If you have a question, that is not covered below, feel free to shoot us an email and we will respond as quickly as possible!
1. What is Botsford Advocates?
Botsford Advocates is a support group comprised of the spouses/significant others of current interns, residents and fellows at Botsford General Hospital.
2. How can I be a part of Botsford Advocates?
We are so excited that you want to be a part of our group, and apologize we didn't recruit you sooner! If you would like to receive additional information, and be added to the contact list (so you can receive the evites for any future events we do together), please contact us at botsfordadvocates@gmail.com.
3. I'm a guy. Can I still be a part of this group?
Most definitely! We are trying to make all feel welcome and although you might not enjoy every event we have planned, we are sure you will enjoy at least a few! It is hard to accomodate everybody, and until last year this has been a mostly female group. But the demographics of the medical workplace are changing, and thus so are we- so if you have any suggestions of other events you would like to see (both this year as a non-sponsored event, as well as events for the future), please let us know!
4. Do I have to attend each event?
Although we would be thrilled if you wanted to come to each event, you are by no means obligated to come to all or even any event. We will sent out an evite for each event. Please respond in a timely manner, as some events will require advanced reservations. If your schedule ends up conflicting with one of our events, we will miss you but understand!
5. I noticed that on the events calendar, some of the events planned have a babysitter provided. Who is the babysitter, and how does this work?
Our babysitter has worked with the Advocates for about the last 5 years and loves it. Toys for all ages are available, and usually snacks/juice are provided. For babies or children that are still in diapers, if you bring the diapers/wipes, she has no problem changing them, or taking the others to the restroom if they need to go.
For privacy purposes, if you would like more specific information about the babysitter, please email us.
6. We are getting married! I noticed on the main page there is a gift coordinator...?
Congratulations! We are very excited for you, and would like to give you a small gift as a way to say congratulations. If she didn't already know, please inform Catie Tucker through her information in the directory, or by emailing botsfordadvocates@gmail.com (and we will pass this information on to her).
7. We are having a baby! I noticed on the main page, there is a gift coordinator...?
Congratulations! Just like weddings, we are so very excited for each new baby, be it the first or tenth! Please let us know so that we can give a small gift to help welcome this new little one into the Botsford family. Also, we know how stressful of a time this can be in your life, and would love to help out with meals for your family, so be ready for us to contact you about the specifics (number in family, allergies, etc), so that our members can volunteer to deliver you a meal!
8. I have been a "member", but have never actually come to an event before. Is it too late to start, and will I stand out and feel weird?
It is never too late to start! We have members from various stages of the residency program; some are more active towards the beginning, some towards the end, and some like us are consistently involved. Not everyone can make every event, so you won't stand out. Just come when you can!
9. I have a friend whose spouse/significant other is a resident at Botsford, but they didn't sign up. Is it too late?
No, it's not too late! Anybody can join at any time. Please have them contact Amber Virkler, or email botsfordadvocates@gmail.com, so that they can be put on the list and start receiving evites!
10. Why should I join this group?
Different people join for different reasons, but we hope that through joining us, we can help you:
- meet and connect with other people in a similar stage of life
- stay sane, so that you can be a better support for your DO
- participate in activities that are free of charge
- have a membership directory of all those friends you meet
- learn more about and take advantage of this area in which we live
- get involved in hosting/leadership opportunities
- realize that Detroit (and it's suburbs) really isn't AS bad as your friends and family who give you those "I pity you" looks think it is
- help make a difference in making the Detroit community a better place
Yes! We are always looking for people to host events (they don't take a lot of work at all)! If you are more of a sideline supporter, you can easily sign up to deliver a meal to a new mom. If cooking is not "your thing", but you have ideas that you think would make this organization better, we are excited to hear from you too!
12. What exactly is required of a host?
The hosting "requirements" will usually vary from place to place. Expect to be the first there and the last to leave (an officer should be with you to help you so that you aren't in it alone!). If the event requires any setting up, etc, that will be your job... and unfortunately, the cleanup as well. You will need to contact the President/Vice President to discuss any ideas, concerns, questions, and any details/changes should be given to the webmaster, so that they can put this information in the general evite that they will send out to everyone. A "Host Information" paper will be given to you with more detailed information.
13. I noticed that this group does a lot of charity drives and fundraisers. If we can't afford to give anything, can I still be a part of the group?
Although we are a philanthropic organization and we encourage and are grateful of participation, donations and giving are by no means required to be a part of this group. Not everyone may be able to give at each event, but if you have a little bit extra in your budget or closet, we would love to be able to give it to those less fortunate!
14. I am graudating/graduated or am no longer interested in this group. How can I get you to stop emailing me about the next upcoming event?
We are sorry that you will no longer be a part of our group, and although we will miss you, we definitely don't want to harass your inbox with our mail! Please contact Amber Virkler or email botsfordadvocates@gmail.com, so that we can take you off the directory list.
FIVE NOT-SO-GOOD EXCUSES FOR NOT JOINING...
1. We are residents, and are therefore broke, or at least on an extremely tight budget. We cannot afford to join.
Membership with the BA is absolutely FREE! The hospital has generously provided funds for us to get together once a month, and at these events, all general expenses should be paid (i.e.- admission, dinner, etc depending on the event). To try to connect further with each other, we are hoping to coordinate more events so that we actually remember who each other are in between those monthly activities. Unfortunately, there may be some cost to these events, but we will let you know ahead of time, and of course, participation is voluntary.
2. We have children, so we won't be able to attend.
In order to reach out to all who might want to be involved, we have various activities that cater to everybody! There are definitely events that are more family-oriented (the orchard, jungle java), as well as those for the couples who want an all-expense-paid date night (movie night, comedy night); we try to cater to both the women (dream dinners) and men (Tigers game, golf tourney)! For those events that are at the hospital, we will even provide a babysitter! And since you know most all the dates ahead of time, you can plan (and save that extra pocket change!) and book your babysitter early!
3. This sounds like a fraternity/sorority group- I've matured past those college days.
Although we admit we are enthusiastic about this group and the events we have planned, that is definitely not how we view ourselves! We are just here to have fun, get to know each other, and support each other through these hard years in our lives when we are alone more often then not! Although there is a social aspect to this group, we also like to focus on giving back to the Detroit community. Plus, if you have any suggestions on how to make us better, we are all ears and are excited to hear about what you have to say!
4. My spouse/significant other is working and won't be able to attend, so I don't want to look like a loser and come alone.
We know how you feel, and trust us, none of us would consider you a loser! We've all been (and still are) in that same time of our lives. We understand if you would rather not come alone and might feel awkward, but at the same time, if you do show up, you never know who else might be there sans their DO! You can check the evite to see who is coming, and maybe post a comment on the home page to see if anyone else will be in the same boat... and maybe if you are lucky, if you tell your spouse the date, they may be able to work their schedule around it... maybe
5. Unless there is alcohol involved, this doesn't sound fun.
Unfortunately, since we are funded by the hospital, we cannot cover the cost of alcohol at any of the events. This does not mean however, that you cannot order a bottle of beer or a glass of wine at any of the dinners, and depending upon the event and location, maybe even bring your own!
