YOUNGSTOWN FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS Members unite to reach common goal

By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
Youngstown Area Federation of Women's Clubs serves as an umbrella organization for its 10 member clubs and two affiliates.
Simply put, there's strength in numbers. Combining to hold fund-raisers, sponsor programs and serve as a volunteer force in the community makes sense. Over the years it has been good for members and even better for the community.
The federation clubs are Coterie, Fortnightly III, Fortnightly IV, Marion B. Roth, Past Officers, Questors, Sekulta, Three Arts, Wimodaughsis and Colloquim. Affiliated organizations are Monday Musical Club and Youngstown Panhellenic Association. The clubs represent more than 100 women.
In the beginning
The federation has a long and interesting history. Sewing groups, to which most women belonged, were the basis of the group organized as the Women's Club League in 1906. Mrs. Warren P. Williamson was the first president.
In 1910 the federation became affiliated with Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs and the next year, the General Federation of Women's Clubs. In 1918, the organization changed its name to Youngstown Federation of Women's Clubs, which was updated to Youngstown Area in recent times.
"Our lives have changed so much," said Dorothy Bailey, a past federation president and treasurer, who has been a club woman for some 45 years. "But women still want to do something positive for society."
Elva Easton, federation president and a 20-year member, agreed. "The volunteer aspect is important."
The significance of volunteering and what that has meant to the Youngstown area is apparent in the federation's long list of activities and accomplishments. The groundwork for involvement in the community began in the 1920s and continues to this day.
Its current and continuing project is awarding two scholarships. Each year, a $1,000 or $2,000 scholarship goes to a high-school senior. That has been a club endeavor since the 1930s. A $600-$800 scholarship to a nontraditional student at Youngstown State University has been an annual project since the 1980s. "The YSU one is based on financial need," Easton said.
Funds for the scholarship and other donations are derived from an annual fund-raiser. This year's "An Afternoon to Remember" luncheon and fashion show was held in October at the Holiday Inn South in Boardman. "Other smaller amounts go to all kinds of groups," Bailey said.
Recognition given
The efforts of its members do not go unnoticed. The federation recognizes a special member with its Woman of the Year award. Contributions to her club and the community are considered for the selection, Easton explained.
That emphasis on community service is one factor that keeps members involved. "I think the service aspect is important ... helping young people through scholarships and helping those less fortunate," Bailey said.
Easton agreed. "Club members can get involved in an outreach they're interested in."
And both women said the federation strives to present an interesting array of programs during the club season. "I've gotten a lot of positive comments about our programs," Easton said. The program schedule from year to year showcases a diversity of interests, including music, arts, literature, history and health. The two noted that the programs are something different ... out of the everyday norm.
Though federation members and guests may appreciate what the organization has to offer, the group realizes the necessity of recruiting new members.
"In the glory days of the 1940s ... there were about 100 clubs that belonged and some 6,000 women," said Bailey.
"There have been many changes throughout the years ... a change in societal life," Bailey said.
But reading about the benefits of membership might pique new interest. "You develop personal, social and community relationships and work with all kinds of different people," said Easton.
Bailey said, "The social context is important in your life. I've met people and they've been my friends for 40 years."
As times have changed, so has the YFWC. But one thing that remains steadfast is its commitment to community service.
For information about the federation call Elva Easton, (330) 758-1436.
linonis@vindy.com
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