News

WASHINGTON, DC (October 24, 2024) – The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), one of the oldest women’s volunteer organizations in the United States, is pleased to announce it is joining the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation (WSNMF) as a distinguished National Partner. In honor of the partnership, the GFWC has established a fund to raise $150,000 for the monument, with a $26,000 founding gift for the fund to be contributed by Colonel Carol A. Habgood, USAF Retired, GFWC Parliamentarian.

“GFWC has been a force for good in this country for more than a century, ” said Anna Laymon, President and CEO of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation. “GFWC’s commitment to women’s equality began in 1868 when journalist Jane Cunningham Croly attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring British novelist Charles Dickens. Because she was a woman, Croly was denied admittance. In response, she formed a women's club that would eventually become known as the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. GFWC’s history is the history of women’s fight for equity and inclusion, and we are honored to be one more chapter in GFWC’s story.” 

In addition to establishing the GFWC Women’s Monument Fund, the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation named GFWC International President Suellen B. Brazil as a Foundation Ambassador.

GFWC’s donation is an important step towards the Foundation’s $75 million fundraising goal. Laymon added, “We extend our deepest gratitude to GFWC International President Suellen Brazil, GFWC Parliamentarian Carol Habgood, and the entire GFWC leadership team for their partnership and their commitment to ensuring that the commemorative core of our Nation’s Capital more fully honors women’s collective impact on American democracy. This is a proud day for the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation.”

“GFWC is thrilled to announce our partnership with the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation to honor the legacy of our foremothers and the ongoing efforts of women,” said Suellen B. Brazil, GFWC International President. “Together, we will celebrate the impact women have on the growth and progress of our nation.”

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ABOUT THE WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE NATIONAL MONUMENT FOUNDATION
The Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation was authorized by Congress in Public Law 116-217 to lead the effort to fund, design, develop, and construct the Women's Suffrage National Monument, which will serve as a lasting legacy of the longest political movement in American history and honor the generations of women who lobbied, marched, picketed, and protested in their decades-long fight for equality. For more information visit www.womensmonument.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

ABOUT THE GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving local communities through volunteer service. GFWC has state federations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia with 21 International Affiliate Clubs in more than 12 countries worldwide. GFWC members are community leaders who advocate for domestic violence awareness and prevention programs, and efforts to support children. Volunteers work locally to impact their communities by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging civic involvement. 

SUPPORT
The Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation is driven by the generous financial support of our donors. Like most monuments and memorials, the Women's Suffrage National Monument will be funded in its entirety through private donations, and we need your support to tell the stories of generations of women who waged and won the battle for the ballot. Simply put, we can't do this without you. Learn more about our movement, donate, and be a part of history.

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Media Contacts:

Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation Media Contact
Kimberly Wallner
media@womensmonument.org

General Federation of Women’s Clubs Media Contact
Stacy Mayuga, GFWC Communications Director
smayuga@gfwc.org