In 1915, with an eye on pending legislation that would at last assure women’s suffrage, a group of New York City activists founded the Women’s City Club of New York. They sought not only the right to vote, but also the know-how to make a real impact on their city’s policies and progress.
During World War I, the WCC financed and sent a volunteer ambulance unit of eight fully equipped trucks to France.
Illustrious early members – like Eleanor Roosevelt and U.S. Labor Secretary Frances Perkins, our first female cabinet member – were followed in ensuing decades by highly accomplished, wise and influential women who have made their mark in New York and changed their city for the better. Learn more about our history.
Today WCC continues to focus on issues of great concern to all New Yorkers: health care, affordable housing, poverty, environment and infrastructure, arts and preservation, education and women’s issues, among others. Our members are equally focused on cultivating the next generation of women leaders.
To carry out our work, WCC identifies, studies and analyzes important issues facing our city and state. We develop informed positions and publish research-based reports to educate and empower the public and to persuade elected officials. We provide forums for discussion and debate on the most pressing issues facing New Yorkers. And we harness the extensive experience and knowledge of our members to improve quality of life for all New Yorkers.
Read a letter from WCC’s president, and see who’s on our board and staff. Our most recent annual report is available, too. Learn more about the benefits of joining WCC.
Mission — The Women’s City Club of New York, established in 1915, is a nonprofit, non-partisan, multi-issue activist organization dedicated to improving the lives of all New Yorkers. To promote responsive government, the WCC shapes public policy through education, issue analysis, advocacy and civic participation.
