White, Robert W. (Robert William), 1958-Nathan, Sarah KatherynBurlingame, DwightHuehls, Frances A.Robertson, Nancy Marie, 1956-2014-03-122014-03-122014-03-12https://hdl.handle.net/1805/4078http://dx.doi.org/10.7912/C2/601Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)This study examines the essential features of women’s experiences as members of a service association. It uses a qualitative method to understand how women make meaning from their membership in an all-female association and a mixed-gender association. The experiences were examined in comparative contexts. The study finds three common features in each association: joining, volunteering, and leading. In the mixed-gender association, women also experienced a process of assimilating into membership activities. The study provides scholars and association practitioners insights into the complex blend of members’ personal and professional interests with implications for membership recruitment and retention.en-USmembership organizations, service associations, women and volunteerismWomen in charitable work -- Research -- United StatesSocial -- AnalysisQualitative research -- Analysis -- EvaluationWomen -- SocializationWomen in community organizationVoluntarism -- United StatesWomen civic leaders --United StatesInterviewing -- TechniqueAssociations, institutions, etc. -- GenderAssociations, institutions, etc. -- MembershipVolunteers -- RecruitingNonprofit organizations -- United States -- Personnel managementClubs -- United States -- Case studiesSex role -- United StatesLeadershipVoluntarism -- United States -- ManagementOrganizational sociologyLions InternationalRotary InternationalThesis