You’re angelic, like Oprah Winfrey
suwn.org
Step Up Women’s Network is a nationwide nonprofit that helps strengthen community resources for women and girls. Translation: You can help at-risk girls and make career-boosting contacts in return. At a typical volunteer event, you may introduce high-schoolers to new career opportunities. One program spotlights photojournalism and pairs girls with mentors in that field. Altruism has its benefits—panel discussions for network members feature nationally known female CEOs, and intimate power breakfasts include chat time with top Chicago businesswomen. Gina Marotta, managing director for Step Up, says they make it comfortable for first-timers to come solo. “Everyone is like-minded and really easy to talk with,” she says. Visit the website’s Chicago calendar for upcoming info sessions.

You want your voice to be heard, like Rosie O’Donnell
chicagonow.org
We may elect our first female or African-American President this year, but we’re still a long way from equality for all—especially when it comes to gay rights. Want to add some muscle to the fight? Chicago NOW (the local chapter for the National Organization for Women) has an issue team dedicated specifically to lesbian rights. Shayne Bell, secretary of Chicago NOW, led this team in 2007. “It’s an action-based organization,” Bell says, “and I was attracted to the aspect of actually doing things.” They earned one victory in 2006 when Chicago NOW volunteers helped defeat a move to add an anti gay-marriage referendum to Illinois’ November 7 state ballot. Today, they’re working to legalize same-sex civil unions. The Lesbian Rights group meets at 7pm the last Wednesday of every month at Kopi Cafe (5317 N Clark St).

You’re jump-the-couch in love, like Katie Holmes
marriedwomen.meetup.com/186
Do your single girlfriends mime barfing when you share tales of wedded bliss? Join the Chicagoland Nesties, a Meetup.com group of newly married women who are “in love and lovin’ it!” Thirty-one-year-old Joelen Tan started the group last February to expand her social network. “The single friends we all have don’t necessarily understand the dynamics of married life,” Tan explains. Today, the group is 175 members strong (most members are recent transplants to Chicago). After introductions, chit-chat usually centers on weddings, honeymoons and daily life with hubby. Happy hours and weekday lunches are popular events, as is “Read, Watch & Eat,” where the group selects a book to read in advance, then gathers to watch the movie version. March 30 features Like Water for Chocolate.

You’re all business, like Martha Stewart
fortefoundation.org
You’ve vowed to earn six figures by the time you’re 27 (and seven by the time you’re 35). So what’s your plan? Get advice through Forté Foundation-, a national organization dedicated to directing talented women to leadership roles in business. “It helps women at the start of their careers get where they want to be,” says Chicago chapter leader Neha Shah. Popular events include Speed Speakers, in which women-at-the-top share their paths to success. Events are free and usually attract up to 40 participants, most of them under the age of 30. Forté Foundation also offers scholarships, mentors and tips on maintaining a work/life balance. For information on membership and upcoming events, visit the website’s Get Involved section.