Monday Member Spotlight: Minnesota Women of Today

Welcome to our new blog series, Monday Member Spotlight. Each Monday, we'll introduce you to one of our member organizations. To kick off this series, we're honored to introduce you to long time Consortium member group, Minnesota Women of Today.

Women of Today Gave Me Wings by Cindy Houck Swedberg

I was a member of the Sauk Rapids chapter for about 13 years. I was married and just had my 2nd child when my neighbor asked me to a membership social. I was new to the St Cloud area, had two small kids and knew no one. No family nearby and was not working at the time. I was scared stiff but went and enjoyed the "Secret Supper".

After some time I joined and wow, it changed my life forever. Over the years I served on the local, district and state levels. I had two more kids, became a single mom and through it all I gained lifelong friends, self esteem and knowledge on fund-raising, event planning, and community service, not to mention leadership capabilities that was awesome to add on my resume. I got my dream job because of my "community connections". I moved out of the area to marry my new husband and sadly had to leave behind my dream job and Women of Today.

Women of Today was my strength, my teacher, my self esteem builder, my friend. It was at the meetings, conventions, projects, & events that I found self worth, appreciation for my talents and hard work. I found "family"! I miss the organization, and the family that I gained. I still keep in touch with some of my WT sisters. My memories are very sweet. 

I served, I grew and the fellowship is priceless! I learned great lessons and performed worthy deeds. I had a hand of fellowship extended to me and in turn extended to others. I hope the world is a better place because I have lived and served within it. I would recommend to anyone to join this unforgettable organization. It gave me wings when I didn't have any.

Minnesota Women of Today has its roots in the 1950’s as the Minnesota Mrs. Jaycees. Upon reorganization of the Jaycee Women in 1985, eighty percent of the membership voted to become the Women of Today. Since that time, the focus has been to help women improve their own lives and the lives of the people in the communities around them. The organization is an altruistic non-profit unaffiliated with any religion or political tendency, and “Service ~ Growth ~ Fellowship” is the motto. Opportunities exist for volunteering and gaining leadership skills all while making personal connections with members all over the state. Minnesota Women of Today members strive to uphold the creed and “…leave the world a better place because we lived and served within it.”  

In the past five years, Minnesota Women of Today has raised over $1.5 million for various charities and members have volunteered thousands of service hours. Major areas of support have included the March of Dimes Foundation, the Jacob Wetterling Foundation, Can Do Canines, and The American Cancer Society. 

Membership is open to anyone 18 years of age and over. Find information about Minnesota Women of Today at www.mnwt.org. You can also connect on Twitter (http://twitter.com/mnwomenoftoday) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/MNwomenoftoday).

 

Comments

[Kathy Mueller]

There are many chapters of Women of Today in Minnesota AND other states. I also have made friends and had opportunities to help others through involvement in this organization.

[Sue Ellen Toppings]

Women of Today has truly changed my life for the better! I like to say "Women of Today is like a vitamin: You can survive without it; but WITH it, life is so much better!" It's really a supplement to your life and teaches your children about volunteerism among MANY other things that they might not see, like trying to grow your personal skills and grow as a person/woman, having friends and "you time," etc. I feel like Women of Today has helped me be "Sue Ellen" and not just my many roles in life - like Wife, Mom, Employee, etc. So many great things to say about this organization!