Committees

The GCOSW and its committees are always looking for new energy so that we can continue our efforts.  Much of the Commission’s work is done within its committees.  As a non-profit organization, we rely on the efforts of community volunteers.

You are welcome to participate in the activities of the Commission by joining a committee.

Sexual Battery

The Sexual Battery Committee is currently the largest committee of the Commission.  Its purpose is to raise community awareness about violence against women through education in the community.  For over thirty years, the Sexual Battery Committee has been organizing an annual conference to raise awareness about violence against women and children.

 Education

The Education Committee seeks to increase community awareness of women’s history and women’s contributions to history.  It aims to recognize women who have made a significant contribution to our community.  Presentations are made during Women’s History Month.  The 2011 award recipients were Crystal Goodison for the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Award and Florida Bridgewater-Alford for the Ida B. Wells Award.

Community Relations

The Community Relations Committee works to maintain awareness of GCOSW archives and the status of women and children among members and the Gainesville community.  The primary task of this committee is disseminating information to media outlets and among members.  The committee keeps print and electronic GCOSW information current and distributes at events and online.  Additionally, this group is responsible for recruiting new members and keeping existing members current.

Social Action

The Social Action Committee offers mini-grants twice each year to support innovative programs and projects that address the needs of women and girls in our community.  The committee provides supplemental or small project funds to organizations facilitating girls’ and women’s empowerment.  Projects may take the form of education, awareness, or activism.  Non-profit and educational organizations are eligible to apply.

Status of Women

The Status of Women Committee analyzes existing data about the current status of women in Gainesville and Alachua County regarding such factors as completed educational level, type and level of current employment, current salary, and other related areas.  After the data are analyzed, conclusions and recommended actions will be made.

Survivors’ Art Exhibit Committee

The Survivors’ Art Exhibit Committee was originally a part of the Sexual Battery Committee.  The annual Survivors’ Art Exhibit was so beneficial to the healing process of the survivors and inspirational to conference attendees, that the Commission decided to make the Survivors’ Art Exhibit its own committee.