GFWC Stylebook

Clear and Consistent Communications with a Distinctive and Dedicated Message

Do you know what the GFWC brand is? Or how to protect it? Does your club’s messages contradict those of the national organization? Are all GFWC clubwomen speaking with the same voice?

In an effort to strengthen GFWC’s identity for internal and external audiences, we have reviewed and revised the GFWC Communications Guide, adding in-depth sections on our key messages and including details on trademarks use and guidelines. This expanded tool is now known as the GFWC Stylebook, and provides members and club leaders with all the details they need to ensure that GFWC’s unique voice and longstanding mission are supported by all materials that carry the GFWC name and emblem.

This advanced document is intended as a guide for members in writing, designing, and using materials and statements about GFWC. It is separated into three parts: Communications Guidelines; Editorial Style and Usage; and Trademark Policies.

• The communications guidelines includes details about the GFWC brand and key messages of the organization, so members can find out why consistent communications are important and how to use the information provided to add to GFWC’s reputation and differentiate us from our collaborators and competitors. Not only does this information enable all members to maintain the GFWC brand, but the key messages provide ready-made sound bites that you don’t have to author yourself, all within reach of any Internet connection.
• GFWC’s editorial style and usage guidelines are a popular topic of questions from members, and making these items available online will give you access to the answers you need to strengthen your communications outreach. Is it Website, website, Web site, or Website? Do I capitalize Board of Directors? How should my club’s name be referenced? These questions and more are answered in the editorial style and usage guidelines, and this section truly represents the power of an online reference: as a living document, the guide can be changed and updated whenever new questions arise or clarification is needed.
• Trademark policies are an integral part of our communications standards, because we must protect the use of our GFWC’s name, logo, and emblem in order to preserve the integrity of the organizational image. In this section of the GFWC Stylebook you will find the various images available for use and get important details on when and how to use them.

In order to maximize the value of this new tool, we look to our members to use and test the guidelines set forth in the GFWC Stylebook. If you have questions that aren’t addressed, examples of correct or incorrect usage, or want clarification on the items included, please contact GFWC Communications & Public Relations Director Nikki Willoughby or call 202/347-3168 ext. 149.