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President's Message
It is an honor and privilege to serve as president of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of South Carolina. Thank you bestowing me with this honor and responsibility.
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) is an international organization of volunteer women dedicated to community improvement. Credited with starting over 75% of the public libraries in America, we have been actively working in our communities since 1890 and in South Carolina since 1898 when we joined GFWC.
The focus for the 2010 – 2012 administration continues to be Community Service and the theme for SC is “Girlfriends Who Care”. It is my hope that you will embrace the theme and work to take care of yourself, your family and friends, and your community. As women, we want to do it all. However, we cannot be successful if we do not first take care of ourselves. Plan programs to develop leadership skills. Schedule monthly lunch or dinner outings with club members to have “me-time”. Have a book swap at meetings and donate the remaining books to a local women’s shelter or library.
Take care of your friends and family by reminding them to focus on a healthy lifestyle. Plan club walks and exercise outings. Remind friends to get their annual mammogram. Support Heart Health month in February. Organize a club fun night with a trip to the local theatre, movies or a game night.
And finally, take care of your communities. Get involved in your local issues. Sponsor debates with local candidates. Plan activities to support local food banks and shelters. Collect food, coats, hats, etc to donate to shelters. Work to raise awareness of stroke symptoms and get hospitals in your community the Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers.
And lastly, as you work in your communities, remember to invite your girlfriends to join you in community work. Together we can improve our communities and grow our membership in GFWC. What a great way to add girlfriends aka members to our clubs!
In federation spirit!
Laurie