THE PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

With full house attendance, the Area C Conference was a busy Fall Festival of Knowledge. Thank you, Area C Vice President Marcia Willett, and district presidents for a good day of learning: Report writing advice from the “Tortoise and the Hare”, membership ideas for “rooting” members for longevity, and leadership tactics about club meetings.

Setting standards for conducting a meeting—Who should do that and when.

We are talking about rules of behavior, and front-loading members and officers on what’s going to happen at the meetings, what’s expected of them. The president will do this through a lot of pre-planning, understanding meeting basics.

How to set standards for the members—Club handbook, review the responsibilities for club members beyond paying dues. When to set standards for the members, at the beginning of the term, between and before every meeting. 

Once you know why the meeting is being called you can make plans. Remember, the regular club meeting day, time, and location is stated in your bylaws for public knowledge. Give a lot of attention and time to the meeting agenda. Ask officers/chairmen to call you with input on the agenda, and if they will report. Start the meeting on time, end on time and do something in between.

The character of your club determines how formal the meeting proceedings will be, but don’t overlook practicing amenities and protocol for the sake of shortening the meeting time. At the beginning of the meeting, reinforce the ground rules: Be on time, turn off cell phone, refrain from whispering, stand to speak, don’t leave before adjourning, etc.

The president and officers should strive to stay in touch with the members, know that they want to spend time with you before/after meetings. And be aware that some members do delight in tripping you up.

As president, your enthusiasm and confidence are how you get the members to take part. Learn your leadership personality so they will listen to you. Regardless of how you got into this position, you said yes, so bring your best to the position.

JENNIE JUNE AWARD - VICKI HOLDEN, Chair

WHO IS YOUR JENNIE?

She may be the woman who never seeks the spotlight.

She’s the one who quietly says, “I’ll help.” The one who can be counted on when there is work to be done—not only for her club, but also for her family and throughout her community.

Could she be your club’s Jennie?

The GFWC Jennie Award recognizes a remarkable clubwoman for a lifetime of commitment to family, club, and community. Sometimes the hardest part of preparing a nomination is simply realizing that the extraordinary woman we are looking for has been sitting beside us at club meetings all along!

Now is the time to begin the conversation. Ask longtime members. Talk with your club historian. Think beyond current officers and titles. Look for the woman whose years of service tell a story of caring, commitment, and making a difference.

And don’t wait until the deadline is approaching. Gathering the information that tells her story takes time. General information, deadlines, and the fillable nomination form are available at www.cfwc.org under Forms.

Take another look around your next club meeting. Your Jennie may be sitting right beside you.

CONVENTION - MARSHA LA RUSSO & DENISE JACKMAN

The Convention has a NEW date. More information to follow.

Save the Date: May 21-23, 2027  

Event: CFWC State Convention 

Venue: Doubletree Hilton

Location: Mission Valley San Diego

Updated Flyer is attached

The GFWC Learning Gateway Series Announcement

GFWC members are invited to register for the next GFWC Learning Gateway Webinars presented by the 2026-2028 GFWC Honorary Chairmen.

October 27, 2026 @7 pm 4:00 pm Pacific Time. “What is a Children’s Advocacy Center and how can GFWC members engage with their local CAC?” Chris Newelin, Chief Executive Officer, National children’s Advocacy Center.  

November 10, 2026 @ 7 pm 4:00 pm Pacific Time. Honoring Women’ Service, Phyllis Wilson, President, Military Women’s Memorial. 

See the attached for more details on these two webinars along with the registration formation.

AREA D MEETING

October 24 - Area D - Location: Woman's Club of Carlsbad

Congratulations on a successful Area Meeting

Just a thought ......

"You give but little when you give of your possessions. 
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."

--Kahlil Gibran