P.E.O. Sisterhood International Chapter

The P.E.O. Sisterhood International Chapter is part of a larger nonprofit organization known as the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.). The P.E.O. Sisterhood, with roots dating back to January 21, 1869, was founded by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. It is one of the earliest women's organizations in the United States, established with a core mission to support women's education[1][2].

Mission and Activities

The P.E.O. Sisterhood is dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for women worldwide. Through its international chapters and philanthropies, the organization has helped over 125,000 women achieve their educational goals by providing more than $435 million in educational assistance as of June 2024[2][3]. The organization operates through a network of local chapters across the United States and Canada, with over 5,500 chapters in total[3].

Organization Structure

• International Chapters: While the organization is predominantly U.S.-based, it has international chapters, with the first established in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1911[1].
• Philanthropies: P.E.O. supports six international philanthropies and a foundation that fund various educational initiatives for women[2][3].
• State/Provincial Chapters: These chapters coordinate local efforts and administer additional scholarships and welfare programs specific to their regions[3].

Symbols and Traditions

• Emblem: Members receive a five-pointed star emblem as part of their initiation[1].
• Flower: The marguerite daisy is the official flower of the P.E.O. Sisterhood[1].
• Membership: Membership is by invitation only, with meetings conducted in a structured format, though the specific rituals remain private among members[1].

Impact

Over the past century and a half, P.E.O. has become a significant force in advancing women's education globally. By bringing together more than half a million women in a shared commitment to support educational pursuits, the organization continues to empower future generations of women leaders[2][3].