Membership Matters
by
Della Gowan
Second Vice President

STARS

Serving
Tennessee
And
Recruiting,
Retaining, and Rebuilding
Successfully

As GFWC of Tennessee Second Vice President, I am challenging each of you to represent your district or club in the most important area in the General Federation of Women’s Clubs …MEMBERSHIP. You will be a valuable link between GFWC of Tennessee and your members. During 2004-2006, the Membership STARS of the districts and clubs are being challenged in three main areas:

RECRUITMENT of new members,
RETENTION of existing members, and
REBUILDING by forming new GFWC clubs

DISTRICT AWARD: A special annual award will be presented to the district that successfully recruits the most new members. Membership reports from the clubs in each district will be used to compile data for judging purposes. THIS AWARD IS FOR THE 2004-2006 ADMINISTRATION ONLY.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Encourage clubs to complete a membership report with a copy mailed to the GFWC of Tennessee Second Vice President, a copy mailed to your district membership chairman, and a copy to GFWC Headquarters.
*Details should be given on special projects and programs completed for the recruitment of new members and the opportunities presented to existing members.
*In addition, the membership report should also include current membership numbers and the number of new members recruited during the reporting period.
*Clubs should be reminded to strictly follow reporting deadline dates.
*GFWC will award $50.00 (fifty dollars) each year to one club in the nation to recognize creativity in implementing an effective membership program. This award will be based on the membership reports sent to the GFWC of Tennessee Second Vice President. A club must send in a report to be eligible to win.
*Membership reporting deadlines and forms will be in the GFWC of Tennessee Handbook.

OUTSTANDING CLUBWOMAN AWARD AND ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARDS: Refer to the GFWC of Tennessee Handbook for guidelines, forms, and deadlines. Every club is encouraged to nominate one member for each award.
GOLD CARDS: Gold Cards are awarded to 50 year GFWC members free of charge.
*Gold Cards need to be ordered through the GFWC of Tennessee Second Vice President by sending a list of the names of deserving 50-year members along with the club name and date each member joined.
*GFWC has asked that these be ordered through each state and not directly to GFWC Headquarters.
*Gold Card recipients will be recognized at the GFWC of Tennessee Convention.

STAR AWARDS: STAR pins recognize our GFWC member recruitment STARS. The pin, with a butterfly clasp and chain, attaches to the stem of the GFWC member pin. GFWC members who recruit:
5-9 new members receive a white star,
10-14 new members receive a red star,
15-19 new members receive a blue star,
20-24 new members receive a silver star, and
25 plus new members receive a gold star.
*The star recruitment award is cumulative from one administration to another.
*Clubs must send the names of their Star recruiters, along with the names, addresses, and validation of dues paid for each new member to the GFWC of Tennessee Second Vice President by March 1st of each year. STAR pins will be presented at the state convention of each year.

ANNIVERSARY CERTIFICATES: Certificates are awarded to GFWC Clubs with “milestone” anniversaries such as:
25 years
50 years
60 years
70 years
Every 5 years thereafter (75, 80, etc.)

*The anniversary date is based on the date of Federation, not the date the club was formed. Please notify the GFWC of Tennessee Second Vice President of club anniversaries. Club name, anniversary date, and club president should be mailed with notification. Certificates and recognition will be given at the GFWC of Tennessee Convention.

You are one of the STARS for the membership of GFWC of Tennessee. Please let me know how I can help you and your club or district. May your two years be bright and exciting!!!

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