Note to : Fulton - Montgomery Group members      From: Fulton - Montgomery Group members. 
Even if you are  not a dues paying member of the offical group in the Capital District   -   you are
 expected to conduct yourself in the manner described in this copy of their members guide.  

               SINGLES  OUTREACH                   			   NEW MEMBER GUIDE
   WELCOME!
We hope this New Member Guide to the Singles Outreach  (SO) Network helps you understand some of the basics about SO . We have tried to provide general information as well as some specific answers to the most frequently asked questions.
During any given month, the SO Newsletter and Calendar of Activities is the up-to-date presentation of SO.   However, SO is more complex than the calendar. This complexity  is the result of the constantly forming  networks  of  people who create both friendship groups and   " SO " activities that are not on the calendar boxes.  In addition, calendar boxes  and activities per se, do not define what is happening in SO Services.  The people involved in each activity really define SO.
The organization is constantly changing.   By joining and participating you become a part of this change. We believe this change represents a special dynamic - a dynamic made up of people with more than ordinary experience; with a large share of common sense; with a keen sense of caution; and with a special courage of reaching out to others.
						We give you a very special welcome! 
                                                              FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF OF SO.

		                                                     WHERE TO START
      Each month your SO  newsletter will inform you of the myriad of available activities and, hopefully, intrigue you to try one.
We encourage you to come to a New Member Meeting so that you can learn more about the activities, ask questions, get acquainted with some other new members, and discover some strategies that will help you enjoy your membership more fully.
We recommend exploring whatever activity looks interesting and potentially comfortable to you. From support groups and workshops, to dances and parties, to camping trips and special interest groups - get involved with what looks inviting to you.  And please don't give up too quickly - becoming comfortable with new situations and new people takes time.
Whatever activity you choose to attend  first, remember that even though it may look like everyone else knows each other, that is rarely the case.  With so many members, meeting new people is a consistent part of every SO event.   Being willing to introduce yourself is helpful, as is making a point of meeting at least three (or four or five) new people at each event.  Before very long, you'll find that the experiences you share with other SO members, are widening your perspectives and fostering new  friendships.
WHERE DO MEMBERS LIVE?
Most SO members live within twenty miles of the Capital District Region. Zip codes 120, 121, 122 and 123 cover the majority of members. Over one hundred members live in the Saratoga -Glens Falls area.   A similar number live to the west, in Amsterdam,      Johnstown,  and Gloversville.    Lesser numbers are scattered to the south and east throughout the Catskills and Berkshires, Kingston to Pittsfield and Bennington,   Vermont.
Chances are you live within a block of an SO member and within three houses of a potential member!

                                                                                          THE TYPICAL SOS MEMBER
The typical SO member is between 21 and 8O years old. In fact three members from one family represent three generations!
There are members who fly planes, operate computers, tune pianos, train horses and drive fire engines. We have people who sell real estate, insurance, food, flowers and furniture.  Some members work with the young; others with the aging. Many members are starting school and changing jobs. SO members truly come from all walks of life.
                                                           
                     New Member Guide,   Page 1

A BIT OF HISTORY
Gregg Millett, Founding Board Member
SOS started as an idea  -  the idea of an institution that would encourage life-long opportunities for personal enrichment and social contact   The idea has such relevance for single people, because so many singles are in transitional states that make them open to personal growth, willing to risk the challenges of new experiences, and interested in expanding their social connections.
My first attempts to work with the idea were aided by Diane Watts in the formation of small support groups and home-based workshops and by Mary Ellen Fullum in helping with the first dances and social gatherings.    There were some great early events and there were times when no one showed up!   I remember one evening when our meeting place had been rented for a more lucrative function. The back up facility,  besides costing a lot more,  forced the participants to drive unexpectedly half-way across town.    That night  I  expressed my doubts about continuing .   The encouragement of that small group carried tbe idea forward.  Their caring was invaluable.
During the summer of 1985 three of the active participants joined me to turn   our beginnings into a formal organization.  It is interesting to reflect upon what each of the four Founding Board Members brought to the enterprise.  Larry Klepper wanted the organization to have a solid foundation  -   a board-directed, non-profit organization based upon by-laws and connected to the human services of the Capital District   Randy Fasnacht wanted a calendar packed with activities and a public relations effort that let people know we existed.   Lois Haignere wanted the organizttion to represent a strong moral force - to make a meaningful statement about the positives of being single, with a membership that cared about the issues and about each other. And I wanted  "interaction"  -  people meeting people, people expressing thoughts and feelings, friendliness tempered by common sense caution.
It has been one of the great challenges and joys of my life to have joined with these people and 100's of others in making me idea of SOS a reality.

                                                                                              RISK, CAUTION & COMMON SENSE
      The vast majority of our members are friendly and responsible. However,    this does not mean that you should leave your common sense at home. The thousands of SOS  members probably reflect the same range of personality traits one will find in the community at large.  When socializing and meeting new people, use that same degree of care and caution you would use in your normal day to day activities.

       We recommend getting to know people at SOS events before socializing with them privately.   Balancing risk and caution is one of the difficult challenges of life and especially single life!

                                                                                             BY-LAWS & FINANCES
     The   nine-page by-laws of SOS follow the general   non-profit corporation structure in defining purposes, membership, board of directors, officers, committees, and finances. The purposes include the establishment of a program of activities designed to provide members with opportunities for  social interaction,  personal growth and cultural enrichment.

