In an historic meeting in 1935, at the YMCA Harlem Branch, the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) was founded by the human rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. NCNW has grown to become a non-profit voluntary service organization with an outreach to over four million women.

NCNW exists exclusively for educational and charitable purposes, and it's programs are concerned with problems of human welfare and human rights.

NCNW has accredited status as a non-governmental observer at the United Nations, and is also a member of the U.S. Committee for the United Economic & Social Council.

The Co-op City Section of NCNW, organized in February 1971, is one of 250 local sections located in 40 states. We are a part of an organizational family consisting of 26 national organizations and thousands of concerned individuals of both sexes and many races. Like our parent organization, we in the Co-op City Section of NCNW are committed to service for the betterment of our immediate community and the society in which we live. Our activities are guided by the principles of the legacy Mary McLeod Bethune left to NCNW in her last will and testament, written on April 15, 1955:

• Love
• Hope
• Faith
• Racial Dignity
• Development of Confidence in one another
• Respect for the use of power
• A desire to live harmoniously with our fellow man
• Responsibility to our young people
  

The mission of the National Council of Negro Women is to advance opportunities and improve the quality of life for African American Women, their families, and communities. NCNW fullfills this mission through research, advocacy, national and community-based services and programs in the U.S. and in African countries.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does NCNW provide?
NCNW sponsors educational, economic, social, cultural and scientific self help projects nationally and in local communities. Through it's projects, the NCNW strives to achieve equality of opportunity and eliminate prejudice and discrimination based upon race, creed, color sex or national origin.

Why is there a need for such an organization?
NCNW seeks to fill the gaps that exist in our communities, particularly in meeting the concerns of minority women. Through its core of volunteers in 40 states, the NCNW addresses local needs of citizens through organized strategies. Whatever the undertaking, NCNW brings the added support of a network of thousands of volunteers, whose collective efforts can booster community service and actions.

What are the funding sources of NCNW?
The funding sources of NCNW are membership, private donations, grants from foundations, corporations, federal and state government. NCNW receives grants and contracts usually earmarked for specific programs. The greatest need is for general support to provide technical assistance to help people help themselves.

* Photo of Mary McLeod Bethune is courtesy of The New York Public Library, Schomburg Gallery