Chapters serve to further the mission, vision, and work of Founding Forward. As the leader in immersive civic education, Founding Forward is creating an informed and engaged citizenry and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
This work is rooted in the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. We invite you to learn more about our educational opportunities, our heritage, and how you can help us to ensure a future rooted in liberty.
Founding Forward co-founder Mr. Don Belding appointed Mrs. Jeanne McDonald in 1964 to organize and develop the women’s chapters based upon her experience as President of the Women’s Division, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the chapters was to bring the programs of Freedoms Foundation to a community grassroots level.
The Los Angeles County Chapter was officially chartered in 1965 and soon boasted a membership of 300. That grassroots approach still works today. The Los Angeles County Chapter is proud to sponsor students and teachers to attend Founding Forward’s civic education programs and honor outstanding individuals and organizations in the Los Angeles area who exemplify civic responsibility.
Trish Bowe – President
Beatrice Restifo, – Treasurer and VP Programs
Diane Deshong – Recording Secretary
JoAnn Clark – Corresponding Secretary
Rosemary Licata – VP Programs
Wendy Dio – VP Ways and Means
David Gibson – VP Education
Elaine Peters – VP Membership
Elaine Bernard – VP Public Relations and Parliamentarian
Gloria Dahl – VP Awards
Shirley Bradley – VP Awards and Telephone Committee
John Dinome – VP Communications
Tanya Caligiuri – Editor, Westwinds
Delilah Gimenez – Social Media Chair
Jean Zaik – Telephone Committee
We take students beyond the textbook and classroom to immerse them in the places and events where history happened. We instill insights and leadership skills to last a lifetime and give students a personal understanding of our country’s founding principles and their responsibilities as citizens.
Founding Forward’s volunteer chapters have helped recruit thousands of students from across the country who have obtained a greater understanding and appreciation of American history and civic responsibility through Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program. Through Spirit of America, students learn about democracy, the judiciary, the political process, founding documents, and the free enterprise system through innovative workshops and historical site visits that allow you to encounter our nation’s past, present and future. During their residential stay, students will also build leadership skills, engage in civil discourse, and identify how they can positively impact their community.
The Los Angeles County Chapter sponsors students to attend the Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program. If you or a student you know is interested in applying for Spirt of America, please contact VP of Education David Gibson.
Our accredited and critically acclaimed professional development seminars and workshops enrich educators’ knowledge of history and provide inspiration to bring back to their classrooms. More than 14,000 diverse educators have deepened their understanding of America’s founding principles through courses and seminars taught by extraordinary scholars and thinkers.
All applicants are eligible for full scholarships once accepted. The Los Angeles Chapter helps to sponsor worthy teachers from the area who are accepted into a Founding Forward teacher seminar or workshop. Please contact VP of Education David Gibson if you are interested.
Through our Speaker Series, scholars, policymakers, experts, and thought leaders share their perspectives on current events, public policy, the Constitution, the American Civil War, arts and culture, and other timely and intriguing topics.
The extensive Civil War-based historic collections of the Union League and related organizations, along with exhibits in the Heritage Center, serve to educate, inspire, and inform our program participants.
Every year, Founding Forward and its volunteer chapters recognize exemplary civic achievements through its National Awards Program. Guided by an independent panel of expert jurists, the National Awards Program honors the exceptional efforts of individuals, organizations, and schools that promote or personify the ideals of responsible citizenship.
Read the latest news and updates from our chapter.
If you want to make a difference in the Los Angeles community, become a member of the Los Angeles County Chapter of Founding Forward. For nearly 60 years, our chapter, as part of Founding Forward’s nationwide network of volunteer chapters, has brought the message of engaged citizenship and leadership to hundreds of thousands of Americans, students, teachers, and ordinary citizens. We encourage you to join us to help promote the ideals of our national heritage.
Your support of the Los Angeles County Chapter will help us ensure a future rooted in liberty by inspiring current and future leaders to carry on our country’s founding principles.
Please send all donations made out to:
Founding Forward Los Angeles County Chapter
9907 Sunset Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Founding Forward is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. The mission and work of Founding Forward is made possible through voluntary contributions.
