Contact: Peter Charbonneau, Director of Communications and Public Relations For Immediate Release
P: 202-347-3168
E: [email protected]
The General federation of women’s clubs celebrates 125 years on April 24
Influential Community Service Organization Honors Proud History, Looks to Future
April 23, 2015 (Washington, D.C.) – The General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service, celebrates its 125th anniversary on April 24, the organization’s Federation Day. This morning, Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) made a statement on the floor of the House honoring GFWC’s history of service to communities throughout the country.
“What a grand day for GFWC to be honored,” said GFWC International President Babs J. Condon. “Each year on this day, our members celebrate the history of our organization and the impact we have made on our world.” Condon currently serves as GFWC’s 50th International President.
To mark GFWC’s 125th Anniversary, state federations have sought and received proclamations from their states’ governors and mayors, proclaiming April 24 GFWC Day, in recognition of the often unheralded work clubwomen contribute to their communities. The organization has produced a commemorative 125th Anniversary stamp and a series of 125 facts shared daily through social media in the 125 days leading up to April 24. The 125th celebration will culminate at GFWC’s annual Convention in Memphis, Tennessee from June 13-15.
GFWC’s Signature Project is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention. It also focuses heavily on veterans’ issues and child advocacy, among a host of other programs. GFWC partners include Canine Companions for Independence, Easter Seals, The Heart Truth®, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY), Inside Knowledge, The Kettering Foundation, March of Dimes, Prevent Child Abuse America, Sew Much Comfort, UNICEF, the U.N. Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign, and USO.
The seeds for GFWC’s existence were sown in New York in 1868 when journalist and founder Jane Cunningham Croly was denied entry because of her gender to a press club dinner honoring author Charles Dickens, leading her to form a woman’s club, Sorosis. On April 24, 1890, 63 clubs officially formed the General Federation of Women’s Club by ratifying the GFWC constitution.
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About the General Federation of Women’s Clubs
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women’s clubs, with members dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. With 100,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.
P: 202-347-3168
E: [email protected]
The General federation of women’s clubs celebrates 125 years on April 24
Influential Community Service Organization Honors Proud History, Looks to Future
April 23, 2015 (Washington, D.C.) – The General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service, celebrates its 125th anniversary on April 24, the organization’s Federation Day. This morning, Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) made a statement on the floor of the House honoring GFWC’s history of service to communities throughout the country.
“What a grand day for GFWC to be honored,” said GFWC International President Babs J. Condon. “Each year on this day, our members celebrate the history of our organization and the impact we have made on our world.” Condon currently serves as GFWC’s 50th International President.
To mark GFWC’s 125th Anniversary, state federations have sought and received proclamations from their states’ governors and mayors, proclaiming April 24 GFWC Day, in recognition of the often unheralded work clubwomen contribute to their communities. The organization has produced a commemorative 125th Anniversary stamp and a series of 125 facts shared daily through social media in the 125 days leading up to April 24. The 125th celebration will culminate at GFWC’s annual Convention in Memphis, Tennessee from June 13-15.
GFWC’s Signature Project is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention. It also focuses heavily on veterans’ issues and child advocacy, among a host of other programs. GFWC partners include Canine Companions for Independence, Easter Seals, The Heart Truth®, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY), Inside Knowledge, The Kettering Foundation, March of Dimes, Prevent Child Abuse America, Sew Much Comfort, UNICEF, the U.N. Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign, and USO.
The seeds for GFWC’s existence were sown in New York in 1868 when journalist and founder Jane Cunningham Croly was denied entry because of her gender to a press club dinner honoring author Charles Dickens, leading her to form a woman’s club, Sorosis. On April 24, 1890, 63 clubs officially formed the General Federation of Women’s Club by ratifying the GFWC constitution.
###
About the General Federation of Women’s Clubs
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women’s clubs, with members dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. With 100,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.