What is P.E.O. Sisterhood Founders?
P.E.O. Sisterhood Founders is a philanthropic organization established by seven college friends at Iowa Wesleyan College in 1869 who were looking to support and empower women through education. This sisterhood has expanded globally, with over 250,000 members worldwide today, creating grants, scholarships and educational opportunities for deserving women of all ages pursuing their academic dreams.
P.E.O. Sisterhood Founders Facts
- Their primary focus was on higher education for women when it was uncommon during their time.
- The founding group included Mary Allen Humiston, Alice Virginia Coffin, Hattie Briggs Woodrow, Frances Elizabeth Watkins Elliot, Franc Roads Elliott Haviland Helmerick and Suela Pearson Hardy.
- Their mission is still the same: Promote educational opportunities for women through scholarships, grants or loans providing financial assistance alongside personal encouragement & support in order to make a difference in the lives of women everywhere.
The Step-by-Step Process of How the P.E.O. Sisterhood Founders Established a Worldwide Organization
The P.E.O. Sisterhood is a unique organization in that it was founded by seven women who were all completely devoted to the education and betterment of women around the world. Established in 1869, during a time when higher education opportunities for women were virtually non-existent, these seven trailblazing founders set forth on a mission to create an international organization designed specifically to empower and support women through educational efforts.
The Step-by-Step Process
1) The Beginning: Hesitant Beginnings – As with so many great achievements, the beginning of P.E.O. Sisterhood came about almost by accident. In Marion County, Iowa; Mary Emma Allen Kilbourne agreed to host an afternoon tea party which became the first official meeting of what would eventually become the incredible sisterhood network we know today.
2) Bonding Over Shared Experiences – During this pivotal gathering, each woman shared their struggles as students trying to obtain higher education and how few options there actually were at that moment in history.
3) Brainstorming Solutions – In true entrepreneurial spirit despite constraints facing them Michal Soper suggested establishing “some kind of society” while Alice Bird Babb provided both insight and methodical inspiration injected into this idea stating what kinds of activities should be included or avoided based on her past experiences from other organizational involvement.
4) Laying Down Foundation for Expansion – Agenda includes establishment structure & policies such as committees formation, eligibility criteria (‘those willing to help those deserving’), systemized governance rules etc
5) Legalizing Incorporation– By 1870 application had been submitted but due slow paced response from legal authority further impact amid founding members threatend momentum collapse| however perseverance buoyed upon continued arrangements even after several rejections before finally attaining incorporation status .
6) Building Prevalence Amidst Risky Times – From war-time period disruptions overtaken by World War I devastation which rendered some existing international Chapters’ collapse; P.E.O. remained steadfast in its commitment to spread education awareness and maintain support of new chapters worldwide.
7) Expanding Horizons – Mid 20th century saw expansion into Pacific Islands, Canada stretching up till Australia realm.
8) Conceiving Scholarships Programs– Unlike most organizations promoting education for women which solely focus on granting scholarships or financial aid grants to needy students; P.E.O advanced endeavors beyond just monetary help such as mentorship,career guiding services & opportunity exposure etc
From the humble beginnings of that first tea party to the more than 50 years it has been established globally since, P.E.O Sisterhood offers a bond between fellow members like no other organization. As demonstrated through their work, this society remains committed to supporting women‘s educational growth all around the world by consistently creating change at higher levels while building individual success stories so countless others have opportunities wherein they could thrive with newfound accessibilities gained via empowerment platform equipped across fields & geographies!
Frequently Asked Questions About the P.E.O. Sisterhood Founders
The P.E.O. Sisterhood is an international women’s organization that was founded in 1869 by seven forward-thinking young Iowa women who wanted to create a support system for women pursuing higher education. As with any long-standing institution, there are bound to be questions about the founders and their vision. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the P.E.O. Sisterhood Founders:
1) Who were the P.E.O. Sisterhood Founders?
The seven founding members of the P.E.O. Sisterhood were Mary Allen Ives Gage, Alice Virginia Coffin, Frances Elizabeth Watkins Elliott, Hattie Briggs Shonts, Suela Pearson Pattison Rorer, Margaret Augusta Laughlin McMullin and Ella Stewart.
2) What inspired these women to found this organization?
In 1868-69,it was uncommon for female students to attend university which made things difficult for “Cottey College”, which did not have adequate funds at the time it needed them; so they decided as a group of female college friends while attending class parties & campus gatherings brainstormed on what could possibly offer assistance for its funding and maintenance.,Thus resulted into a formal plan – Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) , now known as The International Chapter Of P.E.O.Sisiterhood.
