This study explores the activities and identities of Chungbuk Council of Women’s (CCW) leaders based on oral life histories and what impact their activities had on local communities and the Korean society. This paper finds that the leaders were able to continue their activities for a long time without being paid, thanks to their middle class status and high level of education. By extending women’s familial roles as wives, mothers, and house keepers, the member organizations of the CCW pursued to make contribution to the development of their communities and the nation as a whole. While it seems clear that their unpaid services contributed to the welfare and development of their communities, it is unclear if their activities had any influences on enhancing women’s rights and status. However, with political democratization, revival of a local self-governing system, and establishment of the Ministry of Gender Equality, the CCW and its member organizations extended their purposes from enlightenment and community services to participation in local governments and the advancement of women’s rights and status.