I joined the Santa Barbara chapter of the AWC because I’m an author of a health book and am trying to get word out about the importance of developing the right brain state (home to creativity, sensory processing, nonverbal communication, and non-judgment) to help return to health. I needed help connecting to businesses who might hire me to be a speaker, provide programs for their employees or to be a source for growing my private practice. The AWC showed me it could be the perfect one-stop resource.
I hadn’t expected to join the AWC at all. A friend of my sister’s who was an AWC member sent an invitation to her and she forwarded it to me. I wasn’t sure I’d qualify to be a part of the group since I’m not in a traditional communication position. At first, I went to an event here and there as a non-member. I realized the group was special at the first meeting. I’ve never been around a group of such intelligent, charismatic, outgoing, dynamic, and welcoming women in my life! I was hooked.
From the very start, the programming that AWC Santa Barbara provided was invaluable. I learned how to better connect on social media, improve my time management and networking skills, and recognize and respond to burnout. We have a movie night in January, and I was blown away by what I learned from the movie “Miss Representation,” as well as the discussion afterwards, moderated by our chapter president, author Carolyn Jabs.
Some of my favorite meetings happened during summer months, when the evening meetings were canceled, and instead two morning book group meetings were held. These breakfast meetings were smaller and more intimate. Everyone connected deeply. At the last breakfast meeting I attended, women with decades of experience in communications sat shoulder to shoulder with younger women, offering insights into their knowledge as well as what they went through to earn it. I got the sense that we have each other’s backs. I love that we can each act as mentors and mentees to each other because of our different skillsets.
Throughout the time I’ve been a member, the programming from AWC National has opened my eyes to new ways of connecting—for example, I had no idea the true power of having a LinkedIn account until I attended the June 2019 Know to Grow Webinar. When I can’t attend live, I love having past webinar videos available as a resource whenever I have spare time to catch up.
I have found deep personal connections at the Santa Barbara chapter—three of my partners from the networking workshop a year ago have become good friends. We meet monthly to act as an informal mastermind group—yet it feels like I have only just begun to scratch the surface of the friendships-to-be in this wonderful chapter.
Joining and attending meetings led to volunteering for the AWC-SB board, where I am now secretary. It’s also led to my business blossoming: I spoke at my second international conference this summer, taught my first post-conference workshop, and my private practice helping stressed people excel at work, life, and test-taking while reconnecting to joy is thriving. Thanks AWC!
I can’t recommend AWC highly enough for authors, entrepreneurs or anyone else from a non-traditional background. If you’re wondering if the AWC is right for you, it is. Take a chance; you’ll be glad you did!
About the Author
Elizabeth Gould is a member of the AWC professional chapter in Santa Barbara, California. Elizabeth is the author of Your Best Health by Friday: How to Overcome Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Trauma, PTSD, and Chronic Illness, available online. More information about her work is at www.rightbrainuniversity.com.
