IWF Connector
Global Member-at-Large 

Goal

IWF Connectors help foster, acclimate, engage, and integrate new Global Members-at-Large (GMAL) into the global community of IWF, ensuring their long-term, meaningful engagement and feeling of belonging.

Role

IWF Connectors must be current and active members of IWF, in good standing with their local forums. They will have attended IWF thought leadership events, including IWF conferences and regional meetings, and are conversant as to the value of IWF membership. They actively and personally assist the GMAL in developing relationships with IWF members and connecting them to IWF resources and opportunities.

Connectors serve as assigned volunteer representatives of IWF who may include, but not necessarily, the GMAL nominator. Assignments are made on a case-by-case basis by the GMAL Committee or IWF (HQ). Within three (3) weeks of accepting the membership invitation and paying dues, each new GMAL will be paired with at least one Connector.

Global Members-at-Large have access to:

  • New IWF Member Orientation
  • The IWF Member Portal, including the private database of peer members
  • A digital library of IWF programming
  • IWF communications, the Game Changers podcast and In the Lead blog
  • IWF’s private social media groups
  • Invitations to IWF global and local events, when and where available, and when traveling to locales with IWF Forums

Commitment & Responsibility

For a period of at least two (2) years, IWF Connectors agree to communicate directly with their assigned GMAL and identify opportunities to engage and help enhance their membership experience. At least bi-monthly, the Connector will reach out to their GMAL and touch base to assist with developing a longstanding appreciation of and relationship to IWF and its members. Examples of helpful opportunities include, but are not limited to, introducing the GMAL to other forums and leadership, including IWF Presidents’ Council, IWF Conferences, IWF website, programs, newsletters, and activities to enhance their orientation and participation. There is no better and more efficient way to understand the power of the IWF community than to connect with members from around the world and to experience IWF programming. Connectors should attempt to attend conferences with their assigned GMAL and introduce them to other members at meetings, including virtual meetings, break-out sessions, and Dine Arounds.

Connectors and GMAL keep IWF HQ informed through formal check-ins, facilitated via quarterly surveys, or provide additional feedback as requested by staff regarding the GMAL experience.

Maximizing the Role—Guidelines

First Steps: Initial Contact

Connectors will initiate a welcome call or email to arrange an orientation session with the new GMAL within two (2) weeks of being paired. The purpose of the session is to:

  • Share your membership experiences
  • Discuss if she has any specific goals or wishes for her membership
  • Answer any questions she might have
  • Offer to make introductions to other members
  • Encourage her to attend events of interest, including local forum programming and IWF global thought leadership events
  • Ensure she can sign onto the IWF global member portal and access IWF’s private social media groups

Defining Member Value

In addition to the background information disseminated to you concerning your assigned GMAL, please feel free to explore additional information about what attracted them to IWF, what they wish to achieve through membership, and how you can further enhance their experience. An initial dialogue with continued discussion is important in structuring how you and IWF (HQ) can best support their meaningful engagement.

Contacting IWF (HQ)

Please let us know at any time should you have questions, concerns, or feedback regarding the GMAL member experience. Enjoy this experience as you should get as much out of the effort as you give.

Jessa Cooke
Vice President, International Women’s Forum
Email: jcooke@iwforum.org