Programs and Contest
GFWC Signature Program and Juniors' Special Program
Become A Champion – Know the Program!
The goal of the GFWC Signature Program is to increase awareness of and help prevent the widespread occurrence of domestic and sexual violence abuse in communities across the nation by working with national domestic violence networks, supporting existing activities, working with various established programs, and initiating educational opportunities for club members and local citizens. GFWC aims to be a powerful voice for victims and survivors.
CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
GFWC Juniors’ Special Program is designed to encourage all Woman’s, Junior, Juniorette, and International Affiliate Clubs to make a difference in the life of a child by being an advocate. The program was envisioned as a way for clubwomen to provide a voice for children and to teach and encourage parents and other caregivers to advocate for children at the grassroots level.
GFWC Community Service Projects
“BEFORE A CHILD TALKS, THEY SING. BEFORE THEY
WRITE, THEY DRAW. AS SOON AS THEY STAND,
THEY DANCE. ART IS FUNDAMENTAL TO HUMAN EXPRESSION.” PHYLICIA RASHAD
The current edition of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word “ART”
as follows: “art” (noun) 1. “the expression or application of human creative skill and
imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing
works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power…”
The same learned tome defines the word “culture” in this manner: “cul-ture” (noun) 2. “the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people or other social group…”
However, one chooses to define the words; collectively, those two small words
speak volumes as they define us, who we are, what we believe and strive to accomplish today, and what we leave for future generations. Combined,
the two are subjects of study primarily concerned with the processes and products of human creativity and social life, such as languages, literature, imagination, developing the technical ability to create something from nothing, and the capacity to bridge the things that separate us from one another; age, education, location, religion, or economic disparity. Arts and Culture create common ground on which to build a mutual understanding and respect of one for the other.
Art and culture combine to define our basic humanness and can be found in every location around the planet as we work to make our lives better and to find things that we enjoy, either as a group socially or as an individual. In the study, development, and love of the arts and culture, there truly is… ”SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!!!”
Another quote from Ms. Rashad, “Where the Women go, the Culture goes!” should be the rallying cry for all clubs, Districts, and State Federations within GFWC. Our members should represent the vanguard in leading the development of projects and programs to highlight and focus support for all aspects of human expression. From local activities like awarding
art scholarships, sponsoring local and school art contests, participating in community beautification projects, assisting little theater activities, sustaining library growth and expansion, developing photography contests, backing local choral performances…and not just sponsoring but participating in the above activities…
contribute to a GFWC approved statewide project. Or perhaps reach out to sister clubs in our GFWC
International network to learn about their arts, local customs, and culture. By learning from them and
sharing what we know, we expand our horizons and develop a greater understanding of our world and the people with whom we share it
The GFWC Arts and Culture Community Service Program hopes to provide the impetus for the development of and the appreciation for Art and Culture throughout all our involved communities; be
they rural or urban, sophisticated or not, rich or poor, and at every level, from beginner to expert.
The Arts and Culture Community Service Program exists to provide creative project ideas, support to
ensure greater impact, and encourage club women to participate in and/or otherwise facilitate a love
and appreciation for the arts across their community and within their entire sphere of influence.
“OUR TROUBLE IS THAT WE DO NOT DEMAND
ENOUGH OF THE PEOPLE WHO REPRESENT US. WE ARE
RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIVITIES… WE MUST SPUR
THEM TO MORE IMAGINATION AND ENTERPRISE IN
MAKING A PUSH INTO THE UNKNOWN; WE MUST MAKE
CLEAR THAT WE INTEND TO HAVE RESPONSIBLE AND
COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP.” ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
In the Preface of Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, an authoritative
work edited by Thomas Ehrlich and published by Oryx Press in 2000, it is
noted that “Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic
life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills,
values, and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality
of life in a community through both political and non-political processes.”
More generally, according to The Center For Civic Leadership at the
Alfred State School of Technology of the State University of New York, civic
engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of your
community. It involves action by individuals or groups to engage with issues
of public concern by taking action, being a problem solver, and working to
address the root cause of community challenges. What a perfect description
of the GFWC Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program!
