Public Affairs Department
2006-2010 Automobile Safety RestraintsWHEREAS, Safety studies have proved that the proper use of seat belts and child safety seats as required by law in North Carolina has reduced the incidence of fatal and serious injuries to motor vehicle occupants; and
WHEREAS, All new cars come factory-equipped with driver’s-side and passenger’s-side air bags; and
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. has consistently promoted the use of safety belt restraints; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to:
1. Increase public awareness and support of auto safety for children through multimedia exposure.
2. Learn the proper use of child safety seats, air bags and lap and shoulder belts, especially as related to the correct seating of children and small framed adults.
3. Establish, when possible, a loaner program of approved auto restraints to protect children; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges the strict enforcement of all existing laws concerning automobile safety restraints.
2005-2009 Child Abuse
WHEREAS, Reports indicate that thousands of children are abused each year in the United States through non-accidental injury, physical neglect, sexual abuse and emotional abuse; and
WHEREAS, Although state laws require reporting of suspected child abuse, the child may be permanently injured or killed before action is taken; and
WHEREAS, Many abused children grow up to be abusing parents and/or nonproductive citizens; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to:
1. Work for programs of prevention of child abuse through community based support groups, education and public information.
2. Support legislation recognizing the rights of children to express themselves privately to judges concerning child abuse and to have testimony transmitted to the courtroom by videotape or other electronic equipment in order to avoid intimidation of the child.
3. Encourage the public to identify and report suspected cases of child abuse.
4. Study and support enforcement of existing laws concerning child abuse and sexual exploitation of children and promote more security for children.
2004-2008 Children at Risk
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is concerned with the increasing number of children being neglected at the hands of their parents and guardians; and
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is concerned with children who are dropping out of school before receiving a high school diploma; and
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is concerned with children who are involved in substance abuse; and
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is concerned with funding reductions in the area of social services; and
WHEREAS, The prevailing policy of presumptive parental rights does not always provide for the best interest of neglected and/or troubled children; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges all club women to support volunteer service in this area with programs such as Guardian ad Litem, Friends of the Court, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Mentoring Programs and Youth Unlimited.
2007-2011 Citizenship
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. has been concerned with the complex sociological, environmental and economic problems facing our society; and
WHEREAS, Informed, concerned and strong leadership is needed in all levels of our government as well as the history of promoting good citizenship; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. encourages its members to support our Women In The Military Services (WIMSA) and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs as well as to become involved in our political system by working to elect capable leaders and by becoming candidates; to become informed citizens; and to express our studied opinions to our officials and encouraging individuals in our communities to VOTE.
2004-2008 Crime Reduction
WHEREAS, GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is vitally interested in implementing a crime reduction program due to the steady increase in crime throughout North Carolina and the United States; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. continues its commitment to promote better use of community resources relating to education and citizen awareness, and better law enforcement; studies judicial and prison systems and legislation; encourages the establishment of neighborhood Crime Watch programs, and utilizes the means of labeling and registering personal property through the National Identifax Registry; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. encourages its member clubs to investigate and educate their communities regarding the Amber Alert and Code Adam emergency response systems to help rescue abducted children across our nation.
2004-2008 Domestic Violence
WHEREAS, Based on police records that show a correlation between serious crime and family crises, the problem of domestic violence is a public issue and not solely a private problem, and is prevalent in a wide range of socioeconomic groups; and
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. has far reaching interests in family problems including alcohol and drug dependence, unemployment, pregnancy, and divorce that often result in child abuse, spousal abuse, elder abuse; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to become involved in the prevention, identification and treatment of domestic violence, to promote family rehabilitation and support, and to help establish and support emergency shelters for the protection of threatened family members.
2007-2011 Driving While Impaired
WHEREAS, A large percentage of all North Carolina traffic deaths are caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs each year; and
WHEREAS, Many suffer bodily injuries in property-damage accidents caused by such drivers; and
WHEREAS, The Safe Roads Act passed by the General Assembly in 1983 identifies substances and conditions which impair safe driving; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. pledges its active commitment in support of the Driving While Impaired Program in North Carolina; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. continues to urge the strict enforcement of existing laws controlling the sale of alcohol and/or drugs and laws pertaining to driving while impaired.
