THE BEAR FACTS October 2026 |
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Dear {Contact_First_Name},
It's now October and I find myself not being able to let go of summer. Alas, autumn weather is here, foliage starts to change color, and fall break is already upon us. October is a "short" month for our club's activities due to the schools' Fall Break, with many of our families away. We've squeezed quite a few things into the first 2 weeks of the month, including our Monthly Meeting and Oktoberfest. See below for more details.
I’m pleased to announce that Jennifer Post Dräger has been appointed Chair of the Nominating Committee, tasked with identifying and nominating candidates for the 2027 Board of Directors. She will be joined by Stephanie Peterson and Nelly Heidbrink - each bringing valuable insight and dedication to this important work. Please see their call for nominations below.
As a 100% volunteer-run organization, our Club depends on strong and engaged leadership to thrive. If you have a bit of time and are interested in giving back, growing your leadership skills, or shaping the future of our Club, I encourage you to consider joining the Board. The time commitment is flexible - we’re happy to work around your schedule.
I look forward to seeing you at one of the events this month! And for our families with children in school, have a fantastic Fall Break.
Warmly,
My-Linh xo |
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My-Linh Kunst
President, The American Women's Club of Berlin The AWC Berlin is 100% member-run - we always welcome and appreciate your contribution, feedback and suggestions. Please email president@awcberlin.org. **Please note that, depending on your email program, you may need to click “View entire message” to see the Newsletter in its entirety.** |
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
AWC BERLIN BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2027 |
We will be electing a new Board of Directors at our Annual General Meeting in January 2027. (Yes, you read that right: we'll be holding our AGM in January instead of December, adopting a best practice of many similar registered associations in Germany.)
Last year, our membership approved expanding our Board of Directors to include 7 positions. The Nominating Committee is calling for nominations for all of the Board positions: President, Programs, Membership, Philanthropy, FAWCO Rep, Secretary and Treasurer.
If you’re passionate about our mission, committed to community, and ready to lead, we encourage you to step forward - or to nominate someone who is. For further information, please contact Committee Chair Jennifer Post Dräger at parliamentarian@awcberlin.org.
Detailed descriptions of the positions are in the Club’s Board of Directors Handbook. Those elected will serve on the Board for the 2027 calendar year. New this year: we will be hosting two open Zoom meetings to explain opportunities to get more involved with our Club, including Board positions, committee membership, activity leadership and more. Watch your inbox for an email invitation from the Nominating Committee with dates and times. A recording of the presentation will be made available for those who cannot attend live.
Per the Club’s Bylaws, independent nominations, with the consent of the nominee, may be made in writing by 20% of the voting members (i.e., 66 Regular and Associate members) and submitted to the Secretary (secretary.awcberlin@gmail.com) by December 27, 2026, three weeks prior to the election meeting.
Also required by the Club’s Bylaws, the Nominating Committee will present the slate of nominees in writing to each voting member (Regular and Associate members) no later than two weeks prior to the election at the AGM. Let your voice and vision help guide us into 2027 and beyond!
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MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING |
For our October meeting, we will meet at the home of Anna and Alan Meltzer, the Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy Berlin. Anna will host us for a Coffee Morning, and our guest speaker is Stephanie von Behr on The Next Chapter: Reinvention, Purpose and Belonging in Berlin. Due to limited space, this meeting is for members-only. |
Friday, October 9th, 11am-1:30pm
Event Timeline
- 11:00am Registration and Social Time
- 11:30am Meeting Begins
- 12:15pm Meeting Ends, Reception Continues
- 13:30pm Event ends
Location and Directions
The meeting will be hosted by our honorary member Anna Meltzer, wife of the Deputy Chief of Mission Alan Meltzer, at their Residence in Dahlem (address will be sent after registration). |
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About our speaker:
Stephanie von Behr is an American entrepreneur, leader, and community builder who has called Berlin home since 2013. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Berlin, shortly after becoming a mother, when she co-founded Wunderhaus, a membership club creating spaces where families could connect, recharge, and feel good. She went on to co-found Founderland, a global non-profit supporting women of color founders across 26 countries, backed by Google.org, and has since worked across entrepreneurship, capital, and social impact as a mentor and strategy leader, helping people and organizations clarify their vision and turn ideas into action. Today, she is co-founder of Entermezzo, an immersive sound experience exploring presence, connection, and wellbeing. REGISTER HERE |
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Nelly H., Director, Membership membership@awcberlin.org |
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!
