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The Organization The General Federation of Women's Clubs of Virginia was organized in 1907 to bring into closer unity the women's clubs of Virginia, in order to promote through their common interests the cultural, educational and environmental welfare of the state. Members of the GFWC of Virginia are members of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, one of the largest women's volunteer organizations in the world. The GFWC, an international organization, comprises a membership of approximately 322,000, with 7,900 clubs in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 45 countries and territories. Membership in the Federation provides a unique opportunity for community services, and for constructive work in an organized group which derives much of it's strength from "unity in diversity." Each club woman can be very influential in local, state, national, and international affairs by participating in the programs and projects of the General Federation and the GFWC of VA. WHO ARE WE?
...a volunteer organization uniting 252 clubs in eight districts, with more than
9,902 members willing to help meet the needs of today, and whose purpose is to work cooperatively giving service in our local communities, in our state, nation and world. HOW IS THE WORK
ACCOMPLISHED? Since its inception, the GFWC of VA has worked to address the most pressing needs of our communities and our nation. This includes promoting education, preserving natural resources, stressing good citizenship, encouraging healthy lifestyles, contributing to world peace, and supporting participation in the arts. Opportunities for service are
provided in the following six departments: In addition to these six major areas of emphasis, work is carried on through the Community Improvement Program, Leadership, Legislation and Resolutions, and other projects and programs as deemed beneficial to the local, the state, the nation and world communities. WHAT HAS VIRGINIA ACCOMPLISHED? The impact made by Virginia club women in the Commonwealth is far-reaching and enormous. Since its inception in 1907 a better quality of life has been its primary goal. GFWC of VA has been instrumental in bringing about needed changes and improvements in these area of emphasis. A few are:
Special Junior Project Include:
HEADQUARTERS In 1992, GFWC of VA moved its headquarters to a new location at 513 Forest Avenue, Richmond, Virginia. It is the center of business operations for the federation, and provides a permanent base for officers and chairmen. Many of the lovely furnishings have been donated by members over the years. The Executive Secretary is in the office on a limited schedule. WHAT CAN THE FEDERATION DO FOR YOU? Federation provides an opportunity for the development of talents, abilities, and skills for each individual who participates. The many opportunities afforded through club work provide a threshold from which each individual can develop an overall awareness and deeper perspective of community, state, national and world events which affect and color our quality of life. You will become more keenly aware of the privileges and responsibilities of belonging to the world community. Funding for projects and operations of the GFWC of VA is provided from interest derived from an endowment fund to which members and clubs contribute. Per capita dues are also assessed each member. The GFWC of VA offers help to college students through no interest loans, grants and scholarships. THE GFWC RECORD SPEAKS... The GFWC always has been keenly aware of the responsibility to use its power and strength for the attainment of carefully selected, constructive goals. The GFWC, with the cooperation of local clubs and state federations, has successfully worked for:
COLLECT FOR CLUBWOMEN
Keep us, Oh God, from pettiness; let us be large in thought, in word, in deed. Let us be done with fault finding and leave off self-seeking. May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice. May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous. Let us take time for all things; make us to grow calm, serene, gentle. Grant that we may realize it is the little things that create differences, that in the big things of life we are at one. And may we strive to touch and to know the great common human heart of us all, and, Oh Lord God, let us forget not to be kind.
by Mary Stewart
VIRGINIA STATE FEDERATION SONG
Words
by Maud Nichols
Come from sea and plain and
mountain, kindred are we Fair Virginia's loyal
daughters, blest may we be. Come with thoughts with love
o'erflowing Willing hands and spirits
glowing, And with joy that passes
knowing, Each friend to see. Shine our spirit of devotion,
in this world of need; Hand in hand, a band of
women, onward we lead. Formed are we, a federation, For the home and state and
nation - Mother heart for all
creation, True in word and deed. May sweet fellowship attend
us, all through each day; Zeal inspire and faith defend
us, thus do we pray. Let us see a wrong to right
it, Let us evil know to fight it, Where the path is dark, God
light it With brightest ray. UPDATED: Thursday, March 27, 2008 |
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Updated:
March 27, 2008
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