NEBRASKA WOMEN OF TODAY

EXTENSIONS

 

 

An Extension is the process by which we establish a Women of Today chapter in a community which did not previously have one.  If done with proper planning and attitude, working on an extension can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your Women of Today career.  IT IS EXCITING AND SATISFYING TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF GIVING A NEW COMMUNITY THE BENEFIT OF HAVING A WOMEN OF TODAY CHAPTER.  An Extension Manual is available.  PLEASE ask for one if your chapter is interested in doing an extension.

 

One requirement is mandatory though before you even consider doing an EXTENSION......YOU MUST BELIEVE IN WOMEN OF TODAY YOURSELF BEFORE YOU CAN SELL THE ORGANIZATION TO A NEW COMMUNITY.  Be enthusiastic.  Come to the extension meetings well-prepared and willing to share the Women of Today opportunity with others.  As the new chapter is formed, you will feel great pride in having been a part of enabling yet another community to benefit from the leadership training and community service which the Women of Today organization provides.

 

Remember, you are extending opportunities......Opportunities that you and I have had the good fortune of experiencing.

 

Extending a new chapter in a community is a sure way to add ideas, abilities, friendships and womanpower to the Nebraska Women of Today.  A successfully completed extension is rewarding and exciting, and brings long-term benefits.  It is well worth the effort required.

 

A pre-requisite to starting an extension is that you have the support of your chapter, with a commitment to stand behind the chapter for at least one year and willingness to assist them in any way.  Then an extension committee of 3-4 members should go in and make the actual extension.  The Extension Manual gives step-by-step-guidelines to assist you.

 

Here I'd like to offer suggestions on what is possibly the most difficult step in an extension:  making the initial contacts in the community.  The goal is to contact as many women age 18 on up as possible.  It is ideal to obtain the help of several women in the community who are interested and willing to help you make these contacts.

 

 

So, where do you start?  There are many possibilities:

• Do you know anyone in the community who would give you a list of names?  Tell them that you are from the ____________ chapter, are excited about what the Women of Today has done for you and your community, and would like to have a meeting to see if they are interested in starting a chapter--would you like to help?  (Stress:  this meeting is strictly informational, with no obligation, variety of interests, abilities, education, careers, etc. is encouraged).

• If you don't have a personal contact, try the banker, the Avon lady, a beautician, the school secretary or administrators, the hospital administrator for names.  Use the same approach as above.

• Try door-knocking.  Notice children's play equipment, tricycles, etc. as a possible indication of the age group.

 

Once you have made many contacts yourself, or engaged the assistance of an interested woman in the community who is willing to make many contacts, it is also helpful to place a brief notice in the newspaper and place posters in obvious places to publicize the informational meeting.  NOTHING IS AS EFFECTIVE AS PERSONAL CONTACT IN AROUSING INTEREST!!!!

 

At the information meeting, go prepared!  See the Extension Manual for ideas on what to include.  Inform them of the basics of our organization, but don't overwhelm them.  Allow them to ask questions.  The most important factor is that you be positive and enthused.  If a handful of people show up, arrange for a second meeting.  Try to complete the extension in 1-2 months.

 

It is natural for an interested group to fear the responsibility and commitment of forming a chapter.  This is where your commitment to them is so important as an assurance that they will always have support, whether from your chapter, your regional director or the state officers.

 

EXTENSION FORMULA

1.      Organize your committee.

2.      Select the community.

3.      Organize the new group.

4.      Follow up with training.

 

Extensions are not hard, getting started is the hardest step.

 

 

WHY YOU SHOULD EXTEND

1.      Members learn about Women of Today while promoting it to others.

2.      It is one of the best leadership training projects you can adopt.

3.      State recognition.

4.      Self-satisfaction of your members.

5.      Makes your chapter stronger.

         a.   Internal unity and builds better members.

         b.   Builds a stronger state organization.

6.      They are your responsibility.  Remember, someone took the time to
         organize your chapter.

 

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED..........Make sure you have the following:

 

________ LETTER OF INTENT  (Needs to be sent to Membership Vice President prior to first meeting)

________ FORMS

                  1.      Add and Change Form

                  2.      Sample Constitution

________ EXTENSION MANUAL

________ CHARTER PACKET

________ FEES

                  1.      $5.00 Charter Fee

                  2.      Mailing Fee (if extended 1st quarter - $30.00;  2nd quarter-$20.00;
         3rd quarter-$15.00; 4th quarter-$10.00)

 

All forms are available from Membership Vice President.  Call if you need some.  Send ALL completed forms and fees to State Treasurer.