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Who We Are

The members of The Links, Incorporated are influential decision makers and opinion leaders. The Links, Incorporated has attracted many distinguished women who are individual achievers and have made a difference in their communities and the world. They are business and civic leaders, role models, mentors, activists and volunteers who work toward a common vision by engaging like-minded organizations and individuals for partnership. Links members contribute more than 1 million documented hours of community service annually – strengthening their communities and enhancing the nation. The organization is the recipient of awards from the UN Association of New York and the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation for its premier programs. In 2019, The Links, Incorporated was nominated for a Luxembourg Peace Prize by the Schengen Peace Foundation and recognized by the late Congressman John Lewis as a distinguished organization of outstanding community service and influence.

The outstanding programming of The Links, Incorporated has five facets which include Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services and Health and Human Services. The programs are implemented through strategies such as public information and education, economic development, and public policy campaigns. Our core values are friendship, integrity, honesty, service, commitment, family relationships, courage, respect for self and others, legacy, confidentiality, responsibility, and accountability. 

The Links, Incorporated

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of more than 16,000 professional women of African descent in 292 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

Central Area of The Links, Incorporated

The Central Area of The Links, Incorporated provides transformational, sustainable and replicable programs to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities served in the 15 states by our 70 Chapters. Imbued with the spirit of our beloved co-founders, Margaret Rosell Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott, Central Area chapters came together in friendship, and with a true commitment to service. Located in the Midwest, it is the “Heart of Linkdom” delivering national award winning programs developed and produced by more than 3,000 members.

Central Illinois Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

The Central Illinois Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was established in 1975 when a group of women in Normal and Champaign, Illinois became interested in beginning a new chapter. On November 3, 1975, The Normal-Champaign Chapter was chartered. In April 1996, the chapter name was changed from the Normal-Champaign Chapter to The Central Illinois Chapter to accurately reflect its members and the following service areas: Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Charleston, Decatur, and Springfield.
CIC1st Chapter Members
CIC1st Chapter Members

Central Illinois Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

The Central Illinois Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was established in 1975 when a group of women in Normal and Champaign, Illinois became interested in beginning a new chapter. On November 3, 1975, The Normal-Champaign Chapter was chartered. In April 1996, the chapter name was changed from the Normal-Champaign Chapter to The Central Illinois Chapter to accurately reflect its members and the following service areas: Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Charleston, Decatur, and Springfield.

“Linked in Friendship, Connected in Service”

“Linked in Friendship, Connected in Service”