Art and culture combine to define our basic humanness and can be found in every location around the planet as we work to make our lives better and to find things that we enjoy, either as a group socially or as an individual. In the study, development, and love of the arts and culture, there truly is… “SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!”

COMMUNITY CONNECTION INITIATIVE: DEVELOPING COMMUNITY ORIENTATED ART
GFWC encourages clubs to take an active role in creating and enhancing their community by partnering with their city government, Chamber of Commerce, local schools, and other organizations (i.e., Art League or Artist Guild) to create mural paintings throughout their city or town.

• Murals that highlight the local culture and display pride in their town’s history and traditions, as well as showcase local celebrities or figures prominent in the historical legacy of  the community.
• Murals can be located on city property and schools, as well as local businesses.
• Working with other entities helps to develop community-wide pride of accomplishment.

Garnering support from all the above, as well as enlisting the help of club members, students, retirees, and other service organizations, is key to the development and activation of this project.

If a building is too big a project, there is nothing wrong with starting small and working your way up. Start with a standalone sign or billboard, something that can be changed to accommodate the seasons or is portable and can be moved around town to highlight an event or, activity that the community is enjoying. Let your ideas flow, and don’t forget to brand your artistic endeavors with your club’s name, contact information, and the GFWC Emblem.

“EDUCATE”
• Award Art-related Scholarships to deserving students planning to continue their artistic endeavors.
• Identify members of your club with a talent for art and encourage them to share their knowledge with other members or perhaps with students from local art classes.
• Hold cooking demonstrations during meetings to introduce foods and customs from other cultures.
• Sponsor a trip to a museum or the theater for students and engage members as chaperones.

“ENGAGE”
• Work to develop relationships between your club and other service organizations in your
area to take on large projects together.
• Participate in or sponsor local arts and crafts contests.
• Set up tables at local festivals to sell handmade items from the club’s members as a
fundraiser.
• Sponsor a craft time at a local elementary school or daycare…something hands-on, messy,
and fun.

“EMPOWER”
• This one is easy because by “EDUCATING & ENGAGING” yourself, your club, and your community, you are laying the foundation for the “EMPOWERMENT” of everyone within your sphere of influence.
• By your example, you will “EMPOWER” others to:

1. Learn a new skill.
2. Try a new food.
3. Experience a new culture.
4. Develop a deeper understanding of this world in which we all live.