Polish Women's Alliance of America

The Polish Women's Alliance of America (pol. Związek Polek w Ameryce) is a fraternal benefit society established on May 22, 1898, in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by Stefania Chmielinska, a Polish immigrant and seamstress, the organization was created to promote financial security and cultural heritage among Polish immigrant women in the United States. During a time when women lacked the right to vote and faced significant barriers in society, Chmielinska and her fellow founders aimed to provide a platform for women's rights and self-sufficiency.

Mission and Goals

The core mission of the Polish Women's Alliance is to offer financial security to its members while preserving Polish culture and heritage. This was significant at a time when women were often excluded from leadership roles and could not purchase life insurance in their names. The Alliance emerged as a pioneering organization, allowing women to develop leadership skills, establish networks, and engage with both their local and Polish communities.

Historical Significance

The Polish Women's Alliance has played a crucial role in various historical events affecting the Polish-American community. Key activities and contributions include:

• Supporting Poland’s quest for national independence during the Partitions of Poland.
• Assisting in funding for Madame Marie Curie's scientific research.
• Organizing fundraising efforts for a bomber during World War II to support the U.S. Air Force.
• Founding the Polish American Congress in 1944, which serves as a political framework for Polish-Americans.
• Engaging in restoration projects for cultural landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The Alliance has also provided humanitarian aid, especially during the two World Wars, and has been active in sponsoring cultural events that celebrate Polish heritage, including language and folklore lessons, youth conferences, and festivals.

Organization Structure

Within the Polish Women’s Alliance, local units are referred to as "Groups," while regional organizations are called "Councils." The national headquarters is located in Park Ridge, Illinois, serving as the central hub for the organization.

Membership

Membership of the Polish Women's Alliance peaked at around 100,000 in the 1960s and has experienced fluctuations in numbers over the years, currently standing at approximately 30,000 members, making it one of the largest Polish women’s organizations globally. Since its inception, over 600,000 women have been associated with the organization, contributing to its enduring legacy.

Recent Developments

In 2017, the Polish Women's Alliance merged with the Fraternal Catholic Society of America (FCSLA), further expanding its offerings, which now include a range of life insurance plans, annuities, and other financial products tailored to its members. The organization continues to foster cultural pride, educational initiatives, and lobbying efforts for Polish causes.

The Polish Women's Alliance of America remains a vital force in the Polish-American community, advocating for women’s rights, cultural preservation, and financial empowerment while celebrating the contributions of Polish women throughout history.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_Women's_Alliance_of_America [2] https://www.fcsla.com/fraternal-department/district-pages/pwaa-archives/ [3] https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S126C1090490 [4] https://www.luc.edu/media/lucedu/wla/rebuild-2025/pdfs/finding-aid/Polish-Womens-Alliance-of-America.pdf [5] https://libblogs.luc.edu/wla/2022/05/10/a-century-of-activism-the-archival-collection-of-the-polish-womens-alliance-of-america/