Who we are
With more than 60,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state, the District of Columbia, and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members work in their own communities to support the arts, preserve natural resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage civic involvement, issues related to domestic and sexual violence awareness/prevention, and advocating for children.
OUR IMPACT
General Federation of Women’s Clubs members vary in age, talents, location, background, and profession, but are united in their dedication to actively improve the lives of others.
60,000+
members in affiliated clubs in every state
2,600
existing volunteer clubs across the globe
130+
founded in 1890, GFWC has over a century of history
LATEST NEWS
FEATURED CONTENT
Signature Program: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention
GFWC creates and leads education, public awareness, and service projects for club members and local citizens at the community level; collaborates with national domestic violence networks and organizations; supports existing activities and established programs; advocates for victims and survivors; and provides educational opportunities to survivors.
GFWC aims to be a powerful voice for victims and survivors.
2024 GFWC National Day of Service
The GFWC National Day of Service (NDS) is a day in which all of GFWC comes together in service to highlight an area of need, take action to address it, and raise public awareness about its importance. State federations and clubs will participate by organizing Community Service Programs (CSP) in their communities as part of NDS.
Learn More
WHRC: Women’s History and Resource Center
Founded in 1984, the GFWC Women’s History and Resource Center (WHRC) collects, preserves, interprets, and promotes the history of GFWC. The WHRC documents the social and political contributions of GFWC clubwomen from 1890 to the present through the GFWC archives and related special collections.
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Become a GFWC member!
Support Us
GFWC Designated Funds support the work of GFWC by providing essential funding in targeted areas. They are vital to continue GFWC’s mission of strengthening our communities and enhancing the lives of others.
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It's WHRC Wednesday! GFWC Headquarters was one of 71 institutions in the United States selected to participate in the Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program. Our assessment, which brings experts to HQ to survey our collections and the buildings themselves (stars of the collection, after all) takes place this week! After the assessment, these preservation professionals will create a report to help us identify conservation priorities and strategize fundraising for, and care of, the archives, artwork, and historic structures.
The CAP program is administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
📷 A view of 1734 N Street, Northwest, in Washington, DC in the mid 1920s. Built in 1875, this has been the heart of GFWC Headquarters since 1922. The buildings on either side were added to HQ in the 1950s, and they'll be part of the assessment #faiccap
#gfwcheadquartersadquarters
Yesterday, GFWC International President Suellen B. Brazil and Programs and Public Policy Specialist Kynnedi Taylor-Henry attended the Family Violence Prevention and Service Act 40th Anniversary Event in Washington, DC. GFWC thanks Director Shawndell Dawson for inviting us to participate in this incredible celebration. GFWC proudly supports the Department of Health and Human Services in their vital commitment to preventing family violence. Together, we celebrated inspiring journeys and the impactful work being done to empower survivors nationwide. 💜
#fvpsa40 #endfamilyviolence #GFWC #GFWC_HQ #iamgfwc #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #GFWCAdvocacy
Book Your Room Today!
For those planning to attend this year's GFWC Holiday Open House, please be sure to book your rooms soon. The last day to do so is November 2.
The Room Block is for Monday, December 2 to Friday, December 6, at the Courtyard Washington, DC Dupont Circle, conveniently located across the street from GFWC Headquarters. The group rate is $174 per night.
To book your reservation, visit: www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1724092957641&key=GRP&app=resvlink
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #GFWCAdvocacy
It’s WHRC Wednesday! You might know that November 1st is National Author’s Day, as first decreed by the US Chamber of Commerce in 1949. But did you know that the General Federation of Women’s Clubs invented the holiday twenty years earlier?
The idea for a day honoring American writers came from Nellie Verne Burt McPherson (1881-1968), President of the Bement Woman’s Club of Illinois, who was inspired by correspondence with her favorite author, Irving Bacheller. She first presented the resolution to her club in 1928, and it moved quickly from there to the Illinois Nineteenth District Board, the Illinois State Federation, and then the General Federation itself. A resolution in favor of holding National Authors’ Day annually on the first of November was approved at the GFWC Council (Board of Directors) meeting in May 1929, and several Illinois clubs were the first to celebrate the holiday that November.