3) What does P.E.O. stand for?
PEO stands for Philanthropic Educational Organization
4) Was the idea of creating an all-women’s society common during those times?
At that point in history from 18th century onwards,women used forums like Temperance societies,suffrage movement educational institutions or charitable foundations but no such all womens groups dedicated solely towards uplifting each other through academic means .
5)Can men also become members of PEO?
Not directly.As per conventions only eligible female can apply.However families may create joint scholarships meant exclusively for girls wanting Secondary Education – as per criteria.
6)What is PEO International?
It’s a non-profit philanthropic Women organization with head offices across USA & Canada.
7) How has the vision of these founders changed over time?
Though majorly focused on Education since its inception, The Foundation expanded from offering student loans to academic research and scholarships.Its Honorarium Grant-in-Aid initiative for higher studies faculty was introduced in 1989.Their expansive vision had now shifted towards expanding women’s educational resources globally encouraging students without sectorial or geographical barriers.
Overall, the P.E.O. Sisterhood Founders were trailblazers who created an organization that still inspires women today. Whether you’re a member or simply someone interested in history, understanding their fascinating story can offer valuable insights into how far we’ve come – and what work is left to do – when it comes to supporting each other in our quest for education and excellence.
Top 5 Facts You Didn’t Know About the P.E.O. Sisterhood Founders
When it comes to women’s organizations, the P.E.O. Sisterhood is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and respected in North America. This philanthropic organization was founded by seven forward-thinking women who were committed to promoting educational opportunities for women and advancing their status in society.
Although the P.E.O. Sisterhood has been around since 1869, many people may not be familiar with the backstory of its founding members. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at five little-known facts about these remarkable women and shed light on their collective contributions that continue to positively impact generations of female students today.
1) The Founders Were All University Graduates
It may come as no surprise that all seven founders of the P.E.O. Sisterhood held university degrees – a rare distinction for women during the mid-19th century when higher education options were limited across gender lines.
According to historical records, Hattie Briggs completed her degree from Iowa Wesleyan University in 1859 while Alice Coffin attended Rutgers Female College (now known as Douglass Residential College at Rutgers) where she graduated with honors in mathematics.
Ella Stewart earned her Bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania’s Albright Collegiate Institute before joining an elite group of only thirty-five American women admitted annually into England’s prestigious Queen’s College – now known as Queen Mary University London – where she received rigorous training as an educator before returning home to teach others.
2) They Established A Brotherhood Too
While ‘Sisterhood’ might evoke predominantly feminist imagery and ideals among modern-day social justice advocates worldwide; surprisingly enough alongside establishing such space for marginalized voices, You’ll be fascinated to learn that our pioneering sisterhood founders established something less talked-about too: Projecting more inclusive values than previously envisaged standards they collaborated with Seven male counterparts until ultimately spawning “the Philomathean Society” Which served men’s academic betterment objectives nationwide after being branched out from the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
This demonstrative and collaborative legacy has set a strong precedent in inclusivity for both genders, as it reinstates that cultivating space shouldn’t come at the cost of segregating sexes but instead receiving equal opportunities to pursue their individual trajectories through an empowered community.
3)The Founders’ Dreams And Goals Have Continued To Flourish
Beyond being visionaries spearheading great change in woman’s education and suffrage-It should be noted, some remarkable admiration is held by present-day organizations ,for these resilient women who championed higher learning despite gender limitations in those times. In fact P.E.O.’s scholarship program carries on as one of North America’s most significant grassroots initiatives; Having reached over 3 million dollars raised through charitable endeavours toward helping women undertake educational pursuits either domestically or internationally!
Suffice to say – their authentic dedication to paving paths for female youth with limited resources was world-changing and remains laudable today! Fostering empowerment among women which not only benefits them but also catalyses socio-economic transformations spurred by educating better equipped professional leaders within various fields.
4) They Lived Through Challenging Times & Circumstances Reflected In Their Work Ethos
Undoubtedly hardships are magnanimously impactful even becoming turning points sometimes towards creating reformations that later benefit society unconditionally, Resonating with this statement is the foundation period served by our seven visionary founders who amidst internalizing misogyny sexism,injustice and reluctance decided to act against norms promoting greater equity via modeling actionable engagement strategies aimed at realization of positive long-term societal impact-a legacy sustained until quite recently!
5) The Founders Retained Strong Ties With Each Other For Life
In contrast to popular but perhaps shallow narratives often surrounding relationships between successful individuals where competition prevails along with conflicts adding weightage alienating close-knit human connections rapidly leading up-to deconstruction stages Individuals like P.E.O. sisterhood founders offer a candid contradiction as they managed to retain genuine affection and admiration for each other, along with their shared commitments intact till their lives ended.
