What is GFWC?

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The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) is the world's oldest nonpartisan, nondenominational women's volunteer service organization.  It was founded in 1890.  Working locally in more than 6,500 clubs in the United States and globally in more than 20 countries.

The GFWC had its origins in 1890, when Sorosis, a women's literary club founded by journalist Jane Cunningham Croly, issued invitations to other women's literary clubs to form an organization with the goal of uniting "women's clubs to enhance community service by volunteers throughout the world."  During the 1990's, with local clubs in all 50 states and more than 20 countries, the organization addressed issues, such as literacy, discrimination against women, family and child welfare, and world hunger.

GFWC members support the arts, preserve natural resources, promote education, encourage healthy lifestyles, stress civic involvement, and work toward peace and understanding.  More information about the GFWC organization can be found at the GFWC Web siteThe motto of the GFWC is Unity in Diversity.  

Local GFWC clubs set their own agendas and work on projects and programs that address the specific needs of their communities.  GFWC clubs have access to tools and information that enable them to become effective grassroots advocates on public policy issues affecting families and communities.

GFWC Illinois Third District is one of twenty-two districts which make up the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs (IFWC).  IFWC and its members belong to the GFWC.  GFWC Illinois Third District was organized in 1902.  Currently there are 11 General Women's Clubs and 5 Junior Women's Clubs in the 3rd district organization.

A Collect for Club Women

Keep us, O God, from pettiness, let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.  

Let us be done with fault finding and leave off self  seeking.                                                           

May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face - without self pity, and without predjudice.            

May we never be hasty in judgement and always generous.                                                                 

Let us take time for all things; make us grow calm, serene, and gentle.                                                            

Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straight forward and unafraid.                                               

Grant that we may realize it is the little things that create differences, that in the big things of life we are as one.   

And may we strive to touch and to know the great common human heart of us all and O, Lord God, let us not forget to be kind!

                                      - Mary Stewart