BANGOR – In September of 1980, six area businesswomen decided to start a women’s group. It was not an unusual idea.

What was unusual was this: In an era of feminism and advocacy for women’s rights when women expected doors to open for them, Kiwanis and Rotary clubs did not at that time admit women members. Forming the group was an attempt to challenge the old-boy network that was paramount in the area’s business community.

The six women wanted an opportunity to exchange ideas, develop business contacts and encourage cross-referrals in a forum where they could discuss business issues – in other words, to network with one another. They chose the name Tuesday Forum, and looked for women doctors, women university professors and other professional women to become members. They met at the Tarratine Club on Park Street and soon had a membership of 35.

This year, Tuesday Forum marks its 25th year. The organization has waxed and waned since then, especially since Kiwanis and Rotary clubs began to admit women members.

In the 1990s, the organization was at a low ebb in terms of membership and the group discussed disbanding. But members decided to revamp the group’s mission statement to encompass “working women” regardless of career field. Since then, Tuesday Forum has attracted new members and programs have expanded to include topics on physical and mental health, life issues and children.

Tuesday Forum meets from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Geaghan’s Restaurant, Main Street, Bangor. The cost for lunch and program is $7.50. Upcoming programs are: March 15, Charlie O’Leary, “Irish Heritage”; March 22, Melanie Klein-Robbenhaar of Prudential Financial, “Women and Money”; and March 29, Member Personal Profile.

For more information about Tuesday Forum, visit www.tuesdayforum.org, or call Emily McIntosh, Tuesday Forum president, 947-0307.