GFWC Enhancing the Lives of Others

BY BETH ILAGAN

GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. It is the world’s largest and oldest nonpartisan, nondenominational, women’s volunteer service organization. GFWC clubs and clubwomen are the heart of not only the Federation but the communities in which they live and work. By “Living the Volunteer Spirit,” GFWC clubwomen transform lives each day, not merely with monetary donations, but with hands-on, tangible projects that provide immediate impact. With a grassroots approach that often thinks locally but impacts globally, GFWC, its clubs, and members remain committed to serving as a force for global good, as it has done since its formation. With nearly 80,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state, the District of Columbia, and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members work in their own communities to support the arts, preserve natural resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage civic involvement, and work toward world peace and understanding.

Founded in 1890, GFWC’s roots can be traced back to 1868 when Jane Cunningham Croly, a professional journalist, attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring British novelist Charles Dickens. Croly was denied admittance based upon her gender, and in response, formed a woman’s club called Sorosis. In celebration of Sorosis’ 21st anniversary in 1889, Jane Croly invited women’s clubs throughout the United States to pursue the cause of federation by attending a convention in New York City. On April 24, 1890, 63 clubs officially formed the General Federation of Women’s Clubs by ratifying the GFWC constitution. The 56th United States Congress chartered it in 1901. Headquartered in a National Historic Landmark building in Washington, DC (1734 N St. NW #1), GFWC has a long history of philanthropy, social and political advocacy, and community leadership.

Photograph of Cherie Lee Williams-DeWitt, GFWC Nevada President for 2020-2022.

GFWC Nevada

What is your vision for GFWC Nevada as State President?

I plan to support organizations that improve the lives of domestic violence survivors throughout Nevada. Each year, GFWC International 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. Monies from the fund will allow GFWC to award intimate partner survivors with scholarships annually, giving them hope for a better tomorrow. The GFWC Success for Survivors Scholarship was created through GFWC’s commitment to change the lives of survivors as they positively reshape their future through higher education. The GFWC Signature Program: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Fund is fully supported by donations from GFWC members, partners, and friends. GFWC fully supports causes that uplift women. ((Cherie Lee Williams-DeWitt)

Is there a project that GFWC Nevada has achieved that you are most proud of?

This year’s celebration of Suffrage and Women Getting the Right to Vote is a testament to the impact that women made in the state of Nevada. In commemoration of Suffrage, the 2020 Nevada Day Parade will re-enact the “Living Flag” entry in the 1915 Nevada Day Parade to celebrate the passage of women’s right to vote in Nevada and to support passing the national 19th Amendment in 1920. GFWC Nevada is the organization that helps to make history in Nevada. The theme for my administration is: “We are UNITED: YOU are not alone!” With the sisterhood of women, no Nevadan woman is ever alone! (Cherie Lee Williams-DeWitt)

What are the current challenges of GFWC Nevada and its individual clubs?

The pandemic has altered how many Clubs do their business. We have learned to embrace technology and to use unconventional methods to attract members and donors. I plan to lead the Clubs and members into a brand-new world of technology fundraising. We use Zoom, digital fundraisers, and any method that we can to engage members and donors. We welcome new members, and we welcome your donations, monetary or in-kind. Feel free to contact me, and I will tell you why YOU should join us or support us. We cannot do this without you! (Cherie Lee Williams-DeWitt)

GFWC Nevada was founded in October 1908 and encompasses four clubs across the State, which include Green Valley Women’s Club, Lamoille Women’s Club, Mesquite Club, Inc., and the Past President’s Club. GFWC Nevada is a member of the Western Region of states, including Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington State, and Wyoming. GFWC Nevada State Officers and Chairmen serve two-year terms.

GFWC Nevada Past-Presidents Club

This Club consists of Past Presidents from all the Clubs within the state of Nevada. Most of these members are current members of their chosen Club. Some have retired their Club membership but remain a member of the Past Presidents Club. We cherish our Past Presidents and appreciate their support and counsel. Projects include Yellow Dot Projects and Veterans Project. Phyliss Noblitt is the current Club President.

