Women in the NAACP
Women in the NAACP (WIN) seeks to enhance the leadership role of women, serve as an advocacy vehicle for issues affecting women and children, and advocate for the positive development of children.
A brief history
During the year 1980, in Memphis Tennessee, Frances Louise Dancy Hooks (wife of Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks) and Earleen Bolden organized the trailblazing Women in the NAACP (WIN), an unprecedented project which aimed to enhance the leadership roles of women both within the Association and in everyday life. The WIN organization raised funds for emergency relief and made a commitment to supporting Black/African American women, and their children and communities.
In 2004, Women in the NAACP (WIN) was approved as a standing committee at the Philadelphia National Convention in accordance with Article VIII of the NAACP Constitution and Bylaws. WIN’s national theme is “Outstretched Hands and Open Hearts to Women and Children.”
WIN is an integral committee of the NAACP. It has historically provided emergency relief funds to families and offered a medium for women to develop leadership, outreach, and advocacy skills for civil rights. Today, the legacy of WIN continues to inspire and remind us of the vital role that women have played and continue to play in advancing social justices, equity, and equality.
The purpose of WIN is to:
- Enhance the leadership role of women
- Serve as an advocacy vehicle for social, economic, political, educational, health
and welfare issues affecting women, girls, and children - Support the ongoing work of the NAACP and the Snohomish Branch
WIN membership is open to any NAACP member. WIN meetings are held in person or
virtually and may be held at the NAACP Convention and State meetings.