The GFWC Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program
reminds GFWC members that each member is part of a larger society and
we are responsible for taking actions that will create a better quality of life
and foster a sense of community—locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.
GFWC focuses on addressing issues of public concern.
Volunteering is one of the best ways to put civic duty into action, and it is often
the first step in building a stronger connection to community. However, there
are other ways to contribute, such as advocating, fundraising or donating,
and problem-solving. Locally, even supporting small businesses and keeping
an eye on your neighbor can play a part in improving the community. The
possibilities are endless. We advocate because there is a need; we volunteer
because we are needed. GFWC’s focus continues to be addressing issues
impacting our local, state, and national communities.
Citizenship, Crime Prevention, Safety, Disaster Preparedness, the Needy,
Hungry, and Homeless, and Military Personnel and Veterans are just a few
suggestions for areas of concern impacted by GFWC Clubwomen during
its history. What is needed in your community? Look around your own
community and to the wider world for ways to make a positive impact.
“LEARNING IS NOT ATTAINED BY CHANCE; IT MUST BE
SOUGHT FOR WITH ARDOR AND ATTENDED TO WITH
DILIGENCE.” ABIGAIL ADAMS
Equitable, quality education is the key to acquiring the knowledge to succeed in
our ever-changing world. Whether in the classroom or via the internet, we gain the
knowledge and understanding that forms our perspective, our ideas, and our opinions.
It is essential that society provides the best education to all, with no exception to socioeconomic
status, race, ethnicity, or gender.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education encourages students to
pursue careers in the STEM fields. Students learn through interaction, problem-solving,
creativity, communication, and collaboration. This approach to learning can help meet
the challenges of the future and enable them to be successful individuals.
Equitable access to affordable, high-quality early learning programs provides a safe and
nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual
development of young children. Early childhood is generally defined as birth through
age eight. Five Key Elements are fundamental to achieving high-quality experiences
and strong outcomes for preschool children: the learning environment, daily routine,
adult-child relationships, teaching practices, and family engagement. Economic
research examining the return on investment for early education suggests tremendous
value ranging from $4 to $13 in return for every $1 spent from impacts on educational
attainment, employment, health, truancy, and criminality.
Public libraries serve a critical purpose and essential role in our communities not only
from books and resources but also as a safe place to meet, learn, and study for all ages.
Shining light on public libraries is an important mission to meet the needs of its patrons
and the community. They offer free access to all people for information through books,
online services, classes, workshops, etc. Libraries can be a safe place for children and
adults to learn and interact with friends.
In the 1930s GFWC women’s clubs were credited by the American Library Association as
having founded over 474 free public libraries and 4,655 traveling libraries. Supporting
local libraries continues to be a Federation priority today. Above all, be supportive of
your library and implement a project at your library that makes your club proud.
Epsilon Sigma Omicron (ESO) is an honorary educational society open to all per-capita
dues paying GFWC members. The purpose of ESO is to provide clubwomen with
a structural reading program, which is educational and stimulates a desire for selfimprovement.
Are you an ESO member?
As clubwomen, GFWC members promote education for both children and adults.
Projects in the Education and Libraries Community Service Program are designed
to foster schools and other educational institutions and opportunities, and promote
libraries, literacy, and reading good books. Through these efforts, we encourage the
growth of individuals and communities at home and around the world.
“HERE IS YOUR COUNTRY. CHERISH THESE NATURAL
WONDERS, CHERISH THE NATURAL RESOURCES,
CHERISH THE HISTORY AND ROMANCE AS A SACRED
HERITAGE FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR CHILDREN’S
CHILDREN. DO NOT LET SELFISH MEN OR GREEDY
INTERESTS SKIN YOUR COUNTRY OF ITS BEAUTY, ITS
RICHES OR ITS ROMANCE.” THEODORE ROOSEVELT
The environment is the sum of all living and non-living elements and their
effects that influence human life. It functions to provide a supply of resources,
both renewable and non-renewable. Humans enjoy the beauty of nature from
flowing rivers, towering mountains, waves of grassy life, and vast spaces of
desert.
