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The goal of the membership committee is to ensure all Island Women members feel welcome. In addition to greeting new members at the door and providing name tags at general meetings, the committee, which is run by co-chairs, June Martin and Debbie Scott, accepts new member payments and drops off an Island Women reusable bag shortly after new members join. Flamingo flocking is also performed by committee members. “It’s our way of publicly showing new members they are welcome,” said June.

Connecting new members with mentors is another important part of the membership committee. Any Island Women member can be a mentor and are encouraged to sign up for this volunteer opportunity. The process is simple, explained Cathy Turner, a long-time committee member. She has been mentoring new members for years.

Once she receives word that a new member wants a mentor, “I reach out with an email within 24 hours.” She usually invites them to lunch and offers to pick them up. Some take her up on that, some don’t. During that meeting, she says, “we get to know each other, and I talk about the organization and the different committees. I make sure they know how to get into the system, and how to volunteer. If they don’t have a photo on the website, I may even take the photo.” Often Cathy finds the women she meets are computer savvy and have already signed up to volunteer for something. “Then I offer to take them to their first meeting, so they don’t have to walk in cold.”  Cathy stays in touch after so they can contact her if they have any questions.

Recently, Cathy mentored Beth Wrobel who moved to Carolina Beach from Indiana.  When Cathy learned Beth was a widow, she knew they had that in common. Once they met, the two learned they shared a lot more. “When we met, Beth told me she worked for an FQHC [Federally Qualified Health Center]. My husband was CEO of an FQHC for almost 20 years. That broke the ice. Then we learned we’re both foodies. I introduced her to my widow’s group. She’s bubbly, a nice person, and easy to talk to. I now consider her a good friend.”

Sometimes people say they want a mentor, but don’t follow up when Cathy reaches out. “People are busy. I’ll try reaching out 2 or 3 times. If we don’t connect, that’s ok.”

Membership committee members include co-chairs, June Martin and Debbie Scott. Members include Jody O’Dell, Joan Turner, Beth Wrobel, Cathy Chester, Debbe Geiger, Vickie Jagger, Tammy Neeb, Gail Smyth, Debra Sparks, and Cathy Turner.

If you’d like to join the committee, the next meeting is 4:30 pm to 5:30 on August 5 at the Seagrove clubhouse.