With dozens of women’s organizations and groups, Santa Barbara has many resources for women. Everything from education to help for domestic violence is available and makes a difference in the lives of local women.
Santa Barbara women’s organizations cover a lot of ground when it comes to what types there are and what they offer local women. There are groups that handle business, politics, education, family, financial assistance, sports, fitness, health, recovery, and social support. It’s likely that regardless of your issue or interest, there’s an organization in place to contact for information and events.
For women interested in business networking, education, and support there is the American Business Women’s Association as well as Women’s Economic Ventures. Groups are also available for women accountants, pilots, engineers and lawyers with local chapters and frequent meetings.
Women into politics have many local groups to choose from including the League of Women Voters of S.B., the S.B. Women’s Political Committee, and the Democratic Women of S.B. County. Another local women’s organization is the Commission for Women, a fact finding group that makes recommendations in critical areas to the Board of Supervisors.
Another large section of women’s groups relates to health and family issues, and there are options ranging from Planned Parenthood S.B. to La Leche League. The Breast Resource Center has a group as does the Susan Love MD Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Financial aid groups can be found at St. Vincent’s S.B. and the Transition House. Recovery and support organizations are found all over the city and include Casa Serena, Inc. for support recovering from substance addiction, the Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, It’s Not About Food Support Group, and the Women’s Therapy Support Group.
For those looking for women’s organizations with more of a social or service aspect, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom might be an option as is the Women’s Way Program. The United Nations Association has a local chapter and the Swedish Women’s Education Association provides social interaction as well as scholarships.
There are a number of women’s sports groups in town including women’s soccer, tennis, golf, volleyball, running, swimming, martial arts, fencing and many more. Just about every sport you can think of has a group in town for women to get together and play.
No matter what you’re looking for in local women’s organizations, there are many choices in Santa Barbara. Take a moment to find what interests you and get involved in one of the dynamic, effective groups that keeps Santa Barbara going strong.