Humans are the caregivers of the earth and influence the continual changes in
the natural ecological process with our actions. Deforestation, pollution, habitat
destruction, extinction of species, and fossil fuel emissions have all placed the
habitat of humans, animals, and plants in jeopardy.
As caretakers of our most precious of resources, our environment, there is
much we can do as stewards of the earth by working to preserve the world’s
resources, protect wildlife and domesticated animals, live sustainably, beautify
our communities, and enjoy nature. With many of the world’s scientists
forecasting a climate emergency, we are called to act now. It is vitally important
we do our responsive part within our power to care for our planet.
Keep close to nature’s heart. Enjoy your surroundings. A nation that destroys its
soils destroys life. Enjoy the seasons of our outdoors and remember to look up
and take in your surroundings.
“THE POWER OF COMMUNITY TO CREATE HEALTH
IS FAR GREATER THAN ANY PHYSICIAN, CLINIC OR
HOSPITAL” MARK HYMAN, M.D.
The “Wellness Wheel” first came about in the late 1970s as the brainchild of Dr. Bill
Hettler. His principle was that we can live healthier, fuller, and better lives by being
attentive to our balance and awareness in various areas of our lives. The original
model, known as the “Six Dimensions of Wellness,” contained 6 different sections that
relate to a certain aspect of life. This visualization helps to focus on these facts and
allows us to see how each is connected and how they, in turn, can affect overall health.
This Community Service Program aims to explore the various opportunities for
awareness and advancement of each of these vital areas:
• Disease awareness and prevention involves understanding the causes,
symptoms, and ways to prevent diseases, including social determinants
and health inequity. This includes screenings, vaccinations, and sharing
information.
• Nutrition is a key element in the quest for good health. Wise food choices,
proper usage of vitamins and supplements, and food allergy awareness help
maintain a healthy lifestyle free of weakened conditions and chronic illness.
• Physical and emotional care encompass behaviors to manage a healthy body,
mind, and spirit throughout life. This includes physical, intellectual, emotional,
spiritual, environmental, and social well-being.
A few facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include:
• The risk of heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the
United States, can be reduced with moderate-intensity aerobic activity.
• Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States have some form of heart
disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women at any age. In
2021, it was responsible for the deaths of 310,661 women — about 1 in every
5 female deaths. Research has shown that only about half, 56% of US women,
recognize heart disease is their number 1 killer.
• The average number of stroke deaths is higher among females than males
every month.
• Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia? Dementia is an overall term for a particular
group of symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease is one cause of dementia.
• A regular fitness regimen can also reduce your risk of developing type 2
diabetes and several cancers such as bladder, breast, colon, and lung, and
heart disease and strokes.
• As we age, physical activity can slow the loss of bone density, reduce the risk
of falling, and help with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions affecting the
joints.
• Regular physical activity helps to keep your thinking, learning, and judgment
skills sharp and reduces your risk of depression and anxiety and helps you
sleep better.
• 150 minutes of physical activity a week can reduce and lower your risk for
these diseases. The good news is that moderate physical activity, such as
walking, is generally safe for most people.
GFWC Advancement Areas
Today, communication entails a Four-Step Process which is planning,
strategizing, executing, and evaluating tactics used to get your message
out. What is a tactic? Some tactical forms include using visual, written,
digital, and audible forms of communication. For your club to become
even more efficient and resourceful, you must consider taking the time
to develop and execute a marketing communications plan, one that
encompasses the Four-Step Process to effectively engage your members,
prospects, and your local community leaders.
Engaged members are more satisfied, will see more value in their
membership, and will participate in more activities. But how do you
create an experience that’s truly meaningful to your members?
You need to first create a MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS PLAN. It is
the first step in understanding your membership! It is how you will shape
content that will educate, inform, and motivate current members as well
as potential NEW members. Executed properly, a good communications
plan will also help you RETAIN members.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN – ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS!
What do you want your communications to do? Once you define your goal, you’ll need to figure out how to reach it by employing one or more of these tactics or tools.
