Founded in 1954 by 35 charter members, the American Women's Club of Madrid was originally housed in a rented suite in the Castellana Hilton. Due to its rapid growth, it was deemed necessary to seek a clubhouse. On May 12, 1966, the present home of the Club, on Plaza de la República del Ecuador, 6, was officially inaugurated.
Throughout the years, the Club has been a service to the community by raising funds through projects and activities. Among these are a holiday bazaar, a spring charity fund-raiser, an orientation seminar, a book and bake sale, and a monthly bring and buy consignment sale. Funds raised by these activities are used for charitable works and for clubhouse maintenance.
Activities for members of the club have encompassed a myriad of interests: cooking demonstrations, cultural visits, tours, bridge, mah-jongg, luncheon groups, a playgroup for small children and their mothers, Spanish language classes, and many others. A library for members was started in 1972. Once a month, the AWC holds a social meeting with coffee and a speaker. Evening activities include cocktails and a program for working women.
Membership is comprised of American women or wives of U.S. Citizens and Associate Members of other nationalities. All members work together to fulfil the purposes of the Club as stated in the Constitution. Members receive a monthly bulletin which features articles written by the chairs of the various committees and includes a calendar of the planned monthly events. A directory of members' names, addresses, and telephone numbers is printed annually. Upon joining, members are urged to participate in any activity that might be of particular interest. As a non-profit organisation, we rely on the volunteer help of members as leaders and helpers.
Most of the activities and money-raising projects are centralised at the Clubhouse. Light lunches and snacks are available. Moreover, the Clubhouse functions as a home away from home for those Americans and others who are now living here, temporarily or permanently. It is a warm and friendly spot and aids in making our sojourn in Spain more interesting and agreeable.