History - Womens Christian Temperance Union

Today the WCTU is the oldest voluntary, non-sectarian woman's organization in continuous existence in the world.

The WCTU is a founding member (1888) of the National Council for Women (Frances Willard was its first president) and the International Council of Women in 1893. It is also a charter member (1945) of the United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO). For almost 125 years the WCTU has trained women to think on their feet, speak in public, and run an organization.

For over 100 years the WCTU has been conducting training seminars for teachers and others interested in alcohol tobacco, and drug education. Today the WCTU is still concerned that the wide availability of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs combines with other social problems to the detriment of society.

The WCTU has proposed, supported, and helped establish:

protection of women and children at home and work
women’s right to vote
shelters for abused women and children
the eight-hour work day
equal pay for equal work
founding of kindergartens
assistance in founding of the PTA
federal aid for education
stiffer penalties for sexual crimes against girls and women
uniform marriage and divorce laws
dress reform
travelers’ aid
prison reform and police matrons
women police officers
homes and education for wayward girls
promotion of nutrition
pure food and drug act
legal aid
labor’s right to organize
passive demonstrations and world peace

The WCTU has opposed and worked against:

the drug traffic
the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
white slavery
child labor
army brothels