A Chapter of Chums, Incorporated
Washington DC Chums
About Us
In 1946, Chums was first organized in Norfolk, Virginia as a social and civic club born from a friendship between three women--Mary Ward Barnes, Joyce Tate Brown, and Theodora Jackson Cora. Functioning locally as a club until 1952, when it was incorporated, Chums, Incorporated has grown to include more than 600 members in 36 chapters across the United States. The membership is represented by women of diverse academic and professional backgrounds who continue to strengthen the bond of friendship on which Chums was founded. The organization's national theme "Listen to the Children", guides each chapter in the development of projects, activities, and scholarship programs to stengthen families and communities.
Although "CHUMS" is not an acronym, in later years each of the letters has been given its own meaning.
C - Character and charm we strive to
attain.
H - Honesty and humility are always
our aim.
U - Understanding and unselfishness
we exhibit each day
M - Modesty and moderation light our
pathway.
Chums, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Want to know more about us? Go to WWW.CHUMS-INC.ORG
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Crest
Official Flower
Symbols & Tradition
Colors
Motto
"A good archer is not known by his arrow but by his aim."
Green & Yellow
Yellow Tea Rose
The Washington, DC Chapter of Chums, Incorporated was organized by Flora Walden Chase, at the suggestion of her friend, Joyce Tate Brown, one of the three founding members of the first Chums chapter. Flora and 16 of her Washington friends formed the second chapter of Chums, Inc and it was chartered in May 1953.
The Washington, DC Chapter is a civic, social and cultural organization dedicated to serving our communities through educational and social outreach. Through the years, local students have benefitted from books, scholarships, reading programs, clothing, toys and field trips sponsored by Chums. Our chapter has been a proud donor to Safe Shores, All Shades of Pink and other drives to help those in need in Africa.
The chumminess of Chums has been nurtured through holiday and summer parties, travel and enjoying the meals and fun at our monthly meetings. Beyond the DC area, we often gather with Chums from Philadelphia and Baltimore and to celebrate anniversaries and the organization’s annual Founders’ Day.
The Washington, DC Chapter currently has 19 active members and 1 emeritus member who is also a charter member of the first chapter. A new Chum recently stated, “It is a privilege to be a CHUM!” We concur.