What Is PWP?

PWP (Parents Without Partners, Inc.) is an all-volunteer singles organization founded in 1957 that is regulated by the IRS as a non-profit organization. It has a number of bylaws and rules to follow to maintain its charter as a tax-exempt organization. Its charter is to provide programs to meet the needs of single parents and their children. PWP is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 as an Educational organization.

At one time the PWP membership largely consisted of single parents with younger children; however, the average age of members is older now than it used to be. Colorado is cited as an area where PWP is now doing very well because there are a number of internet savvy, family-oriented, single adults with young children. However, throughout most of the country, membership has been declining, especially during the last three years, due to the growth of single meet-up groups, etc., and changing demographics. In year 2005 membership was at 14,000 – in 2008 it is 8,400. In California, the number of Chapters has fallen from 28 to 12.

Anaheim-Fullerton Chapter #67 was started in 1982. It is part of Zone H.

PWP is comprised of individual chapters. Chapters are audited for compliance with bylaws by the zone committee. PWP International oversees zones.

Chapters are required to have the following activities monthly:

1. One or more Educational/Discussion activities.

2. One or more Family and Youth activities.

3. A General Membership meeting, a Calendar Planning meeting, a Board of Directors meeting, and an Orientation meeting for prospective new members.

4. Be involved in the Community.

5. A chapter may have Adult only, “Parent Socials”; however, their number may never exceed the number of Educational or Family and Youth activities. Alcohol is only permitted at Parent activities.

PWP can be hurt by lawsuits by members who become injured or experience stress at events. For example, a million dollar payout was given to someone on the East Coast who fell off a boat during an event.

PWP International has been working diligently to cut costs. Unfortunately, the membership continues to decline each month. Many different scenarios are being discussed as to the future of PWP. One scenario is to close the organization in its entirety next year. Another is to close the International or Zone offices and then let each individual Chapter be on their own. Another is to let some chapters vote to reclassify themselves as “New Age” chapters and not have to follow all the rules above. There are many people who still love the organization and enjoy its structure as is.

The bottom line is that it is all about the people and making new friends and having others to collaborate with. Enjoy it and come to the dance and support PWP by becoming a member while it is here! Forget the bad news.