The SOS treasurer gives a full financial report to the Board of Directors every month and the financial statement is published quarterly in the Newsletter. For a copy of the by-laws or more complete information on any aspect of the organization, just send your request to SOS.

REVOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP
  The By-laws of Singles  Outreach  , Inc. states that SO  membership may be revoked by the Board of Directors for intimidating, exploitative,   or  harassing   actions which place members in jeopardy, interfere with program activities, or prevent members from enjoying the benefits of their membership.
Some examples of such actions include:
1.   The unauthorized use of SOS events to solicit gifts or sell goods or services.
2.  The use of romantic encounters for the purpose of gaming financial or other material favors,
3.  Subjecting others to embarrassment via persistent ridicule or falsehoods which impune another's reputation.
4.   Unsolicited and unwanted, persistent phone calls.
5.  Unsolicited and unwanted physical contact of an offensive nature.
6.   Threats of physical harm to a person, his/her car or other property, or family members.
7.   Unsolicited and unwanted, persistent requests for or demands for social or sexual encounters.
8.    Inappropriate sexual behavior, including unsolicited and unwanted comments of a sexual nature directed against another                                                                                         member            
      We hope you enjoy the many positive posibilities within SOS. but if you do find yourself encountering difficulties, please seek out members of the Board or Staff for consultation. If you feel you need to have a situation dealt with formally, please submit the details in writing to the SOS Board of Directors.
                                                                                                       New Member Guide,      Page 2

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

                                                   LEADING AN INTEREST GROUP
Leading an interest group is a great way to get members together who like to do the same things you do. It could be a one time event, or  a weekly activity. The amount of work is usually worth the effort. Your tasks include:

1. Greeting people and introducing them to each other.
2. Getting their names, phone numbers and pertinent information (skill level, willingness to help, etc.)
3. Getting each person's input regarding what they want the group to do and feeling out the whole group to decide what's top priority.
4. Focusing the group on planning an event or meetings which could appear on the SO calendar, pinning down the date, time and place.
5. Facilitating the sharing of information and networking between people.
A great variety of SO events have been born out of member lead interest groups — a gem hunt, a whale watch, a star gazing night, museum trips, a winery tour. So if you have a desire to do something fun and want others to do it with, consider leading your special interest group.
Many interest groups meet and/or originate at the Thursday Gatherings. Check the current calendar and you will get an idea of the many kinds of interest groups.
THE MESSENGER  / CLASSIFIEDS
The Messenger  / Classified is that section of the Newsletter which carries member profiles, messages and ads. Many people have a lot of fun meeting others through the Messenge / Classifieds. The member ads for rentals and Jobs, etc. are surprisingly effective. Keep in mind that you have a selective audience of thousands of single people who enjoy reading the Newsletter.

For answers about using the Messenger look carefully at that section in the newsletter. Profiles are free and responses can be written or called in on the voice mail system.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING
If you've got some time and feel a desire to share your energy with people who will really appreciate it, look into community volunteering. The SO Newsletter includes a monthly Volunteer Opportunities section that lists current needs of local worthy groups. The variety of work is almost unlimited - everything from typing and tutoring to cooking turkeys or counting loons. No matter what your skills, they're needed by someone.  And some groups offer training so that you can learn new skills.
Another way to aid a worthy cause is to help with the SO dance raffle. You can just buy a ticket or you can get more involved by selling tickets or by connecting SO to the community organization that you feel deserves our support
                                                                  
 THE INTERNET
SO has a Web site on the internet thai includes the monthly newsletter and other interesting information.
The web site address is:
www.singlesoutreach.org You can also e-mail SOS at:
sos@singlesoutreach.org

 COMPATIBLE    CONNECTIONS 
Compatible Connections is a client-centered, professional introduction service operating under the auspices of Singles Outreach.   It is offered for those people who wish to meet in a private and selective manner. The basic cost is only $249 for a one-year period of time and no limit on number of matches.   For more information or to schedule an interview call (518) 452-6876.

 MARRIED MEMBERS
Five percent of SO members can be married if they married while in SO and want to maintain their social contact and support of SO. Married members must petition for married status.
THE YOUNGER SET
Every month the SO newsletter has a listing of activities especially for members in their 20's and 30's. Many of these events are planned at the Gathering on the 1st Thursday of the month. The group is always looking for new adventures, so please bring your ideas to the Gathering.
HOSTING
When attending a social gathering or dance, you'll notice there are members at the sign-in table to help you sign in, check your membership card and receive your entrance fee. These people arc volunteers, and you could become one of them! All you need to do is: sign up ahead (by calling 452-6883); be on time to assist for the hour you have chosen; and bring out your best friendly, welcoming self. In return, you can attend the event you are hosting at no charge and have (be opportunity to say hello to lots of people. Before long many will recognize you and you'll feel more a part of the network.
SINGLES TALK-TV
Once or twice a month SO produces a television show that is aired on local public access stations. The shows are produced at Channel   16   in Schenectady. See the monthly calendar for dates. Getting involved can mean being in the off-camera audience, set design, camera operation or just general help. It's intense work and a lot of fun!
                       
 TO CONTACT  SO
Write to:
Singles Outreach , POB 12511,Albany,NY 12212 Come by the office at:
Hanover Square 435 New Karner Road, Auburn Entrance, Colonic,NY1220S Or call:
(518) 452-6883
                                                                                                      New Member Guide. Page 4