2007-2011 E-NC Authority
WHEREAS, the e-NC Authority was established by the N.C. General Assembly and charged with continuing efforts to link all North Carolinians, especially those in rural areas, to the Internet and to provide affordable high-speed broadband Internet access statewide; and
WHEREAS, broadband Internet connectivity is widely accepted as an essential economic engine, providing efficient Internet access and promising to enable rural areas to more effectively compete in the global economy; and
WHEREAS, twenty-six counties in North Carolina have less than 70% of their residents with access to affordable broadband Internet connectivity, and five counties of those counties are at 50%; and
WHEREAS, increasing statewide access to broadband connectivity, and paving the way for all the corresponding economic, health and educational benefits, is both the legislative mandate and tireless mission of the e-NC Authority's commissioners and staff; and
WHEREAS, the e-NC Authority has identified the crucial need for $10 Million in additional funding from the N.C. Legislature in 2007-2008, to continue initiatives identified by the e-NC Authority as being core to the success of its mission of increasing broadband connectivity and enabling technology-based economic development throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. believes that all citizens, schools, and businesses in North Carolina deserve and will benefit from affordable broadband Internet access; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urge its member clubs to support appropriations by the N.C. General Assembly to fund the e-NC Authority expansion programs.
2006-2010 Fire Prevention
WHEREAS, A program of fire prevention and safety education for children and adults is needed to make the home, work place and places of public assembly safe from deadly smoke and fire; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members and communities to install and maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in their homes; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members and members of their communities to learn and identify potential hazards in the home and at work and to plan and practice using escape routes; and further
RESOLVED, That municipalities are urged to strictly enforce fire inspection laws and other laws necessary to protect lives and property.
2004-2008 Free Enterprise
WHEREAS, Our economic system of free enterprise contributed greatly to the development of this country into a strong, free nation with one of the highest standards of living in world history; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to take the following steps to strengthen our system of free enterprise:
1. Becomes better informed about the free enterprise system.
2. Appraises government controls and supports fair and open trade relations between nations.
3. Encourages public schools to provide instruction/information regarding the free enterprise system.
2007-2011 GFWC Identity
WHEREAS, The General Federation of Women’s Clubs has entered its second century as a service organization; and
WHEREAS, There is a need to enhance the image and identity of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs; and
WHEREAS, All newly federated clubs are required by the bylaws to incorporate the GFWC name into their club name; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. encourages all clubs to incorporate the name of GFWC into their local club name.
2005-2009 Harassment in the Workplace
WHEREAS, Harassment is a problem affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people; and
WHEREAS, Sexual harassment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and, in 1986, the Supreme Court declared workers are entitled to freedom from a hostile working environment; and
WHEREAS, The majority of persons who report harassment do not file formal complaints due to the fear of retaliation; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. supports increased enforcement of the laws against harassment.
2007-2011 Highway Safety
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. has long been interested in the highway safety programs of North Carolina and in the safety of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, Since observing posted speed limits reduce traffic accidents; and
WHEREAS, The mandatory licensing and enforcement of safety features for all motored vehicles has reduced accidents; and
WHEREAS, Driver education has been a beneficial factor in the reduction of single and multiple vehicle accidents; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. supports the observance and enforcement of legally posted speed limits; and further
RESOLVED, That the study of safety features for all motored vehicles be continued; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. continues its support of efforts in driver education.
2004-2008 History and America’s Future
WHEREAS, All citizens of the United States should understand and appreciate our great American heritage; and
WHEREAS, The study of history not only increases appreciation of the past but also illuminates the present and gives perspective to our hopes for the future; and
WHEREAS, Contemporary studies indicate that both high school and college students are seriously deficient in their knowledge of American history and the place of the United States in world affairs; and
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is interested in the development of future leaders who understand the history and political structure of our government and its role in world politics; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. encourages all school systems to provide required studies in United States history and elementary political science which emphasize:
1. American ideals;
2. The place of the United States in modern world affairs; and
3. Desired relationships between nations and their mutual responsibilities; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. encourages the continuing support of the history of North Carolina by state appropriation, including the North Carolina Museum of History.
