Epsilon Sigma Omicron
(ESO)
Education and Libraries Chairman: Nancy Martin
508-828-0386
508-828-0386
ESO is an honorary reading sorority sponsored by the General Federation of Women's Clubs. Membership is open to every GFWC clubwoman who chooses to participate in a guided reading program or other prescribed avenues of self-improvement and personal growth. ESO provides clubwomen with a structured reading program that is educational and stimulates a desire for self-improvement. ESO goals include:
Membership in ESO is achieved by earning 20 points from the booklists. Advanced levels of achievement are gained by earning additional points from reading and reporting books or engaging in other educational activities as described below.
PLEDGE status is awarded for 5 books read from the ESO list, or from any list of previous years. (You can downloadthe lists below)
MEMBER status is awarded for 20 books read (4 from each of 4 different categories, and 4 "free choice" from any of the categories) chosen from this list, or any previous list. (eligible for ESO member pin)
STAR status is awarded after 50 points from booklists or other activities. (eligible for Star certificate)
TORCH status is awarded after 80 points from booklists or other activities. (eligible for Torch pin)
CENTURY status is awarded after 100 points from booklists or other activities. (eligible for Century certificate)
Once the Century level is achieved, book points are not limited to the booklists; any book read and reported qualifies for a point. Each additional 100 points earns the Century member another Century award.
Other ways to earn ESO points:
There is a wealth of information in the ESO Handbook including the Pledge Application (page 17) and the book reporting form (page 18). You can access the updated ESO Book List here.
Ladies, we know you all are readers and learners! Please participate and report so that we can show the world in our national report what great women readers live in Massachusetts! ENJOY!
One last note about the categories:
Many books fit more than one category. If you feel the need to use a book in a different category than that to which it was assigned, I will accept a reasonable request to do so. Many books by local authors, or on local topics are not in the "Local" category, but I have made a note in their listing so that you know they can be used in "Local" instead, if you wish.
I hope you all will explore the many categories in this list. There are an incredible number of interesting books out there! Hopefully the descriptions will make you want to try something a little bit different, and maybe even challenging!
If you are already an ESO member, you need to email the chairman and let her know what level of membership you have achieved!
- Encouraging clubwomen’s pursuit of higher education
- Creating an additional means to unite women in volunteerism
- Developing a support network for women returning to school
- Improving current and develop new study skills
- Stimulating systematic home reading and study with minimal supervision
- Encouraging the establishment of home libraries and greater use of public libraries
- Encouraging the formation of reading/study/discussion groups
Membership in ESO is achieved by earning 20 points from the booklists. Advanced levels of achievement are gained by earning additional points from reading and reporting books or engaging in other educational activities as described below.
PLEDGE status is awarded for 5 books read from the ESO list, or from any list of previous years. (You can downloadthe lists below)
MEMBER status is awarded for 20 books read (4 from each of 4 different categories, and 4 "free choice" from any of the categories) chosen from this list, or any previous list. (eligible for ESO member pin)
STAR status is awarded after 50 points from booklists or other activities. (eligible for Star certificate)
TORCH status is awarded after 80 points from booklists or other activities. (eligible for Torch pin)
CENTURY status is awarded after 100 points from booklists or other activities. (eligible for Century certificate)
Once the Century level is achieved, book points are not limited to the booklists; any book read and reported qualifies for a point. Each additional 100 points earns the Century member another Century award.
Other ways to earn ESO points:
- Complete an extension, correspondence, online, educational TV, DVD or software course - 1 point
- Complete a full term, continuing education course - 5 points
- Complete a course in Parliamentary Law - 5 points
- Attend an Elderhostel Program (now called Road Scholar, www.roadscholar.org/) - 5 points
- Take part in a regular book discussion group (start one in your club!) - 5 points
There is a wealth of information in the ESO Handbook including the Pledge Application (page 17) and the book reporting form (page 18). You can access the updated ESO Book List here.
Ladies, we know you all are readers and learners! Please participate and report so that we can show the world in our national report what great women readers live in Massachusetts! ENJOY!
One last note about the categories:
Many books fit more than one category. If you feel the need to use a book in a different category than that to which it was assigned, I will accept a reasonable request to do so. Many books by local authors, or on local topics are not in the "Local" category, but I have made a note in their listing so that you know they can be used in "Local" instead, if you wish.
I hope you all will explore the many categories in this list. There are an incredible number of interesting books out there! Hopefully the descriptions will make you want to try something a little bit different, and maybe even challenging!
If you are already an ESO member, you need to email the chairman and let her know what level of membership you have achieved!