Last updated in August 2024.
Joining Spinsters of San Francisco in 2017 is one of the most recreationally enriching things I’ve ever done. I wish I’d joined straight out of college. It’s a great way to connect with ambitious, philanthropically-minded women, build community, and form new friendships. I was a member from 2017-2022.
Spinsters of San Francisco (known as SOSF these days) is a San Francisco-based organization for women. There are currently about 100+ Spinsters spread throughout the Bay Area, literally from Alameda to San Jose.
As of 2023, candidates must meet the following criteria to join:
- Must reside in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Be aged 21-35 years old
- Not currently married
- Hold a college degree or trade certification
Why join?
Studies from the University of Oxford and Aalto University in Finland have shown that your social circle shrinks soon after your mid-20s.
In my case, I realized that the further I drifted from my graduation date, the further I was drifting from my college friends. It made sense. We were all adulting pretty hardcore and no longer lived a bike ride away from each other.
Ultimately, I decided I wanted to meet new people with similar values and pad my weekends with a little more meaning than Gilmore Girls binges. Spinsters of San Francisco is honesty one of the best way for women to meet like-minded women and make friends in San Francisco and the broader Bay Area.
Giving back is a priority
I think what I love the most about the organization is what go-getters these ladies are, no B.S. Many Spinsters are on the boards of other nonprofits. These boards include many art and philanthropical organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Encore, and GLIDE. One former Spinster even runs her own nonprofit organization for girls.
These Spinsters balance their philanthropical work with a busy social calendar and full-time jobs. Most Spinster-organized volunteer events fill up quickly, which shows how seriously we take our volunteer work.
I quickly realized these are the kinds of people I want to be friends with. They’re people who care about helping others and won’t think twice about donating their weekend to a good cause.
Organizations that the Spinsters volunteer with include the San Francisco SPCA, the San Francisco Food Bank, the Princess Project, La Cocina and Project Open Hand.
Some of their annual gatherings include Fleet Week’s Fleet or Flight fundraiser: a throwback to pinup curls, red lipstick and sailor dresses. Membership dues (hovering around $600 for new members) include tickets to two balls: a Holiday Ball in December and an Annual Ball in June.
There’s also a Legacy Ball fundraiser gala, which is great for those who have an extra gown and a little extra cash to burn (its tickets aren’t included in dues).
New members get to enjoy their own happy hours and events, including the event that’s been my personal favorite so far, the New Member Tea. The New Member Tea takes place at Crown Room in the Fairmont Hotel (also the current site of general meetings).
Spinsters has hosted parent-friendly events in the past, called “MaDa” (Mother/Daughter) and “FaDa” (Father/Daughter). Spring wine tours one of the annual highlights of being a Spinster. It’s also perfect for breaking out that floral romper and soaking in some vitamin D before getting your grape on.
There’s literally an activity for every type of woman out there, ranging from professional development book club meetings to chocolate tastings for the foodie.
Prospective membership
The recruitment process had a bit of a sorority rush feeling. I ultimately attended about nine events.
My advice for prospective Spinsters is to treat recruitment like a warmup to being a Spinster. Think beyond the prospective period. Assume you’ll get in, and you’re starting to make friends already.
Some of the events that the Member Selection Committee (MSC) organizes are actually a wonderful opportunity to try something new. It’s also a great opportunity to get acquainted and maybe even become friends with the other prospective members.
Prospective members get to enjoy trivia nights, hikes, and happy hours. Spinsters is one of the Bay Area’s greatest perks for young women. I can’t recommend enough that you invite your bestie, sibling, or that new-to-town coworker to consider joining.
Or, you know, yourself.
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