National Council of Negro Women
Indianapolis Section
Mission Statement:
To advance opportunities and improve the quality of life for African American women, their families, and communities.
Section Motto:
To love is to serve
OUR GOALS & OBJECTIVES
To promote educational and charitable programs to enrich the appreciation for the contributions of African American women.
To develop African American women for leadership roles through our involvement in direct programmatic activities for this purpose.
To present the concerns of women on matters affecting our specific welfare and that of the African American community in general.
To conduct skills development workshops and programs for both its own membership and for women and girls who are not members of the NCNW organization.
To serve as a clearinghouse of affiliate and local Section programs and activities for improved collaboration and cooperation.
WHO ARE WE
Extraordinary educator and political leader Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) founded NCNW in 1935 as an “organization of organizations” to represent national and international concerns of Black women. NCNW fought for jobs, the right to vote and anti-lynching legislation. It gave Black women the opportunity to realize their goals for social justice and human rights through united, constructive action. The legendary Dr. Dorothy Irene Height led NCNW for decades, securing its legacy of enlightened leadership and influence.
Mary McLeod Bethune, NCNW Founder and 1st National President, Advisor of Minority Affairs to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, said that she could not rest to see the unharnessed power among our women, so she called upon 28 national women leaders who responded to her call. She pointed out that what was needed was not another organization, but one that would bring organizations together. Mary Church Terrell proposed forming a “Council.” Thus, Mrs. Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women as such – “a national organization of national organizations” at the 137th Street Branch, YWCA, New York City, December 5, 1935.
Mrs. Bethune envisioned NCNW functioning as a clearinghouse, facilitating networking and coalition-building, and advocating the use of collective power on issues affecting women, their families and communities. In 1937 in New York, the first community-based section was organized.
Through the years there has been growing appreciation and recognition of the value of a unified voice in the corridors of power. This has been expressed in different ways. What happens on Capitol Hill has direct bearing on the quality-of-life issues core to our community’s survival and well-being, and our voices must continue to be heard loudly. To read more about the history of NCNW, please visit www.ncnw.org.
OUR
FOUNDER
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
OUR
PAST PRESIDENT/CEO
Dr. Dorothy Height served in the leadership role for over 50 years.
OUR
SECTION
The Indianapolis Section was founded in 1947 and remains a source of information and community involvement for the Indianapolis community. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, advocating for education, and sisterly fellowship, the Indianapolis Section of NCNW, Inc. is seeking your membership.
CORE FOUR
Economic Empowerment
Empowering individuals with tools and opportunities to achieve financial independence and build sustainable futures.
Education
Inspiring growth and opportunity through access to education and lifelong learning.
Health Equity
Promoting wellness and equal access to healthcare for stronger, healthier communities.
Social Justice
Advocating for equality, fairness, and lasting change to build a just society.
Want to join us? Do you have questions about our organization or any of our projects? Then please contact us - we'll be happy to answer your questions.
National Council of Negro Women, Inc Indianapolis Section
Attn: Membership
P.O. Box 2895
Indianapolis, IN 46206-2895