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 Glossary
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* Denotes an item particular to the GFWC-Wisconsin
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
1734 Society
Named for the Headquarters address (1734 N Street, NW, Washington, DC), the purpose of the GFWC 1734 Society is to ensure the preservation of GFWC’s International Headquarters, a National Historic Landmark. Report under Special Projects. 
ACT in OCT
Act in October – a Membership initiative for clubs to hold a membership recruiting event each fall. Report under Special Projects/Membership. 
AHA – American Heart Association – www.americanheart.org
A national voluntary health agency whose mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.. Report under Home Life. 
AIKD – Absolutely Incredible Kid Day – www.campfireusa.org
Annual letter-writing campaign to boost children’s self-esteem. Report under Juniors’ Special Project. 
Administration
GFWC officers serve a two-year term of office; national officers/Board of Directors are elected at GFWC Conventions in even-numbered years. 
Arts
One of six main community service programs.  Includes Arts in the Community, Writing Contests, and Photography Contests.  In Wisconsin, also includes the Helen Farnsworth Mears Arts Contest. 
Merchandise such as pins, gavels, and other GFWC promotional items. 
Be Cool After School
Addresses the value of and need for quality after school programs and encourages support for after school initiatives. Report under Education/Be Cool After School. 
CAP – Child Abuse Prevention – www.ncap.org
A full range of projects devoted to the health and safety of children in emergency situations.  GFWC-WI focus has been on supplying color coded tapes and ambulance kits. Report under Special Projects/Juniors’ Special Project: Advocates for Children. 
CCI – Canine Companions for Independence – www.caninecompanions.org
Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.
CDC – Centers for Disease Control – www.cdc.gov/nip
For commonly asked questions about immunization.  Report under Home Life/Immunize Now Program 
CIC – Community Improvement Contest
Encourages and rewards clubs for improvement projects that meet the special needs of their communities. Report under Special Projects/Community Improvement Contest.
Club
A group of five or more dedicated volunteers who charter their organization under the GFWC is called a club.  To be eligible for club status, they must also submit their by-laws to the state and pay dues to all levels of GFWC. 
Club Manual
3-ring binder issued to all GFWC club presidents to be kept as a permanent club reference - contains GFWC programs and resources, specific administration information, calendar, and club management section.  Programs will be updated every two years and added to the manual, providing clubs with a "library" of program materials.  See also: White Manual 
Clubwoman Magazine
Both the national (GFWC Clubwoman) and state (GFWC-WI Clubwoman) federations issue magazines for club members.  The GFWC Clubwoman, considered “the voice of Federation,” is a bimonthly national magazine sent to every GFWC club president; annual subscriptions available for $6.00; 100% subscribed clubs at $4.95@.  The GFWC-WI Clubwoman is sent at no charge four times annually to clubwomen in the state.
Community Service Programs: 
The six major project areas as outlined by GFWC.  They are: Arts, Conservation, Education, Home Life, Public Affairs, and International Affairs. 
Conservation
One of six main community service programs.  Includes Beautification and Resource Conservation. 
CWLA – Child Welfare League of America – www.cwla.org
Promoting positive parenting, protecting children and making communities safer for families. Report under Special Projects/Juniors’ Special Project: Advocates for Children.
 
Districts
A group of clubs in a particular geographic area within a state is called a district.  The districts then report into the state level.  GFWC-Wisconsin currently has nine districts.
EC – Executive Committee
At the state or national level, the board of directors comprising the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary and Parliamentarian. 
EMSC – Emergency Medical Services for Children – www.ems-c.org
A full range of projects devoted to the health and safety of children in emergency situations.  GFWC-WI focus has been on supplying color coded tapes and ambulance kits. Report under Special Projects/Juniors’ Special Project: Advocates for Children. 
ESO – Epsilon Sigma Omicron
Lifelong individual enrichment and learning through reading; any member can participate, with or without club involvement.  Read books from a master list and report back to earn certificates. Report under Education Department. 
