It all started in New York!
Jane Cunnigham Croly, journalist, author and editor was by 1857 one of the first women syndicated columnists. She started her first organization, the Women's Parliament in 1856. In 1868 she and other female journalists were denied tickets to hear Charles Dickens speak. This spurred her to form the famous women's club, Sorosis. As women's clubs began to form across the country, they became a center of educational advocacy. She formed the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1890 to support clubs thoughout the nation.
About the General Federation of Women’s Clubs
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women’s clubs, with members dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. With almost 80,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.
Jane Cunnigham Croly, journalist, author and editor was by 1857 one of the first women syndicated columnists. She started her first organization, the Women's Parliament in 1856. In 1868 she and other female journalists were denied tickets to hear Charles Dickens speak. This spurred her to form the famous women's club, Sorosis. As women's clubs began to form across the country, they became a center of educational advocacy. She formed the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1890 to support clubs thoughout the nation.
About the General Federation of Women’s Clubs
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women’s clubs, with members dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. With almost 80,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.
.A few of the accomplishments by the clubwomen of GFWC New York:
1890-General Federation of Women's Clubs officially formed by 63 clubs on April 24 during a ratification convention in New York City. In 1898 GFWC unanimously passed a resolution against child labor.
1901-Raised over $500 for Galveston flood victims.
1902-Many clubs started local libraries.
1907-Donated money for scholarships for women in London. Actively supported the establishment of School of Home Economics at Cornell University. Urged franchise for women.
1915-Instituted first municipal forest in New York State.
1921-Made donations to war-torn countries.
1923-Planted forests. Raised about $12,000 towards GFWC Headquarters in Washington, DC.
1930-Built swimming pool at Home for Crippled Children in Far Rockaway.
1931-Helped to establish uniform state narcotics laws.
1932-Three bills which we supported were passed: minimum wage bill, bill limiting hours of marathon dances, law requiring reflectors on trucks.
1938-Organized a national drive for uniform narcotics laws. Headed a delegation of women to 8th Inter-American Conference in Lima, Peru.
1942-Raised $450,000 in bond sales, used toward purchase of an Army bomber and an ambulance. Launched recruitment program for nurses and provided financial assistance to several nursing students. Provided books and Bibles for service men. Gave relief to war-torn countries.
1945-Helped restore the home of Susan B. Anthony. Sent food and clothing to Philippines.
1947-Worked for restoration of Statue of Liberty and Bedloe’s Island.
1950-Raised money to buy powdered milk for U.N. International Children’s Emergency Program.
1952-Contributed over $5,000 to CARE for Korea campaign.
1954-Contributed over $2,300 towards GFWC restoration of Independence Hall.
1957-New York State president was member of President Eisenhower’s Committee for Traffic Safety.
1961-Supported air pollution control, improved control of narcotics, minimum age for drinking alcohol.
1968-Passed resolution to provide suitable place for children being detained for Family Court.
1970-Offer to house New York State Federation of Women’s Club Archives accepted by Dr. J. Ralph Murray, President, Elmira College. Choice of location made by Past President Nelms Cheatham. It was the oldest women’s college.
1972-1974-Flood victims in southwestern New York were assisted.
1978-Music scholarship offered for first time. Clubwoman of the Year Award instituted.
1980-1982-Considerable money raised to help the blind.
1984-1986-Over $8000 raised for the support of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation.
1992-1994-92,275 volunteer hours given to 1100 projects and $177,000 contributed to GFWC New York’s projects and programs.
1996-GFWC New York established a $500 scholarship for a graduating High School senior who will attend an accredited college or university in New York State, in memory of Past State President Frances Bailey.
1998-Libraries 2000. A GFWC initiative to aid libraries. Members donated $2,357,421.63 in books and materials to public and school libraries.
2001-Project Libraries 2000 reported 1,105 books donated with value of $2,342.25 and other donations of $1,150
2002- GFWC Board of Directors established the All-Occasion Cards (Tribute Cards) For as low as $5, members may have cards sent in memory of members who have passed, happy occasions such as birth of child or grandchild.
Established the Sande Zirlin Art Award for a college student, or graduate student in Art.
2003-Articles of Incorporation amended to conform with IRS 501(c)3 Internal Revenue Code for Not for Profit charitable organizations. GFW N.Y. became an umbrella organization for qualified member clubs.
Clubwoman of the Year Award renamed to Karen Cuzzi Clubwoman of the Year. A pin was designed to be given to the recipient and a $50 donation to be given to a charity of the Honoree’s choice.