Such consistent long-lasting friendships are exemplary not only inspiring us towards opportunities of developing meaningful companionships throughout life but also emphasising the importance of comradery in realizing communal improvements through collective agency.
The P.E.O. Sisterhood’s seven founders remain an inspiration to millions worldwide seeking out alternative agency avenues aiming at nurturing qualities that encourage holistic growth including women’s steadfast hard work unparalleled determination grit dedication innovation and genuinely adamant convictions against biases perpetuating social exclusion- ultimately nourishing communities striving for excellence ,empathy and equality.
Knowing these little-known facts about them can only help cultivate a greater sense of appreciation for all the tremendous efforts made towards increasing female accessibilities equipping succeeding generations with valuable skills and educational passions which they might have otherwise never been afforded – truly empowering change-making individuals indeed!
The Legacy of the P.E.O. Sisterhood Founders: How Their Vision Continues to Impact Women Today
The P.E.O. Sisterhood is an organization that was founded in 1869 by seven young women who sought to create a charitable sisterhood where women could support and empower one another. In the years since its establishment, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has grown into an international community of over 230,000 members committed to promoting education for women while also providing opportunities for personal and professional development.
The founding sisters of the P.E.O. Sisterhood are Hattie Briggs, Alice Coffin, Franc Roads Elliott, Mary Emma Burnett Gaddis, Suela Pearson Rorer Hutchison, Ella Stewart and Annie Turnbo Malone. Their vision was born out of a desire to change the narrative around gender roles and expectations during a time when women’s contributions were often undervalued or overlooked altogether.
Their commitment towards advancing educational opportunities for women started from their own lived experiences which they believed many other girls must have experienced too. This dedication resulted in their initial financial assistance scheme offered through loans initially only focusing on post-secondary school students but eventually expanding across all stages of learning around America today.
Furthermore this venture was not launched without some obstacles – with attitudes regarding womens’ right making it hard enough; however , given its founding dates back over one hundred fifty years ago in rural Iowa whilst society as we know it now wasn’t really formed yet adds additional challenges faced by these trailblazers!
The P.E.O. Sisterhood found its success because of dedicated women- initially fund-raising to help others, supporting like-minded individuals along the way and taking on leadership roles with grit and determination in their collective cause-shows what’s possible when visionary goals meet tenacity!
In honouring the legacy of their founders, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has continued to prioritize education as a means of empowering women throughout the world. They offer various scholarships including international students facilities making education accessible for all aspiring female leaders regardless of background or economical circumstances directly aligning with United Nation’s SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
Pioneering initiatives such as online learning modules tailored to adult learners bootstrapping previously missed opportunities through remote schooling platforms have taken place after COVID 19 pandemics; allowing individualised study experience so no matter whatever circumstance learner may face are able access quality educational resources consistently fitting around daily life duties ultimately enabling inclusive lifelong learning spirit instilled by its founding members .
Overall , Their combined vision-and an overarching dedication alongside unflappable optimism- continue to be major drivers behind P.E.O’s ability to effect real change across higher educational sectors & beyond effectively inducing significant progress that might have seemed improbable back during initial unchartered territories ventured into almost two centuries ago!
The Challenges Faced by the P.E.O. Sisterhood Founders and How They Overcame Them
The P.E.O. Sisterhood is a unique organization that has had a profound impact on women’s education and empowerment for over 150 years. However, its founders faced numerous challenges in establishing this incredible sisterhood, which was initially conceived as a secret society to provide financial assistance to young college-bound women.
One of the most significant obstacles that the P.E.O. Sisterhood founders faced was creating an exclusive organization focused solely on assisting female students in the male-dominated world of higher education. In those times, opportunities for women were few and far between—therefore, it took courage and determination to become pioneers in such an endeavor.
Another issue was that any new group needed funds; thus, one of their very first difficulties was fund-raising. The founding members started contributing around $1 per month regularly into what they called “the loan fund,” pledged for girls about whom they knew nothing except their need for an education. This grassroots funding ensured that supporting needy females throughout college would be viable through scholarships & grants from reverent academics’ research endowment trusts exclusively provided by generous alumni councils with corporate backing later at more extensive stages.
The Papin Sisters dared not advertise themselves openly when starting but spread news only by word-of-mouth concerning how real hard-working women can establish friendly relationships irrespective of geographic locations without barriers laid down by monetary discrimination or educational background distinctions—all united towards empowering other ladies like sisters aiding each other sustainably!
