ABOUT CFWC 
"Wrapping the World with Love"
The California Federation is governed by an Executive Committee of 13 officers: President: 1st Vice President/Programs; 2nd Vice President/Membership; Rec. Secretary; Dir. of Finance; Treasurer; Financial Secretary; 4 Area Vice Presidents; Corresponding Secretary, Parliamentarian.
California Federation is divided into 4 areas to better serve and communicate with the membership. Each Area is coordinated by a Vice President at large.
A: Northern = 4 Districts, 35 Clubs; 983 members
B: Central = 7 Districts, 81 Clubs; 3,892 members
C: Los Angeles & Eastern = 4 Districts, 68 Clubs; 3,356 members
D: Southern = 6 Districts, 96 Clubs; 4,669 members
Districts total – 21 Each District is Coordinated by a President and board of officers
Clubs total – 281
Total Membership – 12,937
The Meaning of the Symbol…or emblem
The CFWC Emblem was designed in 1903. It is the insignia of a common cause and creates a spirit of cooperation among those who wear it. The torch represents the educational work of the Federation and invites all to learn of the principles of American citizenship. The Wings pointing upward are symbolic of the higher thoughts and aspirations which are the aim of all. The Band encircling both typifies the unbroken chain of strength and loyalty—not only to the clubs, but also to the state.
The emblem is the design of the official Federation pin.
The CFWC Motto, “Strength United is Stronger”, was chosen in the convention of 1902. It reminds us that in unity there is strength and, through the united efforts
Of the club women of California, it is possible to accomplish many things for the benefit of the people of the state.
The GFWC (General Federation of Women’s clubs) Emblem was approved in 1920. The design shows a crusader’s shield, signifying enlightenment, emerging from the darkened world, which is represented by the black enamel center. The band encircling the center signifies eternity. Each of the three colors on the shield has a special meaning: RED is for the courage of the women who accept the responsibility of membership in an organization dedicated to service. WHITE suggests the purity which is woman’s most effective weapon in her crusade of advancement. BLUE represents constancy which enables her to remain steadfast to her noble purposes. The shield is surrounded by the letters “GFWC” and the motto “Unity in Diversity”.
“Unity in Diversity” was adopted as the official motto of the General Federation in 1957. The phrase comes from a speech given by Ella Dietz Clymer, President of Sorosis, to delegates to the 1889 organization meeting of 61 women’s clubs: “We look for unity, but unity in diversity; we hope that you will enrich us by your varied experience, and let us pledge ourselves to work for a common cause, the cause of united womanhood throughout the world.” GFWC was founded in 1890.
WHO WE ARE…
The GFWC California Federation of Women’s Clubs (CFWC) was organized in January 1900 and became the thirty-seventh state to join the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in May of the same year. “Strength United is Stronger” was chosen as the motto and still holds true today as the clubs working together make a difference throughout the world. Our members continue to serve the diverse needs of their communities and country—through time of social change, technology advancements, peace and global conflicts—all in an increasingly independent world.
Our members strive to promote education, eliminate illiteracy, encourage faithful citizenship, preserve our natural resources, encourage healthy lifestyles, fight to prevent crime, support the arts and contribute to international understanding.
CFWC IS…
An organization of members in individual clubs, located in cities throughout California.
Uniting women of all ages for community support of worldwide issues through our California clubs, Junior section and juniorette (high school and college) clubs.
Divided into Districts, with four leadership Areas
Responsible for contributing an average of 4 million volunteer hours and $3 million on 25,000 projects annually.
A member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, International, which is one of the largest and oldest volunteer organizations in the world.
A non-profit, charitable organization.
GOALS…
To encourage leadership for individuals, for the schools and for our communities.
To provide guidance in a variety of areas such as women’s health, prevention of family violence, child abuse prevention, and crime prevention.
To train volunteers who will work to eradicate illiteracy.
To provide our youth with the vocational and technical tools they need to be successful and productive citizens.
To motivate and produce the kind of volunteers that will meet the needs of their communities and make a positive impact in California.
MISSION STATEMENT…
The GFWC California Federation of Women’s Clubs is part of an international community service organization which provides education, training and interaction opportunities for volunteers who are committed to individual growth and community improvement to enrich the quality of life throughout California and the world.
California Federation is divided into 4 areas to better serve and communicate with the membership. Each Area is coordinated by a Vice President at large.
