WE WANT TO EXPRESS OUR GENUINE APPRECIATION FOR YOUR INITIATIVE IN SEEKING TO ESTABLISH A LOCAL WIO CHAPTER. YOUR COMMITMENT AND DRIVE RESONATE DEEPLY WITH OUR BROADER MISSION.
Following thorough deliberations, the WIO board recognizes the complexities in addressing the unique requirements of various local groups and navigating certain legal challenges. As a result, we’re currently unable to establish a formal chapter structure. However, to ensure that your passion and initiative don’t go unsupported, we’d like to propose some alternative avenues for collaboration:
- Affiliate Partnership: Consider this an intermediate step—a collaboration model where we can jointly embark on select initiatives or events.
- Resource Sharing: We’re in the process of curating a digital toolkit filled with resources consistent with WIO’s objectives. This can act as a guide for your regional endeavors.
- Engagement via Webinars: Our national webinars may offer a platform for knowledge sharing and interaction. It would be an honor to feature members from your local group as contributors or speakers.
- Digital Recognition: While the direct use of the WIO brand for local groups is restricted, we can highlight your noteworthy local achievements on our primary social media channels.
- Networking Opportunities/Speaker Opportunities: WIO may provide an opportunity for local groups to list events and foster connections with peers in the field.
- Join a Committee or Task Force: WIO is always looking for volunteers to join our various committees and taskforces. Please complete the form below to submit your interest.
Kindly note the importance of maintaining clarity in branding; hence, using “WIO” in a local context, such as “X chapter WIO” or “WIO X”, should be avoided.
Should you have any queries or require clarification on the mentioned points, please email the WIO Executive Office (info@wioonline.org). We will be happy to assist you in any way we can.
While establishing local chapters remains a possibility, your endeavors in championing Women in Ophthalmology at the regional level are invaluable. We are really looking forward to your feedback and insights as we aspire to boost our collective impact.