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Kerstin B. Rima Karolina D. Wendy W.K. Khouloud K. Louise L. Elizabeth L. Teigan M. Andrea N. Jacquelyn P. Henrietta R. Pauline S. Hannah T. We look forward to seeing you soon! |
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If you know of anyone in our club who is going through a difficult time- whether it's due to illness, loss or another challenge- please don't hesitate to reach out to our Member Care team at membership@awcberlin.org. We're here to offer support and encouragement when it's needed most. Thank you for helping us care for one another! |
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Gwen C., Director, Programs programs.awcberlin@gmail.com |
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GET INVOLVED: Volunteer Opportunities
Our club is 100% volunteer-run and thrives on the energy and engagement of our members. If you have some time to give back, we’d love your help with the following:
- Cook our Thanksgiving Turkeys (2): We are looking for 2 members to cook the turkeys for our Thanksgiving Potluck event on Sunday, November 22.
- Couples Dining Out Coordinator(s): Organize weekend dinners out for members and their partners at different restaurants. You set the schedule and frequency.
- Girls Night Out Coordinator(s): Plan weekday evening dinners at various restaurants around the city. You set the schedule and frequency.
- Host for our Holiday Ornaments Exchange (December): Host an evening Glühwein potluck for up to 20 people at your home. Ideally, we are looking for a location in Prenzlauer Berg or Mitte to complement our daytime Cookie Exchange in Charlottenburg.
- Hosts for Author Readings: Offer your centrally located home for intimate author readings and talks. We have fantastic author requests lined up, and member homes provide a more cozy setting.
- Update our Members Recommendations Document. Member recommendations from our WhatsApp and FB groups are culled and included it in this document.
Please contact Gwen at programs.awcberlin@gmail.com or My-Linh at president.awcberlin@gmail.com to learn more or sign up. |
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CLUB POLICIES & PROCEDURES
To help all members get to know the Club a bit better, we’d like to feature a policy or procedure each month. This month, we answer the question:
How to Get My Event on the Club’s Wild Apricot Calendar?
Have an idea for a new event or an ongoing activity? Here is how to get it approved and published on the club calendar:
1. Discuss Your Idea
Contact Gwen C., Programs VP, at programs.awcberlin@gmail.com to talk through your event proposal.
2. Reserve Your Date and Time
Once you decide to move forward, coordinate with Gwen to select a date and time. She will check availability against the club's planning calendar and hold the slot for you.
3. Submit Event Details
After Gwen approves your date, email her the following details:
- Event Details: Title, description, date, time, location, directions, and an image to feature.
- Host Information: Your name and contact info (email/phone).
- Registration Rules: Cost, registration or cancellation deadlines, and minimum/maximum capacity limits (if applicable).
Gwen will then coordinate with Daphne C., Calendar Manager, to add the event to Wild Apricot.
Note for Ongoing Activities: If Gwen has already approved your ongoing series, you can send future calendar updates directly to Daphne, but please always copy Gwen on the email at programs.awcberlin@gmail.com. |
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OKTOBERFEST
On the last weekend of Oktoberfest, join us to celebrate with live music at the Hofbräu Wirtshaus in Mitte - a Bavarian festive atmosphere in the heart of the city. Cost is your own food & drinks. The event is OPEN TO PARTNERS. Dirndls and Lederhosen not required but well appreciated if worn. Thursday, October 15th 6:30pm
REGISTER
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MEMBERS-ONLY THANKSGIVING POTLUCK
Haus Eichkamp Cultural Center, Zikadenweg 42a, 14055 Berlin (near S-Bahnhof Messe Süd)
Sunday, November 22, 12pm – 3:00pm
At its heart, the American holiday of Thanksgiving is an opportunity to share food and gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. Whether you have had a wonderful year or a tough one, whether this will be your eightieth Thanksgiving or your very first: you are warmly welcome.
This year, the Club will provide drinks, turkey and a vegan main dish. The rest of the meal is potluck, so please bring a favorite side dish, appetizer, or dessert to share. After you register for the event on Wild Apricot, please also let us know what you're bringing via MealTrain
REGISTER |
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS FAIR RECAP
This past weekend, we hosted our 2nd International Schools Fair on the grounds of the Allied Museum. Under the wings of a Hastings airplane used in the Berlin Airlift, some 400 community members came to visit with representatives of 13 bilingual German/English schools, plus the Girl Scouts, Overseas Voting Assistance and Usborne books. Attendees packed the museum's conference room for Dr. Christina Limbird of Linden Global Education Support's presentation on How to Find the Best Fit School for Your Family. We received appreciative feedback from schools and parents alike.
