Biography

Quota International, a professional women's service club, was formed in 1919 in Buffalo, New York. The founder, Wanda Frey Joiner, had attended a special "ladies night" of the local Kiwanis club in 1918 and decided that a similar classified service club would be of benefit to executive women and the community. First Impressions, a new member orientation handbook (in box 1) states: Quota International, Incorporated, is a non-profit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian organization of executive business and professional women and men dedicated to a common cause-helping those in need. Organized in twelve countries, Quota International links its members of all ages, occupations, and nationalities in a worldwide network of service and friendship. . . . The Latin word "quota" refers to the proportional share of one part to a whole. The founders of Quota knew that they wantedto share their talents with the world's less fortunate.

The club is active in community and world service, with special emphasis on hearing and speech aid (adopted in the 1970s as Quota International's unified service project).

Eligibility in Quota International was originally based upon a potential member's job title and caliber of position. Quota International sought the representation of executive women from various professions, and classified its members by the type of business, government office or professional office that the member owned, managed or represented. Eligibility requirements were changed in the mid 1990s to permit retirees to belong. The classification of members was also discontinued, though Quota International still seeks members from diverse backgrounds.

The Sioux City club was formed before 1935, and in 1996 had the largest membership of any Quota Club in the world. Its projects have included hosting parties and activity nights for senior citizens and the disabled, funding Girl Scout camp scholarships, and hosting an annual luncheon honoring female ninth grade students in the Sioux City area for improvements in their academic work.

In 1989, the Quota International articles of incorporation were amended to delete gender references. While Quota International has opened its doors to male members, both regional and national materials demonstrate that Quota International is a club dedicated to the leadership, teamwork and service of women.

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