Get Involved
Eco-minded women taking it local! Imagine a group of women/trans/femm-identifying individuals who share your concerns for the world around them and want to work together to learn, build leadership skills, and meet new friends. Imagine a space where you can help protect the environment by networking with peers, rubbing elbows with big shots, or exploring the outdoors—all in the company of strong, supportive women/trans/femm-identifying people.
Get Involved with EcoWomen by joining your local chapter. We have three active chapters nationwide and continue to grow. Learn more about each chapter, sign up to get their notifications, and find out how you can get involved:
EcoWomen activities may vary by chapter, but here are some common chapter events:
EcoHour Speaker Series
These chapter gatherings feature women/trans/femm-identifying individuals who are the mavericks, influential voices and leaders of today and the future. Speaker events provide an opportunity to learn from successful women/trans/femm-identifying people in the environmental field and to connect with other EcoWomen in your city. Learn more about the remarkable women/trans/femm-identifying people who have shared their experiences with EcoWomen chapters.
Ongoing and Special Events
These events geared toward bringing eco-minded women/trans/femm-identifying individuals together to learn, discuss, network and have fun! These events focus on environmental topics and offer opportunities for film enthusiasts, potluck chefs extraordinaire, eco-parents, book worms and outdoor adventurers to network and socialize in a fun and eco-oriented manner.
Workshops
Our chapters offer professional development workshops focused on helping women/trans/femm-identifying people develop the skills to succeed in the workplace. Past workshops include: The Art of Salary Negotiation, Successful Resume Writing, Mastering Public Speaking and Smart Financial Planning.
Networking
EcoWomen helps connect you with women/trans/femm-identifying people in your local chapter both professionally and personally. Chapter events offer the opportunity to network and socialize in person, while listservs and social media allow you to connect online.
EcoWomen is entirely volunteer run. Each local chapter has their own Board of Directors that organize local events. If you want to get more involved, you can apply to join the National Board of Directors or a Chapter Board.
Start a Local EcoWomen Chapter
EcoWomen is looking for women/trans/femm-identifying individuals like you. EcoWomen Chapters are led and shaped by women/trans/femm-identifying individuals in cities across the United States. Chapters organize events for women/trans/femm-identifying people such as skill-building workshops, volunteer projects and educational outdoor adventures. An EcoWomen Chapter is intended to provide professional and personal growth opportunities, as well as foster communications and networking among members.
If you don't have a local EcoWomen chapter in your area, you can start your own! Are you interested in starting a new chapter? Email chapters@ecowomen.org. You can also started by complete this Chapter Interest Form!
Chapters are all-volunteer organizations consisting of at least three women/trans/femm-identifying people. They maintain a close relationship with the National Board of Directors and uphold EcoWomen’s vision, mission, and core values. We’ll provide you with everything you need to get started, including:
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Tips and tricks for event-planning
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Connections in your local area
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Ideas for activities and events
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Communication support for your website and listserv
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Advice on growing your Chapter
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Assistance in financial and operational management
You don’t need to be the CEO of the Sierra Club or have a PhD in forestry to start an EcoWomen Chapter. You just need a little time, a little energy, and a lot of passion. Find a couple of friends, colleagues, or enviro-acquaintances, and you’re halfway there!
You’ll meet wonderful people as you form a community of women/trans/femm-identifying people, support one another, learn from each other, and grow together. You can expect to receive tips and support from the National Board—and you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun!
Elements of a Successful Chapter
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Positive attitude that fosters open and respectful communication
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A clear mission and purpose supporting EcoWomen
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Effective outreach to your community
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Diversity in Chapter events, activities, and membership
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Commitment to providing networking and professional opportunities and to building the leadership skills of women in your community
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Leadership that demonstrates a positive, strong commitment to the environment and women’s issues
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Readiness to share responsibilities and leadership roles
Steps to Start a Chapter
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Complete the Chapter Interest Form. We will send you a welcome packet, help you plan your first event, and connect you with any other women in your area we know.
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Contact your friends, colleagues, neighbors, and others who might be interested in participating and hold a planning meeting.
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Plan a SIMPLE first event. Organize people you know, send out an email or evite, and if it’s all friends, that’s OK! That’s how these things grow.
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Submit your application for a Chapter charter to the National Board of Directors. You’ll find application information in your welcome packet.