Education & Literacy

Epsilon Sigma Omicron

A GFWC-sponsored reading program for club members enlightening your own pathway through planned reading and self-improvement.

What is ESO

Enlighten Your Own Pathway

Epsilon Sigma Omicron (ESO) is an honorary educational society open to all per-capita dues paying GFWC federated club members. More than 70 years ago, ESO became a permanent part of the GFWC Education Community Service Program. Through ESO, clubwomen are given direction in planned reading for self-enrichment and personal growth.

The meaning of the Greek letters is "Enlighten Your Own Pathway." ESO can take the form of a reading group or an individual's personal reading pursuit — either way, the program provides membership, awards, certificates, pins, reading lists, and a framework for continued self-improvement through reading.

How It Works

The Reading Program

ESO encourages club women to read books from a diverse list of 34 distinct categories and write a brief report on each book. Reports are submitted to the club or district ESO chairman. Here is how the levels work:

Member

Complete 16 book reports four books in four different categories. Upon completion you receive a Certificate of ESO Membership and are eligible to wear the ESO Membership pin.

Star

Complete an additional 24 book reports four books in six different categories not duplicated from the Member level (40 books total).

Torch

Complete an additional set of book reports to reach the Torch level. Each level builds on the last, deepening your reading and expanding your horizons.

Century & Beyond

First Century is awarded at 100 books, Second Century at 200 books, with further Century awards beyond that for dedicated readers.

How to Join

Getting Started

To participate in ESO, members must first complete and submit the ESO Application and Pledge form below. Once enrolled, choose books from the reading list in each category, read them, and submit brief reports to your club or district ESO chairman. Each book read counts as six volunteer hours under Education and Libraries.

ESO Forms

Forms & Reading Materials

Click any form below to open, download, or print it.

ESO Reading List 2024–2026
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ESO Brochure 2025 Revised
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ESO Cover Sheet — Fillable
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ESO Pledge Application — Fillable
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ESO Program 2023
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ESO Report Form — Fillable
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ESO Century Cover — Fillable
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GFWC ESO Handbook 2022–2024
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