To the editor:
As the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs celebrates its 125th anniversary on Nov. 16, we want to thank and celebrate our members locally—GFWC Paskack Junior Woman’s Club, Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club, Contemporary Woman’s Club of Washington Township, Woman’s Club of Emerson, Woman’s Club of Westwood, and the Past Presidents Club of the Palisades District—who do so much for so many.
Founded in 1894, the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC) is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, dedicated to community improvement in all 50 states and more than a dozen countries, one project at a time.
More than 6,500 women serving in clubs make the Garden State such a great place to be, welcoming new members each week at meetings and events.
NJSFWC has made an impact these past 125 years. Here are a few highlights:
• NJFSWC founded the New Jersey College for Women in 1918 (now Douglass Residential College).
• The efforts of the NJSFWC led to the formation of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
• GFWC had a hand in the establishment of public libraries in the state.
• GFWC received widespread recognition for its letter campaign to legislators, which helped secure passage in 2004 of the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act to protect water quality for more than half of New Jersey’s population.
• Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA of New Jersey) will be the beneficiary of the efforts of clubwomen this administration. Many organizations have benefitted, with the NJSFWC raising millions of dollars for projects over the years.
• GFWC is credited with turning the tide in favor of the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906 (an effort initiated by New Jersey clubwoman Alice Leakey of Cranford); founding 75% of the public libraries in the country in the 1930s; campaigning in the 1960s for seat belts in all cars and streetlights on neighborhood streets; the fulfillment of its commitment to America’s Promise by raising and donating more than $13.5 million in books and materials to public libraries and public school libraries (1997–2002), continuing GFWC’s traditional support for libraries; and so much more!
For more information about a club or event near you, visit njsfwc.org.
Tammy Levinson
Chairperson, NJSFWC Communications