Junior Membership Officers
Nominating Committee Members
Mary Anne Bryant Joyce Clark Executive Board
Junior Membership Officers and Nominating Committee Members and the following: Juniors' Special Program: Advocates for Children ~ Marisa Jablanski Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention ~ Shannon Butler Arts and Culture ~ Nikki Smith Communications and Public Relations ~ Brenda Geary Fundraising and Development ~ Mary Ann Pierce Leadership ~ Beth McKeon Membership ~ Theresa Frias Women's History and Resource Center (WHRC) ~ Laurie LaBrecque Jen Nowak, GFWC 1st Vice President serves as the Counselor to Junior Membership. Special Appointments: Director's Assistant ~ Joyce Clark Nominating Committee Chairman ~ Katie Robey GFWC MA Junior Membership and a Bit of GFWC HistoryThe GFWC Massachusetts Junior clubs work on programs in their communities, their state, their country, and internationally. Clubs follow the guidelines from GFWC International as outlined in the GFWC Club Manual.
GFWC held its Biennial meeting in Chautauqua, NY in 1922. At that meeting a resolution was presented establishing a Junior Committee. In 1924 over 7,500 young women were members of Junior groups of GFWC. In Massachusetts, the first chairman was Mrs. Clarence W. Clark from 1924-1927. In 1932, GFWC changed the status of Juniors from a committee to a department. In 1935, GFWC adopted bylaws for Junior clubwomen making them a legally recognized part of the organization. In 1944, GFWC abandoned the age limit for Junior membership, leaving it up to states. Finally, in 1952, a GFWC bylaw revision created the position of Director of Junior Clubs on the GFWC Executive Committee. Millie Crom was elected as GFWC's first Director of Junior Clubs; she served from 1952-1954. Here theme was The Preservation of our American Heritage. A Junior program booklet, "Slide Rule for Creative Activity" gave information about the work of Junior clubs. Would you be surprised to know there were 2,120 Junior Clubs during her term? In Massachusetts, an Executive Board of Junior Membership was formed, and Joan Walton served from 1954-1956. In Massachusetts, not much is known about the chairmen or directors before 1964 as there was no report from them included in the state Manual. Massachusetts is proud of these two women who served as GFWC Director of Junior Clubs:
Marta DiBenedetto used a theme Treasure the Gift; that was also her theme as GFWC Massachusetts Director of Junior Clubs 1998-2000. Marta was the first GFWC Director to have a Junior trip that she called Marta’s Cruisin’ Juniors. They cruised to Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Grand Carmen. Junior JumpStart
Did you join your Junior Officers and Junior Chairmen as they discussed the Community Service Programs from GFWC, while giving tips on communicating with your members, and reminders about club reporting for 2022?
It was held on Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm Please note – this was not just for Presidents. Club officers and club chairmen will benefit, too. Watch for the upcoming 2023 date! |
Photos
GFWC MA Junior Membership Officers and Nominating Committee members
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T Jablanski, GFWC MA President and Marisa Jablanski, GFWC MA Director of Junior Clubs at the GFWC Installation in New Orleans
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GFWC Directors of Junior Clubs, 2022-2024 at the GFWC Convention in New Orleans
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