2006-2010 Non-licensed Vehicle Safety
WHEREAS, There are many means of transportation and recreation that put users at risk; and
WHEREAS, The number of non-licensed vehicles on public and private roadways has increased sharply; and
WHEREAS, The injury and mortality rates have increased because of disregard for legal and safety factors; and
WHEREAS, Those who do not wear safety helmets risk sustaining serious head injuries when involved in crashes; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members clubs to:
1. Promote non-licensed vehicles courses for all types of non-licensed vehicles.
2. Urge cooperation between school officials and safety officials in the presentation of bicycle and other non-licensed vehicles safety courses.
3. Encourage the use of safety helmets by children and adults as required by state law.
4. Support legislation requiring safety helmet use by those using bicycles, mopeds, all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), skates, skate boards, scooters, etc.; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges governmental units to authorize construction of exclusive or preferential non-licensed vehicles lanes, or paths, non-licensed vehicles traffic control devices, shelters and parking facilities to serve non-licensed-vehicles.
2007-2011 North Carolina Law Enforcement Officers
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is aware that the North Carolina Law Enforcement Officers, because of their excellence, dedication and concern for public safety, have earned a national reputation for their exceptional service; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. commends the North Carolina Law Enforcement Officers for their achievements; and urges its member clubs to recognize the achievements of the North Carolina Law Enforcement Officers and to express their appreciation for their creditable performance of duties.
2005-2009 Pornographic Materials
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. has worked to eliminate pornographic materials in the state through promotion of surveys and action programs locally by member clubs; and
WHEREAS, Americans are besieged today by the spread of obscenity through the Internet, audio-visual and other materials; and
WHEREAS, Obscene material is being sent unsolicited through the United States mails and computers into homes and is sold openly elsewhere; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. encourages its member clubs to write to their elected officials urging them to move pornographic materials on the internet to a unique domain that will identify the material in that website as unacceptable for children; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to use every available means to combat obscenity and pornography by legislative means and by programs of cooperative community action.
2005-2009 Preserving Our Heritage
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is aware of the importance of the preservation of our heritage; therefore,
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to:
l. Promote and participate in activities that preserve this heritage through education and action.
2. Identify special landmarks in their communities and work with community preservation leaders and organizations to preserve these landmarks including historic clubhouses.
3. Celebrate Historic Preservation Week during the second week in May.
4. Document their club history and send copies to both State Headquarters and the GFWC Women’s History and Resource Center.
2007-2011 Prevention of Crime Against the Older Adult
WHEREAS, Crime has a tremendous effect upon the lives and emotional well-being of older citizens, and is consistently cited as one of their major concerns; and
WHEREAS, Studies show that older adults are the victims of crimes (principally criminal fraud, strong arm robbery, purse snatching, theft of checks from mailboxes, vandalism, harassing telephone calls and unethical sales practices); and
WHEREAS, Many elderly North Carolinians are becoming prisoners in their own homes, too afraid to go out and remain active in their communities, surrendering their lives to the fear of crimes; and
WHEREAS, Many elderly North Carolinians are victims of crime, abuse and/or neglect in retirement and nursing facilities; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to work for the prevention of crimes against the elderly; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to support efforts of the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Aging, the Department of Insurance and the office of the Attorney General in their public awareness programs dealing with the prevention of crimes and the fear of crimes against older adults.
2004-2008 Public Policy Programs
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is a member of NC Women United and the NC Center for Nonprofits; and
WHEREAS, Each of the above organizations study and formulate a public policy program for presentation to each session of the General Assembly; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. encourage its member clubs to become involved with public policy programs; and furthers
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. encourages its member clubs to use the GFWC-NC and GFWC resolutions as a foundation to formulate and to become involved with public policy issues.
