About us
Who are we?
CONNECTing WOMEN was founded in 1997 by a group of expatriate women who saw a need for an English-speaking forum where women of different nationalities could meet to share experiences, to network and to make connections. Following several months of investigations and discussions with people representing many organisations in the Netherlands, they decided that there was a niche that needed to be filled. Which is how CONNECTing WOMEN came to be born.
We are a very mixed group. Our ages range from the 20s to the 60s; we come from many different backgrounds and countries; some of us work full-time, others part-time, some are not currently in paid employment. What brings us together is a wish to share experiences and information by meeting with other women who enjoy intelligent, stimulating conversation.
The organisation is very relaxed and friendly and we do not demand a host of details from those who attend our meetings - which is why we cannot give statistics about our members.
Membership
There are many benefits to becoming a member, such as free attendance at our meetings, a membership directory, discounts at CW workshops and discounts at the American Book Centre and VEN, the wholesale food and catering suppliers. If you would like to become a member click here for details. Membership is not required to attend our meetings and we welcome guests.
Click here to apply for membership.
Guests
We are always pleased to welcome guests at our monthly meetings. You do not have to tell us in advance that you will be there, just come along and we hope that you will meet other like-minded women, enjoy the evening, and decide to come again.
The monthly meetings
The doors of the Cultural Centre open at 7pm for registration and payment of the meeting fee (non-members - Euros 10.00). For the first half hour there is time to meet up with old friends, make new contacts, and browse our selection of 'literature'. We begin the meeting with introductions and announcements - these are an opportunity for those present to announce a new business, an employment opportunity, or something specific that they seek.
The main activity of the evening (see the relevant page on this website) usually finishes around 10.00pm. After that there is ample opportunity to chat and 'connect' with others over a drink in the bar or just browse through our impressive collection of useful information.
Attendance at the meetings varies between 30 and 80 and sometimes as many as a quarter of these are women attending for the first time.
Useful information
We have a large selection of useful information for English-speaking people in the Netherlands which is available at each meeting. In some cases there are only single copies but there are often multiple copies so that you can take one away with you. The information varies from magazines aimed at expatriates to language courses, various health therapies, arts and culture and much more. Many of these are businesses or consultancies run by CW members and guests and members bring along their business cards or leaflets to advertise their services.
