GFWC Forming New Juniorettes Club in Plant City

By Cheryl Johnston

The very successful General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and GFWC FL Plant City Junior Woman’s Club members are excited about launching a Juniorette Club for girls in grades 6-12.

It all began with a conversation between Betty Medina, President of the GFWC FL Plant City Juniors Woman’s Club and GFWC FL Woman’s Club of Plant City member Karen Griggsby, who chairs the Civic Engagement and Outreach Committee. They had worked together on several GFWC FL committees and felt the timing was right for a Juniorette Club. So did Jessica Worthen, GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club treasurer, who wanted her two daughters to be a part of the GFWC FL experience.

At the first meeting to determine local interest, eight young ladies decided to get involved as Juniorettes. Membership requires that they commit to three meetings a year, are willing to serve in their local communities, and will become involved in a committee for one of the Community Service Projects.

Presently there are five committees the young ladies can join: Civic Engagement & Outreach, Environment, Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, Education & Libraries.

Successful Juniorette Clubs already active nearby are located in Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa and Temple Terrace.

Griggsby explained further: “Here in Plant City, we try to develop interesting and creative events that are fun, educational, and benefit our community. We want everyone to enjoy events that bring us all together to celebrate worthy causes that benefit from our fundraisers.”

She continued, “There was lots of interaction with attendees at our first very successful informational meeting! Eight young ladies signed up and we are confident more will join us. The goal is also to be a multi-cultural group, so please spread the word to young ladies you know in grades 6-12 who would like to make a difference in the Plant City community!”

Interested young woman should send an e-mail to one of the following local GFWC FL leaders in Plant City:

Karen Griggsby – karengriggsby@gmail.com

Betty Medina – bettymedina85@gmail.com

Jessica Worthen – jzworthen@gmail.com

For those unfamiliar with GFWC, the federation established in 1890 now has over 3,000 women’s clubs in the United States. Clubs promote civic improvements through volunteer service. Many activities and projects are done independently by local clubs through their communities or GFWC’s national partnerships. Presently, more than 70,000 women are members throughout the U.S. and internationally. Today, with headquarters located in Washington, D.C., the GFWC remains one of the world’s largest and oldest nonpartisan, nondenominational, women’s volunteer service organizations.