Women of Yokohama recognize good, reliable newcomers to their community when they see them. They invite their allegiance to the Yokohama International Women's Club.
Local established women also recognize that newcomers are often lonely and lost at first in their unfamiliar surroundings. They offer YIWC's friendship and practical advice to help incoming women deal with their adjustments.
When Lyn Hazzard arrived in Japan four years ago, she had never before lived anywhere other than Sydney, Australia. "Soon after arriving in Yokohama I joined the Yokohama International Women's Club," she said. "I immediately signed up for lots of activities." As she helped the club fulfill its community role, the club helped her handle her initial strangeness and homesickness. Now she is reservations co-chairman for club functions, and YIWC first vice president.