Next, you’ll want to establish how you expect your communications to influence your members. What do you expect to happen as a result? Understanding and having a realistic expectation of results defined in your overall strategy is key when evaluating the success of each tactic and can help when adjustments are needed.
This guide will walk you through creating a solid communications strategy, define the following tactics, and outline the tools that you can utilize to reach your club’s goals and objectives.
Branding
Public Relations
Club Communications
Website
Social Media
Digital Meeting Capabilities
“GIVING IS NOT JUST ABOUT MAKING
A DONATION, IT’S ABOUT MAKING A
DIFFERENCE.” KATHY CALVIN
Fundraising plays a vital role in your efforts to make a difference in
your community, club, and with club members. Fundraisers provide
an opportunity to work with others in your community to support local
projects, charitable causes, affiliate organizations, your club’s community
service and outreach projects, or GFWC. Successful fundraising can
increase your club’s visibility in the community, foster cooperation,
provide a sense of accomplishment, cultivate pride and ownership in
the organization, and create life-long friendships—all while building a
stronger and better club.
Educate, Energize, and Empower your members to choose a fundraising
idea, plan a successful event, advance and promote your club and
GFWC, and gain recognition for your fundraising efforts. If you have
questions or need assistance, please contact any of the Fundraising
Committee Members, who are happy to help.
LEADERSHIP IS PERSONAL
DEVELOPMENT AND INFLUENCE
This Advancement Plan contains valuable information, including practical
ideas and resources to assist States, Districts, and clubs in developing
leadership skills in their members. Whatever talent you use, leadership
always involves taking risks, being innovative, and promoting new
directions. Some may talk about being born leaders, but most of us
learn how to be a strong leader, and we should never stop learning and
stretching. Just as “management” as a philosophy has evolved through
the years into “leadership,” there has also been a growing realization that
leadership development involves personal growth and improvement and
influencing and fostering others.
Specific leadership areas have been addressed in this plan, and we
are pleased to revise and expand the Leadership Toolkit. An index
and directions for accessing the Member Portal are available in this
plan. Additionally, we will continue to offer leadership development,
resources, and opportunities.
“EVERY GREAT DREAM BEGINS WITH A
DREAMER. ALWAYS REMEMBER, YOU HAVE
WITHIN YOU THE STRENGTH, THE PATIENCE AND
THE PASSION TO REACH FOR THE STARS TO
CHANGE THE WORLD.” HARRIET TUBMAN
For more than 130 years, GFWC members have raised awareness of
specific issues requiring attention at the national level through their
advocacy efforts. GFWC members’ advocacy efforts are practical, not
political. GFWC members worked to pass laws affecting highway safety,
juvenile justice, women’s suffrage, the rights of the disabled, equal pay
for women, and increased resources for victims of domestic violence,
sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Our efforts can change
lives! Our empathetic members use public advocacy to seek solutions to
local, state, and national concerns. Our organization is strengthened by
resolutions and advocacy, which make a difference.
During the 2024–2026 Administration, the Legislation/Public Policy
Committee is guided by our theme, Raise Our United Voices. The goals
of the Legislation/Public Policy Committee during this Administration
include:
• Increasing advocacy through the Legislative Action Center.
• Educating members about GFWC’s legislative priorities.
• Promoting Legislative Advocacy as the natural extension of our
members’ volunteer work for each of the Special Programs and all
the Community Service Programs.
• Building relationships with the local, state, regional, and national
decision-makers.
• Establishing the GFWC name as a brand that lawmakers and the
community recognize.
• Mobilizing our members to raise a united voice to advocate for
GFWC and its legislative priorities.
UNITY IN DIVERSITY
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is proudly represented in
thousands of communities around the world by dedicated volunteers
who work to better the lives of others, make cities and towns better
places to live, and extend the hand of friendship to those near and far.
We are individuals of diverse talents, interests, and backgrounds united
by a dedication to community improvement through volunteer service.
GFWC offers a network of support for more than 60,000 clubwomen
who volunteer on a local, state, national, and international level. Working
together, we constitute a powerful, service-oriented organization that
encourages volunteerism through training and coaching, leadership
opportunities, personal enrichment, and many other benefits. Various
GFWC resources, from members-only materials to legislative alerts,
support individuals and clubs in their volunteer efforts.
