About Us.html

Founder, Ellen Dickinson (left) and member

Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are the engine that keep us going. From organizing trips and events to mailing out quarterly calendars.

Without your time and effort we could not exist. If you'd like to find out how to get more involved click here.

In February, 1976, Ellen Dickinson, newly out to herself as a lesbian, was sunning on a Washington Square parkbench when inspiration struck. She envisioned a group that would provide lesbians an opportunity to share their love of nature and the outdoors. What she saw was a social alternative to the bars that would also nurture lesbianism.

Ironically, she found herself drumming up enthusiasm among women at the Duchess, a popular lesbian bar of the of the time. Jay Slivka, co-founder with Ellen, and three other women, stepped out of the bar scene to organize what would become "Hikin' Dykes."

The very first event was a hike that took place along the Appalachian Trail with just two pioneering women. Soon after, on February 15, 1976, the first meeting was held with fewer than 10 women.They drew up a schedule of activities in newsletter format and established the group's name.

Since then, thousands of women have come together to enjoy social events with other lesbians. Our name was changed to better reflect a more diversified range of activities, which include more cultural events for women.
Women About continues to provide a safe space for women to come together to enjoy shared interests and common activities. It serves as a valuable alternative to the lesbian bars that were once the only gathering places for women who love other women.

The purpose of Women About, Inc. is to empower lesbian women to realize their fullest potential and to encourage women to reach beyond limitations imposed by self and society.
We seek to create a forum in which lesbians can meet, participate in communal activities, and share information, interests and ideas in a supportive environment.
The primary method for achieving our objectives shall be through the preparation and distribution of published calendars of member-generated events and activities of a social, cultural or athletic nature. Women About is open to all women who are at least 18 years of age.

Women About is a non-profit organization that is run by volunteers. We hold quarterly business meetings to schedule events and discuss procedural matters and goals of the organization. All meetings are open to members and non-members. Women About is open to all women who are at least 18 years of age.

A calendar of events is published quarterly and sent to our full membership. All of our activities are member-generated. Members organize events and list them in the calendar. Click here for more information about listing events in our calendar.

For each calendar that we publish, we hold a Women About mailing event, at which time members help fold, stuff and seal the next calendar. Afterwards we go out to a restaurant together to relax and enjoy good company. Women About members are asked to volunteer two hours each year to the organization.

Women About, Inc. became incorporated in New York State on April 10, 2000. We are classified as a not-for-profit civic organization under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although we are non-profit, donations to our organization are NOT tax-deductible except under specific circumstances. Consult your accountant regarding deductibility of your donation.

Our Board of Directors currently consists of nine members. Members of the Board are elected at an Annual Board Meeting in December of each year and they serve for a term of one year. Click here for our annual meeting schedule.

In addition to quarterly business meetings, the Board of Directors holds meetings at least four times a year.
Members are welcome to attend Board meetings and participate in discussions, though they are not eligible to vote on issues.

Members are encouraged to attend meetings, participate in discussions and run for positions.
Click here for our annual meeting schedule.