Advancement Areas
Strong communities are built by strong clubs. GFWC Florida’s Advancement Areas are the internal framework that helps our 171 clubs run well, developing leaders, growing membership, communicating effectively, raising funds, and advocating with purpose.
These are the foundational tools that make our service work possible, strengthening every project we undertake and amplifying our impact in the community.
Six areas. One stronger federation.
Communications & Public Relations
Public awareness is woven into everything we do to strengthen communities across Florida. Through GFWC Florida, clubs share meaningful stories of service, highlight local needs, and help connect people with opportunities to get involved, support important causes, and learn more about the impact being made in their own communities.
Lisa Klatt, Chairman
communications@gfwcflorida.org
Julie Jernigan, Junior Chairman
jrcommunications@gfwcflorida.org
Fundraising & Development
Successful fundraising is what turns community needs into meaningful action. Through GFWC Florida, clubs are able to secure the support and resources needed to fund local projects that strengthen communities, address critical needs, and create lasting positive change across Florida.
Joyce Mathisen, Chairman
fundraising@gfwcflorida.org
Junior Chairman
jrfundraising@gfwcflorida.org
Leadership
GFWC Florida offers a Leadership Advancement Guide with practical resources to develop leadership skills at every level — from first-time committee chairs to statewide officers. Leadership means taking risks, setting vision, encouraging others, and never stopping learning. Our training programs give members the confidence and skills to lead.
Sarah Anthony, Chairman
leadership@gfwcflorida.org
Andrea McDowell, Junior Chairman
jrleadership@gfwcflorida.org
Legislation & Public Policy
For more than 100 years, GFWC Florida members have advocated for national awareness on critical issues, not from a political position, but from a practical one, and guided by member-approved resolutions. Our members have helped shape laws on highway safety, juvenile justice, women’s suffrage, disability rights, equal pay, and protections for victims of domestic violence. This advancement area educates and mobilizes clubwomen to unite behind our legislative priorities.
Jan Gates, Chairman
legislation@gfwcflorida.org
Mylisa Cartmill, Junior Chairman
jrlegislation@gfwcflorida.org
Membership
GFWC Florida’s strength is its people. This advancement area gives clubs the resources and support to grow their membership, attracting new members, retaining current ones, and building clubs where women of diverse backgrounds and talents feel welcome and valued. A strong membership base means a stronger voice for every community we serve.
Shannon Bailey, Chairman
secondvp@gfwcflorida.org
Haadhaq Lawrence, Junior Chairman
jrdirectorelect@gfwcflorida.org
Women's History & Resources
GFWC’s Women’s History and Resource Center (WHRC) preserves the history of the federation, its records, buildings, artifacts, and the stories of the women who built it. This advancement area supports clubs in documenting and celebrating their own histories and connects members to the broader legacy of women’s civic engagement that stretches back to 1890.
Terry Laws, Chairman
whrc@gfwcflorida.org
Ready to participate?
These resources are available to all GFWC Florida member clubs. For questions about any advancement area, contact the chairman directly or reach out to GFWC Florida headquarters.