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January 20, 2022
View our Important Dates page for upcoming events and milestones.
President’s Pick
By Marian St.Clair, GFWC International President
A new year brings new excitement and opportunities for GFWC clubs as our members reach out to support their communities and those around the world. GFWC is unique in that our objectives encourage a broad range of advocacy and outreach. Through our Signature Program, Juniors’ Special Program, and five Community Service Programs, clubwomen touch the lives of others in countless ways.
Over the past year, we celebrated the ingenuity and success of 12 projects that highlighted our various interests, from aiding the health and safety of individuals and families to promoting the arts, encouraging education and civic engagement, and protecting the environment. Thank you to each club that contributed to the GFWC Blog. You are all winners! And you have provided a wealth of information and inspiration to other clubs.
For January 2022, the President’s Pick highlights a project that fosters pride and respect for our country and speaks to the essence of what it means to be American—that we are united in the founding beliefs of equality and fundamental freedoms, despite our political differences, and that we encourage future generations to embrace liberty and unity.
Congratulations to the GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club of Alamosa (Colorado) for their efforts to provide a flagpole for the local Boys & Girls Club, a national organization with the mission “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
After discovering the Boys & Girls Club did not have a flagpole and speaking with the director, a new flagpole was purchased by the club and erected with help from members of the American Legion, Dickey-Springer Post 113. A dedication ceremony on Friday, December 17, featured an introduction of the mayor and other local officials, thoughts on patriotism and the importance of honoring the flag, a demonstration on how to fold the flag, and a flag raising with a bugler sounding To the Colors and everyone taking part in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Congratulations to Club President Helen Taylor and the members of the GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club of Alamosa for a collaborative project that brought the community together and inspired patriotism!
Back by Popular Demand: Remote GFWC Holiday Open House
Registration has re-opened for the Remote GFWC Holiday Open House! If you did not have a chance to experience the holiday magic at GFWC Headquarters in Washington, DC, you can now register through the GFWC Member Portal until 12:00 noon ET on February 15.
Once you register, the remote Holiday Open House will be available for viewing until Friday, February 18. The theme of the 2021 GFWC Holiday Open House was Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy – a wonderful reminder of the happiness we receive from encouraging and supporting our friends, family, and neighbors.
Register for the Remote GFWC Holiday Open House today.
Cares & Concerns
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Scott Curtiss, GFWC Booster President. Scott passed away on January 15.
Cards may be sent to his wife, Janice Curtiss, at 320 Reed Street, Plymouth, WI 53073.
Volunteers in Action
This week’s GFWC Blog features GFWC Las Noches Woman’s Club (Arizona) and GFWC West Side Woman’s Club (Pennsylvania). Read how clubwomen participated in a wreath laying ceremony with Wreaths Across America and donated books and raised money for Dinners for Kids, a local program that provides healthy meals to at-risk children.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, hospitals are experiencing a shortage of blood and platelet donations. Help make a difference by hosting a blood drive in your community! Share your project stories about promoting blood drives with PR@GFWC.org to have your club project considered for the GFWC Blog.
2022 Community Service Program Award Submissions
By Sharon Oliphant, GFWC Community Impact Program Chairman
It is time to gather your information for the new Community Impact Program (CIP) Award! There have been changes during the 2020-2022 Administration, which are detailed in the Club Manual, available in the “C” Resources folder of the Digital Library’s Member Portal. President St.Clair and I hope these changes will assist you with sending a winning three-part report to your state.
Project Selections
Was there something you always do, or did you experiment with something new?
Project Development
Was your organization part of something that promoted, assisted, and worked with other partners?
Project Evaluation
How did your club do? Did it promote GFWC, and what was the value in your community?
Remember your reports go to your state chairman to be judged. Once selected, state winners will go to GFWC Headquarters for judging.
Don’t miss the March 1 submission deadline for your state! Download the entry form from the Digital Library’s Member Portal today. Let’s continue to leave footprints for future generations by Living the Volunteer Spirit in every neighborhood.
Administration Planning Begins for 2022-2024
Incoming leaders attended a Moonlight Monuments Tour during the 2022-2024 Board Orientation. Photo credit: Jeannette Wells
From January 6-9, incoming 2022-2024 leaders convened at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC to learn more about guiding the Federation into the future. President-elect Deb Strahanoski led this Board Orientation to plan for another strong two years of community service and volunteer leadership.
Incoming leaders were welcomed with a reception on Thursday as they prepared for the busy weekend ahead. Throughout the Board Orientation, members not only learned more about their roles in the upcoming Administration, but also The Many Facets of Leadership that will guide each of them in the next two years.
Clubwomen also had the opportunity to hear several inspiring speakers. International President Marian St.Clair gave the Keynote Address on Friday, encouraging her fellow clubwomen with seven suggestions for making the most of their leadership opportunity. Amy Brittain, the 2021 winner of GFWC’s Jane Cunningham Croly Award for Excellence in Journalism Covering Issues of Concern to Women for her work focusing on domestic violence, shared information about her rewarding professional journey as a reporter with The Washington Post’s investigative team. Lastly, Jennifer Klein, Co-Chair and the Executive Director of the White House Gender Policy Council, prepared a video presentation about the work of the Council to advance gender equality and how clubwoman have contributed to that effort and can continue to make a difference.