McPherson (and later her granddaughter, Sue Cole) urged #NationalAuthorsDay participants to send notes of appreciation to their favorite writers. Thanks to social media, that's even easier than ever! Have you ever written to or messaged your favorite author? (I once wrote a letter to Beverly Cleary, and she wrote back! A banner day for 12 year old Joanna.) Will you participate this Friday? Let us know in the comments!
📄 Resolution in favor of "Establishment of National Authors' Day," GFWC Council Meeting, 1929
#clubwomeninhistory
"GFWC Clubwoman Magazine — Fall 2024" Now Available!
Inside you’ll find exciting and informative stories:
* Empowering Change: A Look at the First 100 Days of the 2024-2026 Administration
* The Role Storytelling Plays in Advancing a Brand by Honorary Chairman Leslie Capps
* Say Hello to the New GFWC Corporate Partners & Development Committee
* GFWC Façade Restoration & Beautification Project: Protecting and Preserving the Future of 1734 N Street
To download a copy, visit: www.gfwc.org/clubwoman-magazine/
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #GFWCAdvocacy
The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) is thrilled to partner with the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation as a Distinguished Partner. The vision to build the first monument on the National Mall dedicated to women will ensure that the stories about their impact on our nation's growth and progress will be recognized for generations to come. GFWC is honored to be part of this hist#GFWCjo#GFWC_HQ##LivingTheVolunteerSpiritV#wsnmferSpirit
#wsnmfThis partnership has been many months in the making! We are beyond thrilled to announce that the GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) has joined the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation as a National Partner.
What GFWC members need to know:
💜 The GFWC has launched a fund to raise $150,000 in support of building the Women’s Suffrage National Monument. Members of the GFWC who wish to contribute to the GFWC Women’s Monument Fund can donate here: donorbox.org/womensmonument-gfwc
🤍 GFWC Parliamentarian Colonel Carol A. Habgood, USAF Retired, has kicked off the fund with a $26,000 gift. We are so grateful for your support, Colonel!!
💛 GFWC International President Suellen Brazil has been named an Ambassador of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation. Learn more about our Ambassadors here: www.womensmonument.org/council-of-ambassadors
Together, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation are changing history! Will you join us? 🌻🌻
>> For more information, you can read the full press release here: www.womensmonument.org/general-federation-of-womens-clubs-joins-the-womens-suffrage-national-monu… <<
GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS (GFWC) JOINS THE
WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE NATIONAL MONUMENT FOUNDATION AS A
DISTINGUISHED NATIONAL PARTNER
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), one of the oldest women’s volunteer organizations in the United States, is pleased to announce it is joining the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation (WSNMF) as a distinguished National Partner. In honor of the partnership, the GFWC has established a fund to raise $150,000 for the monument, with a $26,000 founding gift for the fund to be contributed by Colonel Carol A. Habgood, USAF Retired, GFWC Parliamentarian.
“GFWC has been a force for good in this country for more than a century, ” said Anna Laymon, President and CEO of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation. “GFWC’s commitment to women’s equality began in 1868 when journalist Jane Cunningham Croly attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring British novelist Charles Dickens. Because she was a woman, Croly was denied admittance. In response, she formed a women's club that would eventually become known as the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. GFWC’s history is the history of women’s fight for equity and inclusion, and we are honored to be one more chapter in GFWC’s story.”
In addition to establishing the GFWC Women’s Monument Fund, the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation named GFWC International President Suellen Brazil as a Foundation Ambassador.
GFWC’s donation is an important step towards the Foundation’s $75 million fundraising goal. Laymon added, “We extend our deepest gratitude to GFWC International President Suellen Brazil, GFWC Parliamentarian Carol Habgood, and the entire GFWC leadership team for their partnership and their commitment to ensuring that the commemorative core of our Nation’s Capital more fully honors women’s collective impact on American democracy. This is a proud day for the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation.”
“GFWC is thrilled to announce our partnership with the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation to honor the legacy of our foremothers and the ongoing efforts of women,” said Suellen B. Brazil, GFWC International President. “Together, we will celebrate the impact women have on the growth and progress of our nation.”
