Dear Federation Friends,
As Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D–MD) has said: “Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make change.” It is such a great honor and privilege to represent all of you as the 2018–2020 GFWC Director of Junior Clubs! It is very humbling, considering all of the incredible clubwomen that have served before me.
My theme for 2018–2020 is “Together, We Make The Difference,” because we do make the difference” … in our communities, our country, and our world! Volunteering is what makes the community you live in your “hometown.” I am looking forward to meeting many of you and finding out how you and your club are changing the world by living the volunteer spirit.
This administration, we will continue to make a difference in our world through the life of a child with our Juniors’ Special Program: Advocates for Children! Advocating for children affected by human trafficking and mental health conditions has a huge impact on our society. Adverse emotional effects among trafficked children are depression, hopelessness, guilt, shame, flashbacks, nightmares, loss of confidence, lower self-esteem, and anxiety. Children with mental health disorders can experience a range of conditions, including: anxiety disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), eating disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. GFWC Clubwomen can make a significant difference by educating the public on these issues, supporting our healthcare community, and empowering families! GFWC is partnered with two organizations that believe in the future of our children. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and March of Dimes have made commitments to our membership by continuing as GFWC partners. Take the opportunity to support them for our common goal of advocating for children!
GFWC has declared the fourth week in October as GFWC Advocates for Children Week. The 2018–2020 Club Manual is an excellent resource for project ideas to plan special awareness activities so you and your club can participate all week long.
To quote author Dannion Brinkley: “The quickest way to change the world is to be of service to others. Show that your love can make a difference in the lives of people and thereby someone else’s love can make a difference in your life. By each of us doing that and working together we change the world one inner person at a time. ” The untiring service we give to our communities and the dedicated efforts to improve the quality of life through education and strengthening the home has and will continue to make the difference!
In Federation Friendship & Love,
Blog
June 14
Volunteers in Action: GFWC Greensboro Woman’s Club and Cochran Woman’s Club
Featured Member
Sue O’Dell
For Sue O'Dell, GFWC and family have always gone hand-in-hand. As club president of the GFWC Southwest Region Woman’s Club, in Colorado, she continues to encourage members to invite their family and friends to join the Federation.
Success For Survivors Scholarship
Each year, GFWC awards scholarships to help intimate partner abuse survivors obtain a post-secondary education that offers a chance to reshape their future by securing employment and gaining personal independence.
Featured Club
GFWC High Springs New Century Woman's Club
Members from the GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club of District 5 in Florida visited Partnership for Strong Families to present them with 24 “Birthday Bags.”