Of course you do! We still make the majority of spending decisions, so we carry a whole lot of economic influence and power.
What if I were to tell you that by supporting women's history you will attract women Clients? Members? Donors? Fans?
I promise you this works if you take certain approaches.
Why does it work?
* Because it shows your respect for our history.
* Because women and girls really are interested in their history. I know this from the talks and walking tours I give, especially when someone happens upon the event by accident. (Fathers of daughters are also interested, by the way.)
* Because it shows a side of your business or organization women wouldn't have thought about. It shows your interest in education, local history, and the community you serve.
* Because it shows that you care about them.
What can you do?
* If you're a business that caters to women, offer a special day just for them with a sale, refreshments, and a talk on local women's history. One of my clients, a women's clothing store, held this very kind of event. Their existing customers were thrilled, new women came into the store, and I was able to teach a new audience something about women's history (I was the speaker). If your business doesn't cater exclusively to women, collaborate with one that does. A friend of mine works with friends of his to offer a special "Massage and Mimosas" event for women in his gift and book store and they go! Who wouldn't?
* If you're a nonprofit, host a fundraising event that's just for women. A colleague of mine and I are cooking up such an event right now at her museum. She will host a special day for mothers and daughters with fun food, I will give a talk, new people/potential members and donors will come in, and we will all win! Similarly, a local church I know is planning a women's history series as a membership recruitment device. Very smart!
These ideas are designed to "get people in the door" and appreciate your business or organization in a new way. However, you could also:
* Sponsor a women's history talk at your library, historical society, or school.
* Support a women's history project or organization in your community (your library will know where they are).
* Fund a scholarship for a student wishing to study women's history.
* Back a publication project.
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