How to Get Involved with Women in Film & Television/Houston

Women in Film & Television/Houston (wift-houston.org) is a non-profit chapter founded in 1995 to give voice and support to people working in film and television. To get involved, start at wift-houston.org and look for membership, events, and contact information; then reach out to the chapter directly to confirm current options. The site is the authoritative source for what is open right now, so treat any step below as a checklist to verify there rather than a fixed menu.

Start with the official site

The chapter's own site is the first stop. Its stated focus is leading, mentoring, educating, and persevering, and it notes the chapter is celebrating 31 years. Use the site to find:

• Membership information — whether the chapter is accepting members and what the process involves.
• Events and programs — screenings, panels, workshops, or networking gatherings listed for the current period.
• Contact details — an email or form for reaching chapter leadership with specific questions.

If a page appears outdated or a link is broken, that is a signal to contact the chapter directly rather than assume a program has ended.

Attend an event before committing

For someone unsure about joining, attending a listed event is the lowest-commitment way to assess fit. Before you go, check the site for date, location, cost, and whether registration is required. At the event, useful questions to ask members include how often the chapter meets, what membership dues cover, and whether there are volunteer roles for non-members.

What to prepare before reaching out

A short, specific message gets a better response than a general inquiry. Before contacting the chapter, have ready:

• Your background — whether you work in film, television, or an adjacent field, and at what stage.
• What you want — mentorship, networking, crew connections, or volunteer experience.
• Your question — for example, "Are you accepting new members this year, and what does the process involve?"

A realistic example

Suppose a Houston-based editor wants to meet local producers. She checks wift-houston.org for an upcoming event, finds one listed, registers if required, and attends. If no events are posted, she uses the site's contact information to ask whether any gatherings are planned and whether membership is currently open. Either path ends with a direct conversation with the chapter, which is more reliable than guessing from an outdated page.

Common sticking points

• Assuming the site is current. Verify dates and status by contacting the chapter.
• Expecting published pricing. The available site information does not list dues or fees; ask directly rather than assuming membership is free.
• Waiting for a perfect match. If no event fits your schedule, a direct inquiry about mentorship or volunteer options is still a valid way in.

The chapter's stated purpose—supporting and giving voice to people in film and television—is the best guide to whether it fits your goals. Confirm the specifics at wift-houston.org and with the chapter itself before making plans.