Our History

...It began more than 112 years ago with one woman...Jane Cunningham Croly,
a professional journalist from New York City.
When she wanted to cover a dinner at an
all-male press club honoring British Novelist Charles Dickens.
Croly was told that women were not welcome.
In response she formed the Sorosis Club for women in 1868.
Twenty-one years later, that club
brought together members of similar clubs
in 19 states to form the General Federation of Women's Clubs.

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Our Accomplishments...
1899 - Established the national model for juvenile courts.
1906 - Turned the tide for passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act.
1911 - Supported legislation for the eight-hour work day.
1938 - Supported the first child labor law.
1944 - Endorsed a resolution supporting equal
rights and responsibilities for women.
1958 - Supported equal pay for equal work.
1961 - "Women's Crusade for Seat Belts" program resulted
in more than one million car seat belts installed during
the course of one year.
1974 - Started an alcohol and drug abuse education program
for women and children.
1986 - Instituted programs on preserving endangered species.
1988 - Instituted the "Youth Suicide Prevention" programs.
1994 - GFWC founder Jane Cunningham Croly inducted
into the national Women's Hall of Fame in
Seneca Falls, New York.
2002 - Launched "Count 10 for Kids"
a project that aims to improve children's lives
by raising awareness of global, community,
health, financial, and family issues.

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