1. About Step Up
2. Membership and dues
3. Getting involved/attending events
4. Partnerships/promotions/sponsorships
5. Teen programs
6. Technical/website questions
About Step Up
What does Step Up do?
Step Up connects you to the professional women you need and the underserved teen girls who need you. We create and implement impactful after-school and weekend programs that empower teen girls from under-resourced communities to be confident, college-bound and career-ready. We propel professional women through connections, collaborations and continuous development. Step Up inspires its network to invest in the future success of girls through mentorship and financial support.
What types of programs does Step Up run?
Step Up runs programs for both its professional members and teen girls enrolled in Step Up partner schools. For members, Step Up offers programming in the areas of networking and professional development, including panel discussions, Power Breakfasts, networking Salons and more. For teens, Step Up runs after-school and weekend enrichment programming that focuses on helping teens become confident, college-bound and career-ready.
Is Step Up a national organization?
Step Up is a national, nonprofit membership organization of 50,000 supporters. Step Up offices are found in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.
Who do you serve?
We empower teen girls from under-resourced communities to be confident, college-bound and career-ready, and propel professional women through connections, collaborations and continuous development.
I thought Step Up was a health organization?
Just as our network and members have evolved over Step Up's 15 years of service, so have our mission and programming. In order to best serve our network, we are focused on igniting women and girls to fulfill their potential.
Membership and dues
Are dues annual?
Yes. Dues are annual and entitle you to the benefits of a one-year Step Up membership. To learn about the benefits associated with each level of membership, please visit the membership benefits and tiers page.
Where are my annual dues used?
Step Up membership dues support our programming that connects and advances women and girls. At the heart of our mission is our after-school programming that focuses on helping underserved teen girls become confident, college-bound and career-ready.
Who are your members?
Step Up is a network of over 50,000 supporters nationwide, with the core of our membership found around our offices in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. The Step Up woman is professional, ambitious, savvy and philanthropically-minded. She looks to Step Up to provide her with career development programming that is effective and enjoyable, while giving her the opportunity to make a difference in her community.
Is there a membership directory?
Yes. When you become a member, you gain exclusive access to the Step Up online membership directory. To access the directory, visit www.suwn.org and log into your Step Up account. Click on "My Account" in the top right corner of the screen and choose "Member Directory" from the drop down menu. You may search the directory by name, city, industry or a number of other fields. You may then send an email through the Step Up system to any individual with whom you would like to connect. Please note that this directory is an "opt-in" benefit. To ensure your personal profile is added to the directory, you must select the appropriate box on your online account profile page.
What do I get with a Step Up membership?
A Step Up membership provides the opportunity to help others while helping yourself. You will enjoy access to Step Up's dynamic programming including stylish networking salons and professional development panels and discussions. You will also have the opportunity to support the advancement of teen girls with your time, talent and treasure.
Which membership tier is right for me?
Learn more about specific membership benefits at the membership benefits and tiers page. To get a basic taste of what Step Up has to offer, start at the Insider level ($75). For more exclusive social networking and professional development, consider the Icon level ($250) to gain access to our Power Breakfast series hosted by female industry leaders. To connect with savvy professionals and Step Up board leadership at signature fundraisers and high-profile events, become part of our elite group of supporters at the Visionary ($500) or Luminary Circle levels ($1,000). These two tiers receive additional personal attention from Step Up staff regarding programs, special events and initiatives.
What is the Luminary Circle?
The Luminary Circle is Step Up's top membership tier. It's an influential national group of philanthropists who individually contribute $1,000 or more annually. Each $1,000 donation funds a year of after-school enrichment programming for one underserved Step Up teen. Step Up is proud to count top women executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the community among its Luminary Circle.
Can I upgrade my membership? How does the upgrade system work?
Yes. You may upgrade your membership at any time. When you upgrade, the cost of your new membership dues will be pro-rated based on the time remaining in your subscription. This is calculated online automatically. Your new membership tier will have the same expiration date as your previous membership, so an upgrade lasts until the end of the original membership subscription.
