Welcome to

York County Democratic Women’s Council

Welcome to the York County Democratic Women’s Council.

We are so glad you are here.

This is a place for community in action. The YCDWC supports the principles and platform of the Democratic Party at the local, state, and national levels. We also work in partnership with the Democratic Women’s Council of South Carolina. We are a forum for women’s issues and we encourage and support women in the Democratic Party to become involved not only as candidates but also in leadership positions in all levels of the Party. We serve to be a voice to educate the public in York County, SC, in both public policy and Democratic ideals and issues. And we support and administer the Bessie Moody Lawrence Scholarship Fund, which benefits local college-bound women majoring in social science programs.

Membership is open to all registered voters who support the principles of the Democratic Party. We meet monthly and have several committees available to serve on. We also hold socials and opportunities for community service and outreach.

Membership is just $20 a year and includes membership in our State and National Democratic Women’s Councils. There is an additional $1 fee if signing up online to cover processing fees on ActBlue.

The
Bessie Moody Lawrence Scholarship Fund

The York County Democratic Women’s Council has proudly sponsored the Bessie Moody Lawrence Scholarship since 2014. Since then, we have awarded $17,500 to college bound young women in York County. 

We need your help to continue this proud tradition.

Dr. Bessie Moody-Lawrence was born February 14, 1941, in Chester, SC. She was an elementary school teacher in Rock Hill for more than 30 years and retired as an education professor at Winthrop University. 

In 1993, Bessie was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives for House District No. 49 in York County. During her legislative tenure, she tackled issues that affected children, teachers, women and the poor. 

Dr. Moody-Lawrence was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor in the state of South Carolina, in 2008. This award recognizes extraordinary lifetime achievements and contributions to the state. She received the Laney award from the NAACP in 2000. Dr. Moody-Lawrence was a member of Hermon United Presbyterian Church where she served as Elder and Clerk of Sessions, Education Bible School Coordinator and Herman Women’s Organization President. She also served as Secretary to the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. After returning from the SC House of Representatives, Dr. Moody-Lawrence continued to tutor children in her home.

Meet the Chairs

  • Vera Hammond

    PRESIDENT

  • Tara Whiteley

    FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

  • Sharon Perna

    SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Get in touch.

Need more info? Want to partner with us? Just need to chat about the state of our Democracy? We are just an email away and look forward to hearing from you.