Our History
In the Begining
GFWC - Wisconsin was chartered into the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) on October 20, 1896. The objective of GFWC - Wisconsin is to bring the federated women's clubs of Wisconsin together, and to provide a networking system for these clubs with clubs from other state federations and GFWC headquarters.
For over 100 years GFWC - Wisconsin has worked to address the needs of our clubwomen, our communities, our nation and our world for our mutual benefit through volunteerism. Our structure allows us to address the emerging needs of individual communities and the nation, and we are quick to respond to calls for help.
GFWC-Wisconsin is part of a much larger picture. The organizational structure depends greatly on the grassroots efforts of the state's districts and local clubs. GFWC-Wisconsin also reaches beyond the state and is part of a regional network as well as the international organization.
“GFWC-WI members have an opportunity to
gain knowledge and make new friends.
They accept the challenge of being involved
in building a better community and more
deeply aware of the world around them.”
What We've Achieved
Established 75% of public libraries
Established WISCONSIN’S OWN LIBRARY for Wisconsin Authors
Restored the 1st Supreme Court building
Dedicated, sponsored and restored GFWC-Wisconsin Federation Forest in Nicolet National Forest
Established Theodora Youmans award for outstanding contribution to citizenship
Established Helen Farnsworth Mears Art Contest for 7th and 8th Graders
Instrumental in passage of Wisconsin Seat Belt Law
Co-sponsored WILS Leadership Seminar for high school sophomores
Formed the “21 Now Coalition” to increase and maintain the drinking age of 21
Permanently raised the standard of emergency care of pediatric patients in Wisconsin