WHO ARE WE?
La Societe
de Femme is a fraternal organization composed of female members 18 years of age or older. It is a non-political and non-sectarian
organization. Organized by three main parts;
La Cabane Nationale (the national level), La Grande Cabanes
(state level), and La Cabane Locale (local level, that shall carry the same number as Voiture Locale in the same Juisdiction).
Its objectives shall coincide with those of La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux. When requested by La Societe de
Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux, La Societe de Femme will strive to aid them in their various programs. Started on September
19, 1963, founders Edith Schwindler, Eda Kirkpatrick, Grace Bunch, and Helen Jolliff, worked with one outstanding Indiana
Voyageur Militaire Joel A. Bunch. Together they made themselves available to answer questions on the new organization, and
made it what it is today, taking us from a mere 48 members nationwide to a now 4,502.
Our preamble reads,
"For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for
the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, to support and assist the organization
of La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevauz and to advance its principles and programs"
OBJECTS OF THE ORGANIZATION
When called
upon by the 40 et 8 we shall strive to aid and support them in their many lustrous programs. These programs are charitable
and patriotic, and always hold the best interest of the public, including many times the youngest citizens, in mind. We may
adopt a family whom is in dire need, perhaps they have a child that is mentally or physically handicapped. We provide meals
for the hungry, and make sure their holidays are bright. We proudly march in parades, handing out and waving American flags.
Each Cabane Locale must decide how active they choose to be in their community, but in each community where La Societe is
present, their presence is felt.
Some of the programs are as follows; Americanism, it
is the activity of service to the public. The Charles W. Ardery Memorial Child Welfare Trust Fund provides reimbursement of
funds spent by Voitures and Grandes when the emergency needs of children age 17 or younger are taken care of when agencies
are unable to move rapidly or cannot act. The National Nurses Training Program and Boland Nurses training trust provide scholarships
to train the future nurses of America. Carville Star is a bi-monthly magazine published by the patients of the Gillis W. Long
Hansen's Disease Center in Carville, LA. Its primary purpose is to promote and enlighten public opinion on Hansen's disease.
National Boxcar Association's purpose is to preserve the Box Car as the symbol of the 40 et 8. In addition, to contribute
to hospitals, children's homes or orphanages. POW/MIA Survivors Scholarship Program provides funds raised as scholarships
to the direct descendants of verifiable POW/MIA servicemen and women. National Child Welfare Program asks each Voiture and
Grande to seek out children in need of help. Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service asks for volunteers to help our veterans in
the medical centers, out patient clinics, and nursing home centers throughout the country. Youth Sports Program gives financial
assistance for individual youth or teams in need of funding. The Boxcar Hobos are a special group within La Societe of men
and women who dress up as clowns to entertain the children and adults of their community. This organization is one of charity,
giving, and happiness.
ELIGIBILITY AND MEMBERSHIP
Only females;
18 years of age or older, with an affiliation with a Veteran my be admitted to membership in La Societe de Femme.
A new Cabane Locale may be formed with 10 or more ladies that will be eligible
to become La Femmes.
If you are interested in more information please contact Barbara Shaffer La Correspondante
Nationale at bjsfemmes@aol.com or at 777 N Meridian St Rm 218, Indianapolis, IN 46204, (317) 639-1879.
Membership for an existing Cabane Locale is by invitation.
