ALAMOSA–The General Federation of Women’s Clubs has a membership in the San Luis Valley that is alive and well. The Alamosa City Council recently recognized the GFWC Women’s Citizenship Club of Alamosa with a proclamation about the organization’s 129th anniversary.

Established in 1890, the GFWC has a long and rich history of philanthropy and activism. It also boasts names such as Clara Barton and Eleanor Roosevelt as previous members. The GFWC was also highly involved in the Women’s Suffrage Movement. There are 3,200 GFWC clubs with 90,000, GFWC members, from all 50 states. The GFWC motto is “Unity in Diversity.”

In Colorado, the GFWC has been at work since 1895 and was instrumental in the establishment of Mesa Verde National Park.  There are 12 GFWC Colorado clubs that have a total of 261 members, continue to work in their communities. This work includes support for the arts, preservation of natural resources, advancement of education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding. These initiatives are supported not only with monetary donations, but also with hands-on tangible projects to provide immediate impact.

Theresa Rudder of the GFWC Women’s Citizenship Club noted that the impact of the GFWC has been seen worldwide. Through partnering with organizations such as UNICEF, Heifer International, the March of Dimes, and Shot at Life numerous lives have been impacted.

One of the most notable areas of focus for the GWFC has been the issue of domestic violence. The GFWC leadership worked with then Sen. Joe Biden on the passage of the Violence Against Women Act. In Alamosa, the club has supported the work of Tu Casa Inc. Recently; the Women’s Citizenship Club donated 25 new purses filled with personal hygiene items to assist Tu Casa clients.

The work of GFWC both locally and internationally has had impacts that are both seen and unseen. However, there has been a commitment to “Living the Volunteer Spirit,” from it’s members that does not appear to be slowing down.