About

The GFWC Tampa Woman’s Club (TWC) is a member of the GFWC Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC Florida) and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), one of the largest and oldest women’s volunteer organizations in the world. 

GFWC is one of the largest non-denominational women’s organizations in the world with a motto of Unity in Diversity. This motto is embodied in the organization’s emblem.  GFWC’s emblem depicts a circular band signifying eternity. In the center of the circular band, the crusader’s shield emerges from a darkened world (represented by the field of darkness), which represents enlightenment. The enameled colors—red, white, and blue—are the colors of the United States of America. The red implies courage, the white equals purity, and the blue stands for constancy.

Michele Small

GFWC Tampa Woman's Club President

2022-2024

History

The GFWC Tampa Woman’s Club was organized in 1900 by 10 members as a cultural and social organization meeting regularly for literary discussions and refreshments at what is now the University of Tampa.  As membership grew, their interests widened and in 1913 the Club was accepted into the GFWC Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC Florida).  Educational and welfare projects became part of the members’ concerns.

What We Do

GFWC members understand that there is no single issue and no single solution. We are distinguished from other nonprofit organizations in that clubs have the freedom to shape programs and projects that suit their own communities and interests, while benefitting from the expertise and support at district, state, regional, and national levels. Whether aiming for the passage of a Congressional bill to prevent violence against women or mentoring at-risk girls at a local elementary school, we are proactive, determined, visionary volunteers with a national voice and a local passion.

Our GFWC tagline “Living the Volunteer Spirit” is evident in everything we do. Our organization allows women of all denominations, cultures and ages to focus their efforts in the areas of interest to them. Our International GFWC Signature project is “Domestic Violence Awareness”. The GFWC Florida State project for 2022-2024 is Camp Boggy Creek. Since 1996, Camp Boggy Creek has made it possible for children with serious illnesses to enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically- sound environment.

President Projects 2022-2024

Oasis Opportunities

GFWC Tampa Woman's Club

 President's Project

Camp Boggy Creek

GFWC FL State
Presidents Project

Cystic Fibrosis

GFWC FL State Jr.
Directors Project

Our Local Projects Fall Under 5 Community Service Programs.

There is something for everyone.

Arts & Culture: Encourages members to promote and support arts activities in their clubs, schools, and communities. It is designed to inspire clubwomen and ignite within them a desire to make their world a more beautiful place. What we do: Arts and Craft Competition from club level up to the state level, International Dinner Fundraiser, Henry B Plant Museum Holiday Event.

Civic Engagement and Outreach: Civic and social responsibilities are key components in our lives. The GFWC Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program is designed to actively connect members with effective projects and activities relating to civic and social responsibilities. This program focuses on citizenship, military personnel, emergency and disaster preparedness, and safety and crime prevention.

Education and Libraries: From the 1996 Report of the International Commission on Education for the 21st Century and the 1997 Hamburg Declaration: Literacy, broadly conceived as the basic knowledge and skills needed in a rapidly changing world is a fundamental human right. There are millions, the majority of whom are women, who lack opportunities to learn or have insufficient skills to be able to assert this right. The challenge is to enable them to do so. Literacy is also a catalyst for participating in social, cultural, political, and economic activities, and for learning throughout life.

Environment: Encourages awareness of our natural resources and caring for the world around us. It offers information and ideas to promote environmental appreciation and protection. Environmental education; care for our air, land, and water; recycling; litter cleanup; partnerships with community groups, schools, and children; support of wildlife; energy conservation; tree planting; and beautification.

Health & Wellness: Designed to inform members of issues that affect the well-being of individuals, families, and communities by providing opportunities and resources to meet and address needs through volunteering. Through this program, clubs may develop and implement creative projects that promote a healthy lifestyle; increase awareness, prevention, research, and treatment of disease; target personal development; address the issues of hunger, inadequate housing, and homelessness; and/or prevent or correct financial difficulties.

GFWC Signature Programs

Awareness and Prevention

Domestic Violence

GFWC is a national leader in the fight to end domestic violence by raising awareness about this social issue. The goal of this signature program is to increase awareness of and help prevent the widespread occurrence of domestic and sexual abuse and violence against women in communities across the nation by working with national domestic violence networks, supporting existing activities, working with various established programs, and initiating educational opportunities for club members and local citizens. GFWC is a powerful voice for those who have no voice.

Human Trafficking

The goal of GFWC’s Signature Program’s is to increase awareness of and help prevent the widespread occurrence of violence against women in communities across the nation—and the globe. One area of focus is Human Trafficking. GFWC clubwomen create awareness campaigns that will help educate our communities about human trafficking. We work to encourage the passage of legislation that will help find traffickers and hold them accountable, and to block legislation that decriminalizes various forms of human trafficking.

You Can Find Out More About GFWC

The GFWC Tampa Woman's Club is also a member of the GFWC Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC Florida) and our International umbrella, The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)

GFWC

International Organization

GFWC FL

Florida State Federation

Find Out More About Our Other Club Levels

GFWC Tampa Women of Change

Club membership for women in their 20s and 30s.

GFWC New Tampa Juniorettes

Club membership for school age girls 12-18 years old.