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I am a member of my local and state medical association alliance (the spouse group). I want to know what are some things we could change, do or publicize so more male spouses choose to join our groups.
The reasons behind my involvement are philanthropic ( we do a lot for our community) and advocacy (we have a strong advocacy arm for medicine in our state). I was not involved while in training because it was just a SAHM's club that held their meetings and socials while I was at work. I became involved once out of training because I felt I needed to educate myself on the state of medicine - I was attracted to the advocacy part. Plus, no other WOH women were going to join if there were no WOH women in the organization to raise awareness and meet those spouses' needs.
Now, I am focusing on our male/same sex SOs. With 50% of med school classes being women, how are these organizations going to meet the need of their significant others? I met a lesbian couple that are very involved in advocacy and women's health issues. One is a physician and the other is a PhD. The PhD is becoming more involved in our alliance (especially at our state level) because we already have an infrastructure in place for advocacy. This case was easy - just a matter of matching interest with some of the organization's activities supporting their mission. I recognize it is just one couple but I was just one at first. I would like your ideas regarding what would attract/meet the needs of male SO's/Spouses.
One idea I have is for our board meetings to be held via video conference/phone call. I can tell you I have not made half the meetings because I cannot take the time to leave work & drive to the location. I could have easily joined in via phone. Now, this is at the board level. Before one can get on the board, we need to meet the needs of the members. Still, I think many male SOs do WOH and even if they have flexible schedules, their time to devote to such meetings is minimal.
Another idea I have is to plan a dad and kids social event. A friend teaches mommy and me workout classes at a local gym. I was thinking about having a daddy and me class and get a local craft brewery to donate post workout drinks ( for the adults
). No need to lose any calories burned 
.
I would also like to have speakers come in and discuss issues important to both male and female SOs. I'd like to stay away from finances because everyone seems to be pretty sensitive about their choice of financial advisors/how they handle their money. I thought about a communication skill workshop. I think anyone can benefit from better communication skills plus our physician spouses/SOs could use some support given the significance "bedside manner" plays in medicine today. What are some other topics that may be of interest?
My last idea is to start a scholarship of sorts for relocating spouses. As one follows the physician all over creation, spouses often have to start all over again or reinvent themselves. I think even SAHMs could benefit if they wish to start a home business. (We could make a rule of noooo essential oils). What do you think about this? How much money would be significant?
I know his question has been posed before but I want to ask again since it has been a while...I am anxious to hear your thoughts.
The reasons behind my involvement are philanthropic ( we do a lot for our community) and advocacy (we have a strong advocacy arm for medicine in our state). I was not involved while in training because it was just a SAHM's club that held their meetings and socials while I was at work. I became involved once out of training because I felt I needed to educate myself on the state of medicine - I was attracted to the advocacy part. Plus, no other WOH women were going to join if there were no WOH women in the organization to raise awareness and meet those spouses' needs.
Now, I am focusing on our male/same sex SOs. With 50% of med school classes being women, how are these organizations going to meet the need of their significant others? I met a lesbian couple that are very involved in advocacy and women's health issues. One is a physician and the other is a PhD. The PhD is becoming more involved in our alliance (especially at our state level) because we already have an infrastructure in place for advocacy. This case was easy - just a matter of matching interest with some of the organization's activities supporting their mission. I recognize it is just one couple but I was just one at first. I would like your ideas regarding what would attract/meet the needs of male SO's/Spouses.
One idea I have is for our board meetings to be held via video conference/phone call. I can tell you I have not made half the meetings because I cannot take the time to leave work & drive to the location. I could have easily joined in via phone. Now, this is at the board level. Before one can get on the board, we need to meet the needs of the members. Still, I think many male SOs do WOH and even if they have flexible schedules, their time to devote to such meetings is minimal.
Another idea I have is to plan a dad and kids social event. A friend teaches mommy and me workout classes at a local gym. I was thinking about having a daddy and me class and get a local craft brewery to donate post workout drinks ( for the adults
). No need to lose any calories burned . I would also like to have speakers come in and discuss issues important to both male and female SOs. I'd like to stay away from finances because everyone seems to be pretty sensitive about their choice of financial advisors/how they handle their money. I thought about a communication skill workshop. I think anyone can benefit from better communication skills plus our physician spouses/SOs could use some support given the significance "bedside manner" plays in medicine today. What are some other topics that may be of interest?
My last idea is to start a scholarship of sorts for relocating spouses. As one follows the physician all over creation, spouses often have to start all over again or reinvent themselves. I think even SAHMs could benefit if they wish to start a home business. (We could make a rule of noooo essential oils
). What do you think about this? How much money would be significant? I know his question has been posed before but I want to ask again since it has been a while...I am anxious to hear your thoughts.
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