GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs

International Outreach Community Service Program Collaborative & Partnership

 

Collaborative Chairman: Margaret Resar                 Partnership Chairman: Scarlett Ebenhack

District Chairmen:

 

Lake Erie               Betty Jo Mooney

Northeast              Shelby McElravy

Northwest              Connie Hart

Southeast              Mary Beth Allan

Southwest             Phyllis Robertson

 

 

Objective:  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 using your club members as a resource. Adopt a special project that members have found from their travels or ethnic backgrounds. Share travel experiences and family recipes. Involve your club or community by initiating and participating in ethnic or cultural festivals, fairs, or parades.

Sponsor a program for youth or school programs to promote various cultures from around the world. 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.

Observe World Food Day which is on October 16 of each year that makes us aware of world hunger Support or establish a local food bank. Plan a dinner with dishes from other countries and raise money for donations in support of World Food Day.

Celebrate UNICEF month in October by educating groups about its programs and participating in the following projects: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, The Tap Project, and Inspired Gifts.

International Outreach Partners are: CARE, Heifer Project International, INMED Partnerships for Children, Operation Smile, Plan USA, U.S. Fund for UNICEF and United Nations Association of the United States of America. See the GFWC Club Manual for contact information.

Additional resources, including a list of governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations are provided in the GFWC Manual to assist you in researching and creating your projects.

 

Awards

Club level

A $50 award will be given annually to one club in the nation to recognize creativity in implementing an effective International Outreach Community Collaboration Program.

A $50 award will be given annually to one club in the nation to recognize creativity in implementing an effective International Outreach Community Partnership Program.

State level

The Paula Cutter Awards will be presented annually to one state federation in each GFWC membership category that raises the most money for Operation Smile during the GFWC operating year. (Jan. 1-Dec. 31)

A special award will be provided to one state federation in each GFWC membership category that raises the most money for Plan USA during the 2010-2012 Administration. (July 1, 2010-May 15, 2012; note that a minimum of $10,000 must be donated by a state and/or its clubs to be considered.)

 

 

Partnerships

GFWC Challenges each member to Educate Yourself, Inform others and Create Change through their club and community regarding global issues during the 2010-2012 Administration.  Many GFWC Partners offer material and kits specifically for GFWC clubs.  Additional Information can be found in the GFWC Club Manual.

 

OFWC members are asked to send donations to the GFWC Partner contact not a state or local representative.  Please write GFWC member or club on all checks and notify GFWC of your donation by calling Programs director 202-347-3168 or mailing GFWC@GFWC.org.

 

CARE – Contact: Helen Robinson - E: Groups@CARE.org

CARE fights poverty in over 60 countries with an emphasis on women’s education, opportunities and access to health care.  Use the I Am Powerful Action Kit, Celebrate International Women’s Day March 8th.  Volunteer and raise funds for projects to empower women and girls.

 

Heifer Project International – Contact: Patricia A. Keay – E: Pat.Keay@Heifer.org

For over 65 years, this organization has given livestock and agricultural training to help families gain sustainable food and income sources.

 

INMED Partnerships for Children – E: www.INMED.org

This partner works worldwide to improve health, safety and education for children and families.

 

Operation Smile International – Contact: Dory Morrison  E: DMorrison@OperationSmile.org

An international medical organization providing volunteer missions to repair cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries for children.

  • Raise funds
  • Sew smile dolls, hospital gowns, blankets, quilts and armbands
  • Collect needed items and supplies from lists provided by organization.

 

Plan USA – Contact: Gail Savoie – E: Gail.Savoie@PlanUSA.org

Established in 1937 the poorest countries tools to improve lives of children, families and communities.  Clubs can sponsor a child, support the Global Women’s Fund and the Because I Am a Girl campaign.

 

U.S. Fund for UNICEF – Contact: Kate Weber, Director NGOs – E: KWeber@UNICEFUSA.org

GFWC has partnered with UNICEF for over 60 years to give the world’s children access to health care, education and equality.  Support this organization with

  • Trick-or-treat for UNICEF
  • Tap project for World Water Day March 22
  • Inspired Gifts of Mosquito nets, therapeutic milk & school-in-a-box kits

 

United Nations Association of the United States of America – Contact: Jessica Hartl

E: JHartl@UNAUSA.org

This nonprofit organization supports the work of the United Nations, including teaching students, clearing minefields & support of African schools affected by HIV/AIDS.

 

Clubs are encouraged to continue working with the GFWC Resource Organizations from previous administrations, as they have longstanding national relationships with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (not only GFWC/ Ohio relationships).  The GFWC Resource Organizations include, but are not limited to, those listed in the GFWC 2010-2012 Manual.

 

 

 

Information on other GFWC/Ohio Community Service Programs and Committees
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