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Mission: Women Like Us Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring, empowering and mentoring women and girls to make a difference globally and locally.

Goals: Our mission is accomplished in a number of ways, including implementing Women Like Us Afternoon Tea and Inspirational Speakers Series, raising funds for sustainable global projects, supporting women to start their own WLU Chapters, offering short-term humanitarian trips, and through a mentoring programs for women and girls.

What is a WLU Chapter? A WLU Chapter is the outreach arm of Women Like Us Foundation. Chapters serve to educate and engage their community while also supporting a sustainable project. A Chapter is made up of two or more people who would meet periodically to plan objectives and goals in serving children and/or women somewhere in the world. A WLU Chapter’s goals can range from fund raising for a sustainable project, collecting in-kind donations, helping with a local project in your community, or planning a group trip.

The Four Service Goals of a WLU Chapter:

* Bring together a group of women, small or large, who can be empowered to make a difference.

* Create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm about supporting a sustainable project and/or short-term humanitarian trip in an international or local location.

* Publicize opportunities for community members to participate in Women Like Us events both within and outside the Chapter structure, including travel.

* Increase awareness of international and humanitarian issues among members of the Chapter’s community.

Benefits of starting a WLU Chapter:

Chapters fall under the umbrella of WLU and are considered part of a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity organization, including tax-exempt status. Our goal at Women Like Us is to support our Chapters in their efforts to utilize volunteers and resources in their communities to make a difference in the world. Through their membership of the WLU program, Chapters receive multiple benefits including:

• 501c3 non-profit public charity status and tax-deductible benefits of all donations and fund-raising. Letters are sent out by WLU’s corporate office to all donors for their tax records
• Customized internet micro-site within the WLU website, allowing for specific communication and fundraising sources for Chapter members
• Financial tracking and accounting
• Fund-raising event ideas, including a Women Like Us Tea and Speaker Series
• Placing one of your global project’s needs in our Gift Catalog
• Direct support for our WLU main office through our CEO
• Periodic email newsletters from WLU
• Quarterly conference call Chapter leadership meetings
• Network of WLU Chapters to collaborate, share information, and travel
• Numerous intangibles, including promotion of your Chapter accomplishment and awareness through WLU distribution list and donors
• Potentially motivate others around the country or beyond to start their own Chapter to help your cause

Who can start a Chapter? You and a group of individuals (large or small) can make a difference in the lives of children and women everywhere. Universities, high schools, corporations, churches or other community groups also make great Chapters. Our WLU Chapter program is a worldwide program and will bring sustained support to communities through long-term projects.

What are the annual dues? Annual dues are $500 USD per Chapter for unlimited membership. Dues are designed to help cover administrative costs which allow the WLU staff to better serve you. Consider approaching a corporate sponsor to pay for Chapter dues. Chapters also have the option of charging individual member dues to cover the cost of annual Chapter dues.

How will our donation commitment be spent? WLU asks each Chapter to raise a minimum of $1,000 each year to support sustainable projects. WLU supports projects around the world as part of our long-term vision.

The projects we have chosen are making a deep impact in the orphanages, schools, and communities we serve. Your WLU Chapter may select supporting our school in Costa Rica or a birthing center in Uganda.

Chapters are able to choose which project they would like to support, including projects in their own local communities. Or they can support more than one project. Other options include funding the “WLU Enrichment Scholarship Program”, which is a year mentoring program for a junior girl in high school as well as sending her on a WLU trip.

90% of any donation to WLU Foundation goes directly to the project the donor chooses. The remaining 10% is used toward WLU designated sustainable projects and/or administration.

How do we select a leader in our Chapter? Each Chapter chooses what type of leadership structure they would like to have (i.e. president/secretary/treasurer etc.). One person should be chosen to be the liaison with WLU. And leadership should commit themselves to at least 2 years of service to establish continuity for the Chapter.

Why should I be a leader? Being a leader for a WLU Chapter is an incredible opportunity. You will gain first-hand experience in: organizational leadership; international awareness and global understanding; volunteer management; marketing; public speaking; event planning; and more! Plus, being involved in a Chapter is career enhancing. You will be a more global candidate for any position you apply for and your experience will be a great resume builder, if needed.

How often does each WLU Chapter get to change the information on their web page? Chapters have access to update their web page whenever they choose. Their page is customizable with sections for pictures, downloads and more! Web pages are excellent tools to share Chapter news and recruit members to join the Chapter or participate in Chapter activities.

How is the money handled after a WLU Chapter fundraiser? A checking account can be set up by the local chapter. Revenue minus the expenses collected for a fundraiser can then be sent to WLU with your Chapter name noted. If money is for a specific sustainable project, this information should also be noted. If someone is making a gift donation without receiving something like a silent auction item or a ticket to a fundraiser, it can be sent directly to WLU office that a tax-deductible letter can be mailed to the donor.

If there are friends or family members who want to join our WLU Chapter but live outside our state, can they still be a part of our group? Absolutely! Chapter members can join you from anywhere in the world…and they do!

Can there be more than one WLU Chapter in a community and/or university? There can be as many WLU Chapters as needed in any location. This should be kept in mind when choosing a title for your Chapter.

Can we request guest speakers from WLU for meetings or events? Of course! WLU staff is always willing to help whenever possible. Simply call the office or email with details of your event or meeting. There could be travel expenses and/or MC fees for the Women Like Us Teas.

Steps to start a WLU Chapter:

• Contact WLU to let us know you are interested
• Core Members – You need a small group of individuals that are willing to help grow the Chapter and form the Chapter’s core. For university and high school Chapters, this includes a faculty member or teacher to serve as a sponsor.
• “Call to Chapter” – your official call-out!
• Sign the Chapter Agreement
• Create your Membership List, including your leadership structure, collect and submit the annual dues.
• Start using your WLU Chapter web page.
• You are official!! Congratulations and welcome to the family!