New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs

2006 - 2008 Projects and Programs

Arts/Creative & Arts/Performing Department

NJSFWC members, involved in arts-related projects and programs, work with museums, art councils, schools and nursing homes, organize craft fairs and participate in photography, painting, crafts, sewing/needlework, and baking contests.

During the 2006-2008 Administration, the Presidential Emphasis Areas are:

Arts/Creative: to sponsor a Mother’s/Father’s Day Card Design Contest in local schools for Youth Art Month in March.

Arts/Performing: to sponsor a youth poetry and/or short story contest for students in Grades 1-12. Members are encouraged to enter the NJSFWC Creative Writing contest in poetry, short story or play/skit, Drama, music and dance activities encourage club members to expand their creative horizons and to participate in District Arts/Performing Festivals.

Conservation Department

Conservation Supplement

Programs in the Conservation Department challenge NJSFWC members to lead the way in improving the global environment in the areas of Beautification and Resource Conservation.

The Presidential Emphasis Area is: Identify and adopt a spot in town (visible planters, park, monument, etc) keep it clean, plant flowers/other plants or add a park bench.

Also, clubs can provide subscriptions to “KIND (Kids inNature’s Defense) News” for elementary school students. “KIND News” is a four-page, full color classroom newspaper. (www.kindnews.org). Clubs can order free tree seedlings for third grade students in New Jersey by contacting www.nj.gov/dep/parsandforests, click on Forest Service, then on Seedling Nurseries. Members continue to advocate for the preservation and beautification of New Jersey’s open space. Clubs recognize special environmental events and holidays. NJSFWC Members can participate in Conservation Achievement Day Contests in the areas of Artistic Design and Houseplant Division

Education Department

Education Supplement

Members of the NJSFWC promote a commitment to lifelong learning by encouraging members and others to foster and support educational opportunities in their communities.

The Presidential Emphasis Area is: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2 with a special reading hour at the library or school. Clubs can donate copies of books to the classroom.

Members form book clubs and participate in Epsilon Sigma Omicron (ESO) to promote learning through reading. Clubs support local libraries through book drives, supporting National Library Week and recording children’s books on tape. Providing scholarships for local schools is an emphasis area for many clubs. Work with literacy organizations continues in this administration with club members being trained as tutors and partnering with local literacy volunteers in their fund-raising activities. A new project “Books from the Heart Adopt a School Program” matches clubs with schools damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (www.heartofamerica.org)

Home Life / Social Services Department

Home Life / Social Services Supplement

This department's varied programs include women’s health issues; education, and supporting organizations that improve the lives of those in need.

The Presidential Emphasis Area is: Work with other community volunteer organizations to conduct a Blood Drive or a Volunteer Bone Marrow Drive Donor Registration through your local community blood center or the American Red Cross. Visit www.pleasegiveblood.org (Red Cross) or www.americasblood.org (America’s Blood Centers).

Women’s health issues suggest planning special activities during Heart Month in February (www.americanheart.org) and observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The Helping Hands Program supports the Community FoodBank of NJ, and Project Linus (www.projectlinus.org). Collect aluminum tabs for Ronald McDonald House, and work with local nursing homes. Dollars and Sense Program promotes awareness about the charities you support (www.guidestar.org) and education on retirement planning, social security benefits and identity theft.

International Affairs Department

International Affairs Supplement

NJSFWC projects strive to educate members and others about world needs and provide opportunities to offer support. In addition, the United Nations Program continues to promote international understanding through awareness of U.N. issues, especially those concerning women, children, literacy, human rights and the environment.

The Presidential Emphasis Area involves support for UNICEF’s Campaign Against HIV/AIDS – “For the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission” (PMTCT) is a program to build awareness, educate and raise funds.

The orange “Trick or Treat” boxes can be used throughout communities to collect for PMTCT. Other fundraising activities could include: Pumpkin decorating contest, make-your own scarecrow or Halloween Parade with an entrance fee. Clubs support Heifer International (www.heifer.org), Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org) World Food Day on October 16th, Clowns Without Borders-USA (www.clownswithoutborders.org) and Childreach which that links caring sponsors with needy children and families overseas (www.childreach.org)

Public Affairs Department

Public Affairs Supplement

Clubwomen throughout New Jersey confront critical issues including drug abuse, family violence, home, highway and community safety and responsible citizenship through the Public Affairs Department.

The Presidential Emphasis Area encourages members to vote in local state and national elections and to sponsor a voter registration forum or sponsor a candidates’ night.

Clubs work with local VA hospitals to ascertain their needs; support our service men and women with letters from home (www.lettersfromhomeprogram.org); and support Operation Gratitude with donations of items sent to soldiers overseas (www.operationgratitude.com). Club members create Hug-A-Bears to distribute to local police, EMT squads and Emergency Rooms; educate members about the 55 ALIVE/Mature Driving Program and hold public awareness events such as a fitting station for safety and booster seats, and support and distribute information from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions).