About Our Chapter

NCL, Inc., Laguna Chapter is a group of mothers and daughters who have come together in a commitment to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
Members shall reside in South Orange County. Like all NCL, Inc. Chapters, Laguna aims to foster the mother-daughter relationship by serving its communities together.

Established in 1984, the Laguna Chapter began with 85 mothers and their 99 daughters. Today, it boasts an active membership of over 220, dedicating their efforts to serving 21 philanthropic causes within Orange County. These non-profit organizations encompass a diverse range of community needs, including support for children with special needs, assistance to senior populations, aid to families at risk, environmental sustainability initiatives, and addressing food insecurity.

The Laguna Chapter is a vibrant group of mothers and daughters in grades 7 – 12. Our Members exemplify the spirit of giving back, steadfastly upholding the mission of NCL. The willingness of our Members to step forward and meet the needs of the surrounding communities is truly remarkable.

Follow Us!

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@ncllagunachapter

 

Join Our Chapter

Interested in joining our chapter? Membership opportunities are dependent on chapter openings.

Please complete the Membership Inquiry Form so we can contact you directly. If you know a current chapter member, feel free to reach out to them as well to learn about getting started.

Membership Inquiry Form

For any questions regarding Membership, requests for transfers or assistance with connecting as a Sustainer, email us.

NCL Laguna is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year starting January 15, 2026. If you are interested in learning more about our chapter, please complete the Membership Inquiry Form provided below. Our VP of Membership, Julie Grajek, will contact you to answer any questions you may have. 

Once the membership drive commences in January, you will receive an application link for completion.

 

Thank you and hope to hear from you soon!
Emma Smith – Membership Chair

Community Service

We understand and serve communities in partnership with local and national nonprofits. Each NCL, Inc. chapter promotes social awareness by considering the local community’s needs and selecting appropriate non-profit organizations to support through different volunteer activities.

We work with the following philanthropies:

Alzheimer’s Association

American Heart Association

American Red Cross

Backbay Therapeutic Riding Center

Boys and Girls Club — Capistrano Valley

Ecology Center

Family Assistance Ministries

Festival of Children Foundation

Habitat for Humanity

Handmade Brigade

J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center

Laguna Art Museum

Laura’s House

LPAPA Laguna Plein Air Painters Assn.

Miracles for Kids

OC Parks

Ocean Institute

Operation Gratitude

Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation

Priceless Pets

Senior Services – Laguna Niguel

Special Camp

Surfrider Foundation, Newport Beach & South Orange County

Surf & Turf Therapy

The United Way

YMCA

Our mothers and daughters collectively contribute an average of 10,000 hours of service annually. 

Leadership Development

We build capable, courageous leaders through opportunities to learn, reflect and develop. Our leaders become successful in their education, career and communities by learning the necessary skills during their NCL experience.

Examples of skills developed include:

• Confidence
• Consensus building
• Team building
• Conflict resolution
• Event planning
• Parliamentary procedure

Our Chapter Board of Directors:

2026-27 CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Throughout their time in NCL, both mothers and daughters serve as leaders in various assigned roles, contributing to the chapter’s smooth operation. Daughters, affectionately known as Ticktockers, are encouraged to hold a grade level office at least once during their six-year tenure, with many taking on this responsibility two or three times. Ticktocker officers receive training and guidance from Patronesses, the mothers serving as Board Members and Grade Level Advisors. These officers learn essential skills such as agenda preparation and meeting management, allowing them to collaborate effectively as a team to create impactful philanthropic activities.

Cultural Experiences

We preserve National Charity League traditions and core values, while appreciating the growth that comes from connecting with different communities and cultures. We continually strive to build stronger ties with our communities and the individuals within them. It is through this understanding that we grow and develop broader worldviews that will shape and support our lives.

• Traditions – We celebrate the richness of our history through traditions that honor the past while serving the future.
• Values – We embrace values that make us strong as an organization of mother-daughter leaders.
• Community Connections – We build connections through experiences that impact our communities.
• Etiquette – We encourage and mentor kind, respectful and gracious social conduct.

How is the Laguna Chapter Unique?

What sets the Laguna Chapter apart from other NCL, Inc. Chapters is not only our annual Laguna Ball, Tea and traditions but also our award-winning in-house philanthropy, Handmade Brigade.  

• Our annual Chapter Tea event eagerly awaited by mothers and daughters, fosters a nurturing environment where values, traditions, and community connections flourish. Through this delightful Tea, our Ticktockers have the opportunity to cultivate and practice contemporary etiquette seamlessly, while strengthening the special bond between mothers and daughters. NCL Inc. boasts a comprehensive curriculum focused on manners and etiquette, meticulously crafted in collaboration with Myka Meier, an etiquette expert from Beaumont Etiquette, based in the vibrant city of New York.
   
• Each year in the springtime, the New Member and Debutante Announcement Luncheon is held as a chapter-wide event. During this luncheon, new members are formally introduced to the chapter, and Ticktocker Award recipients are recognized for their dedication and service hours to the community. Senior Class Ticktockers then announce their aspirations to become Debutants, followed by heartfelt tributes from senior mothers and daughters. The unforgettable afternoon concludes with a captivating Fashion Show starring the Senior Class, proudly sponsored by our esteemed partner, Bloomingdale’s of South Coast Plaza.
   
• The Laguna Ball, a long-standing tradition, formally recognizes a Senior TickTockers six years of philanthropic contributions to her community through the National Charity League. Traditionally, this special evening occurs during the period between Christmas and New Year’s Eve of a Ticktockers freshman year of college. Each graduating class is honored for their dedication to the ideals of NCL, their unwavering support of our community, and the philanthropic partners served by their chapter. Notably, the Laguna Chapter stands out among the five chapters nationwide that host a Debutante Ball.
   
• Originating as a modern sewing circle, Handmade Brigade emerged within the Laguna Chapter as an internal philanthropy initiative, providing costumes and accessories to hospitalized children. Its scope swiftly expanded, with members crafting tutus, princess wands, and spirited capes for girls, alongside superhero attire for boys. Amidst the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, Handmade Brigade deftly adapted its operations to meet the evolving needs of the community. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to service, they meticulously sewed personal protective fabric face masks for various philanthropy partners and their clients. Handmade Brigade was honored as the Most Innovative Chapter by NCL, Inc., in 2017. This accolade stands as a testament to their exceptional efforts and holds a cherished place in the hearts of the Laguna Chapter members.