GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs

Legislation - Public Policy - Resolutions

 

Chairman: Carolyn Grimme

Committee Member: Penny Speyer

Committee Member: Linda Hamilton

 

OBJECTIVE: Involve GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs members in grassroots advocacy for GFWC Resolutions and priority issues.

 

LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC POLICY

GFWC clubwomen have been advocates for over 100 years, and continue this rich history of advocacy into the 21st century. The Federation’s grassroots efforts were recognized on the floor of the United State Senate as “a gem in our midst” by then Senator Joseph Biden (Del.). From food safety legislation, to labor laws, to protecting those with disabilities, to enacting legislation to combat domestic violence, GFWC truly has been a voice and an impact in our nation’s policy.

As members of the GFWC/ Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs, we have the opportunity to make an impact on public policy by engaging in civic participation. Members are encouraged to research GFWC Resolutions and become informed and involved. The GFWC Resolutions are available at www.gfwc.org in PDF format, or purchased from the GFWC Marketplace.

When on the website, click on Public Policy and learn about some of GFWC’s most recent legislative initiatives, such as:

·         Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

·         Establishing a permanent site for the National Women’s History Museum

·         Global Poverty Act

·         Shingles Prevention Act

·         Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act

This resource will educate club members on the GFWC Resolutions, which provide the foundation for all public policy positions taken by the Federation. GFWC and GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs support legislation promoting economic and political equity for women. Our Federation continues to support legislation aimed at keeping women and their families healthy. GFWC’s 200 Resolutions cover a significant range of women’s and family health issues, including comprehensive insurance coverage of breast cancer screenings and treatment, diabetes awareness and prevention, early detection and treatment of gynecological cancers, heart disease education, research and treatment for women, further public investment into long term care, among others.

GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs is a nonpartisan, nonsectarian organization. As members, we may advocate on issues and support legislation, but may NOT endorse specific candidates or political parties when representing the Federation; however, as individuals we may express our personal thoughts.

 

 

RESOLUTIONS

A resolution is a tool by which members can voice their opinions in an effort to influence or develop the policies of the organization. It must be germane to the work or interests of the Federation members. Resolutions reflect the shared beliefs of the membership and provide the framework for all public policy initiatives. Resolutions determine the form of all legislative action by the Federation. In Ohio, resolutions may be proposed by per capita clubs, service project chairmen, the Resolutions Committee or the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs Executive Committee.

Deadline: Resolutions and supporting materials must be sent to the Resolutions Chairman by November 15, 2010 and November 15, 2011. Only emergency resolutions (which pertain to immediate situations) may be accepted after November 15.

Format: Resolutions must be typed and submitted in the following manner as the example:

·         Title -  provides the subject

·         Whereas -  provides the statement of facts

·         Resolved – states position and suggested action

                                       

                                                     Encouraging Resolutions

Whereas, the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs encourages active participation in public affairs; and

Whereas, Legislative positions taken by the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs must be based on consensus of the members; therefore

Resolved, that the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs actively encourage its member clubs to submit relevant resolutions for consideration by the membership.

 

Resources for Legislation, Public Policy and Resolutions

·         State of Ohio: www.state.oh.us/ohio

·         Ohio State Legislative Information: 1-800-282-0253

·         The White House: www.WhiteHouse.gov or president@whitehouse.gov

·         United States Senate: www.Senate.gov

·         United States House of Representatives: www.House.gov

·         General Accounting Office: www.GAO.gov The GAO is a non-partisan, investigative arm of Congress. Its reports are available to the public.

·         Government Printing Office: www.Access.GPO.gov The GPO offers a growing number of government publications online and operates regional bookstores.

·         Library of Congress: www.Thomas.LOC.gov Thomas is maintained by the Library of Congress and provides information about all pending federal legislation. This comprehensive site includes bill details and includes bills and laws from recent Congressional sessions

·         C-SPAN: www.c-span.org C-span provides televised proceedings of Congress and other public policy programming. Check local listing for stations.

·         GFWC website: www.gfwc.org and the Resolutions section of GFWC/OFWC Directory

 

 

Information on other GFWC/Ohio Community Service Programs and Committees
Return to the OFWC home page.