Helping The NJ Women's Christian Temperance Union

Giving A Hand Up! As public Relations Director of the NJ- WCTU  and Founder of Crafts 4 Hope Foundation, Inc, I was delighted to help the WCTU enjoy their 148th Annual Convention October 26, 2024 by creating the sticker and constructing these precious party favors. A Wonderful time was had by all those in attendance.

I invited myself to go on a trip to Ohio with an individual I meet in my volunteer days with the Salvation Army. I asked and this person said "Sure, would you like to be a member of the WCTU?" I accepted, paid my membership dues, bought a tee-shirt and then, inquired as to what the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was all about?

In Cleveland Ohio, in the 1800's, the city depended heavily on what was called "Sin Tax". Prostitution and Salons were big business in the city as alcohol was a major part of revenue for Cleveland, Ohio. Woman were oppressed in those days with great difficulties in their homes due to their husband's drunkenness and woman not being able to have a say in the community.

To combat these problems and come up with some kind of solution, two friends,  Frances Willard & Annie Wittenmyer, got together in 1874 and founded the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. They fought for the abstinence of alcohol so as to have order in their home and not be abused by their drunk husbands. They sought for a voice, ways to be heard and protect their children. Their efforts coincided with the Woman's Suffrage Movement of the time. Woman all over Cleveland realized the only way they could make a change was at the ballot box! In the 18th century, women's groups everywhere played a part in labor laws, prison reform and suffrage. The woman had won the right to vote.

However, with the death of Frances Willard in 1898, the WCTU began to distance itself from feminine groups instead focusing primarily on the abstinence of alcohol. Prohibition was in full swing with the passing of the 18th amendment in 1917 and in effect from 1920 - 1933. The WCTU is still in existence today operating in the United States and about 70 Countries. Today the group's focus is on moderation of all things and abstinence of drugs, alcohol and tobacco by running a publishing house and actively reaching the youth in local schools. Yes, men and boys are honorary members of the WCTU. Entire families are invited to participate.

In June of 2024, the WCTU celebrated 150 years and held its Annual National Convention in Berlin Ohio. It was at this time I became Public Relations Director of it's New Jersey Division, and in July 2025,  the WCTU held it's World Convention In Skokie, Illinois. Pray for the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. In today's society, their efforts are needed now more than ever.