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By Louisa Franklin
Federation Counselor
The Woman’s Club of Cotulla recognizes Federation Day annually by paying tribute to those who founded the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.
On April 24, 1890, the GFWC constitution was ratified, and 63 clubs officially formed the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. With nearly 3,000 clubs and 80,000 members worldwide, we surely have come a long way since that day 126 years ago. Every year, Federation Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on where we have been as an organization and look forward to what we will accomplish in the future.
“It occurred to them that union is strength. Then they began to reach out toward each other.”
This quote from GFWC clubwoman and author Julia Ward Howe in 1889 is still relevant today. Just like the clubwomen of 1890, we continue to find strength in federation. GFWC unites us all to one common mission of improving the lives of others through volunteer service.
In Texas, tracing its roots to 1897, the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs began with twenty-one signatory clubs organized in Waco as the Texas Federation of Literary Clubs. Their objective was to establish communication and cooperation between the existing clubs devoted to education and self-improvement. A year later, in 1898, activity had dramatically expanded to include cultural and community improvement, and the name was changed to the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs (TFWC). By 1899, TFWC broadened its scope even further by becoming part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC).
In Cotulla, the club dates to October of 1923 when 21 women organized the Woman’s Club of Cotulla. The Club was chartered in November 1923 with the General Federation of Woman’s Club. The Club will celebrate its 100th birthday next year.
