Navigating GFWC.org
TALKING POINTS
Slide 1. Welcome and personal introduction
Slide 2. The redesign of GFWC.org was launched in March of 2015. Since that time over 70,000 people have visited the site. The site is a vital resource for both current clubwomen and perspective members. While the redesign has been a success, we know everyone will need time to adjust. The site will also continue to grow and change to meet club members’ needs.
Let’s start learning how to navigate GFWC.org.
Slide 3. Along the top of every page on the website you will find a blue bar with five basic options –
- Who We Are
- What We Do
- News & Publications
- Members
- Resources
The first step to locating almost all items available through the site from the Club Manual, to contest rules, to the GFWC logo is clicking one of these five buttons.
It is also important to note that you may return to this homepage at any time by clicking the GFWC logo in the top left corner.
Slide 4. With the exception of the Resources button, each button in the main navigation bar has a helpful drop down menu. The drop down menus give you a preview of the information available in each section of the website.
Slide 5. “Who We Are” is the first button on the main navigation bar. By clicking this button you can find the history of the organization, contact information for staff members, and more.
Slide 6. For instance, if you would like to contact our new GFWC International President Sheila Shea her email address can be easily found by selecting “Executive Committee” and scrolling down to Shelia Shea.
Slide 7. Another option under “Who We Are” is “State Federation and Club Websites.” This page is extremely important to GFWC, since it will help those interested in joining the organization find a club in their hometown. (If your club is not included, please contact the Communications Department at Headquarters.)
Slide 8. The “What We Do” section of the website contains information on each of our Partner organizations. Many of our Partners offer resources created especially for GFWC clubwomen. These resources can be found by choosing Partnerships from the drop down menu. For instance, Nature Generation has a pamphlet with suggestions on club projects, and Heifer International offers a brochure and Program Kit.
Slide 9. The Legislative Action Center is also accessed from the “What We Do” button and I would encourage you to visit the Center and signup for GFWC policy alerts. The goal of the Legislative Action Center is to provide GFWC members with everything they need to be an effective advocate. Use the Center to track bills, contact your elected representatives, and take action on issues relevant to GFWC Resolutions. Last year, clubwomen sent over 6,000 letters to Congress via the Center.
Slide 10. The Women’s History and Resource Center has made many of our historical artifacts and photographs available through the WHRC Online Catalog. The collection is searchable. So next time you would like to know more about the history of GFWC Headquarters, or Jane Cunningham Croly, or GFWC’s support of women’s rights let this be your first stop. If you have questions about the Online Catalog please contact our new WHRC Manager Alyssa Constad at .
Slide 11. The next button in the main navigation is “News & Publications.” By selecting this button you have access to an archive of our digital newsletter News & Notes, the 10 most recent blog post contributed by clubwomen, and the opportunity to purchase a subscription to Clubwoman Magazine.
If you do not currently receive News & Notes and would like to have it arrive via your inbox every Thursday morning, just enter your email address at the bottom of the Homepage and click the pink “Sign Up” button.
Slide 12. While there is a great deal of valuable information available by choosing the “Membership” button from the main navigation, our most frequented page is “Awards, Contest, and Grants.” As you know GFWC sponsors a number contest, you can find information for each here. A new addition to the “Membership” section is our discounts page. Here you will find a list of national companies offering price reductions exclusively to GFWC clubwomen.
Slide 13. Finally, we come to the “Resources” button. Clicking the resources button will show you an alphabetical listing of all downloadable resources offered by GFWC. Among the available resources are logos, the strategic plan, administration calendar, and Club Anniversary Form.
Slide 14. If you are interested in purchasing GFWC branded merchandise, you connect to the marketplace website through the dark blue button at the top of every page.
Slide 15. Planning for the GFWC 2017 Annual Convention in Palm Springs, California has already begun. Dates and a promotional video for the JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort and Spa can be found through the Events Section on the homepage.
The Communications staff use the carousel on the homepage to draw attention to topics of particular interest such as upcoming events, contest winners, and time-sensitive communication alerts. In early 2017, a Convention slide will be added to the homepage to alert you to Convention registration dates.
Slide 16. The 2016 Top 10 projects are currently being promoted on both the website and via social media.
Slide 17. If you do not follow GFWC on Facebook or Twitter, you can start by visiting the GFWC homepage. The most recent post are included in the lower left corner.
Slide 18. Our single most requested item is the GFWC Club Manual. It is available from several locations on the site, but I find the quickest way to locate it is through the box in the lower right corner of the homepage. The Club Manual is a living document and it is anticipated that a small number of changes will need to be made. A log has been added to the Club Manual page to alert you to any changes.
Slide 19. We are always looking for new ways to bring attention to the wonderful work of our clubwomen. The website currently has two ways of doings so -- Featured Members and Featured Clubs sidebars. If you would like to nominate either a member or club for inclusion on the website please contact the Communications Department at Headquarters.
Slide 20. I know this presentation cannot cover every item of concern or interest. The Communications staff at Headquarters are available to help you. Please feel free to contact them at any time.