Women’s Outdoor Club

P.O. Box 300085

Denver, CO  80203

Club Nuts & Bolts

 

The Women’s Outdoor Club is a non-profit organization for lesbians and all women who are accepting of lesbians, including bisexual, transgendered, intersexed, and questioning women.  We welcome women of all races, ages, ethnic heritage, religious and spiritual beliefs, and physical abilities.  Formed in 1979, the purpose of the club is to promote outdoor activities at all skill levels with an eye toward environ­mental awareness and education, safety in the outdoors, and the development of skills designed to encourage independence in outdoor activities.  A secondary purpose of the club’s activities is to provide a pleasant social environment for women in the lesbian community.

The following operational guidelines help the club function in a way that provides for maximum enjoyment and safety for all WOC members.

Membership

·       Membership is open to lesbians and other women who are accepting of lesbians.  Dues are $15.00 per person or $25.00 per household, annually.

·       To become a member:

–     Complete a Membership Application

–     Sign the Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver form

–     Send forms and payment to the address above

·       The WOC newsletter, Out and About, is published monthly and mailed to current members in a plain white envelope.  The newsletter contains the schedule of upcoming club activities, personal ads and community announcements, and possibly commercial advertisements.

·       You will be notified by mail when your membership is due for renewal.  Membership dues must be paid within 60 days of notification.

·       We respect your right to privacy.  The WOC membership list is kept confidential and is not sold or released to outside persons or organizations, nor to other club members who are not on the steering committee.

Newsletter Ads and Announcements

Personal ads and community announcements may be placed in Out and About by current members only.  Ads are free of charge and should be no longer than 35 words.  All submissions, whether paid or free of charge, are subject to approval by the WOC Steering Committee.

Commercial advertisements may be placed by anyone for products or services deemed of interest to WOC members.  Ad and payment ($10 for business card size) must be received prior to the newsletter deadline, which is the 24th day of each month.

 

Activities

Activities sponsored by WOC are conducted on a common adventure basis; there are no professional or paid trip leaders or guides.  Activity coordinators are responsible only for planning the logistical arrangements such as the date, time, and place for club events.  Each participant is solely responsible for her own safety.

·       Activities are planned and coordinated by any club member.  While it is not a requirement for membership, we ask that each member coordinate at least one activity during the course of the year.  Your enthusiasm and participation are essential factors in the club’s continued viability!

·       Provide the following information when you write to the newsletter editor to post your activity in the newsletter:  the date, meeting time, a brief description of the activity, skill level, equipment or food needed, cost if any (e.g., park entrance fees), maximum number of participants if applicable, and a contact name and phone number.

·       To participate in an activity, please pre‑register by calling the activity coordinator at least 48 hours in advance.  If you are unable to attend after you sign up, please call to cancel you registration.  Activities with fewer than four women may be canceled by the coordinator.

·       Carpooling is the preferred mode of transportation, and all passengers are expected to pay for gas since drivers are contributing maintenance and insurance costs.

·       Members are responsible for providing their own equipment, food, and water unless otherwise specified.  If you have questions about proper equipment, contact the activity coordinator.

·       No dogs or other pets are allowed on club activities except seeing or hearing dogs, unless other­wise specified in the newsletter.

·       While club activities are geared to adult women, events may be organized to include children and teens.  Activities open to children will be listed as such in the newsletter.

·       No weapons or firearms are allowed on club activities.

·       Drug or alcohol abuse is not condoned at any WOC event.  Guidelines for alcohol and tobacco use, if any, will be established by the activity coordinator, who has the right to refuse participation to anyone who is under the influence.

·       Activity coordinators have the right to refuse permission to participate and recommend review of an individual’s membership by the steering committee if a member acts in an unsafe manner or does not act in accordance with club guidelines or those established by the activity coordinator.

Steering Committee

·       Club policies, dues, activities, and other organizational matters are reviewed from time to time by the WOC steering committee.  The committee consists of several WOC members who are actively involved in the club and who have assumed responsibly for certain duties required to keep the club functioning effectively.

·       If you have any concerns, questions, or suggestions regarding club operations, or if you are interested in serving on the WOC steering committee, please notify us in writing or call the club voice mailbox at 303-271-3576.