If you want to be a part of the Executive Women International (EWI) Des Moines chapter, don’t plan on taking it easy.

The group, which is part of an international organization, does a hodgepodge of activities throughout the year, focusing first on philanthropy and including seminars, webinars, professional development classes and networking for members.

“We’re busy,” said President Cindy Fleischacker, concierge at Coldwell Banker Mid-America Group Realtors. “We never have a meeting where we just sit down and say ‘OK, let’s have a great meal and chitchat.’ That’s not what it is at all.”

The group is made up of 49 organizations in Des Moines that have designated a total of 67 representatives. Organizations represented include Des Moines International Airport, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Iowa Health – Des Moines, Drake University, Grand View University, Simpson College and Meredith Corp.

EWI of Des Moines works closely with Youth Emergency Services and Shelter (YESS) of Iowa. The group held a socks and mittens drive for YESS on Nov. 1, where it donated more than 800 pairs of socks to the shelter. EWI members volunteer to read to children at YESS, do scrapbooking projects with them and hold school supply drives.

The group also focuses on its own philanthropy program, called Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST). Through the program, EWI gives out scholarships to adults who want to get an education. The group screens candidates to determine their financial need, and candidates must have clear career goals in mind as the money goes straight to a school for tuition. This year, EWI of Des Moines has given out $3,500 in scholarships. To raise money, the group does fund-raising events throughout the year.

In addition to philanthropy, businesses can benefit from being part of EWI, Fleischacker said.

“Part of (the benefit) is the connection, not just locally, but nationwide,” Fleischacker said. “If you want to find someone to do business with in another state, we’ve got tons of companies throughout the country that we can go to.”