Woman's Club of Palo Alto
The Woman's Club of Palo Alto was founded by 24 women in 1894 and remains among the largest clubs in CA. Today, our club's 244 diverse and multigenerational members are bound by our shared passion for civic engagement, philanthropy, self-improvement, friendship, and stewardship of our "eclectic Tudor" Craftsman Clubhouse (on the National Register of Historic Places). Our Club hosts monthly member luncheons with a mix of speakers, including authors, educators, health professionals, artists, environmentalists, and community leaders. We also host events open to our members and our local community, including a February “Galentine’s Social, live music events, and a reception for potential members. Our 17 Committees (e.g., Membership, Luncheon, Community Outreach, Philanthropy Grants, Recognition, etc.) keep our Club running smoothly. Members share their thoughts and learn new skills through our 13 member-led Interest Groups (e.g., bridge, book circles, cinema circles, hiking, knitting & stitching, yoga, etc.). We are a community filled with opportunities to engage, contribute, and deepen our skills and connections...another place to call “Home.”
We welcome new members in June every year, which is the start of our fiscal year. You can complete the below list of requirements at any time during the year, but your membership will start in June. The process for exploring and joining our Club is as follows:
First, express interest in our Club by filling in the Interest form. Someone from our membership team will reach out to you via email to provide you with information about our Club and describe the next steps in detail.
Next, make sure our Club is for you by attending a club event; check here on our calendar page to see a list of events. Prospective members must be accompanied by a member at these events, and our Membership team can assist in finding one for you if needed. You are also most welcome to our Club Luncheons, which occur every third Wednesday from October through June. We will find you someone to host you, and you can hear a speaker, eat a meal, participate in a Club meeting, and meet other members.
If you're still interested, you'll inform our Membership team who will email an application form to you. You will need to submit the names of two existing members who are willing to sponsor you; again, Membership can assist you with this if you don't have sponsors. After paying a one-time Initiation Fee of $100, along with your annual dues ($435 for 2025-26) in June, you will immediately become a new member of the Woman's Club of Palo Alto!
The following are requirements of all members: volunteer at one luncheon per year; pay your annual dues; and agree to our code of conduct. Additionally, new members participate in a class project during their first year, which is typically hosting (with a group) two of our Tuesday Night Socials, a two hour evening event at the Club.
Please email membership@womansclubofpaloalto.org with any questions. We would love to welcome you to our Club!