CHUMS, Inc. was founded by Mary Barnes, Joyce Tate Brown, and Theodora Jackson Cora in Norfolk, Virginia in February 1946. These college friends couldn’t find ‘nothing to do’ and decided to form a social club and named it after themselves “Chums”. Today, CHUMS Inc. has forty-two chapters in the United States. Through the years, CHUMS, Inc. has devoted itself to the betterment of social, civic, and cultural relationships in their communities.
CHUMS, Inc. has adopted the yellow tea rose as its official flower, because for Chums the yellow symbolizes “brightness” and the green symbolizes “awakening.” As Chum members work in their communities to improve the lives of children, we remember our motto “A good archer is not known by his arrow but by his aim.” The official logo captures both of these concepts and links them with the handshake symbol of fellowship in a shield surrounded by a sunburst.
The national theme, “LISTEN TO THE CHILDREN” guides each chapter in determining its community needs.
Our National ThemeThe national theme is “Listen to the Children…enrich their lives”.
As Chum members work in their communities to improve the lives of children, we remember our motto “A good archer is not known by his arrow but by his aim.”
Character and Charm we strive to obtain
Honesty and humility are always our aim
Understanding and unselfishness we exhibit each day
Modesty and moderation light our pathway
The Cincinnati Chapter has been the recipient of awards for Programming and for our scholarship contributions. This recognition is because of the hard work of our members.
The enthusiasm of our members conveys our being the quiet doers of genuine servant leadership in our communities.
Chums has established an ongoing volunteer relationship with Bethany House (BH) family shelter. Our activities with BH includes: sponsorship of a Saturday Brunch, child care activities, assisting at fundraising events and helping with fundraising promotion.
JOY: is not just a word but the emotion felt by Chum members when celebrating birthdays of older adults residing in nursing facilities. We have celebrated with resident of Brookdale Assisted Living/Memory care (Deer Park), Lincoln Crawford and Alaska Nursing Homes.
Chums has established partnerships with Avondale Moms & Dads (past), Adopt a School (Lincoln Heights Elementary and Academy of World Languages), Job & Family Services, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at the Midwest Black Family Reunion, providing supplies for children and adults in need.