Home∣Articles by: SMayuga

Author: SMayuga

How to Recruit New Members This Winter

With temperatures dropping and snow falling, staying inside covered up with a warm blanket sounds nice right now! But Winter Seasonal Recruitment has started, which means it’s time to start thinking about how to bring “A Flurry of New Friends” to your next meeting.

Below, GFWC Membership Committee Chairman Tammy Garland shares some great ways you can help your club gain more members this winter and throughout the rest of the year. After all, the 2014-2016 Recruitment Theme, “A Proud Past and a Promising Future with Friends,” is all about celebrating friendship. What better way than to share your GFWC membership with some new friends?

Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about GFWC

As a member for 27 years, I have discovered that the more people you tell about GFWC, the more people will want to join. Be ready to share your story with others by practicing your elevator speech, a 30 second summary about your involvement in GFWC.

Here are some examples of elevator speeches from the GFWC Club Manual:

I am a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, one of the largest women’s volunteer organizations in the world. We are committed to the betterment of our communities through volunteerism and the empowerment of women. GFWC volunteers find joy in living and giving. Here, let me give you one of our cards.

GFWC is the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, one of the oldest volunteer women’s organizations in the world dedicated to service in our communities, state, nationally, and internationally. Our motto is “Unity in Diversity.” We do what needs to be done in our communities. Our national emphasis is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention. Would you like to learn more? Here is an informational GFWC tri-fold and my card. May I have your card? I will contact you with information on our next event.

Anywhere you go, whether you’re at the office, a friend’s party, or a community meeting, you should be prepared to talk about GFWC. Consider sharing your elevator speech when you’re volunteering at places in your community, like a church or childcare agency.

Tell people about the new projects your club is doing, and invite friends or neighbors to your next club meeting or service project. I suggest encouraging every member to bring a friend to your next meeting or club event. I have found that many women decided to join GFWC because a friend invited them to a meeting!

Host a Recruitment Event

Planning an event takes time and preparation, but a successful event can show potential members what your club, and GFWC, is all about. My club recently planned a dinner with a self-help speaker where we could each invite a guest. It was a wonderful opportunity to add members.

Are you hosting a club-sponsored event? Why not invite prospective members to join in on the fun? You could follow the example of the GFWC Taunton Junior Woman’s Club (North Carolina), who on a bus ride to a casino fundraising trip told participants about GFWC, and gained seven new members.

Or maybe try something similar to the GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg’s (Virginia) First Friday, a new member initiative that brings together clubwomen and prospective new member for happy hour, allowing them to mingle in a fun environment.

Combining membership recruitment events and service projects allows for prospective members to see what type of causes your club supports. Try holding a new membership lunch or dinner and encourage attendees to bring donations for a cause your club supports. For example, if your club supports a local food pantry, encourage new members to bring nonperishable food items and use the event to talk about other projects supported by your club.

Your club could also hold a monthly or bimonthly “meet and greet,” allowing new members to join you and get to know what your club is all about.

Publicize your club

Other than simply asking a friend to join GFWC, I think raising awareness about your club can help increase membership. In the past, I have found that Facebook posts, fliers, brochures, pictures in the newspaper, and telling others about what our club does and supports in our communities can attract ladies who have similar interests.

Using public relations tools to promote your club can be an effective way to recruit new members. Post club photos and news on your Facebook page, or submit press releases and information about upcoming events to your local newspaper. Consider making a flyer or brochure for your club that you can distribute to places across your community. Radio advertisements or announcements about your club meetings or events can also help bring new members to your meeting.

Developing business cards for your club is another great way to spread the word about GFWC. The GFWC Joliet Junior Woman’s Club (Illinois) installed five new members after adapting the use of membership business cards that are designed with contact information, the club’s logo, and the club’s mission statement.

If there’s some popular events in your community coming up, why not reserve a table or booth to advertise your club? Be sure to bring informational materials about your club, and display some photos of members in action! For example, I am always ready with tickets to our events, business size information cards, or a small token that women will keep or use and be reminded of the club and what it supports.

