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The Organization GFWC Virginia was organized in 1907 to bring into closer unity the women’s clubs of Virginia, in order to promote through their common interests the cultural, educational and environmental welfare of the Commonwealth. This administration will build on the accomplishments of Virginia women to lead us into our second century of service. Members of GFWC Virginia are members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), the largest women’s volunteer organization in the world. GFWC, an international organization, has more than 100,000 members with approximately 4000 clubs in across the globe. WHO ARE WE? We are a volunteer organization uniting 209 clubs in eight districts with nearly 6800 members willing to help meet the needs of today, and whose purpose is to work cooperatively giving service in our local communities, state and world. Members are at least 18 years of age and participate through both General and Junior Clubs. Juniorette Clubs are comprised of high school students and sponsored by a federated club who attends their meetings as an advisor. The Virginia Clubwoman is the official publication of GFWC Virginia with 4 issues published yearly. A Yearbook, published annually, is a handbook for clubwomen – an indispensable tool and source of information to clubs. HOW IS THE WORK
ACCOMPLISHED? GFWC Virginia State Project – Virginia Tech Memorial Project. Purchase a TraumaHawk ambulance for the VT student-run rescue squad. Since its inception, GFWC Virginia has worked to address the most pressing needs of our communities and our nation. Opportunities for service are provided in the following six departments: THE ARTS: Art for Youth, Community Art, Literature, Photography, Performing Arts CONSERVATION: Community Beautification, Resource Conservation/Litter Prevention, Environmental Education EDUCATION: Lifelong Learning, Literacy, Libraries, School Issues, Scholarships HOME LIFE: Financial Planning/Responsibility, Helping Hands to Improve the Lives of Others (Easter Seals, Canine Companions, Habitat for Humanity), Women’s Health Issues INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: Reaching Out Internationally to Support Organizations such as CARE, Operation Smile; Cultural Exchange, United Nations Program (UNICEF, UN Education) PUBLIC AFFAIRS: Veterans Affairs, Citizenship, Historic Preservation, Safety A special emphasis is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, GFWC President’s Special Project. Members are encouraged to learn the facts and initiate/support activities to address the multiple concerns. In addition to these six major areas of emphasis, work is carried on through the Community Improvement Program, Leadership, Legislation and Resolutions, and other projects and programs as deemed beneficial to the local, the state, the nation and world communities. WHAT HAS VIRGINIA ACCOMPLISHED? The impact made by Virginia club women in the Commonwealth is far-reaching and enormous. Since its inception in 1907 a better quality of life has been its primary goal. GFWC of VA has been instrumental in bringing about needed changes and improvements in these area of emphasis. A few are:
HEADQUARTERS In 1992, GFWC of VA moved its headquarters to a new location at 513 Forest Avenue, Richmond, Virginia. It is the center of business operations for the federation, and provides a permanent base for officers and chairmen. Many of the lovely furnishings have been donated by members over the years. The Executive Secretary is in the office on a limited schedule. WHAT CAN THE FEDERATION DO FOR YOU? Through their volunteer
service, GFWC members have an opportunity to develop leadership skills, exchange
ideas and form lifelong friendships.
There is a unique opportunity for community service in an organized group which
derives much of its strength from “Unity in Diversity”.
As members of a federated club, women can join forces with others to have
a major impact on their community, state and nation. THE GFWC RECORD SPEAKS... The GFWC always has been keenly aware of the responsibility to use its power and strength for the attainment of carefully selected, constructive goals. The GFWC, with the cooperation of local clubs and state federations, has successfully worked for:
COLLECT FOR CLUBWOMEN
Keep us, Oh God, from pettiness; let us be large in thought, in word, in deed. Let us be done with fault finding and leave off self-seeking. May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice. May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous. Let us take time for all things; make us to grow calm, serene, gentle. Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straight-forward and unafraid. Grant that we may realize it is the little things that create differences, that in the big things of life we are at one. And may we strive to touch and to know the great common human heart of us all, and, Oh Lord God, let us forget not to be kind.
by Mary Stewart
VIRGINIA STATE FEDERATION SONG
Words
by Maud Nichols
Come from sea and plain and
mountain, kindred are we Fair Virginia's loyal
daughters, blest may we be. Come with thoughts with love
o'erflowing Willing hands and spirits
glowing, And with joy that passes
knowing, Each friend to see. Shine our spirit of devotion,
in this world of need; Hand in hand, a band of
women, onward we lead. Formed are we, a federation, For the home and state and
nation - Mother heart for all
creation, True in word and deed. May sweet fellowship attend
us, all through each day; Zeal inspire and faith defend
us, thus do we pray. Let us see a wrong to right
it, Let us evil know to fight it, Where the path is dark, God
light it With brightest ray. JUNIOR COLLECT Especially do we ask Thy
blessings to be with the Senior Club through whom it was possible for the
Juniors to have a Club. May Thy influence guide us in our Club
work, helping us to broaden our ideas and to keep our minds free from all petty
thoughts. Our first thoughts are always of God,
the Church, our Home, and our Club. UPDATED: Monday, August 18, 2008 |
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