Our organization was established in 1910. The founding members of the Wilmington Branch of NAUW saw the importance of higher education for the advancement of woman and worked to promote it. That spread to servicing youth and the disadvantaged in our communities. In order to become a member of NAUW, you must possess at a minimum a bachelor’s degree and must be invited to join. In the beginning, the women of NAUW were proactive regarding the education of women, their living conditions on campuses, the need for a dean of women who would be an advocate for women students and the training of teachers. As the years progressed, our organization raised its voice regarding major civic and national issues such as business opportunities for African-Americans, mental health and child welfare, and the improvement of interracial and international relations.

The Association has cooperated with national, local, social and economic programs and is affiliated with the National Council of Negro Women, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, United Negro College Fund, the National Coalition for Literacy, and the American Council on Education.

The Wilmington Branch of NAUW was organized on December 16, 1936. The founding members were Mrs. Neilie N. Taylor, Mrs. Alice B. Brown, Miss C. Gwendolyn Redding, Mrs. Elizabeth H. Anderson, Miss Madeline J. Cooper, Miss Lilian Redding, and Mrs. Thelma T. Young.

At that time, the primary objective of the Branch was to present a scholarship of $100.00 to a female graduate of Howard High School. In addition, a smaller award was presented to a female graduate who, though not necessarily high in scholarship, but possess the qualities to be desired in the making of fine womanhood.

The primary objective of the Wilmington Branch is to continue the legacy of service and commitment to our community. Our community consists of the entire state of Delaware.

Please consider helping us by providing a tax free donation. Please click this link https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UHAT44M5V7USS to provide donations to our organization.

Thank you for visiting and supporting the NAUW Wilmington Branch.

Sisterly,

Joyce Bryant-McNeill

President

NAUW Wilmington Branch