*2004-Raised funds and purchased an ambulance for the New York City Fire Department in the aftermath of 2001 devastation. *(See below)
2005-The Order of the Rose was instituted to pay tribute to members who have previously been placed on the Honor Roll.
2006-Consolidation of Districts from numbered (1-9) to the following names: Districts 1 & 2 to Island/Metro; District 3 to Mid-Hudson; District 4 to Adirondack; District 5 & 6 to Central; District 7 to Lake; District 8 to Greater Western; and District 9 to Hudson Valley.
2013-Juniorettes of Century Club of Amsterdam organized and received Charter.
New York Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Omicron (ESO) Charter reactivation.
Tribute Card expansion. At the Winter Board meeting: if a donation of $10 or higher an indication can be made to benefit Scholastic or Music Award. If no indication, donation will go to the Endowment fund.
2014–2016-Upon Board of Directors approval, an Emergency Relief Fund was established to be used to support member clubs in other states recover from national disasters. Hosted Middle Atlantic Region Conference, Sept. 11-14, 2015. Co-sponsored with GFWC, the League of Women Voters symposium at the United Nations focusing on Water for Life with presentations and discussions about underdeveloped nations and their need for clean and plentiful water to benefit humans, livestock, and agriculture. Co-sponsored with League of Women Voters and GFWC a seminar at the United Nations, UNITE to Prevent Domestic Violence..
Special Project: Cancer Research. Theme: Volunteers are Stars in their Community
Statistics: 33 Clubs reporting.
Programs/Projects: 2,716
Volunteer Hours 385,551
$ Donated $1,878,150
In Kind Donations $ 12,987
Attended the 125th GFWC Anniversary Celebration in Memphis, Tennessee. Attended 81st annual New York State Fair Women’s Day in Syracuse, N.Y. Co-sponsored with GFWC, the League of Women Voters symposium at the United Nations focusing on Women’s Global Health-Care Issues
Statistics: 35 Clubs reporting,
Programs/Projects: 2,814
Volunteer Hours 241,288
$ Donated $1,437,581
In Kind Donations $ 311,396
2017–2018-Theme: Working Together for a Brighter Tomorrow. Attended 150th Birthday Celebration for Sorosis club. (March 3, 2018)
Statistics: 25 Clubs Reporting.
Programs/Projects: 948
Volunteer Hours: 79,872
$ Donated: $152,975.90
In-Kind Donations: $113,357.92
2019-2020- Theme: Living the Volunteer Spirit, Leave a Legacy. Hosted: First Annual Fall Festival of Fun and Learning.
Statistics: 29 Clubs Reporting.
Programs/Projects: 1,282
Volunteer Hours 112, 819
$ Donated $166,087
In Kind Donations $140,752
To be continued…
OPERATION FIREFIGHTER
NYS CONVENTION REPORT 2004
One of the positive effects of the September 11th tragedy was how it unified communities. Many co-workers and neighbors became our family and friends.
This positive effect also extended to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Clubs spanning from New York to California, from New Mexico to North Carolina united in the “Operation Firefighter” project. Clubwomen throughout the nation held fundraisers. They sold T-shirts, fire truck pins, held bake sales, sold raffles and passed around the hat at state conventions.
I am here today to update you on our progress. In January, 2004, we reached our goal of $180,000. I notified the NYFD and a new emergency ambulance was put on order. I am happy to inform you that our vehicle is now ready for delivery.
A presentation will be made by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs to the New York Fire Department on Monday, May 24, 2004 at 1:00 in the afternoon. The ceremony will take place at the Fire Department Headquarters, 9 Metrotech Center, in Brooklyn, NY. Before the presentation at 11:30, you are all cordially invited to join us for lunch at the Brooklyn Marriott Hotel. Lunch will be served in the Court Room of the Hotel’s Archives Restaurant. The room is limited to 40 people. Anyone interested in attending the lunch and ceremony please let me know as soon as possible.
Following lunch we will walk across the Metrotech Center to the Fire Department Headquarters where the ceremony will begin. It is there we will be able to view our new, fully equipped, emergency ambulance with our GFWC logo and the words “This vehicle was generously donated by the members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs” displayed on the right front door and the left rear door of the vehicle.
At this time I would like to thank all the members of the New York State Federation for their continued support. Without you we would have never accomplished such success.
Jo Ellen
The GFWC N.Y. Board members from across the state meet every September, January and April or May at a central location-often Albany.