By Babs J. Condon
GFWC International President
On April 24, 1890, the GFWC constitution was ratified and 63 clubs officially formed the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. With nearly 3,000 clubs and 100,000 members worldwide, we surely have come a long way since that day 126 years ago. Every year, Federation Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on where we have been as an organization, and look forward to what we will accomplish in the future.
“It occurred to them that union is strength. Then they began to reach out toward each other.”
This quote from GFWC clubwoman and author Julia Ward Howe in 1889 is still relevant today. Just like our foresisters in 1890, we continue to find strength in federation. GFWC unites us all to one common mission of improving the lives of others through volunteer service.
Let’s unite our voices and celebrate this amazing Sisterhood of Service on April 24, Federation Day, and continue the celebration throughout Volunteers in Action Week, April 24-30. Here are just five things you can do to celebrate:
1. Send a Federation Day Press Release to your Local Media
Federation Day is great opportunity to share the history and accomplishments of GFWC and your club with your community. To help you publicize your club on Federation Day, we are happy to offer a press release that we encourage you to submit to your local media. Please feel free to edit the release to add more information about your club. The release also includes an infographic that demonstrates the collective impact of GFWC in 2015, highlighting the 6,124,693 volunteer hours completed.
Click on this link for the press release and infographic: bit.ly/1ZAVx4t
If you wish to have a copy of the press release as a Microsoft Word document please click here.
2. Take Advantage of the Federation Day Clubwoman Magazine Deal
GFWC Clubwoman Magazine is one of the best tools for staying connected to all things GFWC. Celebrate 126 years of Federation by subscribing today! If you’re a new subscriber to Clubwoman, we’re offering a buy one, get one half off subscription deal. Share the spirit of Federation Day—buy a subscription for yourself for $10 and send one to a friend for only $5! Visit the GFWC Marketplace on April 24 to take advantage of this special offer: http://bit.ly/1OQ6lqx.
There is also a special year-round rate available for clubs who subscribe 100 percent of their members to GFWC Clubwoman Magazine. Encourage ALL of your members to sign up to receive a discounted price of $8 per subscription! Email gfwc@gfwc.org for more information.
3. Share the GFWC love on Facebook!
Facebook is the perfect place to let your community know about the important work your club is doing. On Federation Day, be sure to share posts from the GFWC HQ Facebook account (facebook.com/gfwcmembers) so that all of your followers know that April 24 is GFWC’s 126th Anniversary! Stay tuned for the GFWC Facebook Account on April 24 for special Federation Day posts. Throughout Volunteers in Action Week, share photos of your club members volunteering with the hashtag #VolunteersinAction.
4. Host a Federation Day Event
Celebrate GFWC’s exciting and monumental history by hosting an event on Federation Day, or anytime during GFWC Volunteers in Action Week from April 24-April 30! Whether it’s a club meeting, a community service project, or a recruitment event, GFWC’s 126th Anniversary is a great time to increase your club’s presence in your community. Many clubs host Federation Teas or host a community clean up in April to increase awareness of Federation Day. Consider focusing your next event around GFWC’s 126th Anniversary!
5. Let us know how you’re celebrating!
Whatever your club is doing to celebrate Federation Day, we want to hear about it! Please send photos and stories of your events to pr@gfwc.org.