I hope these tips help you and your club recruit new members this winter. I encourage you to adapt these suggestions to best fit your needs.

Check out the Membership and Communications and Public Relations Advancement Guides in the GFWC Club Manual for more information on recruiting new members and promoting your club.

If would like to share your seasonal recruitment stories, please email them to Membership Services Manager Kate Garlick at kgarlick@gfwc.org. I can’t wait to read about how clubs creatively recruited new members.

End Human Trafficking in Your Community

If you’ve been following the GFWC Facebook and Twitter pages, you may have noticed that we’ve been sharing facts about human trafficking throughout the month of January to mark Human Trafficking Awareness Month. These facts, provided by GFWC International Outreach Partner U.S. Fund for UNICEF, included the shocking statistic that over 5.5 million children worldwide are victims of human trafficking.

Human trafficking may feel like it’s a problem that happens somewhere far away, but the truth is that it’s been reported in every U.S. state. That’s why it’s more important than ever for clubwomen to work together to end trafficking.

Mansi Mehta, Manager of Civil Society Partnerships at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, hosted a webinar for GFWC members last week to share ways that we can work together to end trafficking. Clubwomen learned about how to speak to their clubs and local communities about stopping human trafficking.

While Human Trafficking Awareness Month has come to a close, there are many ways we can continue to act throughout the year, including:

Learn the signs of human trafficking
Visit www.polarisproject.org/recognizing-the-signs to learn more about common signs child victims of trafficking may show, including working long and excessive hours, being nervous or anxious, and appearing malnourished.

Get informed about human trafficking
UNICEF USA offers both a podcast series and a toolkit that can help you learn more about this issue.

Be aware of and decrease your slavery footprint
Visit www.slaveryfootprint.org to learn more about how victims of human trafficking are exploited and how you can ensure the products you purchase don’t use exploited workers.

Host a screening of Not My Life
Not My Life shows human trafficking both around the world in the United States. Email endtrafficking@unicefusa.org to get a copy of the film. You can also host a facilitated discussion following the documentary.

Check out more tips covered in the End Trafficking Webinar by clicking here.

2015: Year in Review

2015 was a landmark year for GFWC as we celebrated 125 years of Unity in Diversity. Below, we look back on the year’s greatest moments. Stay tuned for the 2015 Annual Report, a full recap of the year’s activities that will appear in the January/February issue of Clubwoman Magazine.

View the story “2015: Year in Review ” on Storify

Living the Volunteer Spirit During the Holidays

By Mary Ellen Brock
GFWC First Vice-President

When the holidays come around, it’s often easy to get caught up in your own plans. From gift shopping to meal preparation, it’s certainly a busy time. We often need to take time to pause from our own holiday celebrations and remember those who are less fortunate than us.

Eberspacher House — The GFWC Seward Woman’s Club (Nebraska)

With 14.5 percent of people living below the poverty line in the United States, many families suffer during the holidays and don’t even have enough money for dinner, let alone an extravagant holiday meal. While wrapping presents for our own friends and family is fun, it’s important to keep in mind our neighbors who may be struggling to make ends meet.

GFWC clubwomen are always doing something to help others and improve their communities. Between Holiday Home Tours that raise money for scholarships and club projects, toy drives that ensure all children have a present to unwrap, and Santa’s Workshops that give money back to the community, members are committed to making sure everyone has a happy holiday season.

Clubs in every state have creative and innovative projects that spread the holiday cheer. For example, the GFWC Seward Woman’s Club (Nebraska) has partnered with the Eberspacher House, a 1906 Victorian, to host “Christmas Past at the Museum.” The event featured beautiful Christmas decorations and included a soup luncheon. Members raised money for their club and also for the Eberspacher House.