To make an online donation,, please visit: donorbox.org/womensmonument-gfwc
Donations via check can be mailed to:
Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation
1201 Connecticut Ave NW Ste 531 PMB 668856
Washington, District of Columbia 20036
MEMO: General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC)
#GFWC_HQ #GFWC #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #GFWCAdvocacy #wsnmf
It's WHRC Wednesday! We're in the midst of GFWC Advocates for Children Week (Oct 20-26, 2024). This week focuses on the Juniors' Special Project (although, of course, all GFWC members are welcome to join in). GFWC Juniors have made children's causes their specialty for decades: Junior Woman's Clubs have worked to strengthen resources for young children in the foster and justice systems; prevent instances of birth defects, child abuse, and youth suicide; and generally improve the lives of children in their communities, in ways both big and small.
Visit our website (link in comments) to learn more about the Juniors' Special Project and Advocates for Children Week. Let us know how your club is participating!
📷Members of the Fruit Hill Junior Woman's Club (RI) wrap toys and clothes for Toys for Tots, 1959. Community Improvement Project collection, CIP 1958-1960.07
📷Young residents of "TLC" (Temporary Lodging for Children), an emergency shelter established by the Johnson County Young Matrons (KS), 1973. Community Improvement Project collection, CIP 1972-1974.01
#GFWCAdvocatesForChildren #ClubwomenInAction #GFWCJuniors
"GFWC Clubwoman Magazine — Fall 2024" Now Available!
Inside you’ll find exciting and informative stories:
* Empowering Change: A Look at the First 100 Days of the 2024-2026 Administration
* The Role Storytelling Plays in Advancing a Brand by Honorary Chairman Leslie Capps
* Say Hello to the New GFWC Corporate Partners & Development Committee
* GFWC Façade Restoration & Beautification Project: Protecting and Preserving the Future of 1734 N Street
To download a copy, visit: https://www.gfwc.org/clubwoman-magazine/
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #GFWCAdvocacy
"GFWC Clubwoman Magazine — Fall 2024" Now Available!
Inside you’ll find exciting and informative stories:
* Empowering Change: A Look at the First 100 Days of the 2024-2026 Administration
* The Role Storytelling Plays in Advancing a Brand by Honorary Chairman Leslie Capps
* Say Hello to the New GFWC Corporate Partners & Development Committee
* GFWC Façade Restoration & Beautification Project: Protecting and Preserving the Future of 1734 N Street
To download a copy, visit: https://www.gfwc.org/clubwoman-magazine/
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #GFWCAdvocacy
Join us tomorrow in recognizing #PurpleThursday an annual day to show support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Connect with allies and advocates, and show solidarity with those experiencing abuse.
For more information about the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Signature Program: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness & Prevention, visit gfwc.org
#dvap
Join us tomorrow in recognizing #PurpleThursday an annual day to show support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Connect with allies and advocates, and show solidarity with those experiencing abuse.
For more information about the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Signature Program: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness & Prevention, visit gfwc.org
#dvap
It`s WHRC Wednesday! GFWC was saddened to learn of the death of Lilly Ledbetter, whose fight for an equitable salary led to the landmark, bipartisan Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. Ms. Ledbetter was a member of GFWC Alabama Progressive Study Club (Jacksonville), and served as District 2 Director. In 2008 she helped prepare our Board Members for a day of legislative advocacy in favor of the Fair Pay Act; in 2021, she was an honored guest speaker at our Convention in Atlanta. In 2011 she was inducted into the National Women`s Hall of Fame, joining women like our founder Jane Cunningham Croly in the ranks American women of note.
GFWC is proud to have worked alongside this trailblazing woman in her fight for pay equity.
📷 Lilly Ledbetter (right) talks with GFWC Board Member Tammy Garland, 2008. From the December 2008/January 2009 issue of "GFWC Clubwoman".
📷 Ms. Ledbetter (center) talks with GFWC International Past President Juanita M. Bryant (right) and Legislative Consultant Debby Bryant at the 2021 Convention. Courtesy GFWC International President Suellen B. Brazil.
#clubwomeninaction #equalpayforequalwork
It`s WHRC Wednesday! GFWC was saddened to learn of the death of Lilly Ledbetter, whose fight for an equitable salary led to the landmark, bipartisan Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. Ms. Ledbetter was a member of GFWC Alabama Progressive Study Club (Jacksonville), and served as District 2 Director. In 2008 she helped prepare our Board Members for a day of legislative advocacy in favor of the Fair Pay Act; in 2021, she was an honored guest speaker at our Convention in Atlanta. In 2011 she was inducted into the National Women`s Hall of Fame, joining women like our founder Jane Cunningham Croly in the ranks American women of note.
