Frequently Asked Questions
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AWOL Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I become an AWOL member?
a. Just send me Kathleen, an email requesting it @ [email protected]. Since membership is open to women only or women-identified people I might ask for a little background about yourself so that I know our group is a good fit for you. I like to make sure that those who are interested are fully aware that most AWOL members are from the LGBT community – but ALL women are welcome to join.
2. Who generally comes out to AWOL events?
a. Those who are new to their sexual orientation, new to London or looking to develop new friendships.
3. What are the benefits of becoming an AWOL member?
a. Gosh there are so many! First off, I compile and send out a bimonthly newsletter which includes AWOL-hosted events as well as an FYI section in which other events/activities of interest to women are included but hosted by others in and around London.
b. We often host monthly events. At these events you have the opportunity to meet other like-minded women so there are many new friendships that have formed over the years through AWOL.
4. Is there a cost for a membership?
a. No, membership is free. Our newsletter is only sent by email (no printing/postage costs). Therefore to be added to the distribution list, you must have an email address (they can be set up for free and you go visit any public library and use their computers for free to check your emails.)
i. Some events may incur costs (like dining, horseback riding, theatre, etc.) so you would be required to pay your own way and provide your own transportation to/from the event.
5. Who hosts the AWOL events?
a. More often than not, my spouse Shannon and I do. However anyone can host an AWOL event.
i. What’s recommended is to become a regular AWOL attendee so others get to know you before you host your own event. Then when you are ready to host an event of your choosing, provide your date/time/event name and description to me, along with your contact information and RSVP deadline for inclusion in an upcoming AWOL bimonthly newsletter by the 25th of the preceding month.
6. Can I advertise my business in the AWOL newsletter?
a. No, however we do have a Friends of AWOL tab on the website (https://www.adventurouswomenoflondon.com/business-friends-of-awol.html) where you may pay to advertise for the year. Email [email protected] for more information.
7. I don’t know anyone because I’m new to the city/community/AWOL. Will I find it awkward since others will know each other?
a. Everyone who has ever come out to AWOL has felt new to the group too! You’ll find others are very warm and welcoming to newcomers. The easy part is most events are theme- or activity-based so that will provide you with a great springboard to begin your conversations! It’s very often that new members come out to join in the fun so it
may be that you’re not the only one new to the group. We sometimes find that friendships form through AWOL and people drift away from AWOL for years and return when they find their life circumstances change again. So among the AWOL members, you may find that some have been here since it began in 1990 (like me!) while others have jumped on-board sometime along the way. Everyone is welcome. There’s no obligation to ever show up to an event either – however you’ll likely miss out on so many new opportunities and friendships.
AWOL Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I become an AWOL member?
a. Just send me Kathleen, an email requesting it @ [email protected]. Since membership is open to women only or women-identified people I might ask for a little background about yourself so that I know our group is a good fit for you. I like to make sure that those who are interested are fully aware that most AWOL members are from the LGBT community – but ALL women are welcome to join.
2. Who generally comes out to AWOL events?
a. Those who are new to their sexual orientation, new to London or looking to develop new friendships.
3. What are the benefits of becoming an AWOL member?
a. Gosh there are so many! First off, I compile and send out a bimonthly newsletter which includes AWOL-hosted events as well as an FYI section in which other events/activities of interest to women are included but hosted by others in and around London.
b. We often host monthly events. At these events you have the opportunity to meet other like-minded women so there are many new friendships that have formed over the years through AWOL.
4. Is there a cost for a membership?
a. No, membership is free. Our newsletter is only sent by email (no printing/postage costs). Therefore to be added to the distribution list, you must have an email address (they can be set up for free and you go visit any public library and use their computers for free to check your emails.)
i. Some events may incur costs (like dining, horseback riding, theatre, etc.) so you would be required to pay your own way and provide your own transportation to/from the event.
5. Who hosts the AWOL events?
a. More often than not, my spouse Shannon and I do. However anyone can host an AWOL event.
i. What’s recommended is to become a regular AWOL attendee so others get to know you before you host your own event. Then when you are ready to host an event of your choosing, provide your date/time/event name and description to me, along with your contact information and RSVP deadline for inclusion in an upcoming AWOL bimonthly newsletter by the 25th of the preceding month.
6. Can I advertise my business in the AWOL newsletter?
a. No, however we do have a Friends of AWOL tab on the website (https://www.adventurouswomenoflondon.com/business-friends-of-awol.html) where you may pay to advertise for the year. Email [email protected] for more information.
7. I don’t know anyone because I’m new to the city/community/AWOL. Will I find it awkward since others will know each other?
a. Everyone who has ever come out to AWOL has felt new to the group too! You’ll find others are very warm and welcoming to newcomers. The easy part is most events are theme- or activity-based so that will provide you with a great springboard to begin your conversations! It’s very often that new members come out to join in the fun so it
may be that you’re not the only one new to the group. We sometimes find that friendships form through AWOL and people drift away from AWOL for years and return when they find their life circumstances change again. So among the AWOL members, you may find that some have been here since it began in 1990 (like me!) while others have jumped on-board sometime along the way. Everyone is welcome. There’s no obligation to ever show up to an event either – however you’ll likely miss out on so many new opportunities and friendships.