About Us
What is the General Federation of Women’s Clubs?
The GFWC is our parent organization at the state, national and international levels. It is the world’s largest and one of the oldest organization's of volunteer women. These women help to build, serve and improve the communities and countries in which they live. Our national headquarters are in Washington, DC and the state headquarters are in Sudbury, MA. There are three types of clubs: General, Junior and Juniorettes. At the state level, Junior Membership is represented by the Junior Director and her officers. The AJWC is part of Junior Membership. What does the club do?
What does the club do?
Members of the AJWC get involved in a large variety of activities. We sponsor community safety and education programs, scholarships, family activities and fund-raisers. You may be familiar with some of our projects, including, Annual Duck Race, Scholarships and our Annual Yard Sale to name a few. Members determine the areas and projects in which they participate, according to their interests and availability.
Our Accomplishments
GFWC of Massachusetts was founded in 1893. Julia Ward Howe served as the first President from 1893 to 1899. Guided by her theme: “to learn, to teach, to serve, and to enjoy” the GFWC of Massachusetts has a long list of milestones and accomplishments, including the following:
- Jointly with GFWC, International credited with establishing more than 75% of our nations libraries.
- Purchased 277 acres in Sudbury and building of a Headquarters was completed at this site in 1987. In 1999 over 200 acres were transferred to Sudbury Valley Trustees for preservation of open space.
- Raised over $55,000 for the NE Assistance Dog Service Project
- Donated over $24,000 to purchase a van for the Pine Street Inn
- Donated over $15,000 for NE Shelter for Homeless Veterans
- Raised $15,000 for the Children’s Trust Fund, Family Resources Centers.
- Raised over $6500 for Project Linus and donated 2,229 homemade blankets
- In 2004-2006 our members supported the Barton Center for Diabetes Education with a donation of $23,000
- Homeless Veterans, Veteran’s Families, hospitals and programs were supported with hands-on volunteer assistance and over $24,000 in donations.
- In, 2007 27 clubs participated in Make A Difference Day - Domestic Violence Awareness Banner Project at the Statehouse. Over $2000 was donated to Domestic Violence shelters across the state.