Whether you’re looking for ways to give back to the community or, as Madonna says, “just wanna have fun,” you’ve got lots of options when looking for women’s networking organizations in the area.
Here, we highlight four well-established nonprofits, each with its own mission. Each plays a vital role in our community: helping children and families in need, raising scholarships, and providing a safe outlet for fun and socialization.
1.
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE® OF NORMAN
WHAT IT IS: an all–volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives of children and families through community programming
WHO IT’S GOOD FOR: Anyone seeking community service opportunities
WHERE IT IS: 809 Wall St., Norman
The Assistance League of Norman, locally organized in 1970 and chartered in 1974, seeks to meet essential needs in the community and to help families flourish.
Its largest project is Operation School Bell®. Through this program, brand-new clothing is provided to students in need in the Norman and Little Axe Public Schools. Each student has a personalized one-to-one shopping experience with a volunteer in the league’s store. Students select pants, tops, a winter coat, socks, underwear, shoes, a grooming kit, a new book, a stuffed animal and a backpack.
Other projects include Senior’s R&R (a monthly bingo game hosted by members for clients of Full Circle Adult Day Center), Book of My Own, Care Kits, Bears for Children (in which members provide cuddly bears to children in the community who are in the midst of a crisis or facing a traumatic event), and Community Outreach.
The organization’s fundraising events include a home tour; a gala that includes dinner, dancing and a live and silent auction; OSBee, an adult spelling bee; and the Operation School Bell 5K run.
Membership is open to those who wish to be of service to the community and have the time, creativity and passion to volunteer. FMI: visit AssistanceLeague.org/norman.
2.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF NORMAN
WHAT IT IS: a nonprofit organization whose mission is exclusively education and charity
WHO’S IT GOOD FOR: women from a variety of lifestyles and stages
WHERE IT IS: 300 W Gray St., Ste. 104, Norman
Junior League of Norman was founded in 1975 as the Junior Service League and in 1983 was officially recognized as the Junior League of Norman.
JLN reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to voluntarism.
JLN provides volunteer hours yearly to its main community programs, Baby Steps, Food for Kids, and Done in a Day. Community programs focus on reducing obstacles and increasing opportunities for vulnerable children and youth. JLN volunteers have a commitment and a passion for voluntarism, contributing their time, talent and funds in a variety of ways.
JLN offers its members flexibility in time and commitment with options to serve as members and/or leaders on several committees, as well as opportunities to implement change in the community and to connect with other women with a concern for present and future generations.
For more information on the JLN or membership inquiries, email admin@juniorleagueofnorman.org or visit JuniorLeagueofNorman.org.
3.
DIZZY DAMES WITH THE RED HATS
(NORMAN CHAPTER OF THE RED HAT SOCIETY)
WHAT IT IS: a women’s social society
WHO IT’S GOOD FOR: women approaching 50 and beyond
Women members 50 and over are called Red Hatters and wear red hats and purple clothes; those under 50 are called Pink Hatters wear lavender clothes and pink hats.
Its mission is to provide women with opportunities for pleasant social interaction, both for reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
Dizzy Dames with the Red Hats, the Norman chapter of the Red Hat Society, was formed in 2003. Martha Aughe, Red Hat Society Ambassador for Oklahoma and Dizzy Dames Queen, says the organization offers numerous opportunities for socialization. Members visit museums and attend festivals; take part in Derby Day at Remington Park; frequent restaurants; and go shopping.
In June, Dizzy Dames will host an event that will carry the theme of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
FMI: visit the international Red Hat Society website, RedHatSociety.com; from there, one can search for various chapters.
4.
Women of the South
WHAT IT IS: a nonprofit organization of women helping women
WHO IT’S GOOD FOR: Southside women interested in providing higher educational opportunities
Women of the South was founded in 1995 when a group of Southside women created a nonprofit organization composed of women helping women. Its mission is to provide cultural, civic, educational and social activities for the South Oklahoma City metro area.
The founding members of Women of the South had a vision to provide higher educational opportunities for women who do not have sufficient resources to attend a college or university. The two scholarship programs available are an associate degree scholarship to Oklahoma City Community College for women who are the sole or primary providers of their household and a scholarship for young women graduating from a south Oklahoma City area high school.
Members also participate in many cultural and community projects.
FMI: email womenofthesouth@gmail.com.