The National Association of Women in Construction was established in 1955 in Fort Worth, Texas after women office workers employed in the construction industry perceived a need for social and professional interaction. The stated objectives of NAWIC and its chapters are to unite women employed in the industry for their mutual benefit, to encourage cooperation among chapters, to promote fellowship, and to promote education and service to the construction industry. Achievement of the objectives is accomplished through various social, philanthropic, and educational activities. On the national, regional, and local level, members are informed through programs and seminars in construction techniques skills, while a scholarship program aids students studying construction-related subjects. Each chapter is assigned to a region served by a regional director and participates in a yearly regional forum designed to educate members and coordinate projects from the national level. At the national convention held each fall, the membership conducts national business, elects officers, and participates in workshops and business sessions. NAWIC publishes Image, a monthly newsletter, while each region and local chapter also issues its own periodic bulletin.
Ten years after the formation of NAWIC, a Milwaukee chapter (MIL-WIC) was established. In the meantime national membership had grown to 4,500 members in 131 chapters. (By 1980, the national association had 9,000 members in thirteen regions with 240 local chapters). Typical of the national membership, the Milwaukee chapter includes executives, secretaries, accountants, and administrative assistants as members.
An educational program by NAWIC entitled “Operation Womanpower” was begun in 1969. As this was its first national project, the Milwaukee chapter actively participated to help qualify women for more responsible positions in the industry. The program consisted of several phases, beginning with training in the basics of construction and moving up to degrees in architecture and engineering. Aside from regular membership meetings and various social function, MIL-WIC's local activities during its first decade included construction projects, membership promotion, and extension work. MIL-WIC also provided the impetus for organization of chapters in Madison (1970) and Racine/Kenosha (1972).