The many benefits of belonging to GFWC include:
• Strength in Unity. GFWC members strengthen their voice in
shaping public issues and policy through the combined efforts of
women serving in their club, District, State Federation, Region, or
at the national level.
• Support and encouragement. GFWC offers members a network
of women with similar interests and concerns. Fun, fellowship, and
lasting friendships are a large part of the GFWC experience.
• Leadership training and professional development. Knowledge
and experience acquired through GFWC volunteer training and
community service can enhance a personal resume and open
the door to new career or personal opportunities. They can also
prompt new academic pursuits and success in a wide variety of
fields.
• A varied volunteer menu. GFWC offers many national resources
to help clubs plan and create community service projects in
the diverse areas of Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement and
Outreach, Education and Libraries, Environment, and Health and
Wellness. GFWC also supports Special Programs that advance
issues of Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention
and encourages members to become Advocates for Children.
• Health and happiness. Studies show that the personal satisfaction
that comes from making a positive difference helps volunteers live
longer, function better, suffer fewer ills, and enjoy life to the fullest.
WHRC: EDUCATE, ENGAGE, AND EMPOWER
2024-2026 Emphasis:
• To educate members and others about GFWC’s history and impact
and the historical contributions of others.
• To engage community leaders and citizens in projects and
programs that document GFWC and local history, restore and
preserve historic buildings and artifacts, and that honor and
celebrate GFWC, individual, and community achievements.
• To empower GFWC and community members in collaborative
efforts to create a better future.
Since the Federation’s founding in 1890, GFWC members have
understood the historic significance of the organization’s mission to
improve communities through volunteer service. To preserve and better
document GFWC history and member’s work on local, state, national,
and international levels, the Women’s History and Resource Center of
the General Federation of Women’s Clubs officially opened at GFWC
Headquarters in Washington, DC, on May 1, 1984.
Regardless of the focus of a community service project, it may benefit from
a historical perspective. The WHRC strives to educate and inspire GFWC
members and potential members, the research community, and the public
to explore the rich, historical role of women volunteers through GFWC’s
expansive collections.
The WHRC offers access to readily available reference services, an online
research catalog, educational programs and publications, creative exhibits,
and dynamic partnerships to all those interested in using its resources.
Benefits of membership made possible through the WHRC include
preservation of historic records, buildings, and artifacts; and creative ways
to use GFWC’s history for community outreach.
GFWC’s history is full of examples of successful projects that demonstrate
the important relationship between grassroots and international efforts,
the significance of long-range planning and thoughtful organization, and
the value of community service in developing strong and compassionate
leaders.
The GFWC Women’s History and Resource Center Advancement Guide
encourages every club to investigate and document its own history by
learning about GFWC’s past. Use the guide to explore and share GFWC’s
amazing history while documenting your own!
GFWC Awards, Contest & Grants
THE GFWC JENNIE AWARD HONORS ONE CLUBWOMAN FROM EACH GFWC REGION FOR OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT TO CLUB, COMMUNITY, AND FAMILY.
“I have never done anything that was not helpful to women, so far as it lay in my power.” – Jane Cunningham Croly (placed on grave marker dedicated at GFWC’s Centennial in 1991)
The GFWC Jennie Award is the only national honor bestowed by GFWC that recognizes individual members for personal excellence. Club members are nominated by their clubs to compete at State, Regional, and National levels for the Federation’s highest honor.
The Jennie Award is named in honor of GFWC’s founder, Jane Cunningham Croly, who wrote for national newspapers under the pseudonym “Jennie June.” The award is an occasion to highlight extraordinary clubwomen who epitomize Croly’s spirit of independence, courage, and persistence through their roles as volunteers within their clubs, representatives of their community, and as members of a family or extended family. Although GFWC has many awards for states and clubs, the GFWC Jennie Award is the only national honor that recognizes individual members for personal excellence. Since it is an award for lifetime personal excellence, club presidents should consider utilizing the knowledge of club historians or members of long-standing for Jennie Award nominees. Club presidents should be mindful of first impressions and make the nominee’s packet of supporting materials as professional as possible as it may be judged at the different levels by influential community leaders.
