These policies were adopted by the Santa Maria Women’s Network Board of Directors. The policies of the organization have been updated and revised effective 2023-2024 for the members of this organization.
The Santa Maria Women’s Network Board of Directors adopted these policies to help you understand your responsibilities as a member of this organization. We ask that you follow these policies as written in this manual and in our Bylaws.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is good for one year. All members must renew their membership yearly. All individuals, regardless of gender, are invited to join the Network.
Renewing Members Fee: $120. The Network reserves the right to change fees at their discretion. The Network will give all members a 30 days notice of any changes in fees.
New Members: New members are always welcome to join the Network. They will pay a prorated fee of $10 per month for the remaining months left in the particular fiscal year they join. The amount will depend on the month they join the Network.
Due Dates: All members who will be renewing their membership with the Network will be required to pay their memberships fee on or before July 1st of our new fiscal year.
GENERAL MEETING & RESERVATIONS
Meeting registration fees are as follows, but are subject to change: $35.00 per member or per guest, (up to 2 times only). Guests who attend beyond two meetings will pay an increased fee of $40.
Registration payment is non-refundable however, it is transferable to another person to be used ONLY for the meeting it was reserved for, not a future meeting.
All members and guests are encouraged to make their reservation and pay in advance through our website by the Sunday, 11:59pm prior to the meeting, or a $5 late fee will apply. Reservations are transferable for same meeting but not
refundable.
Name Tags: All members are encouraged to wear name tags to the General Meeting. Name tag stickers will be available at check-in for those that need one.
Raffle Prizes: Members attending the General Meetings are encouraged to bring a raffle gift which allows them the opportunity to briefly promote your business during the raffle prize drawing.
GRANTS
Member Grants: A one thousand dollar ($1,000) grant will be awarded to an active member of the Santa Maria Women’s Network once a year in June. This member must fulfill the following qualifications: Be a member for at least one year prior to July 1, attend a minimum of nine (9) General Meetings within the course of that year, (July-June), and be current with membership dues on July 1. A Board Member or Committee Chairperson of the Santa Maria Women’s Network may also qualify as an applicant. All applications must include two letters of recommendation.
Deadline is May 1 for the grant. Applications are reviewed by a designated committee of non-member community professionals on an annual basis and awarded in June. Recipients must accept their award in person at the Santa Maria Women’s Network General Meeting in June and submit a written report of their completed project within one year.
Allan Hancock College Grant: A five-hundred dollar ($500) grant will be awarded to an Allan Hancock College re-entry student. Applications are reviewed by AHC Leadership Re-entry Student Program and at the discretion and recommendation of the program, awarded in May.
Application deadline is submitted by the grant committee and is due by the end of December.
GENERAL MEETING PROGRAM
We offer a variety of programs throughout the year including business-related speakers, discussion panels, networking activities, member spotlights and special events such as our Winter and Summer Extravaganzas, Member Showcase, and Member Micro Trade Show.
MEMBER UPDATES
Our Members page on our website is a resource for all of our members to use and make connections with other members. Members are responsible for providing a picture and profile through completing and submitting our online form found at smwn.net for approval and placement on our website.
Visitor and Guest Policy: Members, please make sure you read the following information regarding our member/guest policy:
Visitors and guests, other than our guest speaker, are not to bring promotional information or handouts to a meeting. The networking table is for member information only.
Visitor/guest introductions will be limited to name and title only due to time constraints.
A visitor or guest is welcome to visit twice in their lifetime before becoming a member.
The meeting cost for a visitor or guest is $35, if paid in advance no later than Sunday at 11:59 p.m, prior to the meeting.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We encourage all of our members to take part in our Board. Our Board of Directors works hard each year to better serve the organization and bring new ideas to the forefront. If you are a member in good standing and are interested in joining the Board of Directors, please contact our Board President or any current Board Member.
Positions: President, Past President, Vice President/Membership, Secretary, Treasurer, Website, Social Media, Special Events, Email Marketing/PR, Programs, Meeting Coordinator, Hospitality/Historian, and Grants.
Committees and Volunteerism: Many times a Board member will do a special event. If you would like to help with this or any other event that the Network is planning, we encourage you to reach out to us and let us know how you can help. This is your opportunity to become more involved in the organization and/or the causes we support.
Vendor Services: The Santa Maria Women’s Network may vote to hire individuals outside of the organization to conduct network business such as bookkeeper or website management.
- These are non-voting positions but are expected to attend Board meetings upon request, in person or virtual.
- A Board member may be paid for services up to $600 per year, pending Board approval.
NETWORK REPRESENTATION
As a member you represent the Santa Maria Women’s Network.
You can help with memberships by:
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- Inviting guests to our meetings and encouraging them to join our Network.
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- Promoting the organization by sharing your experience, in person and on social media.
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- Volunteering for special events.
Disclaimer: The Board of Directors reserves the right to refuse potential members, and/or remove any member that does not comply with the Network’s Policy. Member dues, monthly meeting rates, and special event program fees are subject to change, sometimes without notice, but the Network will do its best to inform members at least 30 days in advance.