As the time for membership renewals approaches, we of the AWL Board wanted to share with our current members and potential new members some important changes to the 2021 membership structure.
In recognition of the constraints on our ability to provide programming during the pandemic and the additional hardships this pandemic has created for many of our members, we as a Board have decided to waive membership fees for all renewing and new members for 2021.
We will continue to offer events online in 2021, including a three-part Allyship, Diversity and Inclusion Series launching on January 27, 2021, as well as virtual networking nights, mystery lunches, mothers in the law playdates, and speaker events. And we remain committed to developing and offering events that allow our members to connect and develop professionally within the constraints we, as so many organizations, continue to face.
Maintaining and strengthening our community of women lawyers in Calgary and supporting the individuals who create this community remain driving objectives of the AWL. Our decision to waive membership fees for 2021 is one concrete step we have decided to take to advance these objectives and acknowledge the disproportionate impact that this pandemic has had on women.
However, many of our operating expenses remain ongoing, and our ability to offer quality programming to our members relies importantly on our funds. To that end, we would greatly appreciate any members who are able and willing to continue with their paid membership do so. We have also included an option on our renewal page for renewing and new members to sponsor memberships for those who may have difficulty paying.
