Membership Benefits
The IWI is a dynamic and active social organisation and membership brings many benefits:
Lale Magazine
Delivered to your doorstep six times a year, Lale magazine is the voice of the IWI. It is full of interesting articles and information about our community and contains information on IWI programs as well as other groups and associations in Istanbul. We are always looking for help with producing Lale so please send us your articles, photos or suggestions. This year we would like to find a deputy editor so please check our help wanted section if you might be interested.
Newsletter
Our bi-weekly newsletter gives an update as to what is happening in the IWI community, reminders of programs and events, latest IWI news, some classified ads and tips about what to do that is different in Istanbul
Website: In a major change over the summer, our website has been re-designed to include a more comprehensive members only section. Now, members will be able to log on to the site using their email address and manage their own personal details. In addition, you will be able to book programs and download Lale. We will be also putting old newsletters onto the site and keeping it updated with news, events and programs.
Programs: The IWI offers a full program of activites and events that cater to all tastes and ages. In any given month there could be a walking tour of the old city, a pot luck lunch at a member’s house, a professional women’s event, a cooking demonstration and lesson or a trip to the Grand Bazaar. Where possible, programs will be listed in Lale although we often have opportunities presented to us after the Lale deadline. These will be promoted on the website and through the newsletters so keep checking them regularly.
Social Events: The IWI is primarily a social organisation. Many people are familiar with our two large social gatherings, one to celebrate Christmas and the other at the end of the IWI season in June. However, there are many other occasions through-out the year, where you can come along and meet other members. This autumn we are initiating coffee mornings where people from different neighbourhoods can get together and swap local tips and hints. We also have get-together for newcomers to Istanbul in the fall where old-timers try and answer all their questions about life in the city.
There are regular get-togethers on both the European and the Asian side. On the European side, there is the Thursday coffee and lunch at the Coffee Talk Café in Alkent Sitesi, in Etiler. It runs from 12 to 2pm every Thursday from September 23rd until the summer lunch in June. Hana Danon and Camelia Sagisman, our newcomer co-ordinators, are there to welcome both newcomers and existing members who would like to come along. Petra Gonec is our Asian side co-ordinator and she hosts the regular coffee morning at the Café in Asia side.
Groups and Activities: There are a wide range of groups and activities that already exist in and around Istanbul that cater for a wide range of interests. Don’t forget to check out the back of the Lale for a complete listing. If one does not exist for a hobby or interest that you may have and you would like to start one, then send us the details and we will announce it in the newsletter and on the website.
Mums’n’Kids: If you are pregnant or with small children then the Mums’n’Kids group will be for you. Whether you are looking for play groups, information on children in Istanbul, or want to take part in our many special parties celebrating Easter, Chiristmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween, then you should become part of this group.
IPWIN: Although this group has only been running for one year it has been very successful. Whether you are in a career, a professional, on career break or exploring opportunities in Istanbul then you should become part of this dynamic interest group. You can sign up for IPWIN notices by clicking the IPWIN box on your profile page on the internet.
Charity: The IWI is very active in the community and proudly supports a number of charities across a range of projects. Our two main fund raising events are the Christmas Bazaar to be held again at the Hilton Hotel on November 23rd and the Spring Ball next year. We need a small army of volunteers to help us with the Bazaar and information on how you can join our army can be found later on in this issue.
IWI Directory: Each year you will receive a directory of IWI members which comes in a handy pocket sized book and is helpfully sorted by first name, surname and home district. It is surprising how handy these are to have with you.