Victory Boys, Victory Girls and Victory Juniors

Sponsors: United War Work Campaign (YMCA, YWCA, National Catholic War Council, Jewish Welfare Board, American Library Association, War Camp Community Service and the Salvation Army)

Started: November 1918

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In 1918, President Wilson asked the 7 groups that formed the United War Work Campaign (YMCA, YWCA, National Catholic War Council, Jewish Welfare Board, American Library Association, War Camp Community Service and the Salvation Army) to add a sub-division for the children. This was the first time that American children had been asked to help in a national effort.

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The Victory Boys, Victory Girls and Victory Juniors were launched in November of 1918.

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Victory Boys and Victory Girls were between 12 and 20 years old. In general they had to turn in their pledge card by November 18th to receive the button, but some communities only handed out the button after the pledge was completed. A small banner was also available, to hang in a window, to let others know that a victory child lived here.  It was encouraged that each Victory Boy and Victory Girl pledge to EARN $5 to the United War Work Campaign. Newspapers listed ways that they could earn the funds. They were NOT allowed to solicit the funds. Many communities exceeded their pledged amounts.

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Victory Juniors were school-age children who were not yet 12 years old. They could pledge 2 cents a week to the effort. 

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​World War 1 technically ended November 11, 1918. However, the Victory campaigns and the United War Work Campaign continued with the efforts to support those who were still stationed overseas, those who were injured and those enroute to coming home.

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