The General Federation of Women's Clubs is an international organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service and to providing opportunities that strengthen the role of women.
In 1868, the New York Press Club refused to admit any female reporters to a banquet honoring Charles Dickens. Indignant, Jane Cunningham Croly, a New York City journalist writing under the pen name Jennie June, vowed to create a club for women only.
Croly slowly learned of similar clubs throughout the country and eventually proposed a conference, which resulted in the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) and the adoption of a constitution. In 1901, the United States Congress approved its charter.
Since then, the GFWC has grown into an international organization, consisting of nearly 6,000 clubs in the U.S. and members in over 20 countries worldwide.
Partnership
GFWC has worked cooperatively with the March of Dimes since the polio era. In fact, Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of March of Dimes founder Franklin Delano Roosevelt and grandmother of March of Dimes Board of Trustee member Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, was a member of GFWC!
Because of our mutual concern for healthy families, the General Federation of Women's Clubs - March of Dimes relationship continues to thrive. The March of Dimes is classified as a Special Project within GFWC's Home Life Department. Therefore, clubs are encouraged to participate in education programs, special events and public affairs coalitions.
Clubwomen do everything from hosting benefit dinners to distributing March of Dimes health education materials at community health fairs, libraries, clinics, etc.
ContactsTo find out more about your local women's club and its activities that support the March of Dimes, contact
the March of Dimes Coordinator of Community Development or visit the
General Federation of Women's Clubs Web site.
For information about March of Dimes Partnerships contact:
partnership@marchofdimes.com
