PURPOSE:

In May l972, the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc. (NACOPRW) was founded in Washington, D. C., as a non-profit, non-partisan organization to promote the full participation of Puerto Rican and other Hispanic women in their economic, social and political life in the United States and Puerto Rico.

With headquarters in Washington, D.C., NACOPRW maintains a visible presence at the national and local levels through its 12 chapters in the United States: Washington, District of Columbia; Miami, Florida; Orlando, Florida; Chicago, Illinois, East Chicago, Northern Illinois, Indiana; Tri-County Chapters, Maryland; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) and New York City, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, California, and Northern Virginia.

Active members are women of Puerto Rican origin who subscribe to the goals of the organization and belong to a chapter. Institutional membership is also available. A variety of activities are conducted by the chapters in keeping with their community needs and interests. Anyone who supports the goals of NACOPRW may join as an associate chapter member or as a member-at-large.

GOVERNANCE:

The National Board of Directors, composed of the Presidents and delegates of the local chapters, meets quarterly and constitutes NACOPRW’S policy-making body. In addition, a six member executive Committee, composed of the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and the National Past President, meets several times a year to act on NACOPRW policy between board meetings. The Executive Committee also oversees the activities of the national office, evaluates the activities and accomplishments of the chapters, and provides direction on programs.

NACOPRW:

Enriches its membership through education workshops, training seminars, information dissemination and networking. It also provides scholarships to Hispanic individuals at the national and local levels. The main education and networking vehicle is the annual conference, which includes the annual meeting, election of officers and plenary session, where members ratify the newly elected officers and conference resolutions. The organization coalesces with other women’s groups and national Hispanic organizations, therefore extending its visibility and outreach throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Through its newsletter, ECOS NACIONALES, NACOPRW keeps its membership and friends informed of issues affecting Puerto Rican and other Hispanic women as well as the Hispanic community as a whole.