graves was active in many causes, including public welfare, health, and education. during world war ii, she recruited for the women's army corps (wacs), and worked for the american red cross and the united service organizations (uso). one wac group was designated as the dixie bibb graves unit. a very active member of the state advisors on women's activities of the national foundation for infantile paralysis, an organization later known as the national march of dimes association, she worked for a cure and hospitals to treat polio. she was also chair or honorary chair of the women's division of the state democratic campaign in 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960. she was a member of the alabama historical association, the american legion auxiliary, the no name club, and the united daughters of the confederacy.