1950
In September 1950, three chapters were chartered in California.
Los Angeles (CA) became the 23rd chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the first chapter to be installed on the West Coast. The second and third chapters, Oakland Bay Area (CA) and San Francisco (CA) are the only two chapters in the history of The Links, Incorporated that were chartered on the same date, same time, and same hotel. Chapters chartered during the 1950s are represented on the map.
1960
It was in the West where a second chapter was first established in the same city—Angel City (CA) in Los Angeles.
It was during this decade the strength of the election process was developed through the appointment of an Election Committee. An Awards Committee was appointed to select and recognize the best chapter programs. Chapters chartered during the 1960s are represented on the map.
1970
The concepts of cluster workshops and umbrella programming originated in the Western Area.
During this period, the formal recognition of a 25-year membership status with the issuance of a certificate at the Area Conferences was started. Chapters chartered during the 1970s are represented on the map.
1980
In 1986, Hawaii became the first chapter established outside of the continental United States.
The Western Connection, the Area Journal, was first published. The quarterly Western Area newsletter, The Communicator, was published with copies distributed to every member of the Western Area. The $1,000 community service award was approved to be presented at each area conference to a worthy organization in the host city. Chapters chartered during the 1980s are represented on the map.
1990
During the 1990s, National’s Program Report form and online registration system were piloted.
The first Western Area Handbook was published. The name of the Area newsletter, The Chain, was made permanent. The African American Museum, Dallas, TX was selected as the permanent repository for the Western Area Archives. Chapters chartered during the 1990s are represented on the map.
2000
Anchorage (AK) Chapter was the lone chapter established between 2002 and 2010.
The HBCU Scholarship Endowment Fund was established with $123,620 dispersed to the eight HBCU Institutions physically located in the Western Area. STEM and “The Heart of the Matter”, a central framework that focused on prevention and health risk factors for people of African descent, were launched during this decade. Chapters chartered during the 2000s are represented on the map.
2010
The Western Area’s science technology, STEM program was launched during this period.
The concept of “Learners Becoming Leaders” was launched increasing the administrative skill level within chapters through targeted training to increase the efficiency of chapter operations. Chapters chartered during the 2010s are represented on the map.
2020
The Western Area proudly completes the geographical link to the chain of friendship and service.
Its programs have always been first class. Past and present initiatives reflect Western Area’s commitment to perpetuate the Link legacy of friendship and service. Synthesis, progressive programs, and membership cultivation have made the last Area colonized indispensable to Linkdom. Chapters chartered during the 2020s are represented on the map.
