Along with our membership, RWN’s committees are the lifeblood of the organization. The committees create, execute, and oversee the ideas that continue to make RWN a singular, effective force. Without those member volunteers who contribute time and expertise making the committees all they are, RWN simply would not be able to function.
If you join a committee, you’ll have countless opportunities to strengthen your resume, acquire skills, sharpen your knowledge base, and maybe even find new talents you’re passionate about exploring. You’ll work with a group of people toward a common goal and have fun doing it.
Check out our committees below to see what interests you, and give us a call at 585-383-8080 or email rwn@rwn.org to find out how to join the team. Not sure what might match up with your skillset? Please read more about our Volunteer Opportunities to see what specific roles RWN is currently seeking to fill.
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With all RWN has to offer, new members might not be sure how best to get involved and make the most of their membership. The Ambassador Program is a core element of the RWN mantra, “What can I do for you?” As part of the Ambassador team, you’ll welcome and mentor new members to help them navigate RWN. Grab a coffee or lunch together and share your RWN experience and how it has benefited you. Assist new members by pinpointing their goals in joining RWN, and how to attain those goals through Special Interest Groups, networking programs, or their own committee work.
The Board Connections Committee promotes Board of Director and volunteer openings for Not-For-Profit Organizations, as well as offering programs to educate members for serving on a Not-For-Profit Board. The Board Connections program supports our ongoing commitment to provide members with opportunities to advance professionally and personally. Read more about Board Connections.
If you like working in the community, the Community Service committee may interest you. This committee provides volunteer assistance to organizations that support women’s issues in the Rochester community as a way to give back and make a positive difference. If you are a part of the Community Service committee, you will participate in identifying events and coordinating volunteers.
RWN’s vision is to be recognized as an organization that is committed to inclusivity. The Diversity and Inclusion committee is working to make that vision a reality. To do so we partner with the board and with all committees and SIGs to help bring a diversity lens to all the work of our organization. There are many ways you can provide value to this work:
- Be the voice of diversity and inclusion on your current committees, SIGS, and at RWN events
- Participate in strategic initiatives designed to address long-term needs, such as finding consistent interpreting services for our meetings and events
- Write blogs and newsletter articles focused on diversity and inclusion
- Create external partnerships with other organizations
Have a head for figures? Here’s a great way to exercise your monetary mind. Among Finance team responsibilities are managing the annual budget and investment account, supporting other committees from a financial perspective, tracking revenue streams, and monitoring expenses. With major events like our “W” Award celebration and Summit Business Conference, and smaller, but just as imperative costs that keep RWN up and running, there’s always something Finance is tending to ensure RWN’s continued success.
Help get the message out about who RWN is and what we’re all about. The Marketing team increases awareness about our mission, designs and executes advertising in the community and on social media for programs and events, and creates promotional and informational materials (including much of the website you’re reading right now). Writers, graphic designers, PR consultants, social media enthusiasts, and members who love communication are always welcome!
One of RWN’s primary goals is to connect as many professional women as possible, fostering relationships to help women succeed. The more members we have, the closer we are to achieving this goal. The Membership team works to renew current members, increase member involvement in RWN activities, identify opportunities to strengthen member experience, and partner with other committees to bring new members into our network.
Some people have a fire in their bellies to lead, and others have a knack for spotting future leaders. These roles are equally important, and through them, you can have a voice in where RWN goes next. Members of the Nominating/Leadership Development team seek out and consider applicants to RWN leadership positions, such as representatives on the Board of Directors and committee Chairs. They determine current qualifications RWN leaders must meet, such as commitment to our diverse membership, RWN’s vision, and the advancement of women in the workplace.
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If you came to join RWN through one of our Explore events, you know just how effective, welcoming, and fun these programs are. We have the Orientation and Recruitment team to thank for that. RWN recognizes that with the ever-changing needs of an ever-changing workforce, recruitment messaging and opportunity must keep up to be competitive and true to all a professional woman looks for in a network. Are you a natural recruiter? Then this is the committee for you!
From Monthly Free Networking to cosponsored panels with the Rochester business community to training and development seminars, the Programs team orchestrates it all. Keeping our members engaged in the city’s professional goings-on is one keystone of building strong connections. The Programs Committee reaches out to cultural organizations, corporations, and individuals with goals similar to RWN in order to create fresh, exciting activities and experiences for our membership.
Simply put, as a not-for-profit, RWN can’t do what it does without the funds to do it. If you’re a “people person” and enjoy fundraising, or if you want to build confidence soliciting sponsorship and better understand the financial side of running a not-for-profit, Revenue Development is a perfect fit. Whether you’re procuring funds for a specific event or building our coffers to cover necessary expenses, with the Revenue Development team you’ll play an essential part in securing RWN’s financial needs of the moment and for the future.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) set RWN apart from other similar professional organizations. The idea behind SIGs is that connections are a good start to networking, but the real magic happens when those connections can grow into relationships. SIGs are regularly scheduled meetings based on a common theme or goal, where members can get together and learn, share their expertise, and have fun. The SIG Support team oversees the development of new groups and facilitates the operation of existing SIGs.
One of RWN’s most noteworthy networking opportunities is the Summit Business Conference. Each year, one main theme is chosen through which participants learn new and effective skills, engage with industry experts, and expand horizons by visiting vendors’ tables. The Conference team plans, organizes, and promotes this valuable half-day of professional development. If you have experience planning conventions, seminars, or trainings, or if you want to learn how its all brought together behind the scenes, the Summit Business Conference committee is looking for you!
Part of RWN’s mission to is recognize those women in the community who are strong, inspirational role models. The Up & Coming Businesswomen Awards are presented to five local businesswomen who have worked full-time in their current careers for fewer than ten years and have demonstrated their professional influence in that field. Be a part of this exciting committee that solicits nominations, establishes a panel of judges, oversees the scoring process, and executes this event.
The Women Inspiring Women (“W” Award) Celebration is one of RWN’s flagship events. Dinner, silent auction, raffle prizes, and – of course – networking all lead up to the main ceremony, recognizing the achievements of five “W” Award Honorees and announcing the Award recipient. All Honorees have devoted their professional, and many times personal lives, to the advancement of women.
There are two components to this committee: the Award subcommittee and the Event subcommittee, which work in conjunction with each other. Those serving on the Award side focus on the nomination process, identifying judges for the preliminary review of applicants, presenting nominee bios for RWN membership to vote on, and assisting in the presentation of the award itself. The Event subcommittee organizes the dinner, silent auction, and raffle. Members interested in fundraising and ticket sales, securing sponsorships, recruiting Table Captains, and promoting the event will enjoy implementing the Event aspect of the evening.
Serving on this committee, learning about these incredible women, and helping to pay tribute to them is an immensely fulfilling experience.