Big thanks go out to our AWC Volunteers: organizing team Gwen Calisch, Jennifer Post Dräger, My-Linh Kunst and Ella Strack; and on site volunteers Minou Cassens, Lauren Joseph, Shannon Matsch, Quinn and Sloan Vaughen and Wolfgang and Junus Strack.
The event raised 1400 euro for our charity - the FAWCO Target Project Power Her Path. |
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Kendra V., Vice-President, Philanthropy philanthropy.awcberlin@gmail.com |
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We Raised €11,000 for DonyA!
Happy fall, AWC members! As we settle into the cozy season, we're beyond thrilled to share that together, we raised an incredible €11,000 for DonyA over the past two years. Every ticket bought, item donated, and event attended added up to something truly meaningful for the girls DonyA supports. Thank you to everyone who gave time, money, or heart to this cause.
We received this thank-you note from the DonyA teens and staff:
"Thanks for all the support <3 And best wishes to all of you."
— The DonyAs, Teens and colleagues
Still collecting in-kind donations: DonyA In-Kind Donation updated list
If you have items from this list to donate for our final delivery to this worthy charity, please contact Nelly at membership@awcberlin.org by the 25th of October to arrange pick-up.
With this, we close out our two-year commitment to DonyA and Wildwasser e.V. What a lovely note to end on. |
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CALL FOR 2027-2028 LOCAL CHARITY NOMINATIONS:
With one chapter closed, it's time to open the next. Every two years, members choose a local Berlin charity for the Club to support, and we're now searching for our next partner. Nominees must be Berlin-based, focused on women and children, and proposing a specific project (not general operating support). Deadline: November 1, 2026. Finalists go to a member vote at January's AGM.
To nominate: complete the application and submit as a PDF to philanthropy.awcberlin@gmail.com and president@awcberlin.org.
TIMELINE & CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
APPLICATION
Questions? My-Linh (president@awcberlin.org) or Kendra (philanthropy.awcberlin@gmail.com). |
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THIS FALL: FAWCO'S POWER HER PATH
While we welcome nominations for our next local charity, our fundraising focus turns to FAWCO's international Target Project, Power Her Path, a Pacific Links Foundation initiative supporting women and girls in Vietnam who have survived human trafficking, forced labor, or forced marriage, or are at risk of exploitation. The project runs a survivor support line, trains responders like border guards, police, and community members to identify and refer survivors, builds community-based housing, and offers entrepreneurship training and seed grants.
We're already off to a great start: between the JFKS Flea Market & Schools Fair and matching funds direct from FAWCO, we've raised 2700 Euro for Power Her Path so far this year.
As a founding FAWCO member, AWC Berlin is proud to back this effort alongside our sister clubs. Look for ways to get involved this fall!
Learn more about the Project and Pacific Links Foundation: Target Project 2026-2028 Human Rights – Advancing Dignity, Equality and Freedom for Women and Girls |
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Let's make it happen: philanthropy.awcberlin@gmail.com |
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Veronica R., FAWCO Rep fawco.awcberlin@gmail.com |
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FAWCO virtual Events are now published on our Wild Apricot calendar. The topics are many and varied but always interesting. As a member of our club you are automatically a member of FAWCO, and all you have to do is register on their website (FAWCO.org) to have full access. The login instructions are included in each description on our WA calendar. |
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Coming up in October - all are virtual meetings:
October 7: FAWCO UN Team Open House
October 9, 2026 7-8:30PM CET - Banned Book Week Pub Quiz
October 14, 16 & 19: Online Environment Festival
October 15: Aspiring Writers Workshop: Focusing on Human Rights
October 21: Human Rights Team Open Meeting – The Hidden Network: The Perpetrators Behind Human Trafficking
October 28: FAWCO Foundation Education Awards: What You Need to Know
If any of these Events interest you, go to the website FAWCO.org and read the full description and you can register for the virtual meeting right then and there!
November 6-8, 2026: You are invited to the FAWCO Region 5 Meeting in Cologne, Germany. Hosted by AIW Cologne under the theme “Women’s Rights are Human Rights”, the PROGRAM includes fascinating expert topic speakers and FAWCO business. You’ll meet sister clubs from Germany, Austria and Moldova. Registration ends October 15th. Learn more about the events of the meeting here and register here.
As your FAWCO Rep, Veronica will be attending to connect, learn and bring key ideas and information back to our Club so members who cannot attend can benefit from what is shared. If you attend, you can enjoy inspiring speakers, meaningful discussions, tours, music and plenty of time to connect, make new friends and have fun.
