We are thrilled to share that we have 379 members for 2022! In addition to the 312 Girlfriends who renewed, 67 new Girlfriends decided to join us. Welcome to all of you! (Although this number is smaller than last year, don’t be dismayed. Women’s giving circles have retracted a little bit nationally over the past year as a result of COVID and our model is to make the biggest impact we have with whatever number of Girlfriends join us in any given year.)

Until I joined the membership committee, I admit I took membership for granted. I loved learning about our impact partners, about philanthropy and about myself by participating on a GRT, in a spotlight study team, and helping with member education. I loved telling the stories about how we are supporting our communities. What I lost sight of was that without robust membership, none of that would be possible. And membership is a team activity.

As I step aside after two years of leading membership to venture into new adventures within ninety-nine girlfriends, I’d like to make a few call-outs. To the amazing Sara Daley who hosted her own recruiting event that led to a lot of new members. To the wonderful Lori Rux and Ann Dodds who tirelessly go to the PO Box to collect checks, help members resolve issues with paying and renewing, and maintain our very important database. And to Tammy Wilhoite, who essentially stepped up to be my co-chair on top of everything else she is doing with ninety-nine girlfriends.

If you have any interest in volunteering on the Membership Committee, please let us know!

Kaye