The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) began in 1855 when a small group of English women gathered around the teacups in London, out of a Christian concern for the spiritual and physical needs of younger women. Shortly afterward YWCAs appeared in the United States of America. The University of Wisconsin YWCA (UW-YWCA) was organized in 1884 and was one of the first women's organizations on the UW-Madison campus. During its long history it has performed services for women students including the following: pioneer work in freshman orientation, student housing, social service work in the community, and organized the first summer courses for working women.
An important part of the association is that it was a member of the National Student Council of the YWCA, organized into nine different regions. The UW-YWCA was in the Geneva Region. Once a year, the UW-YWCA would attend the regional conference in Lake Geneva, and every four years, they would attend the national assembly. It worked closely with the University of Wisconsin Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). The UW-YWCA was also part of the United Student Christian Council and the World's Student Christian Federation.
The UW-YWCA was a fellowship of student and faculty women which functioned as an integral part of the campus life. The UW-YWCA was part of the women's movement. It provided leadership opportunities for women students and helped them to understand their role in society and family life. It also was a Christian organization that worked to bring together students who sought clarification of their faith and who wished to help build a Christian Community within the life of the University.
