In 1946, a group of cartoonists were doing "chalk talks" around the United States and overseas during the war. The cartoonists would stand in front of the audience with a pad of large sheets of paper on an easel, chalk in hand, and do quick sketches along with a comedy routine. Several cartoonists came up with the idea of forming a social and volunteer club during these "chalk talks." By 1947, the basis for the National Cartoonists Society was formed.
Along with Rube Goldberg as the first President, the original members of the National Cartoonists Society developed by-laws for the organization, describing a cartoonist as "a graphic story teller, whose drawings interpret rather than copy nature in order to heighten the effect of his or her message." The goals of the NCS were set out to promote the profession of cartooning in all of its forms and to encourage cartooning as an art. Their mission was challenged in 1948 when cartooning was hit with negative public opinion. Milt Caniff, society president in 1949, began an earnest effort to change the public's view.
Cartoonists of the National Cartoonists Society continued with the popular "chalk talks" appearing around the country in person and by radio. They aided the U.S. government by promoting Savings Bonds and helped the Boys Club by donating cartoon art, among other events. Decades later, the tradition continues with cartoonists of the NCS taking part in many volunteer and fund-raising activities across the United States and around the world.
Elected Officers and Board of Directors chosen on an annual basis operate the NCS, providing committees on education, media relations, syndicate relations and several other issues relevant to cartoonists. Along with the central society based in New York City, there are a number of local chapters including Florida, Great Lakes, Los Angeles, Southeastern, Toronto and many more. Each year, the NCS members and families gather in a gala event to choose their new government. The list of past presidents reads like a who's who of cartooning. Mort Walker, Walt Kelly, Dik Browne, Mel Lazarus and even Canada's own Lynn Johnston, are among many notable cartoonists elected NCS president. The yearly event is also the springboard to honour fellow tooners for their excellence in diverse divisions of the art form.
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