e-GFWC from International President, Judy Lutz

Date: 03/05/2003 From: mkrisfalusi@gfwc.org

Dear Federation Friends,

The snow is finally melting here in Washington, DC. After a cold, wet winter, we are hopeful that a sunny springtime is just around the corner.

State Conventions

And, with Spring comes the opportunity to visit with federation friends at state conventions. I hope you have made plans to attend your state convention this spring. It is a terrific opportunity to renew friendships, build new relationships, learn about important updates on programs and projects and bask in the accomplishments we've achieved working together to serve our communities. I will be visiting eight states this Spring. In total, your GFWC Officers will be attending 43 state conventions between March and May. Please take time to meet the Officer attending your state meeting and share your thoughts with her. We are here to help.

March is National Women's History Month

As most of you already know, March is Women's History Month. This marks an excellent opportunity to highlight the achievements of women throughout history and I encourage you to participate.

GFWC will be holding its official celebration at headquarters on Thursday, March 13, 9:30 am - 12:00 noon. This year we will be honoring Patricia Roberts Harris, focusing on her many contributions to American life. All members are invited to attend the HQ celebration. If you plan to be in Washington, DC, please RSVP to (202) 347-3168, ext. 121.

For those of you interested in celebrating women's history in your own community, please visit the National Women's History Project's website at www.nwhp.org for ideas on how to create your own celebration for your club. Or, visit their bulletin board with lists of local events that are open to the public.

However you choose to commemorate this month, remember that GFWC is one of the world's oldest and largest women's organizations in the country. As members, we should recognize the important contributions of the federation and be eager to share that information with others. Please try to make this important month a memorable one.

A New Way to Celebrate Federation Day

GFWC is pleased to launch an annual, nationwide celebration of our Federation and our commitment to community service. In celebration of Federation Day (April 24) and in honor of our founder, all clubs are asked to participate in the new GFWC Volunteers in Action Week by holding an vent or participating in a service activity during one day of the week that encompasses Federation Day (April 19-26, 2003).

Each year, GFWC will announce an area of focus. During the week of Federation Day, members, clubs and staff will engage in a project that addresses that year's focus topic. This year, we will focus on the issue of abuse and its affect on women and families. For possible GFWC Volunteers in Action Week activities, refer to the Feb/March issue of GFWC Clubwoman magazine, contact HQ or log on to www.gfwc.org.

As part of the effort, GFWC Headquarters will be hosting a "Saturday Social" for residents of a Washington, DC based abused women's shelter. By inviting shelter residents and their children to come to Headquarters for a light lunch and a few hours of socializing, games and friendly conversation, we hope to provide a positive social outlet to women and children otherwise confined and lonely. (Continued on page 21)

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