WOMAN'S
WOMEN
GROUPS
IDEAS FOR A WOMEN'S GROUP
HOW TO START A WOMEN'S SUPPORT GROUP
HOW TO START A NON-PROFIT WOMEN'S ORGANIZATION
WOMEN'S GROUP HOW TO
WOMEN'S GROUP LINKS
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SECTION 1
IDEAS
FOR
A
WOMEN'S
GROUP
Women's groups can range from non-profit
organizations created to help people in
need to casual book clubs that meet once
a month. Some women just enjoy spending
time with other women, while some join
these groups to get a break from their
ongoing roles of wife and mother. Still
others join because they enjoy the
conversation and activities.
Casual Escape
Some women's groups are formed casually as
a reason to get out of the house and spend
time with friends. These groups are very
informal, usually consisting of a group of
women who want to get together once or
twice a month. The members might take turns
choosing an activity, such as a movie,
dinner out, shopping or a day at the spa.
Clubs
A large majority of women's groups are
clubs that focus on learning a new skill
or studying a specific topic. These groups
usually meet once a week and center around
such things as knitting, investments or
books. Bible studies are another common
focus of women's groups.
Philanthropists
Some women's groups are formed specifically
to help others. For example, a lot of
churches have women's groups designed to
help in certain areas, such as cooking for
a family when a new baby arrives or raising
money for a family in need. Some of these
groups work in partnership with city agencies
designed to help families in trouble. The
women's groups might identify families and
refer them to the city agencies that can help
them, or they may arrange for child care so
a mother can find a job or escape an abusive
situation.
Ideas for a Women's Group
http://www.ehow.com/way_5229165_ideas-women_s-group.html#ixzz1SiYrtAUb
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SECTION 2
HOW
TO
START
A
WOMEN'S
SUPPORT
GROUP
A women's support group is an ideal way for
a group of women to help one another through
a trying time. The topic of your support
group must be something that other people can
relate to, and it should be something important
to you or you won't give the group the TLC it
needs to function.
As you learn how to start a women's support group,
you'll discover ways to build trust among the
group so the women feel open to share their feelings
and ultimately find healing.
1. Determine your niche.
Support groups work because it's an intimate
setting where women can talk about a specific
issue. If you have a bunch of women in the
room with nothing in common, it's hard to find
support. However, knowing that you all have
something in common increases the chances of a
woman plugging into your group.
2. Find a neutral location.
Church halls and community rooms make great
locations for a women's support group. Some
women may feel intimidated to attend a meeting
at a coffee house, because it's too public, or
at a home, because it's too intimate. However,
a neutral location provides a wonderful backdrop
for women to open up.
3. Invite people to come to your first meeting.
You can control who comes to your first meeting
by inviting everyone, or you can allow each
invitee to bring a friend.
4. Keep the first meeting for women only.
Even if your support group deals with sensitive
issues that might affect a husband, many women
feel uneasy talking about their problems in
front of other men. As the group progresses,
if the group feels there is a place for men to
participate, you can always change the rules
later. However, in the beginning, protect
privacy and encourage support by keeping the
group female.
5. Welcome people as they arrive.
Walking into a support group is intimidating
for some women, but a greeting by a warm,
friendly face can make a big difference. You
should also direct women to the seats and
inform them of any refreshments available to
help them acclimate to the environment.
6. Run the meeting.
When you run your own women's support group,
you should start on time, end on time and
always stress the importance of confidentiality.
Not only will you not share personal information
learned during the group, but you should encourage
all of the women to keep that information
confidential as well. To provide a formal focus
to the evening, you might consider bringing in a
guest speaker.
7. Cap the group at 12 women.
If more than 12 women are involved, it's more
likely that women will become overwhelmed and
blend in without finding the support they need.
