Today‘s woman expects to gain a lot from her club affiliation.   Here is a list of some of the benefits belonging to a GFWC club:

• The satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the community–every member contributes her individual efforts. The combined forces of members on the club, district, state, and national levels demonstrates ―strength in unity‖ and provides the forum to make a difference where it counts.

• A network of support and encouragement from women with similar interests and concerns–fun, fellowship, and most important of all, lasting friendships based on mutual respect and shared experiences.

• Leadership training and professional skills development–skills gained from volunteer work can used to open career doors, build a resume, obtain academic credit, or put to use in a personal business venture.

• A diversified set of national resources are offered in the Arts, Education, Conservation, Home Life, International Outreach, and Public Issues Community Service Programs as well as special projects in domestic violence awareness and prevention and advocates for children–truly something to satisfy every member, and opportunities, not to mention inspiration, that otherwise would not be available to help you and your club better function within your community.

• Opportunity to mold public opinion–GFWC clubs‘ united efforts provides a greater impact on important issues than individual voices would be able to provide on their own.

• Volunteering makes the heart grow stronger–reports show that volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression, and less incidence of heart disease.

Partially excerpted from www.GFWC.org.  © 2010 General Federation of Women's Clubs 202-347-3168 www.GFWC.org. Used with permission. May not be reproduced for sale or profit.