Mission
In 1927 The Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women, Inc was founded to promote the appointment and election of Democratic women to responsible positions within all branches of government, to encourage the advancement of women in both the public and private sectors, and to advocate the principles of the Democratic Party.
Organization
Today the Federation claims more than 2,000 members in local affiliates throughout the counties of the Commonwealth. These associations are grouped into 18 geographic regions, each coordinated by a director. The state Executive Board consists of a president, six vice-presidents, a treasurer, corresponding and recording secretaries, and committee chairs.
Campaign Networking
The Federation neither endorses nor backs candidates during Primary Elections. In General Elections, however, the organization actively supports the nominees and the platform of the Democratic Party.
Funded by the Century Club and other contributors, the Federation’s PAC provides financial assistance and resources to qualified Democratic candidates for local, state, and federal offices.
The Federation award scholarships each year to women college students whose need and dedication to Democratic principles are noteworthy. Local affiliates recommend Pennsylvania juniors at accredited colleges or universities, and the Federation chooses recipients of the scholarship. The grants are to be used during the students’ senior year.
Each year the Federation honors an outstanding Democratic woman elected to public office in Pennsylvania. The honorees have made significant contributions to the Commonwealth, have supported the Federation and the Democratic party, and have consistently aided other Women seeking elective office.
Eleanor Roosevelt suggested in 1939 that a Democratic Women’s Day become an annual event. Building on Eleanor’s suggestion, the Federation initiated the “Woman of the Year” Award. This award is given to an outstanding Federation member and her accomplishments are celebrated during our yearly convention. Each club is asked to submit a name of a member that they feel is worthy of “Woman of the Year.”
The Federation publishes the Survey, its quarterly newspaper, and distributes copies to approximately 3,000 readers including members of the Senate and members of the House of Representatives.
Annual Convention
The site of the Convention changes each year. The conference highlights speakers, workshops, programs, elections of officers, discussions with candidates for statewide office, and debates on state and national issues. List of convention sites
In 2006, the Federation created the annual Senator Jeanette Reibman Award presented to an outstanding Democratic women who exemplifies the advancement of women, both as an individual and as a role model and mentor for other women.