based on the Wisconsin Elder Security Index.

14. MDWA Website Tour https://middaywomensalliance.wildapricot.org/ • List of Board Members • Current Events Other sections of interest: • Committees • Programs • Past Presidents • Blog – please subscribe! • Member Directory • Women First Business Directory

15. Thank you for attending!! Questions? Networking Time Watch for survey email