Education
One of six main community service programs.  
e-GFWC
An email newsletter from the GFWC International President.  To subscribe, contact headquarters with a valid email address. 
FDA – US Food and Drug Administration – www.fda.gov
Ensures the safety of food and the safety and effectiveness of all drugs, biological products, medical devices and animal drugs and feed.
GFWC – General Federation of Women’s Clubs – www.gfwc.org/
Our “parent” organization – one of the oldest and largest volunteer groups for women.  Currently has over 100,000 members in 20 countries. 
Gold Cards
Issued to members who have served 50 years or more in Federation.  Available from your state membership chairman. 
HFHI – Habitat for Humanity – www.habitat.org
Invites people from all walks of life to work together to build houses alongside families in need. Report under Home Life.
* HFM – Helen Farnsworth Mears Art Contest
Named for the sculptor born in Oshkosh, this annual GFWC-Wisconsin is a juried art show for 7th and 8th grade students. Report under Arts/Arts in the Community. 
Home Life
One of six main community service programs.  
Immunize  Now
Seeks to educate about the need to protect children and adults from preventable diseases through effective immunization programs.  Report under Home Life/Immunize Now Program. 
International Affairs
One of six main community service programs.  Includes Reaching Out Internationally and United Nations. 
JD – Junior Director
Each state has a Junior Director, or Director of Junior Clubs, who serves as the leader for Junior clubs at the district and local levels.  Districts also have Junior Director positions; those JDs coordinate with clubs at the local level within their district. 
* JOY – Junior of the Year Award
The highest honor awarded a Junior clubwoman in Wisconsin, in recognition of outstanding efforts the previous year.  Each local club can nominate one candidate per year. 
Jennie Award
A medal of honor awarded to active GFWC members who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their club, community and family. 
Junior Board
Governing body for Junior clubs.  Consists of the Junior Director, Junior Director-Elect, Junior Secretary, Junior Treasurer, Past Junior Director/Advisor, Junior Membership Chairman, the Juniors’ Special Project Chairman, and the GFWC President as ex-officio. 
Juniorettes
GFWC clubs for girls under the age of 18. Report under Special Projects/Membership. 
KIND News – Kids & Kindness – www.kindnews.org
A humane and environmental education program; newsletters are sent to classrooms.
LAM – GFWC List of Available Materials – www.gfwc.org/nu_upload/LAM%20.pdf
Comprehensive list of all GFWC materials, including manuals, policies, department information, special projects information and gift items. 
LEADS – Leadership and Development Seminar
Annual one-day training course for grassroots leadership skills held prior to the international convention.  Expenses for travel, registration, one night hotel (double occupancy) and some meals are paid.  Applications are due each year by February 1st to the Leadership Chair.  Report under Special Projects/Leadership. 
Leg Net – Legislative Network
A free, subscriber interactive network creating a communication and advocacy link between Congress and GFWC members.  Contact GFWC Public Policy Director to receive these emails. 
MM – Membership Matters
Newsletter with helpful membership ideas published by GFWC’s Membership Director and mailed to state and club presidents. 
MOD – March of Dimes – http://www.marchofdimes.com
Non-profit, voluntary health organization committed to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.  Report under Home Life/Helping Hands Program. 
Member Arts and Crafts
GFWC clubwomen can compete in arts and crafts categories at the district and state.  Report under Arts: Special Projects. 
Mentors
Active GFWC members with experience, special training and a passion for membership-related issues available to advise, counsel, assist and encourage members who are dealing with difficult situations within their club, district or state.  Contact GFWC Membership Director for more information. 
NHTSA – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – www.nhtsa.gov
Partner in the We Have A Little Emergency (WHALE) car seat identification project. 
NOD – National Organization on Disability – www.nod.org
Non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.  Report under Home Life/Helping Hands Program. 
NWHP – National Women’s History Project – www.nwhp.org
An educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to recognize and celebrate the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing information and educational materials and programs. 
Operation Smile (or “Op Smile”) – www.operationsmile.org
Throughout the world, Operation Smile volunteers repair childhood facial deformities while building public and private partnerships that advocate for sustainable healthcare systems for children and families.  Report under International Affairs. 