In Tennessee, the GFWC Cookeville Junior Woman’s Club hosts the annual Santa’s Workshop, an art and crafts show which is now in its 38th year. Since the event started, over $500,000 has been raised and given back to the local community. With only 27 members, the GFWC Cookeville Junior Woman’s Club proves that with some hard work and holiday cheer, anyone can make a big impact.

To help families in need, the GFWC Verona Junior Woman’s Club (New Jersey) has set up Adopt-A-Family wish trees throughout the community. The trees include ornaments with wish lists from families who need some help this holiday season. The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is also participating in an Adopt-A-Family program in New Jersey, and has donated over $1,500 worth of clothes, toys, and other gifts for a local single mother and her three children.

GFWC Denville-Rockaway — The GFWC Woman’s Club of the Denville-Rockaway area (New Jersey)

Another club in New Jersey is making a difference this December by playing the role of Santa. The GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Jefferson is offering to send letters from Santa to children in the community for $4 each, with all proceeds benefiting the Jefferson Township food pantries.

The GFWC Woman’s Club of the Denville-Rockaway area (New Jersey) filled hundreds of Christmas stockings with items such as soap, combs, shampoo, lotion, tissues and toothbrushes/toothpaste and donated them to the local social service agencies and to a Veteran’s group home located nearby.

Holiday Home Tours are often a Christmas Tradition, but in addition to being a fun activity, they also serve an important purpose. For the GFWC Temecula Valley Woman’s Club (California), proceeds from its 31st Annual Holiday Home Tour benefit the club’s project, “Canine Support Team.” The GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch is another California club that hosts a Christmas House Tour. This year’s theme is “Peace on Earth,” and all the money raised from the event go to scholarships for local high school students and help the club maintain its historic clubhouse.

In Florida, the GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club hosts a “Hope for the Holidays” shopping event, featuring local vendors online and at the clubhouse. Shoppers can feel especially good about their purchases at this event, with proceeds going towards the club’s Annual Children’s Holiday Party for 90 underprivileged children in the area.

Wearing a pair of cozy pajamas over the holidays may be something we take for granted, but some children often go without this warm item of clothing. The GFWC West Virginia Club of Shinnston provided extra comfort for children in crisis at the Genesis Youth Center by donating 26 pairs of pajamas. It’s often something simple like this that makes a difference for a child during the cold winter months.

Speaking of something cozy, the GFWC Kannapolis Junior Woman’s Club and GFWC Kannapolis Woman’s Club (North Carolina) made Build-a-Bears and donated them to Main St Mission’s Christmas with Dignity Program for children in need. The clubwomen enjoyed making the bears and feel even better about helping children enjoy Christmas.

These are only a few of the many thoughtful deeds clubs are doing this December. With nearly 3,000 clubs across the country, this holiday season is a little brighter, thanks to GFWC members who uplift others by Living the Volunteer Spirit.

View more photos of holiday volunteer projects on the GFWC Pinterest Page.

Wreaths Across America 2015

On December 12, GFWC International President Babs J. Condon, GFWC staff, and clubwomen participated in the annual Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington National Cemetery. Clubwomen Jennifer Nowak and Lisa Vartanian, members of the Wilbraham Junior Women’s Club, traveled all the way from Massachusetts for this special event. Below, Jennifer explains the history of Wreaths Across America and shares her special experience at Arlington Cemetery.

The History
Wreaths Across America began in 1992, when Morrill Worcester, the owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, had a surplus of holiday wreaths. Worcester remembered visiting Arlington National Cemetery at the age of 12, and decided he had an opportunity to honor our veterans. He arranged to place the wreaths at Arlington in sections that were receiving fewer visitors with each passing year.

As plans were underway, a number of other individuals and organizations stepped up to help. James Prout, the owner of local trucking company, generously provided transportation all the way to Virginia. Volunteers from the local American Legion and VFW Posts gathered with members of the community to decorate each wreath with traditional red, hand-tied bows. Members of the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C. helped to organize the wreath-laying, which included a special ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

After many years of this wonderful tribute, a picture circulated on the internet in 2005 brought the project national attention. Requests poured in of people wanting to help, share stories, and thank Morrill Worcester for honoring our nation’s heroes.

