Home Life Department
2004-2008 Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeWHEREAS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome constitutes a major health problem in the world today; and
WHEREAS, Education can help prevent and control the spread of AIDS; and
WHEREAS, Further research is needed to identify the causes and to develop treatments and a cure; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. endorses a sound and adequate educational program in the school system and a well developed and informative program for public television and other media on AIDS; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its club members, parents, youth advisors, educators and all other responsible citizens to support research and public education on AIDS.
2006-2010 Advocates for Children
WHEREAS, The GFWC and GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. have always been advocates for children; and
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. believes that all children should have a voice, and that voice should be heard; and
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. has always worked in communities to increase public awareness of the importance of early intervention, prevention and advocacy on behalf of children; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. supports children and community projects encompassing the following child centered issues: safety, parenting, counseling, legislation, education, advocacy and violence.
2007-2011 Cancer
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. recognizes the fact that it was projected that more than 57,370 new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed in 2006 in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Cancer can occur without any warning signs; and
WHEREAS, Regular screenings by health care professionals can result in the detection of cancers ranging from breast, colon, cervix, rectum, prostate, testis, oral cavities and skin at earlier ages, and treatment is more likely to be successful and the survival rate is greatly increased.
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to:
1. Encourage local clubs to help work with their local cancer organization/foundation such as the American Cancer Society.
2. Encourage employers to offer workplace wellness programs that address the concerns of cancer.
3. Increase awareness of various cancer types and the importance of early detection.
4. Encourage doctor visits and self-examinations to work toward the prevention of cancer.
5. Encourage Congress/insurance companies to establish health plans that include early detection of cancer.
2005-2009 Childcare
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. realizes a safe and nurturing environment is essential to the well-being of children; and
WHEREAS, The high cost and scarcity of quality child care creates a concern with the well-being of young children; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to:
1. To encourage the establishment of more afford able childcare facilities.
2. Investigate the need for further regulation of childcare facilities.
3. Encourage legislation to enforce the standards of childcare facilities.
4. Encourage employers to provide childcare for the children of their employees.
2005-2009 Child Foster Care
WHEREAS, Both short and long-term foster homes serve as a preferable alternative to detention and institutionalization for troubled youth who have committed no serious crime; and
WHEREAS, Much money is spent to institutionalize children while very little is spent to reimburse foster parents for quality care, thus discouraging competent people with limited financial resources from applying; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs:
1. To work for laws to facilitate the recruiting and training of qualified foster parents
2. To advocate adequate financial reimbursement for foster parents
3. To recruit and provide safe foster homes
4. To support and/or provide financial assistance to programs like Boys and Girls Homes; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. support programs and funding to provide optimal resources for the foster care system.
2005-2009 Children’s Home Society
WHEREAS, Children’s Home Society was the first State Junior project and clubs of GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. supports the right to chose adoption; therefore
RESOLVED, That GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to continue to support the Children’s Home Society.
2004-2008 Equipment for the Visually and Hearing Impaired
WHEREAS, Special telephones for the deaf/blind can assist them in their daily living; and
WHEREAS, The program of Equipment under NC Communication Service Department of Human Resources, Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides these needed services individuals with disabilities on fixed incomes and/or at the poverty level; and
WHEREAS, This program funding comes from the General Assembly; therefore
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the North Carolina State House and Senate members; and further
RESOLVED, That the membership of the GFWC of North Carolina is encouraged to contact their respective legislators in support of the Resolution.
2005-2009 Health Care
WHEREAS, People require a full range of health care services to meet their health care needs, including prenatal, preventive, screening, diagnostic and comprehensive treatment; and
WHEREAS, There remain areas of the country which have no or substandard health services; and
WHEREAS, The cost of health care services is not affordable for all; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to work with their communities, the government and private sector to help establish adequate, accessible and affordable health care services for all.
2006-2010 Homeless
WHEREAS, There are increasing numbers of homeless people, including families with children; and
WHEREAS, Food, shelter, clothing, medical and mental health services and educational and employment training opportunities are greatly needed by the homeless; and
WHEREAS, Homeless families with children require specialized services to ensure the safety of children and to enable children to attend school; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to:
1. Survey the current services for homeless people in their communities;
2. Support the continuation of existing services and advocate for the creation of needed new services;
3. Support efforts to develop decent, affordable, permanent housing, so as to enable homeless families and individuals to become self-supporting members of the community.
2006-2010 Immunization for Prevention of Diseases
WHEREAS, Preventable diseases which largely disappeared during the 1970’s have resurged, despite great advances in vaccine technology, resulting in epidemics and needless loss of life; and
WHEREAS, This resurgence is due to a nationally relaxed emphasis on immunization exacerbated by one or more of the following:
1. Lack of knowledge of the current guidelines for the frequency and ages at which vaccinations should be administered.
2. Many private insurance plans do not cover basic immunization despite the greater expense of treating diseases rather than preventing them.