The GFWC Jennie Award Nomination Form is included on the last page of this section and may be downloaded from the GFWC Member Portal.
THE GFWC COMMUNITY IMPACT PROGRAM AWARDS OFFER GFWC CLUBS FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO IMPLEMENT PROJECTS THAT BRING CHANGE TO A LOCAL COMMUNITY.
The Community Impact Program Awards are designed to encourage and recognize the positive effects a club can have on specific needs in their community.
As GFWC’s longest standing project, the Community Impact Program Awards has evolved since its introduction to members in 1949, still the goals remain the same, to reward clubs for effective community projects that benefit from opportunities for growing club membership, enhancing leadership skills, building relationships with individuals and community groups, and creating public awareness of the club and GFWC.
Community Impact Projects should make a visual, physical, or emotional impact at the grassroots level. They are projects that bring awareness to what GFWC volunteering is all about.
NEWSLETTERS ARE ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT METHODS OF INFORMING GFWC MEMBERS ABOUT CURRENT, ONGOING, AND NEW INITIATIVES.
This GFWC Newsletter Contest encourages clubs and State Federations to establish a strong newsletter program aimed at increasing awareness about ongoing projects, programs, events, and issues that affect GFWC members and communities. This type of publication need not be elaborate or lengthy. Substance is more important than style. A newsletter should be informative and generate enthusiasm, all while contributing to public relations outreach, membership recruitment and retention, and program development. The newsletter should always display the GFWC emblem.
TELL YOUR STORY WITH PHOTOGRAPHS
The GFWC Photography Contests encourage members’ artistic
expression and visual storytelling while recognizing originality, visual
impact, and technical skill in photography. You don’t need an expensive
camera to take great pictures. Today’s cell phones provide a way to take
creative photographs that are contest worthy.
GFWC offers two opportunities to participate in the Photography
Contests.
THE WORLD IN PICTURES CONTEST
These photographs showcase the people, places, and things at home
and around the world that impact our lives in a meaningful way, as
expressed in these three categories:
• Our World Up Close—
Create a visual that offers a novel
viewpoint or a macro image that takes the viewer into a whole
new, tiny world. Macro photography creates photos of small
items that appear to be larger than life-size. Some common
examples are bugs or parts of flowers.
• Natural Wonders—Use wide angles and panoramas, or
landscape images, to showcase mountains, meadows,
sandhills, rivers, waterfalls, oceans, deserts, or any other
magnificent vista. The emphasis is on NATURAL.
• Reflections—Feature an object, setting, situation, or landmark
that is reflected in glass, water, or another mirrored surface.
GFWC Living the Volunteer Spirit – These photos capture the special moments in the lives of GFWC clubwomen as they actively meet, plan, advocate, volunteer, or celebrate, in groups or one-on-one.
“A WOMAN WITH A VOICE IS BY DEFINITION A STRONG WOMAN. BUT THE SEARCH TO FIND THAT VOICE CAN BE REMARKABLY DIFFICULT.” – MELINDA GATES
Club and state websites can offer an almost unlimited amount of information for prospective, new, and current members. Having an online presence helps increase your club and state outreach while promoting the GFWC Brand.
The GFWC Website Contest aims to challenge clubs and State Federations to employ their websites as membership tools with organized and updated content that presents a professional and credible source of information. A website that is updated weekly presents the information to your members and potential members in a timely manner. This is a great source to spread the word of the Federation on the web.
Texas Best Picture of a Grandchild (best and most interesting picture. not the cutest grandchild).
Best Texas that is also entered into one of the other Photography categories.
“EITHER WRITE SOMETHING WORTH READING OR DO SOMETHING WORTH WRITING.” BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Inspire creativity. Educate, engage, and empower members and your school communities through self-expression. Promote participation in GFWC-sponsored writing contests to foster community spirit, talent, and growth as writers. Contest entries in short stories and poetry are open to club members and youth in grades K-12. Encourage members and youth to write a story or a poem to express their thoughts and share their voices.
