Is GFWC OJWC a social club?
GFWC OJWC is primarily a service club, though members do form friendships and socialize together. Our board plans events for members to get together with spouses and families.
Who can join GFWC OJWC?
Anyone 18 years of age and older who resides in Lake Country is eligible.
How do I become a member?
You need to attend 2 monthly meetings and participate in member orientation. The “Member at Large” will serve as your mentor the first year of membership.
What are the expectations of an OJWC member?
Members are expected to attend at least half of the monthly meetings, participate in major fundraisers and volunteer on one or more project committees.
What are the dues for membership?
A one-time new member fee is $25.00, which includes a t-shirt, name tag and membership binder. Annual dues are $40.00 for the club year.
How many hours a month do members put in?
Each member determines her schedule from year to year. Monthly meetings last about 2 hours. Outside of meetings, volunteer hours average about 15 per year.
When and where are meetings held?
We meet the first Tuesday of the month at 6:45 p.m. We currently meet at Dr. Martin Luther Church, 325 South Main Street in Oconomowoc, in the Fellowship Hall.
What are the goals of GFWC OJWC?
Our club casts a wide web of support over our community and beyond. Our main focus has been the support of the arts, conservation, education and advocacy for children and mentoring. In 2008-2009 alone, GFWC OJWC raised and donated over $10,000.00 in support of these causes.
What is the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and what is GFWC OJWC’s relationship to it?
GFWC (www.gfwc.org) is one of the world’s largest and oldest volunteer service organizations, working locally and through thousands of clubs in the United States and in more than 20 countries. GFWC is headquartered in Washington D.C. GFWC OJWC is federated under the GFWC and participates in various GFWC initiatives.
What are some examples of current OJWC fundraisers and projects?
Fundraising:
GFWC OJWC holds a Kids’ Closet Consignment Sale and hosts a food booth at Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts.
Service Projects:
Arts: Helen Farnsworth Mears Art Contest for middle school students and the “Plein Air” Kid’s Brush program give children an opportunity to work alongside an artist outdoors.
Conservation: Arbor Day beautification is done by donating a tree to the community in honor of each member who has a child that year. We have donated over 100 trees to the City of Oconomowoc.
Education: School supplies and apparel for K-12 students are donated through a confidential Junior’s Cares for Kids program. We also have a scholarship program for students continuing their education.
Advocates for Children: Purchase of pediatric ambulance equipment for EMT units throughout Waukesha County and surrounding areas through the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program. This program was started with GFWC OJWC and has become a national project.
Mentoring: Activities promoting service/volunteer for children-Kids Who Can for ages 4K-4th grades, Kids with C.O.U.R.A.G.E. for 5th – 8th grades, and Students for Service for 9th – 12th grades.