If you have any questions, please do contact Veronica at fawco.awcberlin@gmail.com. |
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Here are two easy tips for people who want to understand FAWCO’s work better:
1) Register for an account on the FAWCO website. This will give you access to all of FAWCO’s content and information. Just click on “Log in” in the upper right corner of the homepage; when the pop-up window opens, click “Sign up” and follow the prompts.
2) Once you are registered on the website, subscribe to FAWCO publications! Click on “Subscribe” at the top of the homepage to get an overview of all of our newsletters and a form for subscribing. You will already be on your way to becoming a well-informed FAWCO member. |
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INSPIRING WOMEN
Out now, our next issue, Women Supporting Human Rights! Celebrate the power, resilience and leadership of FAWCO and FAUSA members challenging oppression, amplifying silenced voices and demanding dignity for all.
Our Facebook page is a one-stop information shop on what we're up to - follow us and stay up-to-date.
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AWC Berlin is a founding member of FAWCO, a network of American and international women's clubs around the world. As a member of AWC Berlin , you are automatically also a member of FAWCO, connecting you to philanthropy and advocacy on a global scale. Learn more at FAWCO.org. Go to www.fawco.org to register and subscribe to receive FAWCO newsletters, and for additional information, contact our FAWCO Rep, Veronica Riffle, at fawco.awcberlin@gmail.com |
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Through the US Embassy, we are invited to celebrate the 251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 21st, in Mitte!
In past years, over 20 AWC members have gathered for this fantastic evening filled with great food, live music, and dancing. Reservations deadline to sit together has been extended, please RSVP and pay by October 15.
DETAILS & RSVP HERE |
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AWC BERLIN OCTOBER EVENTS
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Weekly- New Players Welcome
Tennis Winter Season 17.09.2026 - 09.04.2027
Tuesday adv., 10am-12pm
Wednesday int/beg with trainer 10am-12pm
Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
Week of September 28th
FAWCO Beyond the Bias: Women, Girls and Artificial Intelligence
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7-8pm (virtual)
Monthly Coffee Morning, aka Kaffee Klatsch
Friday, Oct. 2, 10:30am-12pm
Week of October 5th
German Conversation
Monday, Oct. 5, 9:30-10:30am
Mid-Town Book Club
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7pm
Guided Tour of THE WISH TO BE ELSEWHERE- an Exhibition of the art Group FRAUENMUSEUM
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2:15pm
FAWCO UN Team Open House
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7-8:30pm (virtual)
Brunch Club October 2026
Thursday, Oct. 8, 12-3pm
Democracy Action Hour
Thursday, Oct. 8, 4-5pm (Zoom)
October Membership Meeting- hosted by Honorary Member Anna Meltzer
Friday, Oct. 9, 11am-1:30pm
FAWCO Banned Books Week Pub Quiz
Friday, Oct. 9, 7-8:30pm (virtual)
Halloween Children's Book Reading
Saturday, Oct. 10, 3-4pm
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Life Group
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2-4pm
Week of October 12th
German Conversation
Monday, Oct. 12, 9:30-10:30am
WWG Doku Watch Party
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6:30-9pm
Evening Book Club
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7-9pm
Lunchkonzert: Berliner Philharmoniker Foyer Performance
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1pm
FAWCO: Online Environment Festival (session 1)
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7-8:30pm (virtual)
Octoberfest at Hofbräu Haus
Thursday, Oct. 15, 6:30pm
FAWCO Aspiring Writers Workshop: Focusing on Human Rights
Thursday, Oct. 15, 7-8:30pm (virtual)
Book Club Discussion of "Technofeudalism"
Thursday, Oct. 15, 7-9pm Women on the Move in Berlin-Schlachtensee
Friday, Oct. 16, 10:30am
FAWCO Online Environment Festival (session 2)
Friday, Oct. 16, 7-8:30pm (virtual)
Southwest Stammtisch
Saturday, Oct. 17, 10:30am-12pm
Week of October 19th
German Conversation
Monday, Oct. 19, 9:30-10:30am
FAWCO Online Environment Festival (session 3)
Monday, Oct. 19, 7-8:30pm (virtual)
Potluck with a Difference- Women Who Gather
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7-9pm
Women on the Move- Neighborhood Walk, Charlottenburg, Berlin
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 10:30am FAWCO Human Rights- The Hidden Network: The Perpetrators Behind Human Trafficking
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 5:30-6:30pm (virtual)
Espresso Konzert
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2pm Thirsty Thursday, Sticks 'N' Sushi
Thursday, Oct. 22., 7-9pm
Week of October 26th
German Conversation
Monday, Oct. 26, 9:30-10:30am
FAWCO Foundation Education Awards: What You Need to Know
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 1:30-2:30pm and again 7-8:30pm (virtual) |
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AWC BERLIN ONLINE AWC members can manage their account, access the membership directory and sign up for events by logging into their AWC member account. You can access your account from your smartphone via the Wild Apricot Mobile app, or simply by going on any computer with internet and visiting the "Members Login" area of the AWC Berlin website. Calendar and Event Registration As a reminder, AWC Berlin members must log in with a user name and password to access events on our calendar and register for them. So that we know to expect you, please remember to register for events you wish to attend.