2006-2010 Reducing Underage Drinking
WHEREAS, Scientific study has shown that the social environment is an important and largely unrecognized factor affecting underage drinking; and
WHEREAS, Concerned persons are working to promote the use of effective policies to control the ways in which the social environment both encourage and supports drinking by young people; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to support identifying policies that business, organizations, schools and communities can use to reduce youth access to alcohol in public and private settings; and
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to support promoting efforts to ensure that laws against selling alcohol to underage persons are enforced, obeyed and strengthened; and
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to support researching how to reduce the impact of advertising and marketing of alcohol in ways and locations that appeal to young people and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to support study and discussion of the relationship between the price of alcohol and underage consumption.
2004-2008 Salute to the Flag of North Carolina
WHEREAS, An official state flag was first recognized in 1861, with a new design adopted in 1885; and
WHEREAS, In 1907 the General Assembly enacted legislation requiring the flag to be displayed at all state institutions, public buildings and courthouses; and
WHEREAS, many organizations and groups use the Salute to the North Carolina Flag at their meetings and conventions; and
WHEREAS, There is no record of an official pledge to the State Flag having been adopted; and
WHEREAS, For the purpose of promoting greater loyalty and respect to the State of North Carolina and inasmuch as a special act of the Legislature adopted an emblem of our government known as the North Carolina flag; therefore,
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges The General Assembly of North Carolina to enact: “I Salute the flag of North Carolina and pledge to the Old North State love, loyalty and faith” as the official Salute to the North Carolina Flag.
2007-2011 Sexual Assault
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. recognizes that sexual assault is a reprehensible and underreported crime of violence against women, children, the elderly and others; and
WHEREAS, The prosecution and conviction of rapists occur significantly less often than the perpetration of rapes; and
WHEREAS, Improved procedures using Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) in hospitals would alleviate some of the trauma suffered by the victims; and
WHEREAS, Extensive self-protection and sexual assault prevention education programs would decrease the incidence of sexual assault; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to work for improvement in the laws concerning rapists and sexual abusers; to implement programs on self-protection; to develop prevention education programs; and to work to alleviate the trauma and stigma attached to victims of sexual assault.
2007-2011 Status of Women
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. has a continuing interest and involvement in improving the status of women; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. adopts the following recommendations as fields for action in its program:
1. Support the work of the North Carolina Council for Women and similar groups.
2. Promote and work for:
a. Elimination of wage and salary scales with differentials based on sex.
b. Expanded day care programs for all children of working mothers who need this care.
c. Equal educational opportunities for women of all ages.
d. Assistance to women of all ages to achieve their highest potential.
e. Opportunities for personal growth and development for women in employment.
f. Women to become well-informed concerning public affairs and their rights and responsibilities as women.
3. Encourage public and private agencies to:
a. Provide licensed day care facilities for employees’ children.
b. Offer part-time and flexible time employment opportunities.
4. Encourage and support the election and/or appointment of women in government and policy-making positions.
2006-2010 Victim/Witness Assistance
WHEREAS, Victims and witnesses of violent crimes often suffer traumatic experiences after the occurrence of the crime as well as at the time the offense is committed; and
WHEREAS, Victims and/or witnesses may need medical aid, counseling, emotional support, shelter or financial assistance; and
WHEREAS, To assure that justice is carried out, victims and/or witnesses may require assistance in understanding court procedure or help in making it possible for them to appear in court; therefore
RESOLVED,That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to sponsor and support the implementation of victim/witness assistance projects and the community awareness of the Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification Project (SAVAN).
2006-2010 Volunteerism
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is founded on the principles of volunteerism and has used its volunteer force for improving the quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Involved citizens are the backbone of many vital programs which serve the local community and the general public on all levels; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. actively engage in volunteer activities which support its objectives and enlists the services of citizens in each community to make active contributions to educational, religious, governmental and other agencies; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. endorses the program of the Office of Citizen Affairs of the State of North Carolina in its emphasis on Volunteerism.