Red Feather Society

The Tradition of Red Feather Society

For more than a thousand years, the red feather has been used as a reward for special acts. England’s Black Prince, during the Crusades, awarded it for unusual acts of valor or chivalry. American Indians awarded red dyed eagle feathers to their most fearless braves, and Robin Hood awarded a red feather to his men for acts of exceptional goodness.

At the core of every worthwhile endeavor are leaders whose caring and personal leadership set the course for others. In the early 1930's, many Community Chests, the forerunners of the United Way system, adopted the red feather as a symbol of service to the community. Even today, there are long-term volunteers who still refer to the United Way campaign as the “Red Feather” campaign. In recent years, the red feather has become a symbol for community leaders who give at a level higher than the average citizen. 

Red Feather Society

Gold Level