P.E.O. was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven young women at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. This circle of kindred spirits – bonded by their enthusiasm for women’s opportunities – eventually expanded to include women off campus as well. Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together more than a half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education, while supporting and motivating them.

Friendship is the cornerstone of P.E.O. – it is the legacy left by our Founders and it thrives in our unique Sisterhood. P.E.O. exists to be a source of encouragement and support for women to realize their potential in whatever worthwhile endeavor they choose.

True to the mission of promoting educational opportunities for women, education continues to be the primary philanthropy of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. In fact, the P.E.O. Sisterhood proudly sponsors six international philanthropies, or projects, designed to assist women with their educational goals.

P.E.O. membership is by invitation, offering potential members the opportunity to learn about the organization as well as chapters the opportunity to get to know prospective members and explain the personal commitment and responsibilities that come with membership.

Membership begins at the local chapter. Women can become members after being introduced and invited by current members of a local chapter. Talking to a member in your community will give you an opportunity to find out more about their chapter and what P.E.O. means to them. If you do not know someone who is a member, please contact us through the P.E.O. International website.