Idaho Federation of Women's Clubs papers

In direct response to women being discouraged from attending a dinner give by the Press Club of New York to honor Charles Dickens, journalist Jane Cunningham Croly, known by the pen name Jennie June, organized the Sorosis Club in 1868. She maintained that women deserved an "extension of the same priviliedge upon terms as men," and organized a club that would provide opporutnities for women to become acquainted, to work and learn together, and to reach out to "larger aims." 21 years later, representatives from over 60 women's clubs met and dicussed forming a federation.

The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) was organized in 1890, eventually becoming the largest organization of women's volunteers in the world. The organization sought to develop programs for both self and community improvement in the areas of health, education, safety, teh arts, and the home, among other things. The organization lent significant support for such legislation as the Pure Food Act, the eight-hour workday, child labor regulation, and efforts to improve quality of life.

The General Federation of Women's Clubs accepted direct membership from individuals or clubs. Idaho's first women's service club, the Columbia Club founded in 1892, affiliated with the GFWC in 1894. IN 1902, Mrs. S. H. Hays of Boise, Idaho was elected as a Regional Director of the General Federation, one of eigh such directors across the nation.

The General Federation promoted the organization of clubs into state federations which in turn would affiliate with the GFWC. Three districts were organized in Idaho: The 1st District in the sourtheastern portion of the state in 1901; the 2nd District in the central portion of the state in 1900, and the 3rd District in the norther portion in 1902. eventually a 4th District was added.

Organization of the Idaho Federation of Women's Clubs occurred in 1905 with the districts continuing as the directive force, functioning as part of the state organization, but also as distinct and seperate unites. The Idaho Federation of Women's Clubs acts as the liaison group ebtween the districts and the General Federation of Women's Clubs, and between the clubs and the State of Idaho.