Founded in 1980, the Mt. Baker Chapter of the Older Women’s League comprised an organization of women activists based in Bellingham, Washington. As a local chapter of the national Older Women’s League (OWL) the group worked to increase awareness of socio-economic issues affecting middle-aged and older women. Founding members of the Mt. Baker Chapter included Margaret Keith, Catherine May, Pat Munroe and Grace Kenoyer.
Through community-level advocacy and support for legislative reform, members sought to remedy shortcomings and inequities in areas including employment and wages for older women, pensions, healthcare and social security. In addition to monthly meetings, chapter members held and attended local talks and forums on subjects such as adult health, care giving, housing and homelessness. For Mother’s Day each year, members held fund-raising events and mailed issue-related cards to legislators.
The Mt. Baker Chapter voted to disband in December 1998 due to a shortage of members to act as chapter officers.
From the guide to the Mt. Baker Chapter of the Older Women's League records, 1985-1999, (Western Washington University Heritage Resources)