In 2006, simultaneous wreath laying ceremonies took place at over 150 locations around the country. The Patriot Guard Riders volunteered as escort for the wreaths going to Arlington. The “Veterans Honor Parade” continues to this day as the wreaths travel the East Coast in early December.

In 2007, the Worcester family, along with veterans and other groups and individuals formed Wreaths Across America, a non-profit 501-c (3) organization, to continue and expand this effort.

The mission of this group is simple: Remember. Honor. Teach.

This year, Wreaths Across America distributed 900,000 wreaths to volunteers across America to place and honor our nation’s heroes. To know that individuals, organizations, and corporations purchased each one of those 900,000 wreaths is heartwarming.

Arlington National Cemetery: December 12, 2015

This trip began back in September, when I talked with President Babs Condon about a return trip to D.C. to attend Wreaths Across America. Without a hesitation, my sister-in-law and fellow clubwoman, Lisa Vartanian, were both ready to go back to help. We traveled once again, all the way from Massachusetts, and arrived late Friday night to a warm welcome at GFWC Headquarters. It was the beginning of a perfect weekend.

On Saturday morning, I woke up early and joined President Condon, President-Elect Sheila Shea, Chief Operating Office Rosemary Thomas, and Lisa as we traveled to Arlington early enough to see the Convoy enter the cemetery. We gathered at the front door at the WIMSA Memorial, where staff members Michelle Furman and Melanie Gisler joined us. Another clubwoman, Millie, also joined us after reading about the event in News&Notes. At nearly 60 degrees, the weather could not have been better.

The number of volunteers that came to show their respect and honor our veterans was astounding. They came in every age, from very young to very old, and every age in between. There were civilians like us, as well as military in uniforms, and veterans proudly displaying hats and apparel from their branch of service, who were a part of this inspiring day.

The Veteran’s Honor Parade began with Maine Police vehicles leading, followed by other vehicles that traveled from Maine, then the beautifully decorated trucks that carried the wreaths. Volunteers then followed the vehicles in and proceeded to different sections. While walking along, the white headstones lined with exact precision gave us goose bumps as we remembered each headstone stood for a person who protected and defended our country.

Soon the trucks cargo doors were opened and the wreaths were passed from one volunteer to another. I said a prayer of thanks for the dedication of our veterans before placing a wreath on a headstone.

As we looked around, it was heartwarming to see how quickly wreaths were placed on the headstones, when it seemed so calm and serene. It was inspiring to see how many people gathered at this hectic time of year to honor those who have fallen. It was humbling to see how many Americans sacrificed so much for their nation.

Soon the trucks were emptied, boxes broken down, and the debris cleaned up. Then it was time to walk and enjoy the beauty of the pristine white headstones with green wreaths and red bows, knowing that someone thought of each hero today.

To say the day was incredible would be an understatement. It was a day that reminds me to stand tall, and makes me proud to be an American.

Jen Nowak has been a member of the GFWC Wilbraham Junior Women’s Club since 1994 and currently serves as Treasurer.

GFWC At Arlington National Cemetery

*GFWC International President Babs J. Condon, clubwomen and staff at the 2014 Wreaths Across America Ceremony.*

GFWC International President Babs J. Condon, along with GFWC staff, and fellow clubwomen will be participating in the annual Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 12 at Arlington National Cemetery. GFWC has sponsored several wreaths and is also volunteering its time to lay wreaths on the grounds. The Opening Ceremony begins at 9:30 am. If interested in joining GFWC at Arlington National Cemetery, please contact Derek Tennant at DTennant@GFWC.org.

Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath laying ceremonies at Arlington, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states to spread its message about the importance of remembering our fallen heroes. If you can’t make it to Arlington but want to be involved, check out the wreath laying options in your state or sponsor a wreath at Arlington.