IN THE MEMBERS ONLY AREA, you can:
- Register for and cancel events
- See your event registration
- Add events to personal calendar
- See who else is going
- Much more...
Step 1: Go to the AWC website and click "Members Login" (request new password from the website if needed). Manage your events from the calendar.
Step 2: You could also download the Wild Apricot Member app to your smartphone or tablet and use your website login on the app.
Step 3: Poke around and get familiar with the tools. See the Instruction Guide for detailed steps and pictures of set up and navigation. Currently, the event registration feature of the app is not available to Android users, but otherwise the app is fine for Android users. Questions? email membership@awcberlin.org |
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HELPFUL TIP ARE YOU USING OUR MOBILE APP?
AWC’s events calendar and membership directory live on a platform called Wild Apricot. Download the Wild Apricot App for Members to view and register for events, and access the membership directory. You can also add events to your personal calendar with just a click. |
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Logging In: You will have to log in the first time, using the same email and password you use for the AWC website member login (see AWC website section of this document).
Navigating: When first logging in, update your profile before registering for events. Select the Members tab to access the Members Directory. You can view and register for Events From the Events tab (iPhone only). To cancel your registration, go to “My Tickets”, click on the event, and click “Cancel”.
If you have any questions, please write to: membership@awcberlin.org
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AWC BERLIN FACEBOOK POLICY The AWC Berlin Private Members Only Facebook group is open to current members only and is a casual, respectful and friendly forum for member announcements (for example, babies! weddings!, etc.), discussion, information and questions regarding AWC-related topics and/or life in Berlin. Thank you for your cooperation! AWC Berlin Facebook Page | AWCB Website |
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AWC BERLIN WHATSAPP COMMUNITY
Our active WhatsApp Community is how the Club’s Neighborhood Groups and Interest Groups communicate. We currently have 37 groups covering many parts of town and topics of various skills/hobbies.
If you would like to start a new group to share your specific interest or hobby with other club members, please contact the Board for information on how to create and maintain such a group.
NEW OPEN FORUM GROUP CHAT - join it in our WhatsApp Community - for all current members who wish to OPT IN and have a place to connect, ask broad questions, as well as to share announcements, posts, recommendations, invitations, their Marketing Mondays, requests, and generally chat about topics that are relevant to everyone in the Club, yet not specific to our interest/neighborhood groups.
For neighborhood-specific updates or special interest topics, please join the corresponding groups dedicated to those sepcific topics. You can find and join those groups by exploring the WhatsApp Community.
The benefits of a Community include:
- Visibility into all AWC Berlin-related WhatsApp groups.
- Group chats are restricted to group members, but as a Community member, you can see the title and description of all the groups. If you are eligible to join based on the group's description, you are welcome to "ask to join" any of the groups.
- Administrators can make announcements to the whole community (e.g., for last-minute event info)
Currently, we have the following WhatsApp groups which are run by an array of amazing coordinators:
Neighborhoods: Charlottenburg, Westend, Schöneberg/Wilmersdorf, Mitte, Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer-Berg/Friedrichshain, Reinickendorf, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Brandenburg
Interests: Ancient Wisdom Modern Life, Book Club Charlottenburg, Book Club Southwest, Citizenship, Classical Music, Community Volunteering, FAWCO,WC Food Talks, German learners, JFKS Families, Families with Playground age children, AWC Literature & Plays, AWC Midtown Readers, Movie-Goers, Philanthropy, Professional Networking, Spanish, Time for Paws,Travel Group, U30, U40, Vegan, and Women on the Move.
If you use WhatsApp and are not yet in the Community, or if you’re NOT on WhatsApp but would like more information, write Nelly at membership@awcberlin.org
Our WHATSAPP policies are similar to our FACEBOOK policies
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Please do not post charity donation requests or political items not related to the AWC Berlin.
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No self-promotion. You are invited to let us know about your business on MARKETING MONDAY - in our private FACEBOOK group. Be sure to preface your post with MARKETING MONDAY. No more than one post per member each Monday.
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When in doubt, please send your questions to membership@awcberlin.org.
Thank you for your cooperation!
AWC Berlin Facebook Page | AWCB Website |
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