Membership
Are you interested in joining a community of like-minded women dedicated to preserving British heritage, fostering friendships, and engaging in philanthropic efforts? The Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) welcomes you! Here’s what you need to know about becoming a member of our esteemed organization.
Eligibility Criteria
​ Membership is extended by invitation to women who are 18 years or older and residing in the United States. You must meet one of the following criteria:
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British or Commonwealth Heritage: You have British or Commonwealth of Nations heritage or ancestry. This includes all countries that are part of the Commonwealth, such as Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, and more.
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Spouse or Partner's Heritage: Women whose spouses or partners are of British or Commonwealth of Nations heritage are also eligible for membership.
Junior Membership: Eligible girls between 13 and 17 may join a chapter in which a family or adult sponsor is a member. This membership classification includes the right to vote but not to office.
What Are the Commonwealth of Nations?
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries. The Commonwealth's roots go back to the British Empire. It is home to 2.5 billion people and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states, including many island nations.
In Africa, these countries include Botswana, Cameroon, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, and Zambia.
In Asia, these countries include Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
In the Caribbean and Americas, this includes Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.
In Europe, these countries are Cyprus, Malta, and The United Kingdom.
In the Pacific, countries included are Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The Benefits of Membership
Camaraderie and Support
Join a network of women who share your cultural heritage and values. Our members form deep, lasting friendships and provide mutual support through all stages of life.
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Cultural Connection
Engage in activities that celebrate and preserve British and Commonwealth traditions. From traditional teas to cultural festivals, you'll find numerous ways to stay connected to your roots.
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Philanthropy and Service
Contribute to meaningful charitable projects that make a difference locally and nationally. Our philanthropic efforts are at the heart of what we do, allowing you to give back to the community.
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Personal Growth
Participate in a variety of events, educational programs, and leadership opportunities that foster personal development and enrichment.
If you believe you meet the membership criteria and are interested in joining the Daughters of the British Empire, we invite you to reach out to us. Contact us today to learn more about attending a chapter meeting or event, and take the first step toward becoming part of our cherished community.
Visit One of Our Chapters
If you are curious about what it means to be part of the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE), there's no better way to get a true sense of our vibrant community than by visiting one of our six Kansas City chapters. Here, you'll experience firsthand the camaraderie, dedication, and spirit of service that define our organization.
​​The list of chapters, where they meet in the city and the day/time of their monthly meetings can be found here.
Here’s how you can arrange a visit:
Contact Us: Reach out to us via email dbekansas@gmail.com to express your interest in visiting. We’ll connect you with the chapter you're interested in joining and provide you with details on upcoming meetings or events. We can also answer any questions you have on membership, what we do, and more! We look forward to meeting you and sharing the DBE experience!