GETTING MORE INVOLVED
There are many opportunities to get more involved in SO than just attending activities.  Many events are conceived of, planned by, and hosted by SO members.
                                                                HOW TO SPONSOR AN SO ACTIVITY
To sponsor an activity, just let us know what you want to do. Your activity will be coordinated into the overall calendar.   For example, some months there are three activities on one Saturday and nothing planned for another.   In such cases we try hard to achieve an overall balance on the calendar so that events don't compete with one another and so that on any given day there is something interesting for members to do.
Pot luck suppers, house parties, ski trips, a trip to China — all of these activities and many more have been sponsored by SO members.   Many members who live away from the Capital District have sponsored very successful pot luck suppers and discussion groups which have brought small groups together within their area.
                                                                                                HELPING AT EVENTS
At all SO events we need people to assist  -  to manage the sign-in-sheets,  to collect money and most importantly to serve as welcoming host people.  Even if you have never attended an event, you are welcome to start by helping out .  Just call the SOS telephone number, 452-6883, and say that you'd like to volunteer   -   or at any event find out who is "in charge" and talk with them.
                                                                                       WORKSHOP / DISCUSSION LEADERS
You will see from the SO calendar that many interesting people give input to the program. Many of these leaders have been brought to SO by members;  others are members.  We are always looking for creative input.   Please don't stay silent if you'd like to try something or if you know someone who would be a positive addition to the program.

CHILDREN

         Most  SO  events are for adults. (Keeping Mom or Dad happy and interesting is good for  the kids!). The out-door and sports
events are the places where children most often fit in and have a rewarding experience.  Look for the Kid's Stuff  (above) icon in each newsletter which highlights activities that are good for children.  If you are interested in leading children's events, or want more events especially for children or that include children,  please let us know.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
           SO Board of Director terms of office are for two years.  In March a nominating committee is formed to select candidates for Board openings.  New Board members are elected by the Board in May.  The Board meets the first  Wednesday of the month and a variety of standing and ad hoc committees also meet during the month.

                                                                   MEMBERSHIP CARD
If received in the mail, y ou should have received your new membership card along with this New    Member Guide.    Please  check your address label to see that your mailing address and name  are correct.  Look on your card for your membership number and your membership expiration date.  Memberships are for twelve months. The month before your membership expires you will receive a renewal notice. Please bring your card to SO events for identification and reduced admission prices. If you lose your card there is is a $2.00 charge for a replacement.
ADDRESS CHANGES
Newsletter are sent via bulk mail (unless you have paid for first class). If you change your address, bulk mail will not be forwarded. You must give SO your new address.

                                                          THE BIG DANCES
                 The  dances  that attract 100's of people. are   probably the most talked about and complex events happening in SO.   Many people love the dances and have a great time.  Some leave soon after arriving and never come back to SO. A lot of people are somewhere in between, feeling a lot of anxiety, yet having some interesting times. We hope you help make every event a more positive place for single people - by absolutely protecting your integrity, while still taking the risk of being friendly. And, yes,  more and more women are asking men to dance.
WHAT TO WEAR
Most SO activities are casual, so wearing something comfortable and "middle of the road"  may help you feel more at ease - one less thing to be concerned about.   Dances and celebrations call for a little dressing up  -  you'll want to fell good about how you look.  The way you dress tells people a bit about who you are, so dressing honestly, yet appropriately may be the best prescription for attracting people you'll want to meet.
FRIENDS?
"Can I bring a friend to an SO event?"   Yes, Yes and Yes! — assuming they are single of course.  Ninety percent of the people who join SO have done so because they  "heard about it from a friend".   There is generally a small additional charge at paid events for non-members. Of course we want people to join, but we don't like to put pressure on new people. They can decide for themselves whether they want to become an SO member.   So tell your friends, bring your friends, and share your newsletter.
Extra newsletters are often available at events.  Especially toward  end of a month, you might help out by picking up a few extras and leaving them at appropriate places for prospective members.
                                                                                New Member Guide, Page 3