Message from the executive director
"TTN is Exactly What I've Been Looking For!"
October 2012
TTN membership reached a record 2,000 in September – adding over 600 new members since January. What’s behind that extraordinary growth? The reasons were clear as I talked to newcomers and longstanding members in September at DC’s fall kickoff program, Philadelphia’s “get to know TTN” event and NYC’s Passions and People special interest group evening.Newcomers showed up because “my youngest child just went off to college” “my husband and I moved from Wisconsin to be near our kids and grandkids” “I retired last spring and played all summer – now I need to find new people and activities” “I’m the oldest person in my office and I wanted to meet women my own age.” They learned about TTN through a wonderful profile in the Philadelphia Inquirer, a Montgomery County Women’s Power conference where TTN was the only exhibitor focused on professional women over 50, an Atlanta Meetup group, retirement workshops, job-hunting programs and enthusiastic friends.
The good news is that all of them will find community and appealing activities through TTN – or have the opportunity to create them. A new member who recently moved to Philadelphia said “I wish there were a TTN group for people new to the area” and I replied “you can make that happen – just write up your idea, contact your chapter leadership team and they’ll help you put the group together.”
What about longstanding members? At the September events they shared stories of TTN’s positive impact on their lives, not once but multiple times: a job change, then a spouse’s death; a move, then an illness; retirement, then an entrepreneurial opportunity. They described how TTN has enriched their lives with exciting new friendships and activities “just far enough out of my comfort zone.”
If you get our newsletter and aren’t a member – it’s time to join! Our chapters have never been more vibrant. For those outside our chapter cities, we’ve launched a webinar series so you can connect from your couch. Programs include our monthly orientation sessions, fall fashion, Medicare and nonprofit boards.
If you’re a member, encourage your friends to join. They’ll thank you – and you’ll get a free month’s membership when they list you as the referrer. (See this month's newsletter for more details)
