So, you want to know how to join The Links, Incorporated. Maybe you’ve seen the signature white dresses at a local gala, or perhaps you’re looking at a group of influential Black women in your city and noticed they all share a specific kind of drive. It's a big deal. Joining isn't exactly like signing up for a gym or applying for a job on LinkedIn. It is a process steeped in tradition, and honestly, it’s one of the most exclusive invitations you can get in the world of African American civic leadership.
The Links, Inc. isn’t just a social club. Since 1946, it has been a powerhouse of service. Founded in Philadelphia by Margaret Roselle Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott, it has grown into a massive international organization with over 17,000 members. But here is the thing: you don't just "apply."
The Membership Mystery: How to Join The Links, Inc. Actually Works
Let's clear the air right now. You cannot go to a website, click a button, and fill out an application form to join The Links, Inc. It just doesn't work that way. Membership is strictly by invitation. If you are looking for a "Join Now" button, you’re going to be looking forever.
The organization operates on a sponsorship model. This means someone who is already an active member in good standing has to notice you. They have to see your work in the community. They have to know your character. Then, and only then, they might decide to sponsor you for membership. It’s about relationship building. It's about being the kind of person who is already doing "Link-level" work before you ever put on the pearl necklace or the green and white.
Think of it like an elite circle where your reputation precedes you. If a local chapter is looking to expand—and they don't always do this every year—the members discuss potential candidates. They look for women who are not only successful in their careers but are deeply committed to the five facets of the organization: Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services.
It’s Not Just Who You Know, It’s What You Do
Wait, let's back up. While the "who you know" part is vital because of the sponsorship requirement, the "what you do" is what actually gets you through the door. The Links, Inc. is a service organization. They want workers. If you’re just looking for a social status boost, the selection committee will sniff that out in a heartbeat.
Chapters look for women who are "movers and shakers." We’re talking about doctors, lawyers, corporate executives, educators, and entrepreneurs who still find time to mentor kids or fundraise for global initiatives. You have to show a track record of civic engagement. If you haven’t volunteered for anything in five years, your chances of being invited are basically zero.
The vetting process is intense. Once a member proposes you, the chapter investigates your background. They look at your professional standing. They look at your community impact. They want to ensure that anyone they bring in will uphold the legacy of the "Chain of Friendship." This isn't just a catchy phrase; it's the core philosophy of the group.
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The Five Facets and Why They Matter to You
If you’re serious about how to join The Links, Inc., you need to understand the work. You don't just show up to meetings; you contribute to specific programming areas called "Facets."
- Services to Youth: This is all about closing the achievement gap. Chapters often run programs like the "HBCU Initiative" or STEM education projects for Black students.
- The Arts: This isn't just about going to museums. It’s about supporting Black artists and ensuring that African American culture is preserved and celebrated.
- National Trends and Services: This facet tackles the big issues. Think voting rights, financial literacy, and social justice.
- International Trends and Services: The Links have a huge footprint in places like Haiti and various nations across Africa, building schools and providing clean water.
- Health and Human Services: Addressing health disparities is huge here. They do massive work around breast cancer awareness, heart health, and mental health in the Black community.
If your life’s work or volunteer history aligns with one of these, you’re already speaking their language. It makes you a much more attractive candidate for sponsorship.
The Role of Legacy and Family
Is there a "legacy" benefit? Sort of. While daughters of Links (often called "Heir-o-links") do have a specific pathway, it’s not an automatic "in." They still have to be women of high achievement and character. The organization values its history, and seeing a second or third-generation Link is common, but the standards remain incredibly high for everyone.
Navigating the Social Landscape
You might be wondering, "Okay, if I need a sponsor, how do I find one?"
You don't hunt them down. That’s a mistake. Instead, you should be active in the spaces where Links are active. This means attending charity balls, serving on non-profit boards, and being a leader in your professional associations.
Most Links are also members of other organizations, like the "Divine Nine" Greek-letter sororities (AKA, Delta, Zeta, Sigma Gamma Rho) or groups like Jack and Jill of America. If you are already moving in these circles, you will naturally meet women who are members.
