058 Liz Martin—General Federation of Women’s Clubs
Changing the Power of One to Power to the Nth Degree
Liz Martin believes in the power of people—especially women—joining together to make a difference in their community. But she’s also discovered how one person, using her specific skills, can make that power even greater.
When Liz joined the Brentwood/Franklin Woman's Service Club she found much more than she expected. As a part of the international General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), her local club is one of the nearly 3,000 (combined membership of 80,000) working independently and together on significant issues, including supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.
The mission and history of GFWC attracted her to the club. She has stayed for more than a decade because of the benefits: She has met great people she might not have otherwise, expanded her knowledge of her community and of important national and international issues, and participated in specific projects locally and beyond.
As club members got to know Liz, she was asked to be the treasurer. No problem! She definitely had the skills. Liz’s career was as a financial planner. Taking on the job was a way for this one person to give back. But she quickly discovered a new challenge: bringing their financial systems into the 21st century in terms of bookkeeping, computerization, and taking advantage of investment opportunities that would grow the organization’s dollars and consequently its potential for more good. Actually, that was the easy part, according to Liz. The bigger challenge was to change the thinking of the group from “we don’t want to lose any money” to “we can safely grow the money.” Fortunately, Liz’s years of helping individuals and families make that same transition to success have paid off, enabling the club members to greatly increase their impact on projects and issues they are passionate about.
One person—investing heart, time, energy, and skill—joining with others of like mind and commitment changes the power of one to power to the nth degree!
For more about the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, visit gfwc.org. To learn more about the Brentwood/Franklin Woman's Service Club, go to bwctn.net.