Washington Women's History Consortium

Women's Clubs and Organizations

Martha Smith, President, 1984-1986

Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs

Martha Smith (Warner) was born in Marshall, Texas. She moved to Creswell, Oregon at an early age where she graduated from high school. She attended the University of Oregon, majoring in journalism. She worked as a Secretary for the City of Portland and as an Administiative Secretary for the Vancouver School District.

She married Robert Smith, her high school sweetheart. and they had two children. Linda Harms and Leslie Grogan. and f0Ur grandchildren. The% iesided in Portland. OR and Vancou~er, WA for ovei 30 ~car, wo, r, to Anderson Island, WA upon retirement. Mr. Smith worked for the General Electric Company as a factory representative and managed a furniture store.

Martha became a member of the GFWC Columbia Woman's Club in 1960. In 1980 she was elected Second Vice-president of the state and went on to become President in 1984. She was honored as Columbia District's Clubwoman of the year in 1980.

Martha selected "A Caring Coninnittrient" as her Elienle. At the first board meeting, department and division chaii men charged District and Club Presidents to empliasize children's issues and activities in their programming and Volunteer services.

Martha was an admirer of the success Kmh~ F,tep had with a Leadership Tear, w heri she set% ed as State President, so a second team was formed under Mrs. Estep's chairmanship. Members were Kathy Estep, Martha Smith, Karen Gerrits and Bea Moore. The team of four traveled over 5,000 miles visiting districts and presenting workshops during Martha's administration. They were awarded national honors for their achievements.

In the years to follow. WSF);% C sa. the stature of leaders grow as a result of this tearn. Younger women became interested and as Juniors joined General Clubs. They also went on to become the leaders of the 1990's.

To further carry out the leadership emphasis, special programming was presented at board meetings and conventions in the areas of public relations. ~peaking, membership, stress, and report writing.

The 1985 board meeting was a change from normal procedure, with a late August meeting at Cispus Environmental Education Center in the Mt. Rainier National Forest, The center is supported by the Washington Principals' Association for outdoor education and depends upon organizations such as the WSFWC for summer support. A mini-conservation workshop took place on the first afternoon with a speaker from the National Forest Service presenting information on hazardous waste and community beautification. Sessions the next morning were on membership tools, public relations. newsletters and profiles.

The 1985 convention was at The Quay in Vancouver. Speakers talked on Concern for Children, Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation, Nutritious Food. Friendship Force, and ESO The Celebrate Women banquet recognized a panel of four women for their outstanding leadership in careers and community.

A continuing support of the Women's Information Center, located on the campus of the University ofWashington, involved members participating in a "Salute to the Northwest." WSFWC had a display booth and nominated a woman for recognition.

The General Membership lost several clubs during this two-year administration, as well as Snohomish District.

Several clubs reported an increase in merriber'hip,

Following her term as State President. Martha was appointed GFWC Literature and Drama Division Chairman. She also served as WSFWC Junior Advisor and foi nied an ESO Reading Group of 22 members on Ander,n, Ward.