The mothers are referred to as Patronesses and the daughters are called Ticktockers. It has evolved into a dynamic and well respected small group leadership program.  NCL is unique in that both mothers and daughters develop leadership skills throughout their active participation in the Chapter,  primarily though local philanthropic activities.  Mothers and daughters work together as well as among their peer group, learning, growing and creating a positive impact in their local communities.

National Charity League was founded in 1947 in Los Angeles, California.

National Charity League, Inc. is currently comprised of 156 Chapters in 16 states nationwide. It is is the only mother-daughter volunteer force of its kind serving local communities.

When mothers and daughters who reside in close proximity and are committed to the ideals of NCL decide they would like to join, a new Chapter is formed. Each Chapter of National Charity League is incorporated in its state or origin, is lead by an elected Board of Directors, and ultimately becomes a non-profit entity. The Chapter Board is responsible for determining all aspects of participation for the Chapter members: calendar of meetings, events, activities for the year; dues, attendance, and participation requirements for the members; bylaws, standing rules (operational procedures), philanthropy choices for the Chapter, etc. The Chapter Board of Directors meets once a month to conduct the business of the Chapter.

The mothers, known as Patronesses, meet once a month in Chapter-wide meetings. These regular meetings are devoted to understanding the business of the Chapter and determining the future direction of the Chapter as well as philanthropy work, special programs or activities. The mothers determine what philanthropic opportunities with which the Chapter will become involved after soliciting input from their daughters. Philanthropic participation is a requirement and each Chapter sets its own requirements which average about 20 hours per person per year. These hours are most often performed outside of meetings. In addition, each mother has some type of leadership role or position within the Chapter that is assumed as part of their membership requirement which also average about 20 hours per year. Examples of such positions are Board member, committee chairman or committee member. In NCL, everyone has a role every year.

The daughters, known as Ticktockers, meet separately from the mothers. They are organized by grade level, and they, too, have their own set of elected officers, and their own adult grade level advisors. Their meetings are designed around the Chapter’s Six-Year Plan which assigns various age-related educational, leadership and cultural objectives for them to meet through programs, presentations, and field trips. They also have a philanthropic hours requirement (approximately 20 hours per year), and they, too are required to fulfill some leadership role within their group each year. The overall objective of the Ticktocker program is to provide opportunities for the girls to learn the beauty of giving of themselves to others; to develop and practice leadership and social skills within their peer groups; and to have an awareness and appreciation of the various forms of culture in the community.

A time honored NCL tradition is TEA.  It is a requirement for every NCL Chapter to hold an annual tea (of some sort) with the daughters being trained in proper etiquette to serve as hostesses. Each Chapter determines exactly how they will meet this requirement.

Philanthropy Work
Each NCL Chapter considers the local community’s needs and determines the philanthropies to support. This support comes in the form of volunteered time and organizational skills and may involve some fundraising. Chapters are not permitted to fundraiser for other non-profits, but they may raise money which they give back to the community by way of grants or scholarships.  Some of the areas supported by local Chapters include:

• Disadvantaged children
• Library Aide programs
• Theater ushers
• Museum docents/guides
• Convalescent hospitals
• Thrift shops
• Individuals with special needs
• Soup kitchens/Food pantry
• Senior citizens centers/Day care centers

Leadership Training
The leadership training program teaches basic leadership skills.  Some of the leadership activities of local chapters include:

• Organizational skills
• Team building
• Parliamentary procedures
• Time management
• Consensus building
• Conflict Resolution
• How to build a budget and run an effective meeting
• Ticktockers experience hands on training throughout the 6-year program, during which they assume multiple leadership positions within their grade level

Cultural Experiences
Cultural events help develop community awareness and cultural sensitivity. Some of the cultural experiences of local chapters include:

• Concerts
• Plays
• Museums
• Symphonies
• Operas
• Ballets and dance performances
• Cultural centers
   

Educational Activities
Educational activities are designed to teach the daughters to be self-assured in social settings, to demonstrate good manners and to respect others.

• Personal growth training
• College admissions advice
• Exploring career development
• Mother - Daughter teas and luncheons
• Fashion Shows and Senior Recognition