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About us

The American Women's Club of Antwerp is a social, cultural and philanthropic club of
English speaking women from all over the world.

We are here to offer friendship, support and social activities whether you plan to
stay for a short time or a lifetime.

The American Women’s club, Antwerp, (AWCA) is celebrating its 90th year in 2019. The club was founded in 1929 as a social club by American men and their wives working in Antwerp following WWI. The American Women’s club of Antwerp is now a group of over 120 women from all over the world.

Our motto: May we never be hasty in judgement and always generous.

Purpose: Our purpose is to create a center of social, cultural, and philanthropic activities for women in the greater Antwerp area.

First, some history about our club and how we got here: The American Women’s club is under the umbrella of a larger organization called the Federation of American Women’s clubs overseas (FAWCO). It is a recognized NGO with a special consultative status to the Economic and Social council of the United Nations. FAWCO links over 75 independent American and international volunteer organizations for citizens who live abroad. That’s covering over 38 countries and 15,000 women. We are inspiring women working towards common goals of peace, multicultural understanding, and international goodwill; supporting women and girls in education; environmental awareness, health and human rights, and defending the rights of Americans living overseas.

Welcome

You found us!!! If you are searching for us, it must be for a reason, so Welcome to the AWCA website. I am Jessica Hernandez, president, mother of three girls, two standard poodles, married to a ‘Boy from Belgium’ (there is a reason I say this and when I meet you, I will surely tell you), and originally from Texas.

We are all on different paths, but somehow, we find ourselves together in this little but amazing country called Belgium. I find Belgium to be a particular place, not like other European countries. It is a grey place with grey people but once you unwrap it it is a diamond in the rough, ready to be cut, imperfections included, to make it ours, and this is what lures us to stay.

When I first arrived, I was faced with many challenges. I didn’t know the language. I didn’t know anyone and I lived in an apartment where the toilet was situated outside under the stairs. Can you imagine that??? I survived!!!!

And I know you can too, but it is a whole lot easier when you are among strong, beautiful, encouraging women like those you find in AWCA.

I had been living in Belgium for many years before I stumbled across this group. It was at my daughter’s ballet Gala where I heard these women speaking English, American English.I approached them and basically said, ‘Take me to your Mother Ship’.

That was two years ago, Covid included, and the AWCA has not stopped offering interesting, vibrant, exciting, engaging, and fun experiences to bring us together. So, if you are interested in a social and philanthropic club, this is the place for you!

Let it be said, our club consists of women who are not only American, but Internationals as well, who find themselves here for either long or short durations who bring their wisdom, passion, and expertise to this club.

I can honestly vouch for all these women; I have seen this first-hand. Their dedication to these different organizations; The Caring Hearts, The Royal Ballet of Antwerp, Kleine Vos, Moeders voor Moeders, Cherut, to name a few is genuine. Whether it is a making a quilt to raffle or sewing pillows for breast cancer survivors, to help those in need, they do it with love.

If you are looking for something more, you might also be tempted by the social aspect of our club; The Book Club, Ladies who Lunch, Tours, and Movie Night, to name a few. As for Book Club, I can genuinely say, there is always a lively conversation about books and more!

If any of what I have said appeals to your heart and mind, you can become member 104!! Please join me and all the other like-minded women to become a member of the AWCA family.

Jessica

president@awcantwerp.org

‘None of us will have any impact or any influence if we are quiet. So don’t be quiet. Be loud as hell’ Bozoma Saint John

Activities

Each month the AWCA organises a variety of events and activities in which members can participate.

A members monthly meeting is hosted on the second Thursday of the month with the aim of being informative and fun. On the third Thursday of the month a tour is organised. These tours can be to visit an exhibition, venue or cultural event in Antwerp or just as equally in neighbouring locations in France, Germany and the Netherlands. The club also organises special events during the year.

Members of the club also organise activities. These at present include:

As new and fun activities arise these too are shared with the membership and participation encouraged. Click on the button below to see what's coming up.

Newcomers

The AWCA aims to help American - and other English-speaking women from around the world - settle into life in Belgium and Antwerp.

The Newcomers component of our Club is specifically designed to help new arrivals.

Our monthly get togethers are a social occasion with emphasis on existing members sharing their experiences and knowledge with women new to living here, and providing a support network to help with the transition.

If you would like to know more, please contact us at newcomers@awcantwerp.org.

Philanthropy

The AWCA has a long history, and one aspect of the Club that has not changed over the decades is our philanthropic spirit.

Each year we volunteer and raise funds for a variety of charities and local community groups in need of support, particularly those helping disadvantaged women and children. We also support local cultural and artistic groups, such as the Royal Ballet School Antwerp and the fashion museum (MOMU), through our members participation.

Also very important to us is our Caring Hearts Pillow Project. For over a decade, members have donated materials and volunteered their time to lovingly make heart-shaped pillows. These pillows are distributed through several local hospitals and given free of charge to the many patients each year who are in need of postoperative comfort following surgery for breast cancer.

Click on the button below, for more information about our Philanthropic activities.

FAWCO

The AWCA is a founding member of the Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas (FAWCO).

The American Women’s club is under the umbrella of a larger organization called the Federation of American Women’s clubs overseas (FAWCO). It is a recognized NGO with a special consultative status to the Economic and Social council of the United Nations. FAWCO links over 75 independent American and international volunteer organizations for citizens who live abroad. That’s covering over 38 countries and 15,000 women. We are inspiring women working towards common goals of peace, multicultural understanding, and international goodwill; supporting women and girls in education; environmental awareness, health and human rights, and defending the rights of Americans living overseas.

This organisation serves as a resource and channel of information for its members; promotes the rights of US citizens overseas; through its Task Forces and The FAWCO Foundation offers development grants and education awards. The FAWCO Foundation also collaborates on emergency funding for disaster relief. Becoming a member of the AWCA means you also become a member of a much larger global community of women. For more information, visit www.FAWCO.org.

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