GFWC is proud to have worked alongside this trailblazing woman in her fight for pay equity.
📷 Lilly Ledbetter (right) talks with GFWC Board Member Tammy Garland, 2008. From the December 2008/January 2009 issue of "GFWC Clubwoman".
📷 Ms. Ledbetter (center) talks with GFWC International Past President Juanita M. Bryant (right) and Legislative Consultant Debby Bryant at the 2021 Convention. Courtesy GFWC International President Suellen B. Brazil.
#clubwomeninaction #equalpayforequalwork
GFWC Southern Region Conference CONFIRMED!
The Chairman of the GFWC Southern Region Conference has confirmed with the Hyatt Regency that the event will be held as scheduled — October 4-6, 2024.
GFWC South Carolina looks forward to seeing you in Greenville where they are #CookingUpAGoodTime!
See you at the GFWC Southern Region Conference!
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #UnityInDiversity #GFWCSCjuniors #IamGFWC
GFWC Southern Region Conference CONFIRMED!
The Chairman of the GFWC Southern Region Conference has confirmed with the Hyatt Regency that the event will be held as scheduled — October 4-6, 2024.
GFWC South Carolina looks forward to seeing you in Greenville where they are #CookingUpAGoodTime!
See you at the GFWC Southern Region Conference!
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #UnityInDiversity #GFWCSCjuniors #IamGFWC
Still Time to Register for Shot@Life`s virtual Mobilize to Immunize Fall Summit on Friday, September 27!
Shot@Life advocates from across the U.S., including many GFWC members, will gather virtually for the Mobilize to Immunize fall Summit. The event – with a theme of “Innovate to Vaccinate: How Technology is Changing the Immunization Landscape" – will highlight how technology can drive progress in global immunization with specific examples and stories of success.
Participants will learn from global health experts and connect with other advocates from across the country during breakout sessions. All sessions will help participants prepare to advocate for robust U.S. funding for global childhood immunization programs during Mobilize to Immunize on October 1 – November 12.
To apply, click: https://act.shotatlife.org/a/2024-m2i-summit-app
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #GFWCAdvocacy #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #shotatlife #vaccination #VaccinesWork #VaccinesSaveLives
Still Time to Register for Shot@Life`s virtual Mobilize to Immunize Fall Summit on Friday, September 27!
Shot@Life advocates from across the U.S., including many GFWC members, will gather virtually for the Mobilize to Immunize fall Summit. The event – with a theme of “Innovate to Vaccinate: How Technology is Changing the Immunization Landscape" – will highlight how technology can drive progress in global immunization with specific examples and stories of success.
Participants will learn from global health experts and connect with other advocates from across the country during breakout sessions. All sessions will help participants prepare to advocate for robust U.S. funding for global childhood immunization programs during Mobilize to Immunize on October 1 – November 12.
To apply, click: https://act.shotatlife.org/a/2024-m2i-summit-app
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #GFWCAdvocacy #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #shotatlife #vaccination #VaccinesWork #VaccinesSaveLives
Today is World Alzheimer`s Day, a global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around the disease and other dementia.
The newest GFWC Affiliate Organization, the Alzheimer`s Association, works tirelessly to educate the public about the disease, provide resources for caregivers and families, and to advocate for research advancements. More than 55 million people across the world are affected by Alzheimer`s and dementia. Whether you fundraise for the cause, share information about Alzheimer`s or talk to a loved one about dementia, you can make a difference.
Join the fight against Alzheimer`s and all other dementia. To donate, visit: https://www.alz.org/about/awareness-initiatives/world-alzheimers-day?form=FUNGCBAGXYP
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #GFWCAdvocacy #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #WorldAlzheimersMonth #worldalzheimersday #alzheimersassociation #AlzheimersAwareness
Today is World Alzheimer`s Day, a global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around the disease and other dementia.
The newest GFWC Affiliate Organization, the Alzheimer`s Association, works tirelessly to educate the public about the disease, provide resources for caregivers and families, and to advocate for research advancements. More than 55 million people across the world are affected by Alzheimer`s and dementia. Whether you fundraise for the cause, share information about Alzheimer`s or talk to a loved one about dementia, you can make a difference.
