History
Dr. Charlotte Green Schwartz established spouses&partners@mit in 1972. At that time, she worked as a psychologist and a researcher at MIT Medical. Her research revolved around internationals at MIT and how their needs were met and how they integrated into the MIT community. During her studies, she recognized the need for a support group for the wives of students, post docs, and visiting faculty. She wanted to give these women a group that they could call their own, where they could meet other women in the same situation. She called the group the "Wives Group", which was changed in 2000 to spouses&partners@mit. Today the group is open to anyone who has a partner connected to MIT, regardless of whether they are a wife, husband, girlfriend or boyfriend.
The purpose of spouses&partners@mit is to help newcomers to adjust to their new life at MIT and its surrounding area. The one thing all members have in common is that they all are here because of their spouse's academic career or commitment to MIT. For many this means a huge life change, and some of our members struggle with the feeling that in the U.S., they are defined solely by their role as a wife or husband, rather than the multiple roles they filled at home, such as a daughter, a friend, and/or a professional. Since its start in 1972, the purpose of spouses&partners@mit has been to make this transition a little bit easier by assisting and encouraging spouses to build both social and professional networks.
In order to fulfill its mission, spouses&partners@mit concentrates on two different areas:
- Information and Referrals
spouses&partners@mit provides its members with the support, information, and referrals they need to pursue their goals - from career goals or their education, to learning English, volunteering, parenting, or enjoying cultural events and activities.
Through our weekly meetings, website, email list, and individual consultations, spouses&partners@mit keeps its members updated on important topics, including adjusting to life the US, finding work and child care, learning English, and other information especially for newcomers. spouses&partners@mit also works as a support and referral system for its members, from answering questions about where to buy groceries to providing personal and confidential support and assistance.
- Social and Networking Opportunities
By organizing weekly meetings, interest groups, trips and annual events, spouses&partners@mit creates multiple opportunities to make new friends and to build a social network. Members are encouraged to initiate and organize activities according to their own interests. There are also many opportunities to for members to volunteer for spouses&partners@mit.
Last Updated: July, 2009
