Providing Community Service Through Our Sponsored Projects
GFWC Michigan supports many worthwhile projects. The state-sponsored projects are ones that GFWC Michigan members created, still own, and continue to support. The endorsed projects are those that we elect to support. In addition, the clubs support projects that are specially chosen by the GFWC MI President as the President’s Projects ("Alzheimer's Association" and "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital") to coincide with her two-year administration theme:
“Stand Tall ... Shine Bright .. And SOAR!”
2026-2028 GFWC Michigan President
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS
Arts & Culture - The Octopus Challenge. Make waves of creativity and inspiration by completing projects in the areas of Art, Music, Dance/Theater, and Culture. Bonus added for connecting with Affiliate Organizations with lesser-known cultural traditions.
Civic Engagement & Outreach - Save the Beat! In addition to our community outreach projects, the 2026-2028 Unity Projects include conducting CPR training with the goal of certifying at least 100 community members annually.
Education & Libraries - Unity Through Reading: Every Story Matters. Provide books and educational resources about influential women to schools and public libraries so that every reader can see themselves reflected in the stories they discover.
Environment - The Right Plant in the Right Place. GFWC Michigan clubs have many wonderful projects that enhance and sustain our communities. In this administration, we are asked to partner with other organizations on projects dedicated to the restoration of habitat, with an emphasis on protecting native plants and pollinators.
Health & Wellness - Move for a Healthier You! While we focus on the health of those in our community, our members also need to take care of our own. Encourage 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week for adults in your club and within the community.
Guiding Harbor (previously known as Girlstown)
Girlstown was founded by the General Federation of Women’s Club of Michigan in 1958. What began as Girlstown, providing quality residential services to young female victims of abuse and neglect, has expanded to include all child victims and has become Guiding Harbor. As Guiding Harbor we are continuing our residential program for girls while offering hope to abused boys and girls through our foster care placements.
Our Supervised Independent Living program offers a safety net for young adults as they begin the process of living on their own. A major fundraiser for Guiding Harbor is their extremely successful Annual Auction usually held in November. For more information, visit their website at www.GuidingHarbor.org
GFWC Michigan Education Foundation
“Women Investing In Women” is their motto. The scholarships are given for self-improvement and do not necessarily have to be for academic work. The scholarships are not awarded on financial need also.
Club members are encouraged to buy a page for the Education Foundation Book memorializing or honoring someone special. The pages cost $100.00 and it is a wonderful tribute to someone special. This Education Foundation committee has another saying, “Buy a page before you age.”
Bay Cliff
Bay Cliff Health Camp is a non-profit, non-denominational summer therapy center located on 170 acres of land along Lake Superior near Big Bay in Marquette County. It serves physically handicapped children ranging in age from 3 through 17. Founded in 1934 it now has 50 buildings used for housing and program facilities. The camp enrolls approximately 200 children for a seven-week summer session.
Bay Cliff is an endorsed GFWC MI project since 1998. Contributions are reported on a treasurer report form and mailed to GFWC MI. GFWC MI co-chairmen are Dianne Lahtinen (
Michigan Youth Leadership
Students from many Michigan schools are brought together for energetic interaction with leaders of today and positive peers. Events include panel discussions with leaders from business and government, community service, team building activities, motivational speakers, leadership exercises, and impromptu speaking exercises small groups.
GFWC MI clubs sponsor local high school sophomores and contact schools and others in their community to encourage involvement. Your $185.00 sponsorship may be sent directly to Michigan Youth Leadership, 39741 Salvatore Drive, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. For further information go to www.mylead.org or email us at
The GFWC MI Chairman for MYLead is Julie Dartt.
Joint Presidents’ Project – Michigan LEADS
Answering the Call with a New Approach to Leadership
Past Presidents Kathy Lewis and Rae Lynn Hicks, along with current president Diane LaBree Campbell, made a six-year commitment to increasing leadership opportunities for our members, Michigan LEADS. The LEADS (Leadership Education and Development Seminars) training encourages attendees to achieve their goals within our state (or to move up to even higher levels!). Each club is urged to send at least one member to our yearly informational gathering. At our Michigan LEADS session, interested members are invited to apply for the honor of representing Michigan at the International Convention as the LEADS "Candidate", our state's representative at the annual international leadership seminar. As any LEADS "Ambassador" (a LEADS graduate) will tell you—it is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime and a privilege to be selected!