Our Work

The Arts in Community Program encourages members to create and contribute to arts education and activities in all communities by implementing action plans for Arts and People with Disabilities (VSA arts), Art for Youth, and Fostering Community Art.

The Creative Arts Program encourages members in developing and enjoying creative arts as a method of self-expression through various photography contests: Great States Update, The World in Pictures, GFWC Volunteers in Actions, and A Year in Pictures (calendar contest). There are also available contests for writing: GFWC Member Short Story Writing, GFWC Member Poetry Writing, Youth Short Story Writing, and Youth Poetry Writing.

The Beautification Program seeks to educate members about the importance and benefits of beautifying their communities. Action plans include community beautification projects, research and implement tree-planting and preservation projects, and organize and participate in litter prevention projects.

With the Resource Conservation Program GFWC attempts to educate members and communities about the importance of preserving natural resources and to stimulate citizen action to address these concerns. In this program members are encouraged to investigate climate change, and conduct general education, awareness, and practice of resource conservation.

The objective of this program is to promote a commitment to lifelong learning by encouraging members and others to foster and support educational opportunities in their communities. Included in the program are Epsilon Sigma Omicron (ESO) reading activities and the support of libraries and scholarships.

This program strives to educate members and others about the rates of low literacy and stimulate citizen action to address the impact and concerns related to literacy. Adult, family and youth literacy are the focus of this program.

The Helping Hands in the Community Program attempts to introduce members and communities to organizations that improve the lives of those in need. This program includes working with Canine Companions for Independence, Easter Seals, Habitat for Humanity, Heavenly Hats, Hunger in America, March of Dimes, and the National Organization on Disability.

The objective of the focus on Health Program is to educate members and others about the most prevalent medical problems affecting women, and encourage women to adopt proven methods for optimizing their own physical health and quality of life. Education on healthy lifestyles, breast cancer myths and facts, shingles, stroke, heart disease, healthy self-worth, weight loss challenge, pandemic flu, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis is encouraged.

This program seeks to educate members and others about the value of and need for financial planning and informed financial decisions through building retirement income, checking your credit, wise giving, online identity theft, and social security.

This program seeks to educate members and communities about global topics and provide opportunities to support and contribute to world issues. The areas of emphasis include Clowns Without Borders, the Heifer Project International, Global Volunteers, Operation Smile International, PLAN USA, Project Hope, Save the Children, World Food Day, Cultural Exchange, Youth Exchanges, and Community Awareness.

United Nations Program

The objective of this program is to educate members about United Nations programs concerning women, children, literacy, human rights, and the environment and to support GFWC's status as a UN Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Observer. Projects include the United Nations, the United Nations Children Fund, and the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

Public Affairs Department

Citizenship in Action Program

This program of work strives to educate members and others about the importance of active citizenship, and encourages participation in related activities. It covers Veterans Affairs, the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Inc., SEW Much Comfort, supporting military members and their families, and citizenship participation.

Focus on Community Safety Program

The objective of this program is to educate members and others about community, home, and vehicle safety issues, and encourage citizen action on these issues. Community, home, and vehicular safety are the main emphases of this program.

Communications and Public Relations
Community Improvement Contest
Domestic Violence Awareness Program
Fundraising Program
Jennie Award
Juniors' Special Project: Advocates for Children
Leadership Program
Legislation and Public Policy Program
Membership Program
Website Contest
Women's History and Resource Center (WHRC)

Click here for the 2008 GFWC West Virginia Scholarship rules and application form.