P.E.O. Sisterhood International Chapter

The P.E.O. Sisterhood International Chapter is a part of the larger Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), a U.S.-based international women's organization. The organization is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for women worldwide.

Founding and History

The P.E.O. Sisterhood was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. It initially began as a collegiate sorority but evolved into a community-based organization over time. The first international chapter was established in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1911. Today, the organization has a presence in the United States and Canada, with thousands of chapters and nearly 200,000 members[1].

Mission and Activities

The mission of the P.E.O. Sisterhood is to support women's educational pursuits through multiple philanthropic efforts. These include six major international philanthropies that have supported over 125,000 women in achieving their educational goals, providing more than $432 million in educational assistance as of April 2024[2]. The organization also administers various scholarships and welfare funds to support individuals facing financial hardships.

Membership and Structure

Membership in the P.E.O. Sisterhood is by invitation and is not secret. It has grown to become a diverse, community-based organization with chapters across the United States and Canada. The organization is structured into state, provincial, and district chapters to coordinate efforts and support members and recipients[1].

Events and Conventions

The P.E.O. Sisterhood hosts conventions and events to foster community and connection among its members. One of the significant upcoming events is the 77th Convention of the International Chapter, which will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, and aims to celebrate the sisterhood's mission and achievements[3]. These events provide opportunities for networking, empowerment, and strategic planning to continue supporting women's education globally.