Epsilon Sigma Omicron
(ESO)
ESO is an honorary reading sorority sponsored by the General Federation of Women's Clubs. Membership is open to every GFWC clubwoman who chooses to participate in a guided reading program or other prescribed avenues of self-improvement and personal growth.
Membership in ESO is achieved by earning 20 points from the reading lists. Advanced levels of achievement are gained by earning additional points from reading and reporting books or engaging in other educational activities as described below.
Update from the GFWC ESO Chairman, Sandy Hauenstein: ESO is now open to any book read as long as it fits into a designated category. Every book fits into a category. Every book you have read starting in 2020, that you can remember and want to write up will count toward ESO goals. The ESO lists have been updated and can be used a guide. There is also an ESO group on FaceBook that has some live chats and also a monthly book read. It is GFWC ESO Book Club and all are welcome to join the group.
PLEDGE status is awarded for 5 books read from the ESO list, or from any list of previous years. (You can download the lists below)
MEMBER status is awarded for 20 books read (4 from each of 4 different categories, and 4 "free choice" from any of the categories) chosen from this list, or any previous list. (eligible for ESO member pin)
STAR status is awarded after 50 points from reading lists or other activities. (eligible for Star certificate)
TORCH status is awarded after 80 points from reading lists or other activities. (eligible for Torch pin)
CENTURY status is awarded after 100 points from reading lists or other activities. (eligible for Century certificate)
Once the Century level is achieved, book points are not limited to the reading lists; any book read and reported qualifies for a point. Each additional 100 points earns the Century member another Century award.
Other ways to earn ESO points:
♥ Complete an extension, correspondence, online, educational TV, DVD or software course - 1 point
♥ Complete a full term, continuing education course - 5 points
♥ Complete a course in Parliamentary Law - 5 points
♥ Attend an Elderhostel Program (now called Road Scholar, www.roadscholar.org/) - 5 points
♥ Take part in a regular book discussion group (start one in your club!) - 5 points
♥ Take part in a Great Decisions Discussions Group - 10 points (www.FPA.org/great_decisions/)
Membership in ESO is achieved by earning 20 points from the reading lists. Advanced levels of achievement are gained by earning additional points from reading and reporting books or engaging in other educational activities as described below.
Update from the GFWC ESO Chairman, Sandy Hauenstein: ESO is now open to any book read as long as it fits into a designated category. Every book fits into a category. Every book you have read starting in 2020, that you can remember and want to write up will count toward ESO goals. The ESO lists have been updated and can be used a guide. There is also an ESO group on FaceBook that has some live chats and also a monthly book read. It is GFWC ESO Book Club and all are welcome to join the group.
PLEDGE status is awarded for 5 books read from the ESO list, or from any list of previous years. (You can download the lists below)
MEMBER status is awarded for 20 books read (4 from each of 4 different categories, and 4 "free choice" from any of the categories) chosen from this list, or any previous list. (eligible for ESO member pin)
STAR status is awarded after 50 points from reading lists or other activities. (eligible for Star certificate)
TORCH status is awarded after 80 points from reading lists or other activities. (eligible for Torch pin)
CENTURY status is awarded after 100 points from reading lists or other activities. (eligible for Century certificate)
Once the Century level is achieved, book points are not limited to the reading lists; any book read and reported qualifies for a point. Each additional 100 points earns the Century member another Century award.
Other ways to earn ESO points:
♥ Complete an extension, correspondence, online, educational TV, DVD or software course - 1 point
♥ Complete a full term, continuing education course - 5 points
♥ Complete a course in Parliamentary Law - 5 points
♥ Attend an Elderhostel Program (now called Road Scholar, www.roadscholar.org/) - 5 points
♥ Take part in a regular book discussion group (start one in your club!) - 5 points
♥ Take part in a Great Decisions Discussions Group - 10 points (www.FPA.org/great_decisions/)
Click here for the GFWC ESO Handbook.
Click here for the GFWC Massachusetts 2017 Reading List.
Click here for the GFWC Massachusetts 2008-2010 Reading List.
Click here for the GFWC 2020-2022 Reading List.
Click here for the GFWC 2018-2020 Reading List.
Click here for the GFWC August 2016 Reading List.
Click here for the GFWC 2012-2014 Reading List.
Click here for the GFWC Massachusetts 2017 Reading List.
Click here for the GFWC Massachusetts 2008-2010 Reading List.
Click here for the GFWC 2020-2022 Reading List.
Click here for the GFWC 2018-2020 Reading List.
Click here for the GFWC August 2016 Reading List.
Click here for the GFWC 2012-2014 Reading List.