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April 8, 2021
View our Important Dates page for upcoming events and milestones.
Celebrate GFWC at the Annual Convention
Thanks to the diligent work of the GFWC Regions and the Convention Committee, arrangements for the 2021 GFWC Annual Convention are finalized and registration is open! Join your fellow clubwomen in Atlanta, GA, August 27-30, to celebrate all that our Federation has achieved in the first year of this Administration and to prepare for the future. Make your voice heard as we consider the proposed Bylaw and revisions to the Resolutions and learn more about GFWC programs and our work with Affiliate Organizations at the workshops. Register now through the GFWC Member Portal by June 15 to secure the Early Bird rate.
GFWC fully recognizes the public debate regarding election participation and security, occurring not only in Georgia but throughout our nation, with the introduction of new voting proposals in 47 states prior to March 24. As a nonpartisan organization, GFWC
will continue to advocate for equality and access for all citizens to participate in the electoral process. We acknowledge the concerns that members have shared with us, but we want to stress the importance of gathering together to overcome the multitude of
challenges from the past year and to further the interests of the Federation.
President’s Pick
By Marian St.Clair, GFWC International President
Many of the GFWC Blog entries highlight meaningful hands-on projects that benefit local communities. We all enjoy doing something special for another individual, especially one who cannot manage all of life’s challenges because of health, misfortune, or age (youth or maturity). This month, however, I want to showcase a different type of project that is equally deserving of our time and effort, as well as our applause, and provides untold benefits to members and GFWC Clubs.
This month’s “President’s Pick” goes to the GFWC Woman’s League of the Lowcountry (South Carolina) for a walk held on March 13 to benefit St. Jude, one of GFWC’s nine Affiliate Organizations, which provide members with the opportunity to engage in projects that have far-reaching effects. In St. Jude’s case, that impact is realized in advancing cures for childhood diseases through treatment and research that is freely shared with medical professionals around the world.
A successful fundraiser takes planning and coordination. Goals are set, committees are formed, contacts are made, and key audiences are identified for marketing and publicity. In the process, members form new friendships, learn valuable skills, and are stimulated and enthused by fresh experiences. For the first time, new members feel the power of club work.
In the blog about the St. Jude event, it was noted that special precautions were put into place due to COVID-19, various means to donate were established, prizes and gift certificates were secured from local businesses for registered participants, and live music and refreshments added to the excitement of the day.
The payoff was big. More than $9,000 was raised for St. Jude. Plus, the GFWC Woman’s League of the Lowcountry has grown and thrived from experience, and continues to raise its visibility in the community. Congratulations to President Phyllis Sippel and the club’s many dedicated members!
Volunteers in Action
This week’s blog features GFWC Oconomowoc Junior Woman’s Club (Wisconsin), GFWC Clifton Community Woman’s Club (Virginia), and Riverside Woman’s Club (California). Read about how clubwomen are hosting art contests for people of all ages to get their communities involved, raising money for various charitable organizations, and helping plant gardens for veterans.
On April 22, people around the world will celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness about the environment, global warming and climate change and encourage people to volunteer for the good of the planet. We would like to hear how your club is working to protect our environment! Share your Environment Community Service Program success stories with us at PR@GFWC.org.
Consider Carbon Sequestration When Planting Trees This Season
By Karen Martinek, GFWC Environment Community Service Program Chairman
In one year, an acre of mature trees can absorb the same amount of CO2 you produce driving your car 26,000 miles. Trees are our best defense against climate change, a global environmental crisis caused partially by increased CO2 emissions, as they sequestrate carbon.
According to American Arborists, the process of absorption and storage of carbon dioxide is known as carbon sequestration. Plants take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, with oxygen as the waste product of the process.
Forests have a large role in carbon absorption. When trees are cut down to burn or left to rot, the carbon stored is released into the atmosphere as CO2. Forests store up to 100 times more carbon than agricultural fields of the same size.
