Every so often, I hear a woman say something like, “I’m not really involved. I’m just a member.”
I understand what she means. She may not serve on the board or chair a committee. She may not attend every event. Her life may be full of work, family responsibilities, travel, or caregiving. Still, I always want to stop her gently at the word just.
There is no “just” in being an Impact100 member. Being a member is everything.
We understand that the depth and meaning of participation can fluctuate greatly as the seasons of our lives change. Naturally, deeper involvement creates additional opportunities. Grant review committees can teach women how to understand and assess nonprofit applications, assess leadership, understand community need, and recognize the difference between a valuable program and a transformational one. Taking on a leadership role within your chapter develops skills in governance, communication, conflict resolution, planning, and collaboration.
But our no-guilt philosophy remains essential. We do not measure a woman’s worth by how many meetings she attends. We do not want participation to become another place where women feel they are falling short.
Instead, we invite women to come when you can. Learn what interests you. Offer what fits this season of your life. Step into leadership when the time is right. Step back when you need to. There is room for it all.
So, when a woman tells me she is “just a member,” I think about the significance of her gift, the power of her vote, and the message her participation sends to every other woman watching.
She showed up. She combined her generosity with others. She helped make a transformational grant possible. There is nothing “just” about that.
Whatever this season brings for you, we are grateful. Impact100 intentionally creates a space where all are welcome.