BENEFITS OF BELONGING TO GFWC

As a member of GFWC, you can take advantage of these benefits:

GFWC Mentors: experienced GFWC members trained in organizational problem solving available to members, clubs, districts, states to support and reinforce the work of GFWC officers, committees and staff.

Support for locally‑based volunteer activities, including:

  • Program/project ideas in GFWC program books developed specifically for GFWC clubwomen as grassroots volunteers

  • Direct access to national and international resource organizations for additional materials and tools to enhance club activities

  • Community Action Guides, available exclusively to GFWC clubs, providing step‑by‑step guidelines for conducting programs that reach out to the community

  • Bulletins containing updated information in a variety of program areas to keep clubs informed and aware of new information and resources

  • GFWC mini‑grants, providing financial support for local club safety and recycling projects

  • Materials developed exclusively for local GFWC clubs (available from the GFWC Materials Center), including but not limited to:

      • Public Relations Kit

      • Public Policy and Advocacy Manual

      • How to Recruit New GFWC Members; How To Build New GFWC Clubs; Membership Matters newsletter

      • Adopt‑a‑Library guidelines

      • Guidelines for conducting Leadership Skill Building workshops

      • A Quick and Dirty Guide to Meeting Planning

GFWC administrative materials, to help local clubs and members operate democratically, solve problems fairly, and undertake responsibilities knowingly, including:

  • GFWC Administration Handbook

  • Parliamentary Briefs

  • Suggested Ceremonies and Anniversary Programs

  • Model Bylaws

  • GFWC Federation Day Celebration Guide

GFWC professional staff available to answer questions, provide information and ideas, solve problems

GFWC website: www.gfwc.org for up‑to‑date information on programs, meetings, public policy issues, as well as on‑line meeting registration, transfer, and membership forms

E‑GFWC, an email newsletter from the GFWC International President

Access to Washington "insider" public policy information from the GFWC Public Policy Director

  • The Legislative Network (LegNet), a free subscriber interactive network creating a communication and advocacy link between Congress and GFWC members

  • Legislative Alerts, Urgent Action letters and GFWC Legislative Newsletters educating members on national policy issues and facilitating grassroots advocacy and action

  • "Watching Washington" column in GFWC Clubwoman magazine

Opportunity to subscribe to insurance programs at special group rates, including club liability, supplemental health and long‑term care policies

Monetary awards and recognition for personal achievements in GFWC‑sponsored creative writing, photography, painting, sewing/crafts contests

Professional development through leadership training at every level of GFWC membership

  • GFWC LEADS program (Leadership Education And Development Seminar) recognizes and trains future GFWC leaders

  • Free workshops in organizational skills, including time management, communications, public speaking, public relations and more, at district, state and international conventions

  • Hands‑on experience in club programs and projects that lead to or enhance career opportunities

GFWC Clubwoman magazine and state newsletters keep members and clubs connected with each other across the state, the country and the globe

  • New programs and initiatives are defined and described

  • Successful club programs/projects/fundraisers are presented as models for adoption or adaptation by others

The GFWC Women's History and Resource Center, supported by GFWC members, chronicles the accomplishments of clubs and women volunteers, guaranteeing the preservation and accessibility of our past and present for the future.

 

HOW DO YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ADVANTAGES?

 

Reprinted from How to Retain GFWC Club Members