PRESS RELEASE

Los Angeles, California – January 11, 2023 — According to a new infographic published by SOS, a non-profit that launched this month, organized communities of women have been in existence for over a century.

Work-life integration, technology, the rise of women entrepreneurs, the mainstreaming of trans women and non-binary workers, changes in parenting roles and the pandemic have all had an impact on how we work, who we work with, our definitions of success, and what we do when not working.

SOS is a new non-profit (a re-invention of Society of Saleswomen) that was developed based on data that most women are not comfortable talking about their professional and personal challenges with their employers or even with many of their friends and colleagues for fear of judgment, retribution, or lack of support.

Jessica Wiederhorn, President of SOS, says “Throughout our lives -- from our first jobs to our 80s , we face a wide range of challenges and being able to look to other women with similar challenges and life experiences who can help inspire, guide, educate, and support us.”
SOS is based on some simple principles and values.

• “Come as you are” is part of the mission statement. SOS encourages transparency, and asks that members don’t feel compelled to apologize if they’re not wearing make-up, if they are dressed in sweats, or have a baby or dog on their lap.
• The organization commits to being respectful of time and budget. Technology powers most of SOS’s Board and members will never be subjected to meetings without an agenda, piles of paper documents, or seemingly endless e-mails. People can join for free but have access to events for as little as $49 annually.
• Although some women’s groups can be competitive with each other or internally clique-ish, SOS fosters collaboration and welcomes other organizations -- worldwide -- to partner with it.

Continues Wiederhorn, “SOS is not for everyone. Our objective isn’t to sign-up as many members as we can. In fact, not everyone is comfortable with our vibe. We encourage everyone to try out one of our events and then decide if this is the right community for them.”
In addition to small regional gatherings (called Table for Six™), SOS hosts digital events with speakers on timely topics, is launching an intergenerational mentorship program, and is developing a curated online guide of helpful resources for its members.

Customized sponsorships are available for larger organizations who want to give their employees opportunities outside their workplaces and for brands who want to keep their finger on the pulse of workplace trends.

About SOS

SoS (formerly Society of Saleswomen) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a community of women working together on professional and personal growth. They can be found at www.joinsos.org ##