On November 15, 2013 a group of 12 women met and began discussion on the possibilities and opportunities of forming a women’s service club in Kalamazoo, MI. The viability, challenges, pros and cons, were all weighed and discussed in this lively brainstorming session. The desire to be a service club, with a national and state voice, along with a local passion for our own community, was agreed upon. The women also wanted to provide opportunities for personal enrichment and friendship in an atmosphere of respect, integrity and inclusion as a cornerstone in any new organization that would be formed.

Affiliation with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs was explored. The rich and diverse 124 year history of this international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service was the perfect fit for this passionate group. The infrastructure that GFWC offered through the 6 Community Service Program Areas including: Arts, Education, Public Issues, Conservation, Home Life and International Outreach were embraced. Collective enthusiasm was evident to proceed in the formation of a new General Federation of Women’s Club.

The Kalamazoo Area Women’s Club – GFWC was officially founded on January 17, 2014. The women unanimously approved the proposed by-laws, Mission Statement, Motto and elected executive board officers at this meeting. Community Service Program Area Chairs were appointed and it was also announced that the club had doubled in size with a membership now of 24. A letter of application and all supporting documentation was sent to GFWC-MI for consideration as a new federated club.  

On February 5, 2014 the GFWC-MI State Board of Directors approved the application of the KAWC-GFWC as a new federation club. On April 25, 2014 the Kalamazoo Area Women’s Club – GFWC was honored to receive our Federation Charter at the State Convention in Frankenmuth, MI.