GFWC Special Programs

THE LITERACY PROGRAM; TUTORING FROM THE HEART is the 2004-2006 GFWC president’s Special Project.  Program activities are designed to encourage clubs to educate members and others about adult, family and youth literacy needs through a variety of projects and programs. With the support of a grant from Proctor & Gamble Company, the goal is to train 7,500 new literacy tutors, and tutor 10,000 students, during the two-year administration. Clubwomen will examine the factors in their communities that may affect low literacy levels; work with community and school officials to access the problem; and organize initiatives that will serve as a foundation for improving literacy levels. Clubs will identify, recruit and train volunteer tutors, and identify and recruit students, by working with government groups, media, and other women’s organizations, employment offices, etc. Clubs will support the collection and distribution of books to schools, libraries and literacy centers.ADVOCATES for CHILDREN is the 2004-2006 Juniors Special Project. This project is intended to encourage members and others to become active advocates for children by working to prepare them for the future, protect them from harmful situations and prevent substance abuse and youth suicide. Club and community projects encompassing child-centered issues include the following:  the child safety seat occupant identification program, WHALE ((We Have A Little Emergency); participating as a representative for the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Family Advocacy network; promoting and distributing informational materials from the Child Welfare league of America on positive parenting; and distributing  informational materials at schools and teen centers on preventing drug abuse, smoking, suicide and more. As with so many GFWC programs and projects the scope and range of “Advocates for Children” allows clubs flexibility in adapting the project to meet specific community needs. In 2004-2006, The GFWC COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CONTEST continues to encourage clubs to implement activities that will meet the needs and improve the quality of life for people living in their communities. Clubs study their communities and initiates projects specifically designed to address the problem(s) discovered as a result of their research. This contest encourages clubs to collaborate and form coalitions with a variety of groups, including elected officials, industry, business and the media, and work together toward a common goal. In as much as individual community needs do not always fall within GFWC’s six departments, this special contest allows clubs to exercise their ingenuity and flexibility in providing services to fit local needs.  Substantial award monies are available for clubs winning the Community Improvement Contest competition. The GFWC Community Improvement Contest exemplifies GFWC’s mission as an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.

 

Anchorage Woman's Club is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC)

Our Mission

The 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.