MenuHome
Home

About WCI

Who We AreLeadershipMarian Adair AwardJoin WCI40 years of WCIPlay & discover

What We Do

ECOSOC & CSWEducationConferencesAI & You

News & Media

What's NewPublicationsEventsGallery

WCI

Member Clubs Contact Donate Member Area
WCI members in traditional dress from many countries
40 years of friendship without borders · 1986–2026
WelcomeEnglish

We are women making a difference through the power of friendship

Join a worldwide circle of women who share their cultures, learn from each other and champion education for women and girls.

1986founded in Washington, D.C.
17member clubs on four continents
90+nationalities among our members
2020UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status
WCI members
Why we exist

Our mission

Friendship, understanding and education for all women, close to home and around the world.

Our vision

A peaceful world, built by empowering women through international friendship and education.

Next UN Council meeting
WCI UN Council meeting · Speakers & virtual program

Different cultures, one circle

Most organizations are formed around a common interest. WCI members come together to celebrate their differences.

For your club

  • Swap ideas with sister clubs on four continents
  • Meet fellow club leaders in regular webinars
  • Get tools, workshops and fresh program ideas
  • Host or join our International Conferences
  • Add your voice to WCI’s work at the United Nations

For your members

  • Make friends with women from around the world
  • Travel to a new host city every two years
  • Team up on joint projects and online programs
  • Grow as leaders, from club to international level
WCI Board of Directors
International Conferences

Meet the world every two years

A member club opens its city to sisters from around the world: inspiring speakers, cultural evenings and unforgettable tours.

Explore every conference since 1990 ›

This month around the WCI world · November

The whole year ›
  • November 1–2

    Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)

    Mexico

    Families remember loved ones with colorful altars, marigolds and favorite dishes. A highlight of the year in San Diego.

    Celebrated by our clubs in San Diego

  • Fourth Thursday of November

    Thanksgiving

    USA

    Family dinners to give thanks; many clubs invite international members to share the tradition.

    Celebrated by our clubs in Washington, Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale

  • November 25 to December 10

    16 Days of Activism

    Around the world

    Sixteen days of action against violence against women. Our clubs in London and Northern Cyprus take part.

    Celebrated by our clubs in London, Northern Cyprus

Frequently asked questions

What is Welcome Clubs International (WCI)?

A non-profit, secular and non-political network of independent international women’s clubs, formed in 1986 to promote friendship, understanding and education among women.

Does WCI have status at the United Nations?

Yes. On 24 June 2020 the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) granted WCI Special Consultative Status. WCI takes part in the annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York.

Who can join WCI?

WCI members are clubs, not individuals. Independent international women's clubs can become affiliate members, and associations of clubs can become associate members. Women join WCI by joining one of its member clubs.

How many member clubs does WCI have?

WCI has 17 member clubs and one associate member, in countries including Germany, the United States, Israel, Brazil, Korea, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Cyprus and Indonesia.

When and where are WCI International Conferences held?

Every two years, hosted by a member club. Recent conferences were held in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2026), Taipei, Taiwan (2024) and Washington, D.C. (2018).

What is the Marian Adair Award?

Established in 2009 in honor of WCI founder Marian Wood Adair, the award is presented at each International Conference to a woman who has advanced understanding, friendship and education across borders.

How can I contact WCI?

Use the contact form on this website and we will reply by email.

Ready to make friends around the world?

Join a member club near you, or bring your own club into the WCI family.

Page updated