Groups

Small groups are the heart and soul of Renewment.

Whether you are still working, contemplating retirement, already retired, or simply making a career transition, Renewment groups connect you to other women in (or approaching) transition.

You can start a group! It’s an amazing experience that is enriching, enlightening and fun too.

Purpose of Renewment Groups

Convene, share and brainstorm with like- minded women.
Identify common concerns, interests and aspirations.
Tap appropriate resources.
Discuss topics that energize and create community engagement and social activism.

10 Reasons to Start or Join a Group

Create meaningful connections.
Groups are autonomous; free of regulations.
Topics for discussion vary and resonate with each group.
Every woman’s voice is valued and respected.
Members serve as a sounding board for one another.
Groups are a place to reenergize, share and brainstorm.
Members pursue interests and bring their learning and experience back to the group.
The groups become a community of like-minded women.
Renewment is about joy, humor and levity.
Monetary contributions are voluntary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a group?

Invite like-minded women who have enjoyed their careers and are looking for their next chapter. A step by step guide is provided in the last section of “Project Renewment: The First Retirement Model for Career Women.”

How large are the groups?

Most are 8-10 members.

What does it cost to be in a Renewment group?

No charge. Everything is done on a volunteer basis. However, contributions are welcome to maintain the web site, etc.

Where do meetings take place and how often?

Often members choose to meet in someone’s home over dinner or dessert, but meetings can take place anywhere— a coffee shop, a restaurant or even a park! Typically, groups meet once a month. Each group creates its own calendar.

Who are Renewment Women?

They come from all professional backgrounds. Some continue to work; others have recently retired and others are working part-time. Their professions: attorneys, theatrical producers, journalists, market researchers, engineers, speech therapists, teachers, business owners, probation officers and more.

To what extent is a commitment required?

Renewment groups function best when all the members commit to attending group meetings regularly.

What happens at a meeting?

Usually a topic is discussed at each meeting; members usually “check in” about happenings related to renewment the past month. Time needs to be limited. This can occur before the topic discussion or over dinner or dessert.

What are the types of topics?

Making the retirement decision
Identity
Meaning of productivity
What if he retires first?
Authenticity
Finding your passion
Spirituality
Relocation
Finding the right volunteer role
Encore careers
Leaving a legacy
Aging parents
Who will be there for me?
Preferring a sorority to a nursing home
Wisdom

Additional topics are in the manual and the last section of the book.

Are Renewment groups like group therapy?

No, they are not therapy or traditional support groups that “fix” people’s problems. Renewment groups essentially are self-styled supportive learning communities aimed to help us grow.