How It All Began
About GFWC Illinois
GFWC Illinois traces its roots back to 1894, marking over 130 years of dedicated service to community welfare and the enhancement of lives. Our ongoing partnership with Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Illinois, which began in 1994, is an outstanding testament to this commitment. Under the initiative “Our Promise…A Safe Place for Every Child,” our members actively engage in fundraising and awareness campaigns, including the iconic pinwheel gardens planted across communities each April to spotlight the issue of child abuse.
Presently, GFWC Illinois boasts 130 clubs with close to 3,400 members spread across the state. We extend a warm invitation for others to join us in our mission of crafting brighter futures. Our members embody the essence of our motto, “Living the Volunteer Spirit,” as they tirelessly contribute to the betterment of society. Witnessing our clubwomen in action underscores the perfect fit of this description, as Illinois communities thrive under the dedication, empathy, and benevolence of GFWC Illinois members.
The Club Collect
Keep us, Oh God, from pettiness; let us be large in thought, in word, in deed. Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking. May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice. May we never be hasty in judgement and always generous.
Let us take time for all Things; make us to grow calm, serene, gentle. Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straight forward and unafraid. Grant that we may realize it is the little Things that create differences, that in the big Things of life we are at one. And may we strive to Touch and to Know the great, common human heart of us all. And, oh Lord God, let us forget not to be Kind.