About CHUMS, Incorporated
The History of CHUMS, Incorporated
Three friends, Mary Ward Barnes, Joyce Tate Brown, and Theodora Jackson Cora, started a social and civic club in Norfolk, Virginia. The trio first became friends during their college days at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.
The idea for Chums came about on a cold, rainy night in February 1946 as they were sitting in Barnes' red Thunderbird convertible. The war was officially over and their boyfriends serving in the military weren't home yet. Segregation was the norm. That night, the three friends decided to form a social club and name it after their friendship "Chums."
Chums functioned locally as a club until it was incorporated on December 2, 1952, in Norfolk, Virginia as Chums, Incorporated. Since then, Chums have actively worked to improve social, civic and cultural relationships in their communities. In 2025, Chums, Incorporated has 39 active chapters across the United States.
We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our national theme, "listen to the children... enrich their lives," guides chapters in determining and addressing the needs of their communities. Chums are committed to supporting the national theme by volunteering their time and resources, organizing fundraisers, and awarding scholarships to meet those identified needs effectively.
The name is not an acronym; however, each letter has a significant meaning.
C - Character and charm we strive to attain.
H - Honesty and humility are always our aim.
U - Understanding and unselfishness we exhibit each day.
M - Modesty and moderation light our pathway.
The yellow tea rose is our official flower - yellow symbolizes "brightness" and green "awakening." Our motto is "A good archer is not known by his arrow but by his aim." The official Chums, Incorporated logo captures both of these concepts and links them with the handshake symbol of fellowship in a shield surrounded by a sunburst.
Chapters commemorate Founders Day every February and attend the annual National Conclave the third week in October.