Dave Nowak, a researcher at the U.S. Forest Service, co-authored this list of trees that are especially good at absorbing and storing CO2:
- Black Walnut
- American Sweetgum
- Pines—Hispaniolan, Ponderosa, Red, and White London Plane
- Douglas Fir
- Oaks—Scarlet, Southern Live, and Red
- Bald Cypress
- Common Horse–Chestnut
American Arborists also recommended the Blue Spruce, Silver Maple, and Yellow Poplar (also known as the tulip tree). When choosing what trees to plant, consider these facts:
- Trees with large leaves and wide crowns photosynthesize better.
- Native tree species will grow better in their regions.
- Fast-growing trees absorb CO2 better during their first decade.
- When they die, trees with a long lifespan leak less CO2 from their decomposition.
Some trees are better than others at addressing climate change. However, any shape, size, or species of tree you plant will absorb CO2, and other clubs will benefit from reading about your successful tree-planting project. Share your club’s story with PR@GFWC.org to be considered for the GFWC Blog.
Recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month with a Pinwheel Garden
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and GFWC is proud to support GFWC Affiliate Organization Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA) in its Pinwheels for Prevention campaign. Every year, the GFWC Pierce Arrows and the GFWC District of Columbia Woman’s Club ensure that the front lawn at Headquarters is decorated with a pinwheel garden, with assistance this year from President St.Clair to comply with Washington, DC’s COVID-19 safety guidelines. Many clubs have followed the lead of Piece Arrows to help raise awareness of child abuse prevention and promote healthy childhoods.
PCAA introduced the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign in 2008 as the official symbol of great childhoods. The pinwheels represent childlike whimsy and lightheartedness, and PCAA’s vision for a world where all children grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities.
Due to COVID-19, PCAA strongly recommends that individuals and organizations do not host and/or attend large Pinwheels for Prevention events during National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In lieu of an in-person event, this year’s Pinwheels for Prevention campaign will focus on a dynamic remote pinwheel garden. The organization is encouraging people to participate in this remote pinwheel garden as an alternative to a large in-person gathering of their own.
Show your support for children by making your own remote pinwheel display or in-person pinwheel garden while observing proper safety guidelines this month. Share your pictures and stories of creating a pinwheel garden with us at PR@GFWC.org.
Financial Breakdown Offers Look at GFWC Revenues and Expenses
Do you ever wonder how your membership dues are being used to provide you with a positive experience as a GFWC clubwoman? You can now see an explanation of revenues and expenses for the past two fiscal years by reviewing the Financial Breakdown in the GFWC Member Portal’s Digital Library.
When viewing the breakdown, the revenue charts offer a look at the various sources of funds for GFWC, such as membership dues, Marketplace sales, and more. The expense charts provide an overview of how these funds are being used to provide member services and
resources, including GFWC Annual Convention and meeting experiences, Clubwoman Magazine, Marketplace, and more.
To view the Financial Breakdown, visit the “F” Resources folder in the GFWC
Member Portal’s Digital Library (if you don’t already have a Member Portal Profile, please allow 12-24 hours to receive access).
I am a Volunteer and #IamGFWC
By Mary Pat Marcello, GFWC Membership Committee Member
As a young wife and new mother living in a new state, I joined my first GFWC club out of loneliness. What I didn’t know was how many special, exciting opportunities would come through GFWC membership. There were opportunities to learn skills that would benefit me in my future professional life.
Interacting with other community leaders enlarged the scope of my activities beyond what were offered solely by my club. I learned to organize, to delegate, and to lead. I met new friends, some who became truly the sisters of my heart. I traveled to GFWC Annual Conventions; I led committees at the national level. I spoke to elected representatives in our nation’s capital on topics that were important to my family and my club. All of these opportunities are available to every clubwoman, if only that first step is taken.
What doors have opened for you after becoming a GFWC volunteer? Share why others should be part of GFWC as well on the GFWC Facebook page.
Johns Hopkins Webinar April 13
Johns Hopkins Medicine is offering a webinar at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 13, about the causes of high blood pressure in various populations, new guidelines from the American Heart Association, and how to get your blood pressure under control. Join host and National Chair Kelly Geer Ripken and cardiovascular nurse and epidemiologist Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, Ph.D., M.H.S., as she covers various topics related to hypertension. Visit the Johns Hopkins website to register for this event.
