Under General Federation of Women’s Clubs Organization

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. Founded in 1890, GFWC’s roots can be traced back to 1868 when Jane Cunningham Croly, a professional journalist, attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring British novelist Charles Dickens. Croly was denied admittance based upon her gender, and in response, formed a woman’s club — Sorosis. In celebration of Sorosis’ 21st anniversary in 1889, Jane Croly invited women’s clubs throughout the United States to pursue the cause of federation by attending a convention in New York City. On April 24, 1890, 63 clubs officially formed the General Federation of Women’s Clubs by ratifying the GFWC constitution.

Descriptions of programs in addition to the five GFWC Community Improvement Programs for 2020-2023:

The goal of the GFWC Signature Program: Domestic and Sexual Awareness and Prevention is to increase awareness of and help prevent the widespread occurrence of domestic 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 those who have no voice.

GFWC Juniors’ Special Program: Advocates for Children is designed to encourage all Woman’s, Junior Woman’s, 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. The definition of child advocacy is “support for children who are in a vulnerable position in society or in a vulnerable situation.”

General Federation of Women’s Clubs – Southern Region

The GFWC-Southern Region covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, the Women’s Club of Aruba, and the Grand Bahama American Women’s Club.

General Federation of Women’s Clubs – South Carolina

Founded in 1898, GFWC-SC is a member of GFWC, an international organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. The address is 1511 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC, and located in the Sims-Stackhouse Mansion. 

General Federation of Women’s Clubs – South Carolina Midlands District

GFWC-SC is divided into three districts: Coastal, Midlands, and Upstate. LWC is in the Midlands District.

Websites:  

General Federation of Women’s Clubs gfwc.org  

GFWC-Southern Region gfwc-southernregion.org

GFWC-South Carolina gfwc-sc.org