The Global Doll Society was founded in 1982 by Carol Ann Stanton, Debbie Stanton and Matthias Wanke with the vision of connecting dollmakers with the slogan "Worldwide Friendship through Dolls"
The Global Doll Society is now run by a Central committee and GDS Chapters. Each Chapter has its own programme of events, workshops and meetings. A member of the GDS can be an active member in their nearest Chapter or be a 'Member at Large'. All Chapter members receive regular newsletters from their own Chapters and each Chapter receives updates from all of the other Chapters