The History of  the Abigails 

   by Brenda Turner,

   Founder of the Abigails 

It was over a decade ago and I wanted to talk with like-minded women. I had issues to discuss but couldn’t find many people around to talk with. In early 2013, we gathered a group of women for lunch at Oakridge Club at The Landings. We thought it could be a small casual group that would meet monthly — but then it got crazy. All through the Spring of 2013, likeminded women were coming out of the woodwork. It was fantastic to watch! By our May meeting, we had 75 women, talking and milling around. It was becoming a movement — and I thought “Cripes, we need a name”. I started brainstorming possible names with my husband and I remembered the quote from Abigail Adams. Here you had a female asking for help for females from a guy (her husband, President John Adams). In our era that is a call to action – Women helping Women!  I also liked the history associated with the name. 

"Remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors." Abigail Adams wrote in a letter to her husband, John Adams, while he was serving in the Continental Congress, urging him to consider women's rights when drafting new laws for the nation. 

Once we had reached almost 100 women engaged with the group, I knew it was time to turn over my list of names. A group of amazing women stepped forward to build out and help grow the organization. The Abigails would not have come about without these capable women who helped it become more formal with by-laws and the necessary structure. They did such a great job - yeoman’s work!

It has been fun to watch the Abigails grow and blossom over the years. It’s because of you – the members. You all have contributed so much and accomplished so much together fighting for causes that are at the heart of our mission and values.  And, we know there is still so much to be done!