About Us
Our Story: A Movement Rooted in Faith and Courage
In 1874, groups of women across the United States gathered to pray, organize, and take a stand — believing that strong homes and moral courage could overcome the destruction caused by alcohol and addiction.
Led by the vision of Frances Willard, the WCTU grew into a worldwide sisterhood when the World WCTU (WWCTU) was formed in 1883.
Eight years later, in 1891, the first World Convention in Boston united women of faith and purpose from across continents — marking the birth of a truly global fellowship.
Our Faith and Symbols
The white ribbon bow stands as our emblem – a symbol of purity of heart and peace of purpose.
Members, often called “White Ribboners,” wear the ribbon pin over the heart as a constant reminder of their promise and devotion.
Every day, as the sun reaches noon across the world, WCTU members pause for the Noontide Prayer – creating an unbroken circle of prayer that connects nations, voices, and hearts in faith.
For God – Home and Every Land
The WCTU is a non-partisan, non-denominational, non-profit organization that believes in the power of personal choice and moral integrity.
Our mission is simple yet profound — to create communities free from the grip of alcohol, tobacco, and harmful drugs.
We believe that when individuals live in wholeness, families are stronger and society is transformed.
The word “Woman’s” in our name carries deep meaning: it reminds us that each woman makes a personal commitment — a private covenant between herself and God — to live by the principles of abstinence and purity.