Sorosis (New York, N.Y.)

Sorosis, the first professional club for women in the U.S., was founded in New York, N.Y. in 1868 by columnist "Jennie June" (Jane C. Croly) and other women journalists and writers. The members tended to be professional and literary women. New York's Sorosis and Boston's New England Woman's Club (both founded in 1868), inspired the formation of women's clubs across the country. Croly called a national convention of women's clubs in 1869, resulting in the formation of the Association for the Advancement of Women in 1873 and the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1890. Through the years, members of Sorosis have been prominent in other women's activities, especially the writing professions; war relief efforts during both World Wars; philanthropy (including support for the MacDowell Colony); raising scholarship funds and creating better opportunities for women; and participating in social reforms such as temperance, dress reform. Presidents of the club have included Alice Cary, Jennie C. Croly, Charlotte B. Wilbour, M. Louise Thomas, Ella Dietz Clymer, and Jennie de la M. Lozier.