The Board Orientation for the 2022-2024 Administration was a wonderful kick-off to planning for GFWC’s continued success.
Navigating the Member Portal Digital Library
As a GFWC clubwoman, you have access to a wealth of information, resources, GFWC merchandise, and fun and informative events through the Member Portal. By signing into your Member Portal account, you will automatically gain access to this important source of information that will enhance your membership experience.
Once you have signed up for a GFWC Member Portal account, you will be able to access the Digital Library by clicking on the profile icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen and selecting “My Digital Library.” If you do not see this option available, please email GFWC@GFWC.org and we will help you access these valuable member resources (please allow 12-24 hours to receive access after signing up for an account).
The Digital Library “Resources” folder is organized alphabetically, but the quickest and easiest way to find the information you are looking for is by viewing the Index, which provides a list of the documents housed in the Digital Library and will identify the folder that holds the information you need. You can access the Index by clicking on the first “Index” subfolder in the “Resources” folder.
If you try to download a file from the Digital Library and it will not work, turn off your pop-up blocker for the website and ensure your download cache has been recently cleared. If you have tried both of these steps and are still experiencing difficulties, contact GFWC@GFWC.org for help.
For more information, review the GFWC Member Portal FAQs.
Techie’s Tips: Spoofing Reminder
You just received an email from a GFWC Officer, GFWC staff, a GFWC sister, or another trusted source asking you to do something strange or unexpected. It might be an urgent request to talk, share private information, or purchase something for them. You’re most likely being baited for a response from someone (a spoofer) trying to take advantage.
Without closer inspection, it might be easy to mistake spoofing emails as legitimate:
- A name you recognize appears as the sender, but when you hover over the sender’s email address it is generic and doesn’t match the person’s real email address.
- It addresses you by name. It may even appear to have the person’s signature. Watch out for computer fonts that resemble handwriting!
- The content (such as giving to those in need) is relevant to GFWC.
If your email is posted on your club’s website for customer service reasons, you should closely monitor for email spoofs. While GFWC cannot prevent your email account from receiving these emails, rest assured that your privacy is a priority. GFWC does not broadcast contact information of members, to be as cautious as possible in the age of the Internet and technology!
Office Depot Savings Program
Office Depot is kicking off 2022 with exclusive deals for you. The GFWC Office Depot Savings Program is offering $15 and $35 off coupons valid through February 7; these coupons are only valid online and some exclusions apply. Take advantage of this great deal before it’s gone!
Visit Officediscounts.org/GFWC to shop online through their Office Depot Savings Program.
State Director of Junior Club’s Project: Suzanne Simons, Louisiana
The special emphasis for GFWC Louisiana Junior Director Suzanne Simons has been to help The Forgotten Children of communities everywhere. These are usually teenagers who are in the foster care system but have aged out of consideration for certain types of support by many charitable organizations. Suzanne’s slogan is Let the Sun Shine In, which serves as a reminder to try to shine a light on these teenagers and children who may not know that there are people in the world who care about and love them.
Throughout the past several years, Suzanne has done research and attended events with speakers who provided information on human trafficking. She learned that vulnerable teenagers in the foster care system can be at greater risk of becoming trafficked or otherwise getting into trouble with the law because they are looking for love, approval, and acceptance. If they are offered the help, support, and safety they need from their communities, it may save them in the future.
The clubs of Louisiana were asked to find facilities or programs where these at-risk children and teenagers reside and to learn how they can make a difference. Although COVID-19 made it difficult for clubwoman to meet with teens in person, members could ask organizations where the help is needed. Some examples of offering help include providing items such as books, games, backpacks, and more; hosting creative activities to get the children involved and inspired; and sending Christmas gifts and cards to facilities to distribute. These actions could make a difference and perhaps turn a teen away from those that prey on their vulnerability.
All children deserve a sense of security and happiness, and clubwomen can help make that a reality.
GFWC Marketplace: GFWC Portable Phone Charger
Never be without extra battery life with the GFWC portable phone charger. Whether you’re out at a volunteer project, traveling to a meeting, or just going about your day, this charger is perfect to take along. It is small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, but sleek enough that you will want to show it off. Featuring the full name of GFWC and the emblem, this Federation Blue phone charger only needs your USB compatible cord to charge up any device. Order yours today.
In recognition of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, GFWC will be sharing various blue items–the international color of human trafficking awareness–with you this month as a way for you to not only enjoy some great GFWC Marketplace items, but also help raise awareness of this global issue.
There could be some mail service delays throughout the pandemic. To speed up processing of your order, we request that you pay for your order at time of purchase in the Member Portal. For information on mail service in your area, visit the USPS Service Alerts page. |