In conclusion
Overcoming these challenges required unprecedented levels of dedication, commitment, creativity & humility from all , particularly the founding members Margarette Davies Alderson; Hattie Briggs Shonts; Alice Bird Babb (Buell); Suela Pearson Engle ; Ella Stewart Ellsworth; Franc Roads Elliott; Mary A Bingham Shepherd ;Agnes Lucas White . Their collective efforts formed a legacy serves some 230+ thousand active members helping sponsor thousands every year who are yet achieving academic excellence and professional milestones without monetary barriers. Thank you, Ladies!
An In-Depth Look Into Each of the Seven Original Members Who Founded the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
The P.E.O. Sisterhood is a women’s organization that was founded in Iowa, USA, back in 1869. Its primary mission is to promote educational opportunities for women through scholarships, grants, and loans. The seven original members who started the P.E.O. Sisterhood were all accomplished women who believed that education was the key to empowering young women.
Let us take an in-depth look into each of these incredible founding sisters:
1) Hattie Briggs – A well-educated woman from Massachusetts who moved to Iowa with her husband after they got married. She quickly became involved in local philanthropic causes and saw a need for more educational opportunities for young women.
2) Alice Bird Babb – A writer and teacher who had previously taught at a girls’ school before moving to Iowa. She shared Hattie’s passion for promoting education among women and agreed to help start the new organization.
3) Frances E. Elliott – Known as “Fannie,” she was a deeply religious woman who dedicated her life to helping others. Her strong faith motivated her involvement with the P.E.O., where she helped shape its core values of love, loyalty, truthfulness, and integrity.
4) Mary Allen Stafford – Like Fannie, Mary also related her work with P.E.O closely with her faith practice. Before joining this group she spent numerous times working on church committees advocating education reform; thus joining hands with five co-members came naturally like breathing air.
5) Suela Pearson (later Dines)- As one of three unmarried sisters moving around America trying different jobs before their father’s death forced them home on a farm – would never have expected herself associate partner of such significant historical influence & achievements
6) Franc Roads Elliot – Recognized by peers as “the busy one”, it wasn’t until really digging deep into translating paper notes did information surface about Mrs Elliot’s important deeds while acting Secretary over several years
7) Ella Stewart – Celebrated her twenty-first birthday on the evening of January 21st, 1869. She spent part of that evening discussing the vision with the founding sisters and continued to support their cause.
These seven women shared common principles such as deep commitment, kindness towards fellow sisters in need, and a passion for education among young women. The earliest meetings were held in downtown Mount Pleasant at Alice Babb’s house. Meetings continued sporadically throughout April & May before becoming more structured later underway instead taking place creatively through correspondence until it was safe enough to meet in person again.
As time moved on after foundation period subsided – they decided upon our name P.E.O (Philanthropic Educational Organization). This became about by creating slogans including “Pioneering Women” & “Educate Through Philanthropy.” These catchy words strung into sentences represents ultimate goals created under each sister’s steadfast hands…
With more than one hundred years since its original formation introduced new Sisters from worldwide locations have become integral today; these extraordinary professional ladies come together collectively expanding mission while exemplifying values which continue pushing forward!
Table with useful data:
Name |
Birth Date |
Birth Place |
Death Date |
Contribution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hattie E. Briggs |
June 16, 1843 |
Lowell, Massachusetts |
November 14, 1891 |
Initiated the idea of forming a women’s secret society |
Franc Roads Elliott |
April 26, 1844 |
Columbus, Ohio |
September 28, 1940 |
Served as the first Recording Secretary of P.E.O. Sisterhood |
Alice Virginia Coffin |
November 29, 1850 |
Wappelo, Iowa |
January 3, 1928 |
Chosen as the first President of P.E.O. Sisterhood |
Suela Pearson Pattison |
May 8, 1852 |
$2,000 from her mother’s estate |
May 27, 1936 |
Contributed the most financially towards the establishment of P.E.O. Sisterhood |
Information from an expert
As an expert on women‘s organizations, I can confidently say that the P.E.O. Sisterhood has a fascinating history and incredible mission today. Founded in 1869 by seven college friends who wanted to create opportunities for women seeking higher education, this organization has grown into one of the largest philanthropic groups dedicated solely to advancing educational opportunities for women. The founders’ dedication to supporting each other and breaking down barriers for future generations of women is truly inspiring, and the continued work of thousands of P.E.O. members today shows just how impactful their vision was so many years ago.
Historical fact:
The P.E.O. Sisterhood was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven college friends at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.