GFWC Texas Contest
GFWC Awards, Contest & Grants
Reporting Period: January 1—December 31
Club Entry Rules Deadline: February 1
1. Club may select ONE program to report as their Outstanding Americanism Program.
2. USE GFWC Texas Club Level Reporting Entry Form AS A COVER SHEET. Submit Form, narra-
tive and supporting materials to District Outstanding Americanism Program Chairman, post-
marked by February 1.
3. Report must be typewritten, double spaced, using only ONE side of 8 1/2 x 11” paper.
4. SUPPORT MATERIALS: Send newspaper articles, photographs, a copy of the program, etc. or
audio visual aids.
5. Complete entry not to exceed five (5) pages including GFWC Texas Club Level Reporting
Entry Form.
District Judging Rules Deadline: February 20
District Chairman submits the following to the GFWC Texas State Chairman:
1. District Chairman Award List as the cover sheet, reporting first and second place winners in each
membership category. Cat. I (5-15) Cat. II (16-20) Cat. III (21-40) Cat. IV (41-75) Cat. V
(76+).
2. District Chairman’s Narrative (2 pages single-spaced) describing all entries.
3. Originals of First Place Winners’ Reports and Cover Sheets.
District Chairman submits the following to the District First Vice President:
1. Copy of District Chairman’s Award List.
2. Copy of District Chairman’s Narrative.
Criteria For Judging:
Originality, program subject matter’s pertinence to GFWC/TFWC program/projects,
club member participation, objective of program, and success of program’s objective.
Community involvement will also be considered.
Cross Reporting:
This program may also be reported, in abbreviated form, to the District Leadership or Civic
Engagement Outreach Chairman.
State Judging Rules Deadline: March 15
1. GFWC Texas State Chairman will declare a First and Second Place winner in each member cate-
gory.
2. State Chairman shall send one copy of GFWC Texas State Chairman’s Award List along with her
State Chairman’s narrative to the GFWC Texas First Vice President.
Award certificates will be presented to winners at GFWC Texas Spring Convention.
Reporting Period: January 1—December 31
Club Entry Rules Deadline: February 1
1. Club may select ONE program to report as their Outstanding Club Program.
2. USE GFWC Texas Club Level Reporting Entry Form AS A COVER SHEET. Submit Form,
narrative and supporting materials to District Outstanding Club Program Chairman, post-
marked by February 1.
3. MUST be typewritten, double spaced, using only ONE side of 8 1/2 x 11” paper.
4. SUPPORT MATERIALS: Send newspaper articles, photographs, a copy of the program,
etc. or audio visual aids.
5. Complete entry not to exceed five (5) pages including GFWC Texas Club Level Re-
porting Entry Form.
District Judging Rules Deadline: February 20
District Chairman submits the following to the GFWC Texas State Chairman:
1. District Chairman Award List as the cover sheet, reporting first and second place winners in
each membership category. Cat. I (5-15) Cat. II (16-20) Cat. III (21-40) Cat. IV (41-
75) Cat. V (76+)
2. District Chairman’s Narrative (2 pages single-spaced) describing all entries.
3. Originals of First Place Winners’ Reports and Cover Sheets.
District Chairman submits the following to the District First Vice President:
1. Copy of District Chairman’s Award List.
2. Copy of District Chairman’s Narrative.
Criteria for Judging:
Originality, program subject matter’s pertinence to GFWC/TFWC program/projects,
club member participation, objective of program, and success of program’s objective.
Community involvement will also be considered.
Cross Reporting:
This program may also be reported in any other one area where it is appropriate
(depending on subject matter).
State Judging Rules Deadline: March 15
1. GFWC Texas State Chairman will declare a First and Second Place winner in each mem-
ber category.
2. State Chairman shall send one copy of GFWC Texas State Chairman Award List along
with her State Chairman’s narrative to the GFWC Texas First Vice President.
Award certificates will be presented to winners at GFWC Texas Spring Convention.
