The Frontiers International, Inc. is a national, non-profit, non-sectarian service organization headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Frontiers members are called “Yokefellows”, the term originating from the oxen bearing the burden of hard work through the yoke it wears. The membership consists of men and women of character from all segments of their local communities who share a common desire to make a difference.
The Frontiers organization is divided into nine districts across the country. Each district elects a director, who serves as the interface between the district clubs and the Frontiers Executive Board. The annual Convention, held in July,provides an opportunity for Yokefellows to reunite and exchange information, while serving as the primary Frontiers business meeting.
The Mission
Our mission is achieved through service to others and by harnessing the cooperative influence of community leaders and directing that influence towards solutions to major issues that are civic, social and racial in nature.
Frontiers of America, the forerunner of Frontiers International, Inc., was founded in Columbus, Ohio in November 1936. The organization was incorporated December 24, 1938.
Nimrod Allen, then Executive Director of the Columbus Urban League, called together a few men interested in forming a service organization to address the complex civil and social problems of the times. Yokefellow Allen’s actions led to the incorporation of the Frontiers of America on December 24, 1938.
The formation of a separate African-American service organization was necessary because membership in established similar organizations was not an option for Mr. Allen and his associates at that time. Over time, more clubs were formed and in 1962, Frontiers of America became Frontiers International, Inc. when a charter was granted to a club in British Guinea, now known as the nation of Guyana.
Today, more than 70 years later, service is still the driving force behind the organization Mr. Allen founded. Charged with identifying and addressing a need in their respective communities, men and women in over 30 clubs across the country strive to live up to the Frontiers motto, Advancement Through Service.