The AWCG believes it is important to keep our American traditions alive for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren, we try to plan many holiday events and try to incorporate holiday themes into some of the playgroups. In October, we have had Halloween activities for the members and their children. In November, we have a Thanksgiving potluck. In December we sing holiday carols all evening long. In the summer, we and our families get together for an Independence Day picnic/barbecue.
If you are new to Sweden, you may be comforted to know that we have experienced the same excitements and frustrations that come with living in a new country. If you have a question we’ve probably asked it, if you have a need we’ve probably had it as well. We are a wealth of information and always willing to share our experiences. contactus@awcgothenburg.com
Our club is also part of a larger network as a member of The Federation of American Women’s Club Overseas (FAWCO). Through FAWCO we receive a great deal of information pertaining to our situation as American women living abroad.
FAWCO started in 1931 with just 7 clubs. Since the beginning, FAWCO has been a forerunner in issues that matter to women and Americans living abroad. The issue of birth control was discussed at a FAWCO conference as early as 1934. In 1935, the first Federation Scholarship Fund was put in place. Forty years later, Representatives in Congress received tea bags courtesy of FAWCO members who were protesting the taxation of Americans abroad without voting rights. In 1976, just a year after the campaign, the previously stalled Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act was passed and private US citizens were given the right to vote from overseas. In 1995, FAWCO became a UN recognized NGO with consulting status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. In 2007, FAWCO was instrumental in the foundation of the Americans Abroad Caucus in Washington.
Today, FAWCO efforts are organized into the Four Pillars of FAWCO:
