Over half of WOW! members are affiliated with a WOW! network or local WOW! group, and enjoy the opportunities for group connection, education and collective action which that brings.

WOW! groups agree to get together regularly for educational, social and volunteer opportunities. For example, a Tennessee group recently hosted a WOW! house party and is organizing a WOW! informational and sales table for a town gathering. Groups often start with a WOW! member who gets together some friends and colleagues for a WOW! party. The mood is energizing and friends decide to continue meeting.

WOW! networks are a bit more structured, and are usually an evolution of a group that successfully took root and is searching for a more formal structure and greater impact. Networks organize educational events, host engagements for World Neighbors staff, raise funds to support WOW! at World Neighbors, coordinate awareness campaigns and in general help carry out the mission of WOW! and World Neighbors.

Existing WOW! Groups

The Oklahoma WOW! Network is our largest, with about 250 members. The group puts on two to three educational programs and several social get-togethersper year, and members provide essential volunteer work during World Neighbors annual WorldFest fair trade sale and the International Celebration of Women luncheon.

Recent programs have included "Conflict in Kenya: How Are Women Affected" (January 2008) and "Philippine Women, Diversity and the Issue of Migration" (July 2007). In addition to meetings, upcoming plans include organizing a VIP reception in connection with WOW!'s hosting of LUNAFEST the weekend of International Women's Day in 2009.

The Knoxville WOW! Network has just under 20 members, mainly from the Norris, Tennessee, area. The group just hosted a program on women's savings and credit groups (May 2008). Every year they help spread the word about WOW! and the work we support by participating with information tables at various events and selling fair trade items to support World Neighbors.

Their plans for the upcoming year include organizing a hunger banquet in fall 2008 and a WOW! Walk for Women for spring 2009.

Other local groups exist or are starting in Arizona and Ohio. Do you know others who are interested in international or women's issues, and in connecting with others with this common interest? Learn more about starting a WOW! group or network - contact us and discover how easy and meaningful organizing a group can be. We'll support you every step of the way!