GFWC of Montana 1921-1924 President ~ Mrs. S.M. Souders, Red Lodge
The History of GFWC in Montana
| Who We Are | The purpose of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Montana is to unite women’s clubs around the state in order to enhance community service efforts throughout our state. We are professional women, homemakers, teachers, elected officials, business owners, students, retirees, wives, mothers, and single women. Our clubs are very diverse in age as well as agendas and interest. We have a wide variety of meeting times and programs. We meet in homes, in clubrooms, in public buildings, senior centers, and in libraries. |
Our History | In 1904 twelve clubs banded together to form the Montana Federation of Women’s Clubs. Early records show that the still active GFWC Deer Lodge Woman’s Club, organized in 1890, was the first woman’s club organized in Montana. Montana’s first state convention was held in Butte in 1905, with State President Mrs. H. Mitchell of Great Falls reporting on our first year. The Federation had grown with 32 clubs attending the convention. Mobile and local libraries were major projects supported by all. The state official seal was adopted during the 1962-1964 administration with the official colors of copper and green; official bird, the meadowlark; and the official flower, the bitterroot. |
| Our Record | Projects over the past 48 years: The CARE Project – Caring for those who care for us Suicide Prevention and Awareness Youth Equip – support foster care children as they age out Montana Hope Project – MT Highway Patrol wishes for ill children Helping Hearts Project St Patrick’s Hospital Montana Talking Book Library- new recording booth Cancer Family Network Chapel at Galen W.H.A.L.E. Project – Child Safety Seat Occupant Program Intermountain Children’s Home Playground at Helena Chapel at Warms Springs Restoration projects at the Governor’s Mansion Braille Trail at School for Deaf and Blind in Great Falls Communications system for Eastmont Training Facility in Glendive Hope Ranch Children’s Home Recreation room in Poplar Fort Peck Indian Reservation Northern Rockies Cancer Treatment Center in Billings Shodair Children’s Hospital Allergy center in Helena Raised funds for ‘Prevention of Child Abuse’ Portable monitors for children with heart disease ‘Speak Typewriter’ for blind Rejuvenation of local libraries Stained Glass Windows Restoration of the State Capitol Rotunda Participant in ‘Montana Promise’ |
| What We Do | A wide variety of projects in Signature Program: Domestic Violence and Sexual Awareness and Prevention, Juniors Special Program: Advocates for Children, Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement and Outreach, Education and Libraries, Environment, and Health and Wellness address issues of importance to our communities, state, nation, and world. With ‘Unity In Diversity’ as our motto, our clubs are free to choose programs and projects suitable to their interests and their communities’ needs. |
| Issues We Address | Personal leadership development, Literacy-adults and children Safety of older Americans, Women’s health concerns Community improvement contests, Arts and crafts development Recycling and waste management, International understanding |
| What We Raise Funds For | Scholarships, Libraries, Art contests, Historic restoration Domestic violence shelters and programs, Substance abuse education |
Past Montana Presidents
| For more information: GFWC.org |