GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs

International Affairs Department

 

 

Reaching Out Internationally Division

 

Chairman:  Penny Speyer

 

CORD Chairman:  Scarlett Ebenhack                 EORD Chairman:  Deidra Devore

LED Chairman: Audrey Bashian                        NED Chairman:  Shelby McElravy

NWD Chairman: Camille Harris                         WCD Chairman:  Connie Hart

WORD Chairman:  Phyllis Robertson

 

Our Goal is to inform members about the changing roles around the world and how we can help to make the world a better place for everyone to live in.

 

REACHING OUT INTERNATIONALLY

 

Our objective is to educate members and communities about global topics and provide opportunities to support and contribute to world issues.

 

Learn about different cultural and ethnic backgrounds by using your club members as resources. Then have a program to share these facts which can help establish a bond between members.  Members might also have a special project that they have found from their travels or cultural or ethnic backgrounds that you can adopt to support.

 

Observe World Food Day which is on October 16 of each year that makes us aware of world hunger. Make donations to support World Food Day (U.S. National Committee for World Food Day). Support or establish a local food bank. Plan a dinner with dishes from other countries and raise monies for donations.

 

Involve your club or community by initiating and participating in cultural or ethnic festivals, fairs or parades. Share travel experiences and family recipes.  Sponsor programs for youth or school programs to promote various cultures from around the world.

 

Consider hosting a GFWC member from an international affiliate before or after the GFWC Annual Convention in Cleveland, Ohio in June 2009.

 

Sponsor or host Youth Exchange Students to help meet their needs while they are in our country or those who wish to travel to other countries.  Invite them to your meeting for a program.

 

Do you need an action plan?  Then check out the following organizations that are recommended by GFWC:   CARE,  CLOWNS WITHOUT BORDERS,  HEIFER PROJECT ,  GLOBAL VOLUNTEERS,  OPERATION SMILE,  PLAN USA,  PROJECT HOPE,  SAVE THE CHILDREN,  PEOPLE TO PEOPLE INTERNATIONAL,   AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE, YOUTH FOR UNDERSTANDING USA, and U.S .NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR WORLD FOOD DAY,

 

Check the GFWC Club Manuel for more information including addresses and websites.

 

 

 

United Nations Division

Chairman:  Scarlett Ebenhack

 

CORD Chairman:  Scarlett Ebenhack                                                EORD Chairman:  Deidra Devore

LED Chairman: Audrey Bashian                                                        NED Chairman:  Shelby McElravy

NWD Chairman: Camille Harris                                                          WCD Chairman:  Connie Hart

WORD Chairman:  Phyllis Robertson

 

Objective:  To educate members and others about United Nations programs concerning women, children, literacy, human rights & the environment, and support GFWC’s presence as a UN Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Observer. 

 

United Nations:  Founded in 1945, the UN is committed to maintaining international peace and security. 

  • We should educate members about UN issues and programs and GFWC positions on UN treaties. 
  • Provide publications with UN information and activities to local schools
  • Celebrate United Nations Day, October 24th

 

UNICEF:  Founded in 1947, GFWC has supported UNICEF programs for over six decades to protect and ensure access to health, education, and equality to the world’s most vulnerable children. 

  • Celebrate UNICEF month in October by educating groups about its programs and participating in the following projects:
    • Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF: orange boxes can be ordered at www.unicefusa/trickortreat or are available at Hallmark Gold Crown and Pier One stores.
    • School-in-a-box:  used worldwide to ensure continuation of a child’s education during an emergency
    • The Tap Project: announced at the 2008 GFWC convention.  It coordinates with World Water Day, March 22nd.  For one dollar, a child will have clean drinking water for 40 days. 
    • UNICEF effort to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT): special pins are available – a $3 donation provides 1 dose of antiretroviral medication for a mother and her newborn.  Contact Guirlaine Belizaire at 212-922-2501 or gbelizaire@unicefusa.org for materials
  • UNICEF Awards: A certificate of appreciation will be mailed to each club that donates $400 or more.  Awards based on the highest donating clubs and states (in each membership category) will be given at the 2009 and 2010 GFWC convention (based on donations from May 1st to April 30th of each year). 

 

United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM):  Directs technical and financial support to programs that empowers women.

  • Awards will be given to one state federation in each membership category to recognize outstanding achievement in the GFWC United Nations Program. 
    • A $50 award is given annually to one club implementing an effective United Nations program, based on a narrative report sent to GFWC.  To enter, send a report to the OFWC State Chairman by February 1st. 

 

 

 

 

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