3. Much of the nation’s population are uninsured and Medicaid providers are not adequately reimbursed for the escalating costs of vaccines and vaccine administration; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges swift implementation of the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations for immunizations; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its legislators at all levels to enact and immediately implement legislation:
To require health care providers to educate persons on the necessity for timely immunizations.
To require all insurance carriers to cover immunizations for preventable diseases.
To use Medicaid funds to adequately reimburse health care providers for the immunization of uninsured persons
To require proof of immunization as a prerequisite for enrollment in public and private day care centers and schools; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to encourage their members and communities to:
1. Educate all individual of the importance of immunization; and
2. Participate in programs that promote immunization.
2005-2009 Infant Mortality
WHEREAS, The hope for the future lies with our children; and
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is aware that North Carolina has one of the highest rates of infant mortality; and
WHEREAS, Our nation also has a high rate of infant mortality; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to:
1. Work for programs of prevention and education of infant mortality.
2. Work for programs on proper prenatal and infant care and immunizations; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges cooperation with public and private agencies serving the communities for the promotion of health and welfare of children.
2006-2010 Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney
WHEREAS, For some individuals, the fear of a lingering death is worse than the fear of dying; and
WHEREAS, Near the end of life people may be unable to make decisions or express desires concerning medical care to loved ones or medical personnel; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to become educated and to help educate their communities about living wills and health care powers of attorney.
2004-2008 Long-Term Care
WHEREAS, Our population is growing older and living longer; and
WHEREAS, More people do not have the financial means for independent living; and
WHEREAS, Some people do not have supportive families to shelter and/or care for them; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to study and become informed of the financial impact of Long Term Care Insurance; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to encourage the availability and affordability of long-term care for our older population.
2007-2011 Mammography
WHEREAS, The number of American women developing breast cancer in their lifetime is increasing annually; and
WHEREAS, Breast cancer can occur without any warning signs and if diagnosed and treated early the survival rate is greatly increased; and
WHEREAS, Modern mammography can reveal small breast cancers up to two years before they can be felt; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. encourages women to practice self examination and have mammograms.
2006-2010 Mental Illness
WHEREAS, Mental illness is one of the greatest public health problems facing the people of North Carolina and this nation; and
WHEREAS, Conditions such as poverty, reading and learning disabilities, minimal brain dysfunction, etc. are factors in mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Ongoing budget restrictions and the continuing difficulty of implementing appropriate community based treatments are key factors in caring for North Carolina’s mentally ill; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its member clubs to help improve the lives of persons with mental illness by:
1. Supporting local comprehensive community health centers and regional hospitals.
2. Promoting education and understanding of mental illness thus removing the stigma of mental illness.
3. Supporting psychological, psychiatric and maturity testing for children at risk before entering school.
4. Encouraging in-service training for teachers in the principles of mental health, especially for the primary grades.
5. Encouraging funding and research into the causes of mental illness.
6. Encouraging insurance companies to more fully cover services for the mentally ill.
2004-2008 Moral and Spiritual Values
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. recognizes that sound family relationships based on moral and spiritual values are vital to the preservation of the American ideals; and
WHEREAS, No institution can take the place of the family unit in giving meaning to human life and stable structure to society, and the moral and spiritual strength of our citizens should radiate from the home; and
WHEREAS, Conditions in many American homes indicate a weakening of the position of the home and role of the family in American life; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to rededicate themselves to the task of strengthening the American home in family relationships, recreation, education, moral and spiritual living; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to maintain in every practicable way the influence of moral and spiritual values in the life and education of our children.
2007-2011 PAP Smears
WHEREAS, Pap smears detect cervical and uterine cancer; and
WHEREAS, When cervical and uterine cancer is detected early, the survival rate is greatly enhanced; and
WHEREAS, Cervical and uterine cancer can occur without any warning signs; and therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. encourages women to have periodic checkups.
2006-2010 Persons with Physical Disabilities
WHEREAS, Persons who have a physical disability need to be recognized as equally valued members of society; and
WHEREAS, Many individuals who have physical disabilities are unable to reach their fullest potential without the removal of attitudinal, physical and transportation barriers; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. supports legislation to protect and secure the rights of all persons with physical disabilities, and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to help improve the lives of persons with physical disabilities by:
1. Continuing to support the National Organization on Disabilities, Easter Seals UCP North Carolina and others and legislation including the ADA (American Disabilities Act) and IDEA (Individual Disability Education Act).
2. Undertaking various projects that are designed to support Canine Companions, March of Dimes, and Habitat for Humanity.
3. Becoming advocates within local communities for adequate services and aids to enable self determination and independence for persons with physical disabilities.