Photograph of GFWC Green Valley Club

GFWC Green Valley Club

GFWC Green Valley (pictured above) was founded in 2000 and meets at various locations in Henderson, Nevada, twice a month. They have a hands-on project at least one meeting a month. Domestic Violence Awareness is their signature project, so they support SAFE House in Henderson, Nevada. They start the club year in August and run until May. In September, SAFE House holds a 5K called “Run for Shelter” in which they set up a booth to hand out GFWC materials. They also partner with the American Massage Therapy Association by donating free chair massages. In October, they collect and donate pumpkins along with carving kits to SAFE House. They participate in “Paint the Town Red” for Make a Difference Day, wherein they re-paint fire hydrants and no parking zones. They also do a day of service to pick up trash. In November, they adopt a lady or a family who is moving out of the SAFE House shelter and help them transition to their new home with food to stock their pantry for a month and provide personal hygiene items. On Veterans Day, they make handmade greeting cards for the veteran residents of the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City. In December, they participate in the Angel Tree program at the Galleria Mall, wherein gift requests from sponsored families are collected and fulfilled. Also, new toys are collected and donated to the USO (United Service Organizations) at McCarren Airport. In February, they make handmade Valentine cards for the veteran residents of the Nevada State Veterans Home. In March, they participate in Catholic Charities “Empty Bowls” to fight hunger. In April, they participate in Relay for Life with the American Cancer Association, wherein they decorate luminaries. Melissa Dougherty is the current Club President.

Photograph of GFWC Lamoille Women’s Club

GFWC Lamoille Women’s Club

The Lamoille Women’s Club was founded in 1918 under the name Lamoille Homemaker’s Club. Lamoille is a city located in the foothills of the beautiful Ruby Mountains in Elko County in northeastern Nevada. This very busy club meets at their clubhouse at 795 Clubhouse Lane once a month. To raise funds, the club holds the Annual Lamoille Country Fair on the last Sunday in June each year, a two-day Fall Craft Festival in mid-November at Spring Creek High School, and a spring “Hot Bowls” event. They also participate in the Lamoille Harvest Festival in October, holding a Bake Sale and Raffle. Projects include the following:

1. Harbor House is the local women’s shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. They adopt a family for the year. They provide Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving & Birthday gifts, and meals. They put up a wish tree for an adopted family. Members purchase gifts, and additional gifts are bought with budget funds. These gifts are inventoried, wrapped, and delivered with the help of club members and members of the Spring Creek High School Honor Society. They partner with the local Turkey Federation to provide Thanksgiving meals to shelter clients and provide additional food and necessities for shelter clients.
2. Community in Schools – a two-year Community Improvement Project. They provide funds and volunteer hours to help children succeed in school. Club members volunteer to pack bags with food for weekend meals for students that are in need. They participate in the Socks and Underwear Drive. Club members participated in the Shoe Drive and Dr. Seuss Party. Books were donated, and the clubhouse was decorated. Books were dropped off to the Community in Schools’ local headquarters.
3. Cookie Trays – members make cookies, wrap, and decorate trays that are delivered to first responders and law enforcement.
4. Yellow Dot Program – It consists of placing emergency medical information packets in vehicles to aid first responders. This committee makes presentations to interested groups, attends the Firemen’s Safety Picnic and the National Night Out sponsored by the Sheriff’s and Elko Police Department.
5. Veterans Project – they provide snacks and beverages to veterans traveling on the shuttle from Elko to the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center and back for appointments. They help refurbish the van for Great Basin College Veteran Services. They provide a water station and volunteers for the Warriors of the Canyon (a walk, run, or bike event) put on by the Great Basin College Veteran Services.
6. Seed Collection – they collect sagebrush seeds along with the Friends of the Rubies to help restore their beloved Ruby Mountains and Lamoille Canyon that was severely burned during fires. Members also help serve lunch to volunteers.
7. Harvest Festival Bake Sale – the CADV and Scholarship Committees put on a bake sale at the Harvest Festival, an event put on by a local church. The two committees, most club members, NYTC boys and supervisors, Spring Creek High School student volunteers, and some members of the community bake, decorate, sell, and clean-up to make this event happen. Proceeds are used to support Harbor House and for the Great Basin College re-entry scholarship.
8. Festival of Trees – participates in the Elko Festival of Trees by setting up and decorating a Christmas tree that is bided on by community members. Proceeds are distributed to a few community service organizations.
9. Wreaths Across America – a wreath is placed in front of the Elko City Hall at the war memorial. Members participate in the placing of the wreath to honor those who have given their lives for our country.
10. HOBY and Scholarships – they donate funds so one Spring Creek High School student could attend the HOBY Leadership Program.
11. Spring Creek High School Scholarship – two scholarships are awarded by the club each year.
12. Great Basin Re-Entry Scholar-ship – this re-entry scholarship is for a woman, age 25 years or older, who is re-entering the work world or continuing her education. This year we awarded one scholarship, holding back funds so that we could provide a scholarship next year.
13. Quilt Raffle – A quilt was made by Past-President Joyce Kay was raffled off with tickets sold. Donna Potter is the current Club President

