GFWC offers a Mediators Program and a variety of additional programs for its members.
Mediators Program
Do you work well with others? Are you calm in the face of emotionally charged issues? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of these questions, we’re looking for you to become a GFWC Mediator! Every few years, current Mediators step down to allow for new members to join the team and receive training to help hone their skills in active listening and conflict management.
Through our Mediators Program, GFWC offers confidential assistance to all levels of the Federation in working through membership concerns. Since 2002, when GFWC introduced its first class of “Mentors,” individual GFWC members, clubs, and State Federations have had the benefit of a group of experienced and passionate GFWC members to assist with a variety of issues. The work of this team complements, supports, and reinforces that of GFWC officers, committees, and staff.
How the GFWC Mediators Help Members, Clubs, and State Federations
GFWC encourages its members to take advantage of the many resources it provides for building and sustaining strong, healthy clubs. The valuable experience of State Federation, committee chairmen, and national officers plus informative publications, such as GFWC Clubwoman Magazine, the GFWC Club Manual, and GFWC’s weekly newsletter News & Notes, are all available to GFWC clubwomen. However, sometimes issues arise that require a more considered approach. For these cases, GFWC Mediators can serve as an impartial listener, and provide thoughtful feedback and assistance in developing a resolution strategy. All interaction with a GFWC Mediator is kept confidential.
It is important to note that GFWC Mediators are not able to provide legal advice and cannot legally negotiate between parties, nor is any participant bound by the recommendations of a GFWC Mediator.
How To Request a GFWC Mediator
Requests for assistance from a GFWC Mediator should be sent to Director of Membership Services & Programs Melanie Gisler at 202-347-3168 or MGisler@GFWC.org. Please provide a brief description of the issue for which assistance is requested, and a Mediator will be assigned. Mediators are asked to solicit feedback from participants and provide general reports keeping identities anonymous to GFWC Headquarters for program assessment.
Additional Programs
The programs below are designed to provide GFWC’s clubs with additional benefits of belonging to GFWC. Please contact GFWC at GFWC@GFWC.org or 1-800-443-4392 with any questions.
AHT Insurance
GFWC Credit Card
Amazon Smile
Blog
June 8
Featured Member
Minnie Bell Johnson
Minnie Bell Johnson is described by her fellow clubwomen as the happiest person they know, with a smile that brightens the whole room. Having just celebrated her 100th birthday, she has many reasons to smile. During her time with the Portland Woman’s Club (Oregon), she has served as both the club treasurer and club president. She’s still an active member to this day, voting on issues and club elections, and participating in projects like handing out personal care products to homeless women at the Rose Haven Women and Children’s Day Shelter.
Success For Survivors Scholarship
Each year, GFWC awards scholarships to help intimate partner abuse survivors obtain a post-secondary education that offers a chance to reshape their future by securing employment and gaining personal independence.
Featured Club
Junior Woman's Club of State College
When Robbin Zirkle moved back to the area after grad school, she addressed the challenge many people face as adults—making new friends— by joining the Junior Woman’s Club of State College (Pennsylvania). GFWC provided her a place to connect with like-minded women who shared her passion for community service.