Legislation/Public Policy Advancement Plan

Legislation/Public Policy Advancement Plan

2020 Suffrage Alliance

GFWC Progress Club of Las Cruses (NM) partnered with the League of Women Voters and 11 other organizations to form the 2020 Suffrage Alliance, showcasing New Mexican women in the struggle for suffrage. For publicity, face masks were made with yellow roses and “VOTE” in red on them and were worn at the farmers market. The club applied for a marker from the National Collaboration for Women’s History Sites for a local park, built by the Women’s Improvement Association.

Day at the Capitol

GFWC MFWC Fine Arts Club of Bruce (MS) members met at the state capitol in Jackson for American Heart Association Advocacy Day, followed by a visit to the Governor’s Mansion. While there, the ladies advocated for bills that would require all schools undergoing major construction renovations to have water bottle refilling stations.

Reverse Parade

GFWC Belpre Woman’s Club (OH) members did extensive work to plan a “reverse” parade for their community, an event where parade units remain stationary and spectators drive through. They worked with local officials and the Lion’s Club. Businesses were engaged and asked to donate food for the area food bank. Members who serve on the school board and city council brought other members from these groups in as well. The parade was postponed due to the pandemic, but this great project connected the club with many community leaders.

Easy Access to the GFWC Legislative Action Center

The GFWC Taunton and Raynham Junior Woman’s Club’s (MA) Legislative/Public Policy chairman provided step-by-step instructions to make it easier for members to join the GFWC Legislative Action Center (LAC). She placed “Join the GFWC Action Center” and “Take Action on Legislation That Matters to You” banners on their club website home page. Clicking on these banners led directly to the LAC and signup instructions.

Candidates’ Forum

The Amity Club (TX) held a Political Rally and nearly 40 candidates were given an opportunity to speak. The 200 attendees were encourage to submit questions for the candidates. Soup, chili, and cookies were offered for a donation and baked goods were auctioned throughout the event. The Rally raised $3,603 for the club’s scholarship program.

Paint the Town “VOTE”

The Selbyville Community Club (DE) proposed painting “VOTE” signs for strategic placement around town. The town council was petitioned to allow this. The local media, which attends council meetings, covered the club’s campaign. Members appeared on the local news with their “VOTE” signs, made with stencils and washable spray chalk paint.

Suffrage Program via Zoom

Alamo Woman’s Club (CA) members celebrated the centennial of the 19^th Amendment with a Zoom program on August 26, 2020. Speakers included a former mayor, a women’s history author, a District President, a former state representative, and the supervisor of Contra Costa County. More than 40 people attended and the county recognized the club with a resolution honoring its outstanding community service.

Plastic Free Efforts/Resolution

Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove (FL) members worked with Plastic Free Coalition to present state legislation to reduce pollution and damage to wildlife and waters. In addition, the club sponsored a GFWC Florida resolution for this project.

Day at the Capitol/Membership Drive

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Dunbar (WV) participated in the “Women’s Day” at the state capitol in Charleston. They set up a booth displaying their 80-year history and had membership pamphlets available. Clubwomen sat in on a Senate session and spoke to state officials afterwards.

Parade Participation

GFWC Round Table Club of Wyoming/Camden (DE) members participated in two parades, in costume, honoring “Women’s Right to Vote.” They made and wore yellow rose pins to identify themselves as “yes” voters. The pins were sold at club meetings to cover the cost of materials. They were also sold and presented to officials at both parades. Afterwards, members visited the Delaware Legislative Hall to speak with legislators and present them with yellow rose pins.