State President’s Project: Bette Kuboushek, Iowa
As one of GFWC Iowa State President Bette Kuboushek’s projects, members volunteer with Iowa Donor Network (IDN), which operates as the primary contact for organ, tissue, and eye donation services for the state of Iowa. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services have certified IDN to function as the single-organ procurement agency in the state. IDN also serves as the tissue recovery agency for the state.
Bette chose IDN because of the service it provides to those in need of organs and tissues as a life-saving measure. Some of her family members have been donors, and she is acquainted with some organ recipients. Being an organ donor is something everyone can
get behind. Although some people may not be able to donate, they can spread the word to those who can.
April is Donate Life Month. To celebrate, clubwomen can set up a donor registry drive to register community members as organ, eye, and tissue donors, or participate in other awareness activities. Members can also distribute Donate Life materials at a local
health fair, parade, or event.
As the end of the COVID-19 pandemic hopefully gets closer, members may be able to have more in-person events to talk with prospective donors and emphasize the importance of registering to become a donor. Who knows whose life a donor may be saving!
Club Anniversaries & Gold Pin Recipients
Club Anniversaries
25th
GFWC New Jersey Past Junior Directors Club (New Jersey)
50th
GFWC Holland Township Woman’s Club (New Jersey)
GFWC Outer Banks Woman’s Club (North Carolina)
60th
GFWC Metuchen-Edison Woman’s Club (New Jersey)
70th
GFWC Woman’s Club of Hopewell (New Jersey)
GFWC Rupert Woman’s Club (West Virginia)
75th
GFWC South Parkersburg Woman’s Club (West Virginia)
80th
GFWC North Arlington Woman’s Club (New Jersey)
85th
GFWC of Romney (West Virginia)
90th
GFWC Woman’s Club of Hamlin (West Virginia)
95th
GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Verona (New Jersey)
GFWC Stoughton Woman’s Club (Massachusetts)
100th
GFWC Woman’s Club of Glassboro (New Jersey)
GFWC Woman’s Club of Leonia, Inc. (New Jersey)
GFWC Woman’s Club of Pitman (New Jersey)
GFWC Arlington Woman’s Club, Inc. (Florida)
125th
GFWC Nahant Woman’s Club (Massachusetts)
Gold Pin Recipients
Pauline Blayney
GFWC Fowler Improvement Association (California)
Betty Boyd
GFWC Clifton Community Woman’s Club (Virginia)
Shirley Clark
GFWC Four Leaf Clover Club (Idaho)
Annette Feaver
GFWC Fowler Improvement Association (California)
Pat Johns
GFWC du Midi Woman’s Club (Alabama)
Jean Johnson
GFWC Twenty-Three Study Club of Iowa Park (Texas)
Liz Morlean
GFWC History Club of Whitesboro (Texas)
Marge Packer
GFWC Fowler Improvement Association (California)
Jody Payne
GFWC Fithian Woman’s Club (Illinois)
Margaret Reed
GFWC Past District President’s Club (Texas)
Martha Sharp
GFWC du Midi Woman’s Club (Alabama)
Jean Slayton
GFWC Reynolds Woman’s Club (Georgia)
Diane Smith
GFWC Clifton Community Woman’s Club (Virginia)
Karen Weyrich
GFWC Yoder Woman’s Club (Wyoming)
GFWC Marketplace: Folder
As you prepare to attend upcoming meetings or conventions, the best way to keep all of your paperwork and ideas organized is with a GFWC folder in classic red or navy. This beautifully crafted, foil-stamped, letter-size, two-pocket folder features a portrait orientation with the GFWC emblem on the front. The rounded corners, standard business card slot in the right pocket, and two inside pockets makes this the perfect folder for any busy clubwoman. Order yours today.
There have been reports of mail service delays in many communities throughout the United States. GFWC staff is processing Marketplace orders as quickly as possible, but Headquarters is still operating with limited staff onsite daily. In order to speed up processing of your order, we request that you pay for your order at time of purchase in the Member Portal. For details on mail service in your area, visit the USPS Service Alerts page.
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