Convention – Connections Café Conversation

Conversation Topic: Connecting & Engaging with Younger Members

Maybe reframe definition of “young woman” to one who is 10 years younger than you.

For younger members, try to do inexpensive socials that are no cost or low cost.

Avoids lots of planning and RSVPs.

Ideas for Socials:

Go to a coffee shop, with P.E.O. Sisters and their friends.

Find local farmers’ market and invite folks to meet there.

Go on a hike -- meet in the parking lot.

Bridge, movie, and lunch groups (open to all, including guests, of course).

Get to know chapters in your area ... tap into other chapters' socials ... visit them.

Wine tasting.

Flash Socials:

Have a happy hour at a bar every 5th Monday. Invite guests to meet there.

Have a 4th Wednesday lunch. No RSVP -- just meet at restaurant!

Fifth Friday lunches, birthday lunch/coffees once a month, impromptu get togethers.  

 

Creative meeting times

-   Our chapter is half day and half evening

-   We meet half a year in evenings and half a year on Saturday mornings.

-   One chapter meets Saturday afternoons in the winter (Calgary…cold winters).

-   One chapter meets during the summer; Saturday morning meetings in winter.

-   The easy way to try other meeting times is just do a 'trial' period with a vote, then if it works change the bylaws the next year.

-   We are primarily an evening chapter but have incorporated Saturday morning meetings.

-   One chapter has three different meeting times. Early morning for those that get to work between 9 & 10, mid-day for stay-at-home moms and older women and finally early evening for working women who get away around 5. Every meeting has different members present but they are all active!

Make sure your meetings are an hour or less.

My chapter motto is “Come as you are; come when you can.”

We have modified in person meetings with small individually wrapped snacks as opposed to full spread of “goodies.” We have NO dress code except it is important to at least dress respectfully.

Our motto is come as you are. On Saturday mornings that could be PJs, yoga pants, and shorts in the summer.  We even had a Pajama party at one meeting! 

Women you could invite for a social:

Scholarship candidates for last 10 years.

Mothers of STAR candidates.

Candidates for scholarships who might need an ELF loan for grad school.

Candidates’ mothers—especially STAR Nominees.

We match a new member with a mentor so there's always someone she can call on. Easier to keep the connection through the rougher times, and then the new members are more likely to come back.

A group of 4 sisters who mentors our newest member. We call ourselves her posse!

One chapter puts sisters’ employers and their professions in their yearbooks (great for connecting and networking for future jobs).