GFWC in History

The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) - the world's oldest nonpartisan, nondenominational women's volunteer service organization - was founded in 1890. GFWC traces its roots back to Jane Cunningham Croly, an accomplished New York City newspaperwoman, who wrote under the pen name of Jennie June. In 1868, Jennie June and other women were denied admittance to a banquet honoring Charles Dickens, at the all-male New York Press Club. She was determined to organize a club for women only. The name chosen for this club was Sorosis, a Greek word meaning "an aggregation; a sweet flower of many fruits." Although the founders believed they were starting a new movement, they soon became aware of the existence of other women's clubs that had formed independently to meet the needs of women in the expanding country.

As Sorosis approached its 21st year, Mrs. Croly proposed a conference in New York that brought together delegates from 61 women's clubs. On the last day of the conference, the women took action to form a permanent organization. A committee was formed to draft a constitution and plan of organization, which would be ratified the following year. Sorosis President Ella Dietz Clymer chaired the committee. The constitution was adopted in 1890. The U.S. Congress chartered the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1901.

Ella Dietz Clymer gained a place of honor in Federation history as the author of the GFWC motto, "Unity in Diversity". Speaking to the delegates at the first conference, she said, "We look for unity, but unity in diversity. We hope that you will enrich us by your varied experiences..." The relevance of the motto is evident in the diverse interests of GFWC members, who have implemented a broad range of programs and projects tailored to meet the needs of their communities. This flexibility has allowed GFWC to grow and adapt to the changing lifestyles of women throughout the twentieth-century.

Although clubs were originally founded as a means of self-education and development for women, gradually the emphasis changed to community service. GFWC’s areas of activity include the arts, conservation, education, home life, international affairs, and public affairs, as well as various special projects.

The Federation has a distinguished record of legislative activity on issues of historical importance. GFWC was instrumental in the establishment of a national model for juvenile courts and was a forerunner in the early conservation movement. Members worked for passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1913, and supported legislation for the eight-hour workday and the first child labor law. In addition, as early as 1944, GFWC endorsed a resolution supporting equal rights and responsibilities for women.

The small group of clubs that began in 1890 is now one of the largest volunteer organizations for women in the world. GFWC currently has members in 6,500 clubs around the United States, and more than one million members worldwide.