Job’s Daughters International enjoys a rich history and purposes to continue training up young women who are proficient to lead, plan activities, events, and service projects, and demonstrate effective public speaking skills. It’s part sorority, part professional training ground – Job’s Daughters has evolved since 1920 and aims to invest much into the members through a myriad of opportunities and experiences. There are chapters, called Bethels, all over the world where girls between the ages of 10 and 19 learn the importance of perseverance, and develop levels of self-esteem and self-confidence unmatched by any other youth organization. Currently, there are approximately 10,500 members worldwide.
Founded in 1920 by Mrs. Ethel T. Wead Mick, Job’s Daughters International is an organization of young women boasting over 10,000 members in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Philippines and Brazil. Job’s Daughters was founded during the height of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and just a few months prior to the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. Mrs. Mick was a progressive woman wanting the absolute best for her daughters and their friends. She recognized that women’s roles were changing, and that the opportunity for women to redefine their place in society was nearing.
Mrs. Mick saw parallels between the challenges women faced as they fought to be accepted as equals, and those trials told in the Old Testament Story of Job. As Job was true and steadfast to his faith throughout the story, and never faltered, women would need to be determined in their fight to become equal participants in society, despite the inevitable setbacks they were sure to face. She was fond of Job 42:15, “And in all the land were no women found so fair as the Daughters of Job; and their Father gave them inheritance among their brethren.”
Job’s Daughters gain valuable leadership experience, serve as part of a team, and learn democratic principles as they run their own meetings using parliamentary procedure, decide on activities, and plan service and fundraising events. Members also have fun together at activities such as swimming parties, dances, family picnics, slumber parties, miniature golf, marching in parades and so much more. Opportunities to travel around the U.S. and abroad to visit other Job’s Daughter members typically results in friends that last a lifetime.
The members of Job’s Daughters are developing socially, mentally, and professionally through their experience in the organization. The business in the community has a unique stake in the success of each local chapter, also known as a Bethel. From helping to promote fundraisers for a charitable cause, to donating supplies or items for the members’ use, businesses can have an active role in the development of Job’s Daughters.
Most businesses want to see a social return on their investment when they contribute to a nonprofit youth leadership group like Job’s Daughters. And, there is! Our members are committed to their education through attendance and good grades and have positive emotional and behavioral development. Certified Adult Volunteers (CAV) spend their time weekly working with the members through mentoring and advising. They ensure a safe experience in the organization.
It is said, “It take a village to raise a child.” Every project that a member plans, organizes, and executes teaches her valuable life lessons that she will likely carry with her forever. She connects with those around her and uses her resources to accomplish her goal. She learns administrative and organizational skills, as well as a keen sense of customer service and loyalty to her cause. Job’s Daughters make for great employees and are driven to pursue academic and professional goals.