The Links is an international women's public service organization consisting of over 12,000 members in the United States, Germany, The Bahamas, and South Africa.

The Links mission is to contribute to the formation of a positive, productive and diverse society by focusing on education, cultural enrichment, health and wellness and civic involvement.

The Links vision is to increase participation locally, nationally, and internationally for a stronger community partnership with individuals and organizations with compatible interests.

With Headquarters in Washington, D. C., two-hundred and ninety-nine chapters comprise four different regional areas: Eastern, Southern, Central and Western. Each area convenes a bi-annual conference during the year when a National Assembly is not held. Through its chapters the organization sponsors activities in four program facets; namely,

• The Arts
• Services to Youth
• National Trends and Services
• International Trends and Services

The Links Foundation, Inc., designated 501(C) 3 by the IRS, is the philanthropic entity created by The Links, Inc. Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible. The Foundation receives grants from various sources for community projects that are written, designed and implemented by Links as national signature projects.

The Links, founded in 1946 by Margaret R. Hawkins and Sarah B. Scott, started in Philadelphia with nine members. From there the organization grew to fourteen groups of women, which served as charter chapters of a National Assembly. The first meeting of this Assembly was held in 1949 in Philadelphia. In 1951, The Links incorporated as a non-profit organization.

The organization was born in the aftermath of World War II and faced new concerns and mid-century imperatives in human rights, social and racial justice. Out of necessity, it was compelled to respond to the national environment with a high sense of purpose. For more than fifty years The Links, Inc. has gathered momentum, continuously redefined its purposes, sharpened its focus, and expanded program dimensions.

The Sacramento Chapter became a part of the national organization in March, 1952 with fifteen charter members. It was the fifth chapter established in the Western area and the forty-ninth nationwide. Marjorie “Marge” Patterson was the organizer of this chapter and served as its first president.

In 2002, the chapter celebrated fifty years of service to the community. Community programs and financial support have included: 

• Health and Wellness Fairs and Seminars
• Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon
• Support of a Little League baseball team
• Project Lead: High Expectations - - National Signature Program
• Support for Professionals Analyzing Pap Smears in Nikuru, Africa
• Art and Education programs and events
• Achiever Program
• Scholarship Awards
   

Over sixty active and alumnae Links volunteer throughout the greater Sacramento area in activities benefiting the community.

To view additional pictures, visit� THE LINKS SCRAPBOOK

National Headquarters website: www.linksinc.org