GFWC Virginia Profile
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.
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 a membership of
approximately 100,000 with 4,000 clubs in the U.S. plus additional international
members. WHO ARE WE? We are a volunteer organization uniting 198 clubs in eight districts with 5,930 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? 2010-2012 GFWC Virginia State Project: "Take Time To Save A Child" and promote child abuse awareness and prevention. 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 OUTREACH: Reaching Out Internationally to Support Organizations such as CARE, Operation Smile; Cultural Exchange, United Nations Program (UNICEF, UN Education) PUBLIC ISSUES: Veterans Affairs, Citizenship, Historic Preservation, Safety A special emphasis is GFWC Signature Project: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS. Victim advocacy includes spouses, children and the elderly. 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. - Dorothy F. White JUNIOR PLEDGE I pledge my loyalty to the Junior Clubwomen, By doing better than ever before what work I have to do, By being prompt, honest, courteous, By living each day, trying to accomplish something, Not merely to exist. -Helen Cheney Kimberly |
