The Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) was founded in Vienna in 1930 and covers the world with a membership of about nine million through its 365 member societies in over 70 countries. This is the only charity that the WI supports.
It is the largest international organisation for rural women and has a uniquely down-to-earth approach, offering mutual support, friendship and practical help to its members.
It is open to all organised groups of countrywomen and homemakers whose aims and objectives are those of the ACWW. It is non-sectarian, non-political, forward looking and friendly. ACWW is committed to raising the health and standard of living of rural women and their families. The network allows ACWW to engage at the local, national, and international level in order to achieve this.
Pennies for Friendship
Membership fees for ACWW have always been set at a low level so that women’s groups are not prevented from joining because of cost. As a result this other means of financing the ongoing work and infrastructure of ACWW had to be found. In 1939, the then chairman of finance, Mrs. Godfrey Drage, a founder member from Wales, had the idea of asking every member of every ACWW society to donate at least the smallest coin of her country each year to enable the continuation of essential work on behalf of other women and their families. The idea was that it should be the smallest coin in each country because in countries where income levels are very low this may be all that some members can afford. It is a contribution that they can make with pride and respect for themselves.
We have a coins for friendship pot available at all our meeting where members contribute their small change on a regular basis.
For more information about ACWW visit www.acww.org.uk