The History Of QUOTA

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During World War I, women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers. The effectiveness of women’s power had been revealed to the nation. Once peace was declared, returning soldiers resumed their dominant position in the workforce. At a “Ladies Night” at the Buffalo Kiwanis Club in December 1918, 5 of Buffalo’s leading business-women formed the nucleus of what would become Quota Club International. Quota, meaning, “a share of one part of the whole”. A place where women could make their efforts thrive. Quota Club International was officially incorporated February 6, 1919.

Initially, only professional women were eligible to join this new female service club. Club founders faced challenges. Service clubs for women was a new thing. By 1921, a snapshot of women members in Scranton, Pa included: owner of the largest retail shoe store in town, a concert harpist, an osteopath, a city official, and a general secretary of a local YMCA. Ten years into Quota’s existence, membership was over 2500, scattered all over the country and now headquartered in Washington DC. In 1925, the club truly became international as a club opened in Winnipeg, Canada. At that time, clubs focused mainly on supporting the schooling of underprivileged girls and women.

The Fort Collins branch of Quota Club International was founded in 1940. When the international organization dissolved in 2020, we decided to continue and we reorganized as Quota Club of Northern Colorado. We are a 501c3 organization.

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