California Federation of Women’s Club
Kim Plater, CFWC Women’s History and Resource Center Chairman
“The Firstie Project”
CONCEPT
Our clubs and districts are filled with accomplished, notable women. Help me write CFWC
Women Back into History by researching the women in your club and honoring them as a
“Firstie”. Complete the attached form and send it to: CFWC History Chairman Kim Plater
(kimplater@aol.com) or mail to Kim Plater, 10 Comanche Circle, Pomona, Ca. 91766.
PROCEDURE
1. Research you club history
2. Identify a member(s) who was a notable first (e.g. First clubwoman to become your City
Mayor; Police Officer/Fire Fighter; notable athlete, author, musician/artist, etc).
3. CFWC is looking for something that sets your member apart and for which she has been
recognized as a “first.” This can be at the federation or community/national/international
level.
4. The member needs to be a member of your GFWC/CFWC club (see exception below*) and
the fete can be accomplished prior to becoming a member.
5. Complete “The Firstie Club” Project Sheet and return it to Kim Plater (see above)
Each Club becoming a member of “The Firstie Project” will receive a drawing ticket and is
eligible to win a set of handmade historic style greeting cards. There will be 5 winning clubs.
The club will be encouraged to sell the cards and donate the money to a non-profit organization
that supports women’s history or to use for a club history program. Clubs will also be provided
with instructions on how to make their own greeting cards to help them with other fundraising
projects.
CONSIDER EXPANDING YOUR PROJECT
1. See if you can locate more than one “Firstie”
2. Publish the information in your club newsletter and local newspaper
3. Share your “Firsties” on Facebook and other social media
4. If your member is still living, hold a luncheon in her honor and/or invite family members if
the member has passed. Also consider honoring other “firsties” in your community and
invite them to your club
5. Send your histories to the Women’s History and Resource Center at GFWC
6. Plan a “Firstie Club” celebration at your District and invite “Firsties” to share their stories
*Exception – If you cannot find a “Firstie” in your club you can research CFWC clubs that are no longer in
existent or are de-federated and submit a member from that club. Example: Phoebe Hearst, 1st CFWC member
to serve on the first GFWC Board in 1890 (also 1st President of the former Century Club of San Francisco). If
you need help locating a “Firstie”, contact Kim Plater (WHRC Chairman).
“The Firstie Project” Application
Send completed form to: Kim Plater, 10 Comanche Circle, Pomona, CA 91766
or Email: kimplater@aol.com
Deadline Date: March 18, 2016. If you turn in your application early
by February 1, your “Firstie” article may become part of the 2016 Convention
(Please print so information is readable or attach a word processed document; no page limit)
Name of notable Club Member (living or deceased):
First Name: ______________________Middle Name: ____________________Maiden Name: _____________
Married Name:____________________ Husband’s Name: _________________________________________
Date of Birth: _____________Place of Birth: _____________Year joined __________Still a member________
Current name of club/address:_________________________________________________________________
Previous name of club if name has been changed: _________________________________________________
Brief history of member (Family; educational background; employment; club/community involvement)
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Club members information: (Be descriptive; explain how she became a “Firstie”; did she receive recognition at
the time?; if living, a few quotes would be great; any additional information that sets her apart as a “Firstie”)
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Documentation: (Where was information obtained; are there any newspaper or other articles about the
member? Please send a non-returnable photo if available – when and where was photo taken?)
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Name/Address of Club Submitting Information: ___________________________________________________
Person (s) conducting research and/or completing paperwork: Name:__________________________________
Email:________________________________________Telephone:___________________________________