Photography Contests
GFWC-sponsored contests for themed photographs.  Criteria changes annually. 
Programs
The World in Pictures (for GFWC annual calendar) and GFWC Volunteers in Action contests are held each year on the state and international level.  Report under Arts: Photography Contests. 
Program Bulletins
Contain updated information, tools and tips in a variety of program areas to keep clubs informed and aware of new material and resources. 
Public Affairs
One of six main community service programs.  Includes Citizenship and Community Safety. 
Publicity Book
Annual contest and opportunity for clubs to showcase their public relations efforts from the previous year.  Entries are judged at the state and national level.   Report under Special Projects/Public Relations – rules vary by state.
 
Regions
GFWC divides into seven regions:  Great Lakes (Wisconsin belongs to this region), Middle Atlantic, Mississippi Valley Region, New England, South Central, Southeastern, Southern and Western States.  
Reporting
Annual accounting of hours, dollars and personnel required to carry out GFWC projects on the club, district, state and national level.  Reporting is for the calendar year. 
Resolutions
The purpose of GFWC Resolutions is to provide a source for GFWC legislative activity.  GFWC Resolutions reflect the shared beliefs of the membership and provide the basis for legislative action on issues of importance at the state, national and international level. 
Special Projects
A catchall category for projects outside the six main departments.  Includes Community Improvement Contest, Fundraising, Juniors’ Special Project, Leadership, Membership, Public Policy, Public Relations and Women’s History & Resource Center (WHRC). 
State Federations
Each state exists as its own federation under GFWC. 
* Theodora Youmans Award
Given to one recipient each year for outstanding volunteer achievement.  Nominees must be sponsored by a club but don’t have to be members of that club.  See also: Youmans, Theodora Award
* Unity in Diversity Award
Awarded to Junior clubs each year based upon club activities and GFWC participation.  One, two and three star designations are recognized. 
VSA – Very Special Arts – www.vsarts.org
International organization dedicated to providing quality art programs for children and adults with disabilities.  Report under Arts/Arts in the Community. 
WHALE – We Have a Little Emergency
Car safety seat identification program in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  Report under Special Projects/Juniors’ Special Project: Advocates for Children. 
White Manual
3-ring binder issued to all GFWC club presidents to be kept as a permanent club reference - contains GFWC programs and resources, specific administration information, calendar, and club management section.  Programs will be updated every two years and added to the manual, providing clubs with a "library" of program materials.  See also: Club Manual 
WHRC – Women’s History and Resource Center
Leadership seminars for high school juniors; clubs can provide financial donations to send students to this seminar.  Replaced HOBY; WILS is favored program for GFWC-Wisconsin. Report under Education Department. 
WHRC News
A quarterly publication chock-full of tips for preserving your club heritage and feature articles on GFWC history.  Free to donors to WHRC. 
* WILS – Wisconsin Leadership Seminar – www.wils.us
Leadership seminars for high school juniors; clubs can provide financial donations to send students to this seminar.  Replaced HOBY; WILS is favored program for GFWC-Wisconsin. Report under Education Department. 
WIMSA – Women in Military Service for America – www.womensmemorial.org
The Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery is a unique, living memorial honoring all military who have served in our nation's defense during all eras and in all services.   Report under Public Affairs. 
* Wisconsin’s Own Library
A collection begun by a clubwoman and Wisconsin governor’s wife, this collection includes only books by Wisconsin authors and is currently housed at Beloit College. 
* Woman of Achievement Award
This award is given once annually to an outstanding clubwoman for her community service.
YAM – Youth Art Month
Administered by the Council for Art Education, Inc.  YAM, observed each March, underscores the importance of youth art education and encourages public support for quality school programs.  Report under Arts/Arts in the Community. 
* Youmans, Theodora, Award
Given to one recipient each year for outstanding volunteer achievement.  Nominees must be sponsored by a club but don’t have to be members of that club.  See also: Theodora Youmans Award.