Join the fight against Alzheimer`s and all other dementia. To donate, visit: https://www.alz.org/about/awareness-initiatives/world-alzheimers-day?form=FUNGCBAGXYP
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #GFWCAdvocacy #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #WorldAlzheimersMonth #worldalzheimersday #alzheimersassociation #AlzheimersAwareness
GFWC & Shot@Life Advocates for Childhood Vaccinations
With children returning to school, now is the time to encourage all parents and caregivers to vaccinate their kids. Vaccines save lives! Spread the word….
To learn more, visit: www.shotatlife.org
#GFWC #gfwc_hq #GFWCAdvocacy #IAmGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #shotatlife #childhoodimmunization #ChildhoodVaccination #endmeaslesrubella
GFWC & Shot@Life Advocates for Childhood Vaccinations
With children returning to school, now is the time to encourage all parents and caregivers to vaccinate their kids. Vaccines save lives! Spread the word….
To learn more, visit: www.shotatlife.org
#GFWC #gfwc_hq #GFWCAdvocacy #IAmGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #shotatlife #childhoodimmunization #ChildhoodVaccination #endmeaslesrubella
Register Today for Shot@Life`s virtual Mobilize to Immunize Fall Summit on Friday, September 27!
Shot@Life advocates from across the U.S., including many GFWC members, will gather virtually for the Mobilize to Immunize fall Summit. The event – with a theme of “Innovate to Vaccinate: How Technology is Changing the Immunization Landscape" – will highlight how technology can drive progress in global immunization with specific examples and stories of success.
Participants will learn from global health experts and connect with other advocates from across the country during breakout sessions. All sessions will help participants prepare to advocate for robust U.S. funding for global childhood immunization programs during Mobilize to Immunize on October 1 – November 12.
To apply, click: https://act.shotatlife.org/a/2024-m2i-summit-app
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #GFWCAdvocacy #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #shotatlife #vaccination #VaccinesWork #VaccinesSaveLives
Register Today for Shot@Life`s virtual Mobilize to Immunize Fall Summit on Friday, September 27!
Shot@Life advocates from across the U.S., including many GFWC members, will gather virtually for the Mobilize to Immunize fall Summit. The event – with a theme of “Innovate to Vaccinate: How Technology is Changing the Immunization Landscape" – will highlight how technology can drive progress in global immunization with specific examples and stories of success.
Participants will learn from global health experts and connect with other advocates from across the country during breakout sessions. All sessions will help participants prepare to advocate for robust U.S. funding for global childhood immunization programs during Mobilize to Immunize on October 1 – November 12.
To apply, click: https://act.shotatlife.org/a/2024-m2i-summit-app
#GFWC #GFWC_HQ #GFWCAdvocacy #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #shotatlife #vaccination #VaccinesWork #VaccinesSaveLives
GFWC and Shot@Life Partner to Irradicate Measles
Join the cause, visit: www.shotatlife.org/gfwc-measle
#GFWC #gfwc_hq #GFWCAdvocacy #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #shotatlife #endmeaslesrubella #childhoodvaccinces
GFWC and Shot@Life Partner to Irradicate Measles
Join the cause, visit: www.shotatlife.org/gfwc-measle
#GFWC #gfwc_hq #GFWCAdvocacy #IamGFWC #LivingTheVolunteerSpirit #shotatlife #endmeaslesrubella #childhoodvaccinces
GFWC was honored to be at the White House in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. President Biden authored the first VAWA in 1994 as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and has been involved with every reauthorization since then. We are proud to join Members of Congress, key national advocates, and survivors to celebrate progress and acknowledge challenges ahead.
Highlights include meeting President Joe Biden and Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
GFWC is committed to supporting women and victims of domestic and sexual violence under the banner of our Signature Program.
#vawa30 #gfwc #enddomesticviolence
GFWC was honored to be at the White House in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. President Biden authored the first VAWA in 1994 as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and has been involved with every reauthorization since then. We are proud to join Members of Congress, key national advocates, and survivors to celebrate progress and acknowledge challenges ahead.
Highlights include meeting President Joe Biden and Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
GFWC is committed to supporting women and victims of domestic and sexual violence under the banner of our Signature Program.
#vawa30 #gfwc #enddomesticviolence