The selected text provides information about the Daughters of Norway, a foundation that focuses on fostering a sisterhood community and promoting Norwegian and Norwegian-American culture among teenage and young adult girls. This organization is owned by the Sons of Norway, a highly recognized Nordic heritage service within the Scandinavian-American community.
Carly, the author of the text, shares her thoughts and considerations regarding joining the Daughters of Norway. She mentions that the minimum age requirement for joining is 15, which means she can consider becoming a member once she starts high school. However, Carly faces a challenge as there are limited Daughters of Norway community centers across the country, with only seven currently active (and three that were previously shut down). This is in stark contrast to the Sons of Norway, which boasts over 400 centers combined in the United States and Canada. Carly specifically highlights the absence of a community center in her state, which raises concerns about how she will participate in the weekly meetings, an integral part of the Daughters of Norway experience.
To address this issue, Carly mentions the possibility of exploring a Zoom option for attending the meetings. She states her reluctance to travel all the way to California just to engage in discussions about Norway with other girls for three hours every week. This highlights her desire for convenience and accessibility in participating in the foundation's activities.
In addition to the logistical considerations, Carly also brings up the topic of membership fees. As the Daughters of Norway is the parent company of the Sons of Norway, the membership cost for the former is $65, which is significantly cheaper compared to the past when it could cost $125 in 2016. This decrease in membership fees is seen as a positive aspect by Carly, making it more affordable for potential members like her to join and engage in the community.
Furthermore, Carly emphasizes the inclusivity of the Daughters of Norway. Although the target audience primarily comprises Norwegian-American girls, the foundation welcomes individuals from all racial backgrounds. As a Hispanic person with an interest in Nordic culture, Carly expresses her happiness about this inclusive approach, which encourages diversity and allows her to connect with like-minded individuals who share her passion.
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Given this context and the various factors discussed, Carly is contemplating whether or not to join the Daughters of Norway. The decision ultimately rests on weighing the benefits of being part of a sisterhood community that promotes Norwegian and Norwegian-American culture against the challenges of limited community centers, the potential use of Zoom for meetings, and the financial commitment of the membership fee.