Don't be the person who asks, "Can you get me into The Links?" That’s considered a bit tacky. Instead, build genuine friendships. Show your value. Let your work speak for itself. When the time is right, and if there is a fit, the conversation will happen naturally.
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The Reality of Chapter Caps and Timing
Here is a detail people often miss: chapters have size limits.
Even if you are the most qualified woman in the city, a chapter might not be inducting new members because they are "at capacity." Membership in a local chapter is often capped to ensure that the "friendship" element remains manageable. This means the timing has to be perfect.
Sometimes, a chapter won't take a new "line" (a group of new members) for several years. This is why patience is a virtue in this process. You might be on someone’s radar for three or four years before the stars align and an invitation is extended.
Financial and Time Commitments
Let’s be real for a second. This is an expensive organization.
There are induction fees, annual dues (at the local, area, and national levels), and costs associated with the mandatory conferences and assemblies. Beyond the money, the time commitment is significant. You are expected to attend meetings, participate in service hours, and show up for your sisters. If you’re at a point in your life where you can’t give 10-15 hours a month (at minimum) to service and meetings, it might not be the right time to seek membership.
Misconceptions About The Links, Inc.
People think it’s just about wealth. It’s not. While many members are affluent, the primary "currency" is service and influence. A woman with a modest income but a massive heart for service and a leadership role in her community is often more desirable than a wealthy woman who does nothing but write checks.
Another myth? That you have to be in a specific sorority. While many Links are also members of Alpha Kappa Alpha or Delta Sigma Theta, it is absolutely not a requirement. There are many Links who were never in a sorority in college. The Links, Inc. is its own distinct entity.
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What to Do if You Want to Be Considered
If you’re sitting there thinking, "This is the sisterhood I’ve been looking for," here is your roadmap. No fluff, just the steps.
Get Your House in Order
First, look at your resume. Does it reflect a commitment to the African American community? If not, start there. Join a board. Lead a committee at your church. Volunteer for a local literacy program.
Network Authentically
Attend public events hosted by your local Links chapter. They often host fundraisers, art shows, or community health fairs. Go to these. Support their work. Introduce yourself to the members, but don't treat it like a pitch meeting. Just be a present, supportive member of the community.
Maintain Professional Excellence
The Links value "preeminence." Whether you are an artist, a scientist, or a stay-at-home mom who runs the PTA, be the best at what you do. High-achieving women want to be around other high-achieving women.
Understand the "Area" Structure
The Links, Inc. is divided into four geographic areas: Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western. Each area has its own leadership and slightly different vibes, though the national mission remains the same. If you move, you don't automatically get into a new chapter; you have to go through a transfer process, which again, emphasizes the importance of being in good standing.
The Significance of the Invitation
When that call finally comes—if it comes—it’s a moment of immense pride. Receiving an invitation means that a group of some of the most powerful and influential Black women in your area have looked at your life and said, "We want her to be part of our legacy."
It’s not just a club membership; it’s a lifetime commitment to service and a bond with sisters across the globe. From the moment you are inducted, you are expected to carry the torch that was lit in 1946.
Actionable Next Steps for Aspiring Members
- Research your local chapter: Find out what specific programs they run in your city. If they focus heavily on The Arts, and you love the arts, that’s a natural point of connection.
- Audit your service hours: Start keeping a detailed log of your volunteer work. If you are eventually sponsored, you’ll need this information for your profile.
- Strengthen your current bonds: Look at your circle of friends. Are any of them Links? If so, simply let them know you admire the work the organization does. You don't have to ask for a favor; just express genuine interest in their service projects.
- Stay informed: Follow the national organization on social media. Understand the "National Trends" they are currently focusing on, like the "Linkages to Life" organ donation initiative or their work with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
The path to joining The Links, Inc. is long, quiet, and requires a lot of "giving" before you ever "receive." But for the women who make it into the chain, the rewards of sisterhood and the ability to impact the world on a massive scale are worth every bit of the effort. Be the woman the organization needs, and the invitation will likely find its way to you.