Join HJWC
Membership applications are now closed. Applications will re-open in August for 2025-2026 club year!
Membership Committment
Each Club year runs from September-May. During this time, members:​
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Sign up and complete 3+ hours of service, with our Philanthropy committee providing many flexible options
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Attend at least 4 of the monthly general meetings (50%), usually scheduled 7-9 on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (in-person & virtual attendance options available)
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Attend at least 4 monthly committee meetings (50%), scheduled to accommodate members' availability.
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Have the option to attend and participate in dozens of free and ticketed club events throughout the year​
Membership Fee Inclusions:
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For new members, the fee includes an initiation fee, club fee, and one benefit ticket.
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For returning members, it includes the club fee and one benefit ticket.
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HJWC's Funding Model
HJWC has enriched the community and members’ lives since 1949. In 2018, HJWC introduced a grant model focused on funding women- and children-centered 501(c)(3) organizations to support the purchase of tangible items that create lasting impact. Each year, HJWC awards an average of 20 grants, ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, to deserving Chicagoland organizations, funding needs that provide enduring benefits, such as vans, playgrounds, equipment, and more.
HJWC grants are primarily funded through the annual Benefit Gala, held between February and April. The Benefit committee secures underwriting sponsors, auction items, and ticket sales, with all funds raised going directly to support our grants. This fun-filled evening has an impact that resonates for years in deserving organizations.
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In addition to grants, HJWC funds scholarships each year through proceeds from other fundraising events, including the Fashion Show and JingleDash 5K.
HJWC Committees
Each HJWC member participates as part of a larger committee. Committees generally meet once per month, outside of general meetings, to make a positive community impact together. Committees also try to attend general meetings and complete service projects together.​​ When completing your application, you'll be asked to rank committee preference - a bit about each committee below!​
Benefit Committee
Responsible for the planning of HJWC’s annual fundraising gala, "Benefit", to fund grants for local nonprofit organizations. This committee focuses on: event planning, fundraising, event underwriting, auction curation, and event promotion for the biggest FUNdraising event of the club year!
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Committee Leadership (Board Members):
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1-3 Managing Chairs
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1-2 Auction Chairs
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1-2 Underwriting Chairs
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1 PR Chair
Community Affairs
The Community Affairs committee is the liaison between our local community and the Club. This committee volunteers at the Hinsdale Fire/Police Open House, plans activities such as a park clean-up day, and member meet-ups at local community events!
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Committee Leadership (Board Members):
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1-3 Managing Chairs
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Education
The Education Committee hosts an annual event that raises funds for HJWC’s annual college scholarship awarded to local young women in the community that demonstrate excellence in service and philanthropy. This committee also facilitates the application and awarding of these scholarships.​
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Committee Leadership (Board Members):
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2 Managing Chairs
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Family Affairs
The Family Affairs Committee plans events for HJWC Members and their families. The committee typically plans one fall and one spring family event, as well as park play dates throughout the summer.​
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Committee Leadership (Board Members):
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2-3 Managing Chairs
Fine Arts
The Fine Arts Committee organizes events throughout the Club year that support and raise awareness of arts— from tours of art galleries and expos, to shows, and dinner downtown.​
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Committee Leadership (Board Members):
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2-3 Managing Chairs
Health
The Health Committee is responsible for creating health related events and content for the Club. This committee often partners with other committees to help support events. For the 2023-2024 Club year, Health will partner with the Benefit Committee and will manage the 5k community run.​
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Committee Leadership (Board Members):
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2-3 Managing Chairs
Outreach
The Outreach Committee hosts Gifts of the Season, HJWC’s flagship holiday philanthropy event, to provide Christmas gifts to local families in need. This committee also organizes drives throughout the year collecting donations for local charities.
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Committee Leadership (Board Members):
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2 Managing Chairs
Philanthropy
The Philanthropy Committee manages the entire grant process from application to awarding recipients. This is the process by which HJWC distributes its funds raised each year. This committee is also responsible for setting up our service projects for the year.
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Committee Leadership (Board Members):
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6-7 Managing Chairs
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Chairing is a 2 year commitment; option for 1 chair to have a 1 year commitment
Social
The Social Committee responsible for planning, promoting and executing social events for HJWC members, including Holiday Party, and It’s A Wrap.​
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Committee Leadership (Board Members):
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2-3 Managing Chairs
Associate Liaisons
**No Committee, Board Positions Only
Associate memberships are available to members entering their 3rd year and beyond. Associate Liaisons are responsible for informing all Associate Members of Club activities and keeping these members engaged in the Club by planning an annual service project and occasional social events.
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Committee Leadership (Board Members):
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1-2 Chairs
New Member
**Returning Members Only**​
The New Member Committee is responsible for providing an engaging program and support system to welcome New Members into the Club. The committee plans various events throughout the year, such as New Member orientation, couples night and initiation.
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Committee Leadership (Board Members):
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2-3 Managing Chairs