The Links, Incorporated, the nonprofit professional organization that is centered around networking and community service and attracts mostly professional African-American women, has been around since 1946. It’s not easy to get into the Links–you must be referred by a member then go through a vetting process, or be the daughters of a member (called Heir-O-Links). It has 12,000 members in 276 chapters in 41 states, the District of Columbia and the Bahamas. The group has a reputation of being elitist, but some say it offers great professional ties.
“Women join service organizations such as the Links, Incorporated because what they share is an earnest desire to improve the social, political and financial conditions of people who reside within their communities,” says Wanda Wardlaw Matthews, president of the group’s Long Island chapter. “If what they also find is a connection to other like-minded women that blossoms into a friendship this is a welcomed, appreciated and, within the Links organization, an expected bonus. Our motto is, ‘Linked in friendship and connected in service.'”
It took a little convincing to get Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams, owner and publisher of New York Trend, to join. Having an independent spirit, she didn’t consider herself a group-oriented person. But after a trusted friend invited her, she decided to give it a go. That was 25 years ago.
“…I broke my rule of not joining women’s groups because I was not a ‘group’ person and with a young son and a young business — I had just started New York Trend — I had to be stringent with my time,” recalls Williams, who was just appointed to Board of Directors Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Time and again, we’ve urged readers to seek out ways to build a network that will aid with professional development, provide useful business contacts, and bring together a group of like-minded individuals for conversation and maybe a cocktail or two. But finding the right group can be like finding the right mate: there has to be a compatibility to make it a worthwhile experience. Just like anything else, you need to shop around before making a commitment.
Moreover, as black women, there are other concerns. We want to join a group that provides not just enrichment for our careers, but the opportunity to discuss some of the unique issues that we face. Thankfully, there are groups for African-American women that tick off all of these boxes.
“My personal experience with the Links, Inc. has run the gamut of asking myself why I would remain in this organization,” Williams tells MadameNoire. Now with a new chapter, Williams has found the experience rewarding.
“In my new chapter of 14 years, The Long Island Chapter of the Links, Inc., I have been an active member. I chaired an anniversary luncheon, organized events and I have made real friends,” she continued.
Being in The Links has also helped Williams professionally. “I have made associations that have led to business relationships… Since the passing of my husband, the Links has provided me with a place to go to share and laugh and give service to our community,” says Williams.
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) aims to empower black women, their communities, and their families while promoting gender and racial equity. Founded in New York City in 1970, today it has 60 chapters in 25 states and the District of Columbia.According to Shari P. Wooldridge, 3rd Vice President of the group’s Oakland Bay Area Chapter there are various professional advantages to being a member.
“As a member you can use the opportunities for leadership and professional development; mentoring opportunities; participation in national leadership conferences; access to local and national leaders; strategic planning; advocacy initiatives to influence policy; collaboration and teamwork; and expand your network of professional colleagues,” she tells us.
Wooldridge says the organization works to attract younger members, and collaborates with other organizations, including financial institutions around issues like HIV/AIDS, financial literacy, and political elections.
Here are other organizations for black women that you might want to take note of:
Jack and Jill of America: While not an organization for women per se, it is female-focused. It was founded during the Great Depression in 1938 by black mothers who wanted to united children in a social and cultural environment. Today, it is a nationwide organization with more than 230 chapters in 35 states and the District of Columbia, representing over 30,000 family members. It provides children with educational, cultural, civic, health, recreational and social programs.
National Association of Colored Women: This group was established in 1896 as a response to Southern reporter James Jacks who called black women “prostitutes” and “thieves and liars.” African-American writer and suffragette Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin formed the group to create positive images of African-American womanhood. Key objectives include developing the economic, moral, religious and social welfare of women and children. Publisher/journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Mary McLeod Bethune are among the group’s famous members.
National Congress of Black Woman, Inc.: NCBW is dedicated to the educational, political, economic and cultural development of black women and their families. According to the website, “NCBW also serves as a non-partisan voice and instrument on issues pertaining to the appointment of African American women at all levels of government, and to increase African American women’s participation in the educational, political, economic and social arenas.”
National Council of Negro Women: NCNW promotes research, advocacy, national and community human welfare and rights in the U.S. and Africa. It has 28 national affiliate organizations and more than 200 community based sections, with an outreach to nearly four million women.