1. Each club is encouraged to submit one program for award consideration.
2. USE GFWC Texas Club Level Reporting Entry Form AS A COVER SHEET. Submit Form,
narrative and supporting materials to District Outstanding Federation Program Chairman,
postmarked by February 1.
3. Report MUST be typewritten, double spaced, using only ONE side of 8 1/2 x 11” paper.
4. SUPPORT MATERIALS: Send newspaper articles, photographs, a copy of the program,
etc. or audio visual aids.
5. Complete entry not to exceed five (5) pages including GFWC Texas Club Level Re-
porting Entry Form.
Criteria for Judging:
Originality, program subject matter’s pertinence to GFWC/TFWC program/projects,
club member participation, objective of program, and success of program’s objective.
Community involvement will also be considered.
Cross Reporting:
This program may also be reported, in abbreviated form, to the District Leadership
Chairman.
District Judging Rules Deadline: February 20
District Chairman submits the following to the GFWC Texas State Chairman:
1. District Chairman Award List as the cover sheet, reporting first and second place winners in
each membership category. Cat. I (5-15) Cat. II (16-20) Cat. III (21-40) Cat. IV (41-
75) Cat. V (76+).
2. District Chairman’s Narrative (2 pages single-spaced) describing all entries.
3. Originals of First Place Winners’ Reports and Cover Sheets.
District Chairman submits the following to the District First Vice President:
1. Copy of District Chairman’s Award List.
2. Copy of District Chairman’s Narrative.
State Judging Rules
Deadline: March 15
1. TFWC Chairman will declare a First and Second Place winner in each member category.
2. Chairman shall send one copy of GFWC Texas State Chairman Award List along with her
State Chairman’s narrative to the GFWC Texas First Vice President.
Award certificates will be presented to winners at GFWC Texas Spring Convention.
PURPOSE:
To recognize today’s clubwoman for her commitment to Federation and its ideals through involve-
ment in club, district, TFWC and GFWC programs/projects, to recognize her leadership abilities
and to honor her for outstanding volunteer service in her community and world.
ELIGIBILITY:
● Nominee must be a member of a PER CAPITA dues paying club, in good standing with TFWC.
● Nominee SHALL NOT be an elected officer of the district.
● Nominee SHALL NOT be a member, elected or appointed, of the TFWC Executive Committee or
a Past State President.
ENTRY RULES:
1. Each per capita dues paying club, in good standing with TFWC, shall be entitled to ONE
nominee.
2. Nominee shall be nominated for her service, leadership and volunteerism in support of a
GFWC / TFWC (or club sponsored) program/project for the current year (Jan. 1—Dec. 31)
3. The nomination, which shall not exceed five (5) pages, shall include:
Cover Sheet (GFWC Texas Club Level Reporting Entry Sheet)
Outline (general description of resume to follow)
Narrative
Photograph (3 1/2 x 5” photo of nominee) Photo MUST accompany
nomination.
4. Narrative MUST be typewritten, double-spaced, using only ONE side of 8 1/2 x 11” page.
5. Entry MUST be signed by the Club president and secretary.
6. DO NOT SEND artwork, press clippings, letters of endorsement or ANY other supporting
materials.
AWARD:
● One Outstanding Clubwoman / Volunteer award will be given annually.
● Each District will name ONE recipient. The District winner will be given special recognition at
the District Spring Convention.
● District Chairman shall send recipient’s complete nomination packet to the GFWC Texas Out-
standing Clubwoman Volunteer Chairman along with GFWC Texas Club Level Reporting Entry
Sheet by February 20.
● GFWC Texas will award ONE of the District winners the high honor of GFWC Texas Outstand-
ing Clubwoman Volunteer of the Year. At the Annual Spring Convention the GFWC Texas
President will present the GFWC Texas recipient an engraved plaque; the cost of which shall
not exceed $50.00 (paid for by GFWC Texas).
JUDGING CRITERIA:
1. Club activities for current year……………………………….. 50% of total score
2. Previous club activities………………………………………… 15% of total score
3. Community activities, current and previous…………………. 20% of total score
4. GFWC / TFWC activities………………………………………. 5% of total score