WELCOME TO GFWC-NEW YORK
The General Federation of Women' Clubs is an international women's organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.
GFWC clubs and clubwomen are the fabric that binds 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 simply 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, it's clubs and members remain committed to serving as a force for global good, as it has done since it's formation 129 years ago.
To All GFWC-NY Club members,
March 25, 2020
Hello Everyone,
In the light of the COVID-19, we made history today! GFWC-NY held the first ever Zoom Meeting to connect the Executive Committee, officers, advisors and others. For many of us, we were actually able to see each other on the computer screen. It went very well, with each person being respectful and taking turns talking to discuss various topics. I am so proud of our state leaders dividing and conquering the business at hand and that we have everything under control.
We discussed the GFWC-NY Convention and because of the COVID-19 situation have voted to reschedule it from the original May date. More details will follow once everything has been finalized for September 11, 12, and 13, 2020 at the Marriott Hotel in Albany. It will also coincide with the new administration’s GFWC-NY September Board meeting.
The most pressing issue of the State Convention is the election of officers. It is imperative that elections be held so that the new leaders are in place for the 2020-2022 administration and our work can continue.
The slate of officers was published in the March Empire Focus/Call to Convention. We do have a full slate, so therefore, as per our bylaws, the secretary can cast one unanimous ballot for each office. As per Article XI, Sec. 11.2 State Elections, if there is only one candidate for an office, the candidate can be declared elected by acclamation.
As a part of Convention business, we usually vote on proposed resolutions and bylaw revisions at the State Convention. However, this year we will be handling it differently. The proposed resolutions were printed in the Call and the proposed bylaw revisions will be following shortly. We will be voting on these via email before the actual convention in September.
We also discussed the GFWC Photography Contest. GFWC-NY Photography Chairman, Pat Block, was contacted by GFWC Photography Chairman, Tammie McCoy. “The majority of you complete the judging at your state conventions. Most of you indicated that your 2020 conventions have either been postponed or cancelled and due to the closure of GFWC Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the GFWC Executive Committee decided to cancel the photography contest for this year.” Please DO NOT send any ‘Year in Pictures’ to GFWC.
However, the GFWC Writing Contest will be held as entries can be mailed or emailed to the GFWC Writing Contest Chairman.
Finally, the GFWC Convention in Atlanta, GA is still being held. The early bird reservation for GFWC Convention, June 27 to July 1, has been extended to June 1, 2020. This gives you a bit more time to plan to join us in Atlanta.
As per Mary Ellen Brock, GFWC International President, who said it so succinctly, “leadership is not about what you are called, but the example you show by your actions. You are true leaders who have chosen to do what is right for your state, not what is easy. Your actions have unified and strengthened your state and GFWC. We will come through this and shine. Know that my prayers are with you.”
Thank you for your help and support during this difficult time. Please mark your calendars accordingly. Other emails will be sent shortly.
Yours in Federation and Friendship, Candace
Candace Edwards
President, GFWC-NY
*Please note that the Arts & Crafts contests have been cancelled.
March 25, 2020
Hello Everyone,
In the light of the COVID-19, we made history today! GFWC-NY held the first ever Zoom Meeting to connect the Executive Committee, officers, advisors and others. For many of us, we were actually able to see each other on the computer screen. It went very well, with each person being respectful and taking turns talking to discuss various topics. I am so proud of our state leaders dividing and conquering the business at hand and that we have everything under control.
We discussed the GFWC-NY Convention and because of the COVID-19 situation have voted to reschedule it from the original May date. More details will follow once everything has been finalized for September 11, 12, and 13, 2020 at the Marriott Hotel in Albany. It will also coincide with the new administration’s GFWC-NY September Board meeting.
The most pressing issue of the State Convention is the election of officers. It is imperative that elections be held so that the new leaders are in place for the 2020-2022 administration and our work can continue.
The slate of officers was published in the March Empire Focus/Call to Convention. We do have a full slate, so therefore, as per our bylaws, the secretary can cast one unanimous ballot for each office. As per Article XI, Sec. 11.2 State Elections, if there is only one candidate for an office, the candidate can be declared elected by acclamation.
As a part of Convention business, we usually vote on proposed resolutions and bylaw revisions at the State Convention. However, this year we will be handling it differently. The proposed resolutions were printed in the Call and the proposed bylaw revisions will be following shortly. We will be voting on these via email before the actual convention in September.
We also discussed the GFWC Photography Contest. GFWC-NY Photography Chairman, Pat Block, was contacted by GFWC Photography Chairman, Tammie McCoy. “The majority of you complete the judging at your state conventions. Most of you indicated that your 2020 conventions have either been postponed or cancelled and due to the closure of GFWC Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the GFWC Executive Committee decided to cancel the photography contest for this year.” Please DO NOT send any ‘Year in Pictures’ to GFWC.
However, the GFWC Writing Contest will be held as entries can be mailed or emailed to the GFWC Writing Contest Chairman.
Finally, the GFWC Convention in Atlanta, GA is still being held. The early bird reservation for GFWC Convention, June 27 to July 1, has been extended to June 1, 2020. This gives you a bit more time to plan to join us in Atlanta.
As per Mary Ellen Brock, GFWC International President, who said it so succinctly, “leadership is not about what you are called, but the example you show by your actions. You are true leaders who have chosen to do what is right for your state, not what is easy. Your actions have unified and strengthened your state and GFWC. We will come through this and shine. Know that my prayers are with you.”
Thank you for your help and support during this difficult time. Please mark your calendars accordingly. Other emails will be sent shortly.
Yours in Federation and Friendship, Candace
Candace Edwards
President, GFWC-NY
*Please note that the Arts & Crafts contests have been cancelled.
To keep up to date on New York State’s health policies, click below:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
Recommended Reading for the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment
126 Years of Serving Our State
The One Hundred Twenty-Seventh Annual
CONVENTION has been postponed
New Dates:
September 11, 12, and 13, 2020
Candace Edwards, President
GFWC-NY is one of four states that make up the Middle Atlantic Region. The others are Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Once a year members of these four states get together at a Convention to share ideas, friendship, and learn. The current MAR President is Linda Kreussling from New York.
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Need help deciding where to report your projects? Click on Forms, then, Club Reporting Guide
Need help deciding where to report your projects? Click on Forms, then, Club Reporting Guide