2004-2008 Persons with Mental and Developmental Disabilities
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. recognizes the fact that persons with mental and developmental disabilities affects the population without regard to age, race, religion or other social status, and
WHEREAS, That persons with mental and developmental disabilities have for too long been neglected by exclusion from adequate educational programs and have thus become in some cases “forgotten citizens;” and
WHEREAS, Many individuals who have mental and developmental disabilities are unable to reach their fullest potential without the removal of attitudinal, physical and transportation barriers; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to help improve the lives of persons with mental and developmental disabilities:
1. Continue to support The Arc of US, The Arc of North Carolina, the National Association for Child Development (NACD), and the North Carolina chapter of the American Association on Mental Retardation.
2. Undertake various projects that are designed to support Special Olympics and the five North Carolina retardation centers namely: Black Mountain, Caswell, Murdoch, O’Berry and J. Iverson Riddle.
3. Become advocates within local communities to enhance the life opportunities of people with mental retardation and their families.
4. Promote public policies, research, and services that advance individual choices and human rights.
2005-2009 Quality Nursing Home Care
WHEREAS, Evidence of abuse, neglect and substandard health care in nursing homes has been of great public concern; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. supports legislation that sets standards for quality care, guarantees the rights of residents and enforces compliance with the law; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to:
1. Work with State Long Term Care Ombudsmen, nursing home administrators and other state and local officials to ensure quality care and compliance with laws, and further
2. Work as a volunteer at nursing homes; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. supports the consumer Bill of Rights on health care.
2004-2008 Retired Persons
WHEREAS, Statistics show that the population of older citizens of North Carolina is increasing faster than the general population; and
WHEREAS, Many citizens have been required to retire in the useful years of their lives, resulting in inadequate income, loss of incentive and self-esteem, causing deteriorating physical and mental health; therefore
RESOLVED, That the members of the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. encourages and cooperates with federal, state and local agencies in providing older North Carolina citizens with:
1. Adequate income under the provisions of the Social Security Act.
2. Meaningful employment opportunities.
3. Volunteer opportunities utilizing their talents and abilities.
4. Expanded transportation facilities.
5. Adequate housing, food and extended hospital and nursing care.
6. Local centers providing information and referral services.
7. Social and supportive services appropriate to the needs of the individual; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. cooperates and participates in programs for older adults.
2005-2009 Social Security
WHEREAS, Social Security has become a major source of income for many people; and
WHEREAS, There is a concern for the ability of the system to meet the demands of future generations as the work force decreases and the number of Social Security beneficiaries increases; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. supports education and legislation addressing the future capabilities of the Social Security system.
2004-2008 Social Services
WHEREAS, The common concerns and goals of the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. and the State Division of Social Services on behalf of the people of North Carolina have led to a continuing working relationship on both state and local levels; and
WHEREAS, Greater knowledge, understanding and support of the programs of assistance offered by the State Division of Social Services are needed; therefore,
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. endorses:
1. A vigorous program of public information and education to bring the facts concerning public assistance to the attention of the people in all the counties of the state.
2. A financial program to support statewide social, medical and protective services as a means of attaining the goals of preventive and remedial help.
2007-2011 Special Olympics
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. recognizes the athletic abilities of the physically and mentally challenged persons throughout the world; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. endorse, contribute to and support the International Special Olympics program, enabling the impaired person to compete under the sponsorship of the “Special Olympics” in the United States of America.
2007-2011 Substance Abuse
WHEREAS, The GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. is vitally interested in the health and welfare of the citizens of North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, There is an alarming increase in the number of alcoholic and drug dependent Americans, especially youth; and
WHEREAS, The concerted efforts by public and private organizations to create a public awareness and concern for the causes, problems and treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction have been only partially successful; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. adopts the following plan of action:
1. Urges the education of each member of the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. as to the causes and effects of the misuse of drugs and alcohol.
2. Promote the education of parents, teachers, youth and the public at large in recognizing the symptoms of a person using harmful substances.
3. Provide facts concerning drug and alcohol problems through educational discussions and materials.
4. Strongly urges that the General Assembly pass stringent laws which can be enforced requiring maximum punishment of those providing harmful substances to other people and that the General Assembly of North Carolina appropriate additional funds for the enforcement of such laws.
5. Urges the General Assembly to enact legislation providing more adequate treatment and rehabilitation of those who misuse alcohol and drugs.
2004-2008 Women’s Health Care
WHEREAS, The GFWC-NC recognizes the importance of various aspects of women’s health issues, in which a full range of services is needed to meet those needs, including prenatal, preventative, screening, diagnostic and comprehensive treatment; and
WHEREAS, The importance of education on issues such as heart disease, osteoporosis, women smoking, organ transplant, diabetes and others, through information provided from various resources; therefore
RESOLVED, In order to dispel myths and to make club members aware of women’s health needs the GFWC-NC urges their members to continue education in their clubs and communities on these issues.
2007-2011 Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention
WHEREAS, Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among youth; therefore
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to promote and support youth suicide awareness education in their local schools and communities; and to identify organizations, centers, and hot lines for troubled young people, their families and concerned friends; and further
RESOLVED, That the GFWC of North Carolina, Inc. urges its members to work toward prevention of youth suicide.