GRAND COUNCIL

UNITED EMERALD SOCIETIES

The movement for Emerald Societies began in the 1953. It started with the NYPD Emerald Society (New York City Police Department) on March 16, 1953. Next was the NYCD Emerald Society (New York City Correction Department) on November 17, 1955. This was followed by the FDNY Emerald Society (New York City Fire Department) on March 17, 1956. This movement created Emerald Societies in New York City and across the country.

The Grand Council of United Emerald Societies was organized on May 29, 1956, in New York City, originally as the Grand Council of Irish Societies. It includes all Emerald Societies and Irish-American groups working in government jobs at the federal, state, and city levels. The Grand Council was reorganized on February 18, 1975, to serve as a national group for Emerald Societies. Today, the Grand Council includes over 20,000 members from 27 affiliated organizations across Arizona, California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C., with one affiliated organization operating nationwide.

Our members have important jobs in various areas, including Law Enforcement, Fire Service, EMS, Education, Waste Management, Mass Transit, and Public Utilities. Go to Affiliated Organizations page to learn more about them.

We are open to new affiliates! Does your Emerald Society or Organization have more than 75 members? Are your members working for a Local, State, or Federal agency, public utility, or industry? Visit our affiliation management to start the process.

Check out our Employment Resources Page for information on civil service, public utility exams, and job openings.

Beside this dedicated website visit our Linktree for links to our socials, forms and latest updates.

The Grand Council typically convenes on the first Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at various locations. These locations are throughout New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island. Notably, the Grand Council does not meet during the months of July, August and January (The Grand Council will gather at Antuns of Queens Village. The occasion is our 71st Anniversary Irishman of the Year Dinner on 1/20/27)

Ní neart go cur le chéile–There’s no strength without unity

Quick Guide To Starting an Emerald Society