Our Mission
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.
Our Purpose
We advocate because there is a need; we volunteer because we are needed.
GFWC club members are the heart of not only the Federation, but the communities in which they live and work. By Living the Volunteer Spirit, GFWC members transform lives each day, not simply with monetary donations, but with hands-on tangible projects that provide immediate impact. With a grassroots approach that often thinks locally but impacts globally, GFWC, its clubs and members remain committed to serving as a force for global good, as it has done since its formation.
With more than 60,000 members in affiliated clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members work in their communities to support the arts, preserve natural resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage civic involvement.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), one of the oldest women’s volunteer organizations, seeks to build global communities where people unite in diversity and dedicate their service to changing lives. GFWC celebrates the engagement of people of all backgrounds and believes in fostering an inclusive, equitable climate and culture where community members can thrive.
Our Story
Founded in 1890, GFWC’s roots can be traced back to 1868 when Jane Cunningham Croly, a professional journalist, attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring British novelist Charles Dickens. Croly was denied admittance based upon her gender, and in response, formed a woman’s club—Sorosis. In celebration of Sorosis’ 21st anniversary in 1889, Jane Croly invited women’s clubs throughout the United States to pursue the cause of federation by attending a convention in New York City. On April 24, 1890, 63 clubs officially formed the General Federation of Women’s Clubs by ratifying the GFWC constitution.
Since 1890, GFWC’s impact has been felt throughout communities across the United States and the globe.
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs Today
This is Living the Volunteer Spirit
60,000 Members
Tens of thousands of women working to make their communities a better place.
2,300 Clubs
Each individual club decides on projects that are most relevant and helpful to their unique locality.
6 Million Hours
In 2023 GFWC Clubwomen completed over six million hours of volunteer service.
National Level
GFWC is a community service organization with many levels of leadership and membership. The Executive Committee and Board of Directors, which consists of Region Presidents, State Presidents, State Directors of Junior Clubs, Committee Chairmen, Committee Members, and Special Appointments, represent GFWC members on a national scale. GFWC members involved with the committees are appointed by the GFWC International President at the beginning of her two-year term. During her Administration, the GFWC International President lives at GFWC Headquarters in Washington D.C. All members of the GFWC Board have leadership responsibilities and are expected to attend the GFWC Annual Convention.
Regions
Each region holds an annual conference in the fall, separate from the GFWC Annual Convention.
- GFWC Great Lakes Region
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin - GFWC Middle Atlantic Region
Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania - GFWC Mississippi Valley Region
Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota - GFWC New England Region
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont
- GFWC South Central Region
Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas - GFWC Southeastern Region
District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia - GFWC Southern Region
Alabama, Aruba, Belize, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina - GFWC Western States Region
Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming
State Level
GFWC has members in each of the 50 states. State Federations host individual conferences each spring. County and district levels are contained within the state level. These two Federation categories vary from state to state; some states choose not to have county and district levels, whereas other states contain multiple counties and districts.
Local Level
GFWC is comprised of nearly 2,300 local clubs. Each club elects officers and works independently on various projects in their community.
These individual clubs and their members independently select the causes most important to their communities, collaborating with elected officials, community leaders, businesses, and advocacy groups to ensure efforts of care are place-based and need-specific.
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International Affiliates
GFWC has had an international presence since the very beginning of our organization. Bombay Sorosis was founded in 1868 shortly before Jane Cunningham Croly founded the original Sorosis Woman’s Club in New York City.
Today GFWC members span the globe in 15 different countries, making a difference in their communities. International Affiliates attend GFWC meetings, receive access to volunteer resources, and are eligible for leadership training provided by GFWC.
Currently GFWC has International clubs in: Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Curacao, Cyprus, Korea, Netherlands Antilles, Peru, Phillippines, Taiwan, Uganda, and Ukraine.