FAQ

Lots of people do, so you might find some answers here. If you still have a question, please send us an email. gfwc.oakland@yahoo.com 

What is the Civic Club?

The Civic Club is an organization of women who want to learn new things, associate with like- minded women, volunteer in their community, and have a good time doing it!

How old is the Civic Club?

The Civic Club of Oakland was founded in 1911 by a group of women dedicated to cleaning up the streets of downtown. With the help of a few willing spouses they cleared 69 wagon-loads of trash and weeds from the streets of Oakland.

Is the Civic Club affiliated with any other organization?

The Civic Club is a member of the international GFWC or General Federation of Womens’ Clubs. This is a federation of 80,000 members in all 50 states and 12 foreign countries.

How big is the Civic Club?

The number of members varies from 45 - 65. Most members are currently working in or are retired from other business, professional, and service careers.

How often does the Civic Club meet?

The general membership meetings are held on the last Tuesday of every month from March to November. Most meetings are held at noon, with the exception of June which is an evening meeting. This allows our working members to attend. In July we hold a picnic, and in December we hold a holiday party. Spouses and guests are invited to these two special events.

What does a meeting consist of?

Each meeting begins with a welcome and introduction of guests followed by lunch (or dinner). Most meetings have a guest speaking presenting on a wide variety of topics from bee keeping, to foreign travel; from a local commissioner candidate forum to human trafficking in Maryland.

A business meeting follows the guest speaker.

How is the Civic Club governed?

The Civic Club is run by an Executive Committee consisting of six elected officers: President, First VP, Second VP, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer as well as five appointed committee chairs: Past President, Membership, Publicity, Special Projects, and Antique Show. The Executive Committee meets on the first Tuesday of every month (March to November).

How does the Civic Club support itself and raise money to donate? 

The largest fundraising effort every year is the annual Antique and Makers Market held during Autumn Glory in October. Funds are raised in each of four areas: vendor fees, the Civic Club Café, admission at the door, and a raffle. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer preceding and throughout this two-day event.

What projects does the Civic Club support financially?

The Civic Club sponsors three scholarships to students at Garrett College. We make an annual pledged donation to Garrett Regional Medical Center and the Garrett College Performing Arts Center. We also make donations to local non-profit organizations. At our March meeting, members hear presentations from representatives of each organization and then members vote on the distribution of funds.

Does the Civic Club focus on any specific areas of service?

The Civic Club concentrates its efforts in the following general areas: Education, Conservation, Public Issues, Domestic Violence, The Arts, International Outreach, and Home Life. We have volunteer opportunities in each of these areas.

Is there also a social side to the Civic Club?

Every meeting includes time to talk with other members, but we have found that volunteering together is a great way to get to know each other. We have a Book Club that meets monthly, a craft group that makes tray favors for nursing home residents and Meals on Wheels recipients. This group meets twice a month. We have a tree ornament making party in November. The ornaments decorate the tree we donate to Festival of Trees which benefits the Dove Center, a county domestic violence shelter. The July picnic and the holiday party are social and do not include a business meeting.

What other projects does the Civic Club sponsor?

The Civic Club is very involved in our local Warm the Children program. The Club provides personal shoppers for the selected families and thank you note writers for donors. The Club also provides the treasurer for Warm the Children.

What are the dues and other requirements?

The dues are $35.00 per year. We also ask that members support the Club by participating in fund raising and volunteer activities. There are no committee or other requirements, but we welcome members’ donation of time, talent, expertise, and help!