All About the GFWC Education Community Service Program

The goal of the GFWC Education Community Service Program is to develop  projects that will help improve the quality of life and create  a better world.
Article 26 of the United Nations’ 1948 Universal Declaration  of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to education.” GFWC clubs know that education can open doors and expand opportunities and freedoms for their members, their communities, and the world. Education contributes to fostering peace, democracy, and economic growth, as well as improving health and reducing poverty.  Focus is on the following areas.

1. Libraries -Having founded over 474 public libraries and 4,655 traveling libraries in the 1930s, The American Library Association credited GFWC with establishing 75% of America’s public libraries. In the 21st century,    libraries continue to be an important part of our communities, demonstrated by a 2013 survey in which 90% of Americans, ages 16 and older, said the closing of their local public library would have an impact on their community. 
2. Schools– any project related to any kind of school!
3. Literacy-Literacy is a subject that creates widespread community concern and support. Additionally, literacy affects all people in virtually every aspect of their daily lives. Talk to your local and county school boards, as well as literacy organizations, and use your imagination to create unique and original projects that capture a variety of audiences.  
4. Scholarships -Most GFWC clubs and federations give scholarships & they range in amounts. No matter how small a scholarship may be, each one is important to the recipient.  There is a step-by-step plan on scholarships in the GFWC Club manual. 
5. Epsilon Sigma Omicron -ESO is an honorary educational society open to all per-capita dues  paying GFWC  members. ESO provides clubwomen with a structured read-ing program that is educational and stimulates a desire for self-improvement. ESO   materials are available online at www.gfwc.org/what-we-do/community-service-programs/epsilon-sigma-omicron. 
6. Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY)- Since 1958, more than 425,000 students have begun their leadership journey with HOBY. Annually, more than 10,000 high school students from across the country and around the world participate in HOBY programs, such as:  Community Leadership Workshops,  State Leadership Seminars, World Leadership Congress and  Advanced Leadership Academy. 

For more ideas for the above categories please refer to the 2016-18 GFWC Club Manual— there are far too many to list here.