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About

Daughters of the British Empire in Kansas are part of a national society, Daughters of the British Empire in the USA (DBE), a non-profit, non-political voluntary society of women of British or Commonwealth of Nations birth or ancestry, who reside in the United States of America.  

 

DBE in Kansas covers the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area- both sides of the state line as well as the entire state of Kansas.  Five chapters meet in and around Kansas City from the Northland to Belton, Independence to Lenexa, and Overland Park. The sixth chapter covers Lawrence and Topeka. New chapters may form throughout the state of Kansas!

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Monthly meetings (chapter and state board) are business meetings, with tea and social time before or afterward.  Our membership includes homemakers, doctors, lawyers, retirees, and professionals in healthcare, education, and other fields.

Industrious, friendly, hospitable, charitable, and intelligent, members love a good cup of tea, a chat, and a challenge.

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We invite you to allow us to share our enthusiasm for DBE.

History

The history of the Daughters of the British Empire in the USA (DBE) is a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship, service, and shared heritage among those with British and Commonwealth of Nations ancestry living across the United States.

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Sarah Josephine Meredith Langstaff, an English immigrant to the United States, began laying the groundwork for what would become the Daughters of the British Empire when she recognized the importance of providing a sense of community and support for individuals needing assistance. 

 

The society was founded in 1909 as Imperial Order, Daughters of the Empire in the USA.  It became the National Society, Daughters of the British Empire in the U.S.A. in 1920.  The society is affiliated with the Imperial Order, Daughters of the Empire in Canada (IODE); the Victoria League in London, England; and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in the United States.

 

Over the years, the DBE has grown into a nationwide organization with chapters spanning from coast to coast. Despite the passage of time and changing social landscapes, the core values of fellowship, charity, and heritage have remained at the heart of the DBE's mission. Today, there are around 207 chapters and approximately 3600 members of the DBE throughout the USA with representation in 30 states.

Our main focus is the support of the British Home established in one of four districts of the US for retired men and women.  DBE in Kansas chapters raise funds for The British Home Community in Brookfield, IL, est. 1924.  Chapters also support their local community with many other fundraising activities such as the Alzheimer's Walk and PBS phone-in Britcom nights.


In Kansas, we raise funds through The British Faire held each November in Shawnee and via Spring Teas and other activities held by individual chapters.  Our members hail from England, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, Canada, and several other Commonwealth countries, by birth or generational heritage.  We love a cup of tea and a challenge!

Learn More

More information about the Daughters of the British Empire can be found in the video below and throughout our website.  If you are of British or Commonwealth of Nations heritage or ancestry and are passionate about philanthropy, fellowship, or empowering fellow women, there's a place for you here. Feel free to ask questions about the organization via email or by completing the contact form. 

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