Learn more about Wreaths Across America by visiting their YouTube Channel and checking out this video.

Giving Thanks for GFWC

By Babs J. Condon
GFWC International President

As we approach Thanksgiving, I like to reflect on my many blessings and would be remiss if I didn’t take the time to thank each of you for the valuable contributions you have made to GFWC.

For all that you do to improve your communities through your volunteer service, I am grateful, because it is the work of volunteers like you that makes GFWC a remarkable organization. By living the volunteer spirit, you are improving the lives of others each and every day.

Whether you’re planting pinwheel gardens for child abuse awareness during Advocates for Children Week or wearing purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I am truly inspired by the time and energy you put into all things you set your mind to accomplish.

This fall has certainly been a busy time. October marked Domestic Violence Awareness Month, reminding me how thankful I am for all the work GFWC has done through our Signature Project: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention. Our club members meet with our elected officials to discuss legislation to end domestic violence and raise money for the Success for Survivors Scholarship. I am thankful knowing you are committed to breaking the cycle of abuse.

Earlier this fall, your president was grateful to represent GFWC at the anniversary celebration of the Violence Against Women Act at the home of Vice President Joe Biden. While Vice President Biden was expressing his appreciation for GFWC, I could not help but remember the dedication to our cause shown by our club members across the country. We may have a long way to go, but together, I believe we can accomplish anything. Indeed, as we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, let us remember to continue to be active in our efforts to end the global pandemic that is violence against women.

In November, clubs continue to show their volunteer spirit by promoting Prematurity Awareness Month, honoring our veterans for their service, hosting DogFest Walk ‘n Rolls to raise money for Canine Companions for Independence, helping improve literacy among adults, and so much more. How blessed I feel to be a member of this group of strong and determined women who change the world.

On November 11, I visited Arlington National Cemetery with the GFWC Executive Committee, GFWC Resolutions Committee, GFWC Staff, and the President’s Assistants, and we all had to opportunity to honor those who have served and sacrificed their lives for our country. It is because of this service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans that we are able to celebrate our freedom this Thanksgiving, and my father, Staff Sergeant Arthur H. Peck is among those who gave so much that we may be free. For that, I am especially thankful.

Finally, I am thankful to serve as your International President, and sincerely appreciate all that you do to improve our world by Living the Volunteer Spirit. On Thanksgiving and throughout the year, I count my many blessings and am grateful for your commitment to GFWC.

GFWC Honors Our Veterans

By Hope Royer
GFWC Public Issues Community Service Program Chairman

We are reminded every year on Veterans Day of the tremendous debt of gratitude we owe to our military personnel. They are our heroes, both past and present.

On Veterans Day and throughout the calendar year, GFWC clubwomen support and express their gratitude for the over 22 million veterans living in the United States.

Whether they’re hosting a “Barbecue for the Troops” fundraiser, inviting homeless veterans to a “Bring a Vet to Lunch” meeting, or hosting group sew days to make adaptive clothes for wounded service personnel, GFWC clubwomen are committed to helping veterans.

Through GFWC’s Public Issues Community Service Program and its partner organizations, Sew Much Comfort and the USO, GFWC clubwomen have countless opportunities to educate their communities on the needs of military families. Clubwomen advocate for legislation supporting active and veteran military personnel, and help veterans with the often difficult transition back to their communities.

“Real heroes don’t wear capes. They wear dog tags.”

Veterans give so much to our country on a daily basis, but sadly, the commitment and sacrifices made by veterans often go unnoticed. In response to this, GFWC announced its support of Green Light A Vet, a national campaign to increase awareness and support for veterans through a visible symbol. GFWC encourages its members and their communities to change a porch light to green to recognize veterans year-round.

