AWC Going Dutch Nov_Dec 2020

Presidency--Becky: Friendly and
Welcoming to American Culture
by Becky Failor (2015-2017)
Who are these “American women” who are Members of AWC The Hague anyway?
I can imagine that 90 years ago, in the earliest days of our Club, there were questions
of inclusion (or exclusion). At first, it was simple. You could be a Member if
you were a woman living in the Netherlands who was an American citizen or married to an
American citizen. Even what appeared to be straightforward could have raised questions:
“But she is married to a Dutch man!”
“She is English, but she married an American.”
“She’s an American citizen, but I don’t think she’s ever been there.”
Each of these women would have been welcome.
The US is a diverse nation. Just as the US has realized that the diversity of our population
enriches our nation, so has our AWC realized that we are a stronger and more vital organization
when “Membership in the Club is open to women of all nations who are friendly and
welcoming to American culture.” Thus, the concept of Associate Members, those who were
not American citizens or married to an American citizen, was added with certain restrictions.
In 2014, the Membership
decided to alter those restrictions
to:
1) Give full voting rights to
Associate Members
2) Expand the maximum
number of Associate
Members from 20% to 40%
3) Allow Associate
Members to serve on the
Board, with the exception
of being President or Vice
President.
46 GOING DUTCH
In 2015, I was elected
President along with a great
group of ladies as Board
Members and we had to turn
those decisions into reality.
The saying “the Devil is
in the details” was so true.
We had to legally change
our Club Constitution and
By-Laws. Our goal was
that those Members who
had been finally given voting
rights would be able to
cast their votes during the
General Meeting in November 2015. We made it happen. I had tears in my eyes when I saw
Members who had been part of the Club for years proudly cast their first vote.
So what does it mean to be “friendly and welcoming to American culture”? While I don’t know
definitively, I know for sure that it includes laughter, adventure, curiosity, empathy and generosity.
Americans have adventurous spirits, so moving to a new country seems exciting to us.
The AWC is a place to share that excitement with others. The Club tours helped me satisfy my
curiosity about this new country. There were always women generously sharing experiences
of where to get the best this or that and answering
the “newbies” questions. I will never forget
the generosity by so many Members when
I broke my leg. The dinners that came every
other day were truly a God-sent gift. And for
90 years conversations around how to make a
Thanksgiving dinner have brought out curiosity,
generosity, empathy, and lots of laughter.
I cannot define in words what it means to be
“friendly and welcoming to American culture,”
but I know the feeling. And I am sure
that for many years to come, women will walk
into our Clubhouse and experience the friendly
welcome of American culture.
Presidency--Mary Ann: Best-Kept
Secret
by Mary Ann Nation (2017-2018)
Sitting in a planning meeting, my newly elected Board and I discussed the growth of
Membership. I remember saying we would increase our Membership by 20%. There
were a few naysayers, yet I knew the strength of the Board and the unique opportunity
we were offering American and non-American alike to join. The AWC of The Hague is one of
the best-kept secrets around. It was our job to let those living in The Hague and the surrounding
communities to see the warmth, friendship and sense of family this Club had to offer. There
are very few clubs that give such a real sense of a community.
When I first arrived in The Hague, I had many
fears and doubts about joining the AWC. I
called a few times, but could not muster the
strength to visit. I longed for a community, yet
wasn’t sure if I would be accepted due to race.
I know you may find it silly to say, but this
was my fear. I was introduced to Jane Choy
by an American. Jane’s invitation to attend a
meeting was just what I needed. Becky Failor
and many of the women I met during my first
visit showed me the community I was longing
to join. I felt accepted and welcomed.
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