THE PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

Climbing Together, Shaping Tomorrow: the 2026 GFWC Annual Convention.

A delegation of 60 enthusiastic members was loud and proud to represent California and celebrate the events at the GFWC Convention in Scottsdale Arizona.

Friday afternoon the group gathered for the traditional state federation photo and began reviewing the program for the anticipated convention banquets, speeches, awards, workshops, entertainment, dancing, late nights, early mornings, etc.

Leading off the highlights was the colorful state night “Fiesta” hosted by Arizona Federation—Mariachi music, food, outstanding costumes by the members. Thank you, Arizona, Mucho gusto.

Opening session flag ceremony showcasing the 49 state federations is always impressive—we cheered for our President Sonya accompanied by 1^st Vice President Cindy Sanders as flag bearer.   

In honor of America’s 250^th celebration, North Carolina Federation presented patriotic costumed drum and fife processional highlighting women important in history.

An impressive colorful welcome by three native American dancers educated us on the significance of their costumes, ceremonies, music and indigenous heritage.

Keynote speaker Phyllis Wilson, CW5, USA retired gave an emotional presentation about the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation—the only major national memorial honoring the 3 million women who have defended America from the Revolutionary War to today. GFWC supported this project 30 years ago and needs our help again. Stay tuned on this.

In the off time, the pool and massage salon was popular, dozens of tempting vendors for shopping, lots of Federation items to stock up on from the GFWC Market Place, opportunity drawings, “diamonds, jewelry and bling” silent auction, comfortable nooks to catch up with friends from other states, and the peace and quiet of our own comfortable hotel rooms.

Bringing the convention to close was the beautiful and touching installation ceremony. We bid fond farewell to President Suellen Brazil; thanking her for outstanding leadership and inspiration not only for these two years, but for her dedication throughout her federation career.  And welcomed Incoming president Wendy Carriker and officers in anticipation of an exciting administration of unity in diversity in volunteer spirit.

Save the date for next year: 2027 GFWC Annual Convention, June 25-28, 2027, at the Westin Charlotte hotel, Charlotte North Carolina.

Continue to be useful, be loving, be federated.

Chris

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CORNER

I hope that all of you had a wonderful time celebrating America’s 250^th birthday. We are a country with a diverse population much like the members of Federation. The clubs/districts are the “heart” of the California Federation. Every club is unique, therefore it is important to think outside the box to attract, retain, and maintain members. You might create a needs survey, on line or in person. Just as GFWC has developed a strategic plan, your club/district needs to develop an implementation plan. Some viable suggestions are: Foster a welcoming environment at your meetings, move day meeting to an evening meeting or a Saturday to accommodate the working member, incorporate hybrid meetings, schedule socials outside of the club setting to get to know each other better, incorporate hands on projects at meetings, and check in with members/clubs that may not be attending meetings. These are only a few suggestions that may help you attract and retain members.

To hear more, I hope that many of you have registered for the CFWC Board Meeting in Bakersfield, July 24-25, where Membership will be the focus. I look forward to seeing you there!

Yours in Federation 

Pat Borchard

Area B Vice President

Peb1956@verizon.net

MEETING PLANNER - ELLEN ANSOK, Chair

CFWC Executive Board Meeting in Bakersfield on July 24 & 25.

Registration Forms, Payment and Workshop Sign-up sheets are due to CFWC Meeting Planner, Ellen Ansok, on or before this Friday, July 10th. 

Don't delay, send it today.

JENNIE AWARD - VICKI HOLDEN, Chair

Jennie Award - Beyond the Clubhouse

When you think of a potential Jennie Award nominee, who comes to mind?

The first answer is often a dedicated club member—and that’s exactly where you should begin. But don’t stop there.

The Jennie Award recognizes a member whose commitment to service extends beyond their GFWC club. Many of our members quietly devote countless hours to schools, libraries, churches, veterans’ organizations, food banks, hospitals, youth programs, historical societies, environmental projects, and other community organizations. They lead by example, giving their time and talents wherever there is a need.

These women rarely seek recognition. They simply see a need and respond with compassion, leadership, and service.

As you consider potential nominees, look beyond committee reports and meeting minutes