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 2020-2021for the members of this organization.
The Santa Maria Women’s Network Board of Directors adopted these policies to help you, as a member, 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. Both women and men are invited to join the Network.
Fees: Renewing Members $60.00 for individuals and $90.00 for business members. 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. New members will pay a prorated fee, depending on the month that 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.
Late Fees: A late few of $10.00 will be applied to your membership dues if you do not pay your dues by July 31st.
GENERAL MEETING & RESERVATIONS
Luncheon fees are as follows, but are subject to change: $25.00 per member or guest in attendance, $1 credit card fee may apply.
All members and guests are required to make their reservations via email or paypal.
Cancellations: Member/guests must call at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Those that do not cancel their reservation will be billed $25.00.
Name Tags: All members are asked 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 to help promote your business. Doing so will entitle you to five free raffle tickets.
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Member Grants: A one thousand dollar ($1,000.00) grant will be awarded to an active member of the Santa Maria Women’s Network once a year in April who resides, works or attends school in the greater Santa Maria Valley. This member must fulfill the following qualifications: Be a member for a least one year prior to August 1st. Attend a minimum of nine (9) General Meetings within the course of that year (July-June) and be current with membership dues on August 1st. 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 March 1st for the grant. Applications are reviewed by a designated committee of non-member community professionals on an annual basis and awarded in April Recipient must accept their award in person at the Santa Maria Women’s Network General Meeting and submit a written report of their completed project within one year.
Allan Hancock College Scholarship: A seven-hundred and fifty dollar ($750.00) scholarship is awarded to an Allan Hancock College student. Applications are reviewed and awarded in May. Application deadline is submitted by the scholarship 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, and special events such as our Holiday Extravaganza and Member Showcase.
MEMBER UPDATES
The member directory is a resource for all our members to use to make connections with other members. Members are responsible for providing a picture and profile to the current president for approval and placement on the website. For 2020-2021 please send information to Clarissa Nagy at clarissa@nagywines.com..
Cancellation of Membership: Members may withdraw their membership by contacting the Network in writing 30 days prior. Please note that membership dues already paid will not be refunded and are thereby forfeited.
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/guests introductions will be limited to name and title only due to time constraints.
A visitor or guest is welcome to visit twice before becoming a member. Spouses or other family members of a network member are excluded from this visitation limit.
The luncheon fee for a visitor or guest is $25.00.
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, 1st Vice President, Membership, Secretary, Treasurer, Website, Hospitality, Facilities, , Scholarship, Special Events, Fundraising, Programs, Historian and Publicity.
Committees and Volunteerism: Many times our Board will have a special event. If you would like to help with this, or any other event that the Network is planning, we encourage you to join the committee. This is your opportunity to help the organization and/or the causes they support.
NETWORK REPRESENTATION: As a member you represent the Santa Maria Women’s Network.
You can help with memberships by:
- Bringing guests to our meetings and encouraging them to join our Network.
- Sharing our membership brochure with perspective members.
- Promoting the organization by sharing your experience.
- Volunteering for special events.
Disclaimer: The Board of Directors reserves the right to refuse potential members, remove any member that does not comply with the Network’s Policy. Member dues, luncheon 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.