History

How Long Have We Been Around?

The Chelmsford Women of Today was established on July 1, 1985 as a charter member of the United States Women of Today which encompasses the Massachusetts Women of Today. However, we have existed in Chelmsford since the 1960’s as part of an earlier organization called the United States Jaycee Women.

How Did We Get Started?

Back in the early 1960’s, a male-only group called the Jaycees had a chapter in Chelmsford. Since women weren’t allowed to join at that time, the ladies became members of an all female counterpart organization called the United States Jaycee Women.

In 1985 the Supreme Count declared it unconstitutional for the all male Jaycees to exclude women from their group. Fearing the dissolution of the United States Jaycee Women, representatives from ten states met on April 12, 1985, at Godfather's Pizza in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  They decided to form a new organization that became known as the United States Women of Today.

So, the existing Jaycee Women chapters needed to decide whether to merge with the formerly all male Jaycees or become part of a different organization. The Chelmsford ladies voted to become part of the newly established United States Women of Today, which focused on Women’s concerns. Guys were also welcomed to join and many have been attracted by our community involvement and social activities.