Getting involved/attending events
I'm a new member. How can I start getting involved?
The best way to begin your Step Up involvement is to visit the online calendar at www.suwn.org and sign up for any event of interest. Step Up does not have any volunteer or event attendance requirements, so you may choose which events and opportunities fit your schedule, interests and membership goals.
In addition to events, Step Up often offers committee meetings, open houses and conference calls that are open to members. These provide good opportunities to connect with Step Up leadership and learn more about the organization. The key to maximizing your Step Up membership is to simply jump in by attending an event. There, you will meet other members and begin to get a feel for the organization. You may also call your local Step Up office to speak with the membership manager about getting involved.
How can I find out about upcoming events? When and where do teen programs take place?
The easiest way to find out about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities with Step Up teen programs is by visiting the calendar on our website. Step Up also sends out weekly e-blasts and a monthly e-newsletter to inform members about exciting upcoming opportunities. Check your e-mail inbox regularly and make sure that you add suwn.org to your safe sender list to ensure you receive all Step Up email correspondence.
Do I need to be a member to volunteer with Step Up?
Our volunteer opportunities are a benefit of membership in Step Up. Funds raised through membership dues ensure Step Up can continue to provide quality programming for underserved teens and meaningful volunteer experiences for our members.
Can I attend a Step Up event to learn more about membership before joining?
Yes. Select events are open to both members and members-to-be. Check your city's calendar and register online.
Can I bring a friend to an event?
This depends on the event, but many events allow Step Up members to invite a guest to attend. Check your city's calendar for specific opportunities. However, your guest will still need to register online by creating a non-member account.
Are you planning to expand to my city?
Our expansion in the future will depend on where we have the most support and growth in membership. In the meantime, our national membership tier allows women from all over the country to join our community and network online. We welcome Step Up advocates throughout the nation and are happy to lend as much support as possible to our members wherever they may be.
Partnerships/promotions/sponsorships
How do I partner with Step Up?
Step Up offers numerous corporate partnership opportunities on the national and local level. Partners can sponsor Step Up programs like the teen empowerment or mentorship programs, or events such as professional development panels, social networking nights or the annual membership celebration. Various levels of corporate sponsorships are also available for Step Up's visible annual events: Power Hour (April, New York), Inspiration Awards (May, Beverly Hills), and Shine & Dine (August, Chicago).
Step Up can serve as charity beneficiary for various corporate initiatives or employee giving programs. Step Up can also partner for cross-promotional events including openings, fashion shows and retail shopping, host Brown Bag Lunch Sessions for employees to discuss various topics, or offer corporate Step Up memberships for employees or clients.
In partnership with your business, Step Up can create innovative public awareness campaigns such as our past "Make the Connection" initiative, which alerted women to the connection between the HPV virus and cervical cancer. We can also help implement creative fundraising projects such as "You are My Inspiration," an online gift house.
Other ways to invest include individual giving with high-level networking in our exclusive Luminary Circle, or making in-kind donations of venues, food and beverages, products and services for Step Up member events and community programs.
The possibilities are endless, and we look forward to discussing them with you further! For more information about how to partner with Step Up, contact angie@suwn.org.
Is Step Up a foundation? Can Step Up donate to other charities?
Step Up is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and is not a foundation. We manage direct service programs for women and girls, run by our staff and supported by the funds we raise. Step Up does not accept grant proposals and does not regularly donate to other charities or projects.
Can you promote my events to your network of members?
As an organization dedicated to serving our members, Step Up has strict policies about the information it disseminates. Step Up does not advertise events or opportunities unless they are directly related to the Step Up mission, programs or partners.
Can I post a link for my website on your website/vice versa?
At the present time, Step Up does not support links for other web pages on www.suwn.org unless the link is associated with a partner.
Teen programs
How do you pick the teens you serve?
Step Up's after-school and weekend enrichment programming is open to all female students enrolled at its partner schools. Step Up works closely with the faculty and staff at partner schools to target teen girls who would truly benefit from Step Up's application-based, single-sex programming. Step Up does not have academic requirements or barriers for admittance; rather, Step Up looks to admit girls who will be committed to Step Up programming and intend to participate in its trajectory of programs throughout their high school careers.