Photograph of GFWC Mesquite Club

GFWC Mesquite Club

The Mesquite Club (pictured below) was founded in 1911 by a group of 20 women of Las Vegas. That was when the Las Vegas population was just over 1,000, and most of the houses were only tents. This club was named after the mesquite tree for its hardiness and usefulness. Also, many of these trees grew where there was underground water. The club meets at 702 E. St. Louis Ave., in Las Vegas with one group meeting in the daytime and the other in the evening. This is to accommodate the schedules of both working and retired women. Membership affords each woman educational, charitable, artistic, volunteer, leadership, and social opportunities. Each member participates at her own comfort level, and all work together to support local organizations, especially those that impact women and children. Social activities include poker classes, card game events, book clubs, art and craft clubs, and garden tea. This club year and last have helped women recovering from addictions that have led to incarceration and helped with a program that improves food security for seniors. They have supported homeless teens, elders, veterans, those with special needs, and support young women striving for higher education with scholarships. Other projects and partnerships include the Doris French Elementary School, Shade Tree Shelter, USO, Wounded Warriors, Melanoma Research Foundation, and Kids to Kids Reading Program. Cathi Poer is the current Club President.

What attracted you to join this organization?

Club membership is all about improving the lives of those living in communities where GFWC clubs exist, and about life-long friendships made through belonging. GFWC has, for me, meant friends in Las Vegas and friends all over the country and beyond. It has meant sharing the educational and philanthropic successes of my own clubs and those of clubs around the country and the world. GFWC clubs address many different needs and issues and always try to stay current in their focus. GFWC’s Signature Project is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention, where many projects and programs are housed under that umbrella. Currently, human trafficking, teen dating violence, elder abuse, child abuse, Native American women abuse, abuse of women in the military, and other domestic violence areas are all being addressed by member clubs. (Cathi Poer)

Why join a woman’s club?

In our transitory world where people move from place to place, and people change jobs more frequently than before, GFWC is a constant source of friendship and belonging in communities from one place to the next. Membership can be transferred, and a member can feel at home even in a new community. There is a social benefit in addition to the rewards of volunteering, and members always know that just by belonging, they are making their world a better place to live. The current pandemic has resulted in many people feeling isolated and lonely, but club members have stayed in touch and supported each other with friendship and caring. No GFWC member is ever alone. Even at a distance, the work of the organization continues through our interconnections. Meetings at all levels have gone virtual but have not ceased. Long ago, I found that my friendships tended to be tied to my workmates, and when the job changed, friendships tended to fail. That ended when I joined a GFWC club. Many of my fellow clubwomen have been friends for decades because we all care about helping others, and that bonds us together. (Cathi Poer)

“Unity in diversity” is the motto of GFWC International. Club membership is very fulfilling, and the sisterhood of clubwomen is an experience that cannot be explained, it is felt. No two clubs are exactly alike, and yet they all have a shared vision. If you love being with other women, learning, and working on projects to help your community – come and join GFWC! Your new friends are waiting!

If you wish more information about GFWC and any of its Clubs or how you can support any of their Club projects, please send an email to gfwcnevada@gmail.com. They look forward to you joining or supporting GFWC. Donations are also welcome.