How to Start a Women's Support Group
http://www.ehow.com/how_5491458_start-womens-support-group.html#ixzz1Sia2gH84
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SECTION 3
HOW
TO
START
A
NON-PROFIT
WOMEN'S
ORGANIZATION
If you have a passion for women's causes, you
may be able to combine your special interest
with a rewarding career. By starting a
nonprofit women's organization, you can use
volunteers, donations, grant money and your
dedication to make a real difference in
women's lives. But before plunging in, you
will need to research your idea and make
some solid plans.
1. Think your idea through, and do your research.
Just because it's a good idea doesn't mean it
will automatically be successful. There are more
than 1.4 million nonprofit organizations in the
United States, and many of those are for women.
Check for competition from other nonprofits for
women in your community. Get guidance from women's
groups, both profit and nonprofit, already in
existence.
2. Write a solid plan. An idea to start a dress-
for-success closet for abused women is laudable,
but you've got to run it like a business. A well-
written business plan outlining the nonprofit's
mission statement, fundraising ideas and marketing
efforts will impress volunteers, donors and the
government, and will bring in dollars and even more
volunteers.
3. File formal articles of incorporation with your
state to set up your nonprofit for women. You will
have to choose a name that is not already taken.
Some states require that a board of directors or
officers be appointed before incorporation. You can
find the information on how to file on your state's
Secretary of State website.
4. Apply to the IRS for status as a nonprofit.
A 501(c)(3) is the name for organizations and
businesses the IRS recognizes as tax-exempt
corporations. You are required to file IRS Form
1023 within 27 months of being incorporated by
your state.
5. Find volunteers who are interested in your cause.
Women's groups at churches, other nonprofits for
women, PTA groups and government offices that offer
services especially for women are good places to
start. A nonprofit needs dedicated volunteers to
raise funds and take care of all the big and little
chores associated with running it.
6. Start fundraising. It takes serious money to keep
a nonprofit going. While you should get a substantial
amount from interested donors and fundraising events,
it's a good idea to apply for grant money from the
federal government. When writing a grant, clearly
state your idea and how the project will affect the
women in your community. Hire a professional grant
writer if you can.
How to Start a Non-Profit Women's Organization.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4962514_start-nonprofit-womens-organization.html
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SECTION 4
WOMEN'S
GROUP
HOW
TO
Federal Grants for Women's Groups
http://www.ehow.com/list_6794793_federal-grants-women_s-groups.html
How to Create A Women's Group Online
http://www.ehow.com/how_2175306_womens-group-online.html
How to Run a Women's Business Organization
http://www.ehow.com/how_5928489_run-women_s-business-organization.html
How to Start a Non-Profit Women's Organization
http://www.ehow.com/how_4962514_start-nonprofit-womens-organization.html
How to Start a Women's Social Club
http://www.ehow.com/how_4604994_start-womens-social-club.html
Ideas for a Women's Group
http://www.ehow.com/way_5229165_ideas-women_s-group.html
List of Groups and Activities for Single Women
http://www.ehow.com/list_6376401_list-groups-activities-single-women.html
NonProfit Startup Center
http://www.CharityNetUSA.com
Support Group Activities for Women
http://www.ehow.com/info_7949771_support-group-activities-women.html
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SECTION 5
WOMEN'S
GROUP
LINKS
Global Fund for Women
http://www.globalfundforwomen.org /
Global List of Women's Organisations
http://www.distel.ca/womlist/womlist.html
Information for Women's Groups - Global Fund for Women
http://www.globalfundforwomen.org / apply-for-a-grant / information-for-womens-groups
National Council of Women's Organizations
http://www.womensorganizations.org/
National Organization for Women (NOW)
http://www.now.org/
Professional Women's Group Program
http://www.dressforsuccess.org/whatwedo_pwgprogram.aspx
Social Networking For Women
http://www.braveheartwomen.com/
US Women Connect
http://www.uswc.org/
Womens Groups
http://www.main.org/women.php
Women's Group Partners
http://www.care.org/partnerships/groups.asp
Women Traveling Together
http://www.women-traveling.com/
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