Why partner with schools?
Step Up identifies and partners with schools in need of extra support in the areas of after-school and/or arts programming.
How can I bring the Step Up teen programs to my school?
If your school is located within the Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York metro area and serves primarily low-income students, please refer your school principal to the Step Up website. He/she may contact national@suwn.org with inquiries.
Why charter schools?
Step Up does not partner exclusively with charter schools, but has found that charter schools often have a similar philosophy and model as Step Up's after-school programming. Step Up seeks to engage a cohort of girls and reach each girl individually. Charter schools, similarly, are generally smaller in size and are able to work closely with students and their families. Charter schools have flexible and innovative management, often allowing Step Up to better work as partners to ensure that Step Up meets the needs of each student enrolled in Step Up programming.
What communities do Step Up girls come from?
Step Up program participants primarily come from low-income, underserved communities within the metro Los Angeles, Chicago and New York areas.
How many girls benefit from Step Up programs?
Step Up serves approximately 700 teen girls nationwide and provides each with an average of 100 hours of after-school and weekend enrichment programming. Step Up strongly believes in engaging a cohort of girls throughout its high school career, getting to know each girl closely. By doing so, Step Up ensures that each girl is able to take full advantage of our trajectory of programs, and that she has the tools and skills she needs to reach her unique postsecondary and career goals.
Why teens?
Adolescence is a time of great change for teens, who must begin thinking about their futures. Step Up aims to make this change a positive one and engage teens in a way that inspires a life-long commitment to responsible, philanthropic involvement encompassing hands-on volunteer work and leadership opportunities through after-school programming. Step Up uses its expertise in self-esteem and leadership, as well as college and career development programming, to impact its teen students.
Do all girls participate in all of the programs?
No. Step Up girls may choose which programs are most interesting to them, encouraging greater engagement, attendance and retention.
Who teaches your classes?
Step Up hires quality educators who serve as positive role models, showing the girls the many possibilities available for their future. Step Up holds quarterly best practices training sessions for all instructions, ensuring a high level of quality throughout the teen programs.
Technical/website questions
I am not able to login to my Step Up account or register for an event. How do I reset my password?
To reset your password, click "I forgot my login information" on the Login page of the website. Type the e-mail address listed on your account and an email will be sent to your account with a link to reset your password. Once you click on the link, it will ask you to answer your security question in order to change your password. After you provide the correct answer, it will take you back to the main login page to enter your login information. If you experience trouble registering for an event even though you are logged in, check the registration requirements: you may not be eligible to attend. For further assistance, please e-mail national@suwn.org or your local membership manager with your inquiry.
How do I update my e-mail address?
You may update your e-mail address by logging into your Step Up account online. Visit www.suwn.org and use your assigned username and password to log in. Once you are logged in, click on "my account" in the top right corner of the screen and go to "update profile." From your profile page, you may update any aspect of your contact information. If you are not able to log in or experience trouble updating your profile information, please contact your local membership manager, e-mail national@suwn.org or call 213.382.9161.
How do I unsubscribe from the e-mail list?
At the bottom of each Step Up e-mail is a link that will unsubscribe you from the Step Up mailing list. If you still receive e-mails after unsubscribing, e-mail national@suwn.org, and we will remove you from the list immediately.
I accidentally made a donation on the website. Can I get a refund?
When you place an order on the website, a screen will ask if you would also like to make a donation in addition to your order. You are not required to enter any amount into this field, and please make sure you check your final amount to ensure it is acceptable before submitting your final order. If you do accidentally make a donation, we ask you to remember that Step Up is a nonprofit organization and your contribution is tax deductible and will go to a good cause. If you would like a refund, please contact national@suwn.org or 213.382.9161.
Who created/developed your website?
Treehouse Interactive designs and maintains the Step Up website. For more information, please visit TreeHouse Interactive.