A: Northern = 4 Districts, 35 Clubs; 983 members
B: Central = 7 Districts, 81 Clubs; 3,892 members
C: Los Angeles & Eastern = 4 Districts, 68 Clubs; 3,356 members
D: Southern = 6 Districts, 96 Clubs; 4,669 members
Districts total – 21 Each District is Coordinated by a President and board of officers
Clubs total – 281
Total Membership – 12,937
The Meaning of the Symbol…or emblem
The CFWC Emblem was designed in 1903. It is the insignia of a common cause and creates a spirit of cooperation among those who wear it. The torch represents the educational work of the Federation and invites all to learn of the principles of American citizenship. The Wings pointing upward are symbolic of the higher thoughts and aspirations which are the aim of all. The Band encircling both typifies the unbroken chain of strength and loyalty—not only to the clubs, but also to the state.
The emblem is the design of the official Federation pin.
The CFWC Motto, “Strength United is Stronger”, was chosen in the convention of 1902. It reminds us that in unity there is strength and, through the united efforts
Of the club women of California, it is possible to accomplish many things for the benefit of the people of the state.
The GFWC (General Federation of Women’s clubs) Emblem was approved in 1920. The design shows a crusader’s shield, signifying enlightenment, emerging from the darkened world, which is represented by the black enamel center. The band encircling the center signifies eternity. Each of the three colors on the shield has a special meaning: RED is for the courage of the women who accept the responsibility of membership in an organization dedicated to service. WHITE suggests the purity which is woman’s most effective weapon in her crusade of advancement. BLUE represents constancy which enables her to remain steadfast to her noble purposes. The shield is surrounded by the letters “GFWC” and the motto “Unity in Diversity”.
“Unity in Diversity” was adopted as the official motto of the General Federation in 1957. The phrase comes from a speech given by Ella Dietz Clymer, President of Sorosis, to delegates to the 1889 organization meeting of 61 women’s clubs: “We look for unity, but unity in diversity; we hope that you will enrich us by your varied experience, and let us pledge ourselves to work for a common cause, the cause of united womanhood throughout the world.” GFWC was founded in 1890.
WHO WE ARE…
The GFWC California Federation of Women’s Clubs (CFWC) was organized in January 1900 and became the thirty-seventh state to join the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in May of the same year. “Strength United is Stronger” was chosen as the motto and still holds true today as the clubs working together make a difference throughout the world. Our members continue to serve the diverse needs of their communities and country—through time of social change, technology advancements, peace and global conflicts—all in an increasingly independent world.
Our members strive to promote education, eliminate illiteracy, encourage faithful citizenship, preserve our natural resources, encourage healthy lifestyles, fight to prevent crime, support the arts and contribute to international understanding.
CFWC IS…
An organization of members in individual clubs, located in cities throughout California.
Uniting women of all ages for community support of worldwide issues through our California clubs, Junior section and juniorette (high school and college) clubs.
Divided into Districts, with four leadership Areas
Responsible for contributing an average of 4 million volunteer hours and $3 million on 25,000 projects annually.
A member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, International, which is one of the largest and oldest volunteer organizations in the world.
A non-profit, charitable organization.
GOALS…
To encourage leadership for individuals, for the schools and for our communities.
To provide guidance in a variety of areas such as women’s health, prevention of family violence, child abuse prevention, and crime prevention.
To train volunteers who will work to eradicate illiteracy.
To provide our youth with the vocational and technical tools they need to be successful and productive citizens.
To motivate and produce the kind of volunteers that will meet the needs of their communities and make a positive impact in California.
MISSION STATEMENT…
The GFWC California Federation of Women’s Clubs is part of an international community service organization which provides education, training and interaction opportunities for volunteers who are committed to individual growth and community improvement to enrich the quality of life throughout California and the world.
CFWC - OUR GOALS!
The California Federation takes pride in its community service projects. We are especially proud of our efforts to enhance the leadership, tutoring and mentoring skills of our volunteers, members of the community and especially today's youth.
Through seminars, conferences, forums and traveling leadership teams we can make a difference in the way people cope in their day-to-day lives, in our ever changing complex world.
OUR GOALS ARE: To encourage leadership for individuals, for the schools and for our communities.
CFWC - WHAT WE DO!
-
Child Abuse Prevention
- Community Improvement
- Crime Prevention
- Enhancing the Talents of Adults and Youth in the Arts
- Family Economics Education
- Family Violence Prevention
- Highway/Vehicle Safety
- Historic Restoration
- International Affairs and Issues
- Leadership Enhancement
- Legislative Issues and Awareness
- Library Support Literacy and Reading Programs
- Natural Resource Conservation
- Opportunities for People with Disabilities
- Patriotism and Citizenship
- Reforestation
- Safety for Older Americans
- Solid Waste Management
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Veteran's Affairs
- Women's Health
- Women Vietnam Veterans' Memorial-Washington D.C.
- Youth Leadership Training