GFWC Public Issues Partner Sew Much Comfort is the only national organization that provides adaptive clothing at no cost to support the unique needs of our wounded service personnel from all branches of the military and the National Guard. More than 147,000 pieces of adaptive clothing have been provided over the past eleven years. GFWC clubs support Sew Much Comfort by providing seamstresses and through in-kind and financial donations. Donating adaptive clothing to wounded service members gives them a sense of comfort as they recover and provides them with a reminder of our gratitude for their service.

As USO approaches its 75^th Anniversary in February, GFWC clubwomen will continue to provide active support to help lift the spirits of troops and families. Clubs provide in-kind and financial donations, and help provide “No Dough Dinners” for military families in financial distress. These dinners usually take place once a month right before payday and help families not only by lifting some of their financial burden, but also providing a place for fun and fellowship.

In addition to volunteering at local USO centers, Clubwomen support the United Through Reading program, in which children of deployed parents receive a DVD of their mom or dad reading them a bedtime story, by donating books and DVDS, hosting book drives, and raising money for the program.

GFWC clubwomen will proudly fly the flag of the United States of America in honor of our nation’s veterans as they organized and attend community wide celebrations on Veterans Day. Well beyond November 11, GFWC clubwomen will continue to honor our nation’s heroes, both past and present.

“Real heroes do not wear capes. They wear dog tags.” Thank you to all the veterans who sacrifice so much so that we may live in freedom.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2015

GFWC President Babs J. Condon meets with Vice President Joe Biden during a reception celebrating the 21st anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

As a national leader in the fight to end domestic violence, GFWC clubwomen were especially active in their communities during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Check out these Facebook and Twitter posts from across the country.

GFWC Members Advocate for Domestic Violence Prevention

By Chris Sienkilewski
GFWC Signature Project Committee Chairman

As Chairman of the GFWC Signature Project Committee: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention for the past three years, I not only have watched our members learn more about what domestic violence is, but also saw GFWC members become true advocates for this project.

Our members begin with simple discussions about their own lives as they read GFWC’s Clubwoman Magazine or the weekly News&Notes. They bring this information to their clubs, and what starts as a simple discussion about the issue then becomes stories about their own experiences, whether from personal accounts or about family members and friends. Their discussions move to action plans, and our members work with their local and state organizations to become educators and advocates in their communities.

Eventually, the discussions moved to approaching lawmakers both in their own states and nationally. Our members learned quickly that the most crucial element to changing awareness and perception about domestic violence is to educate policymakers about the problems of domestic violence based on the real-life experiences of women. Each and every day, our members are supporting these issues through discussions, community speakers, innovative and creative projects that support shelters and victims, and increasing the leverage that can be brought to bear on politicians and other government officials.

And through these conversations, we have dispelled myths about domestic violence:

A national study found that 29% of women and 22% of men had experienced physical, sexual, or psychological intimate partner violence during their lifetime.
Abuse can come in many forms, such as sexual, physical, verbal, and emotional. When a person in a relationship repeatedly scares, hurts, or puts down the other person, it is abuse. Harassment, intimidation, forced or coerced isolation from friends and family and having an independent social life, humiliation, threats of harm to you or your family or pets, threats of suicide if you leave, violating your privacy, limiting your independence and personal choices are all examples of abuse.
Domestic violence takes on many forms, from emotional and psychological abuse to physical and sexual abuse. Sexual abuse ranges from true sexual assault, to harassment and exploitation.
Elder abuse is on the rise. As the population grows older, so do instances of abuse against older people, especially women. Elder abuse takes many forms, such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
The psychological impact of a child being raised in an abusive household can be profound. Many children develop cognitive and psychological problems after having experienced abuse second-hand. Eating disorders, sleeping disorders, depression, aggressive behavior, destructive rages, stuttering, shaking, and declined problem-solving skills are all symptoms of such abuse.

As October 2015 Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, I applaud the efforts of GFWC Clubwomen across this country in their support of the GFWC Signature Project. There is still so much work to do and our members are up to the task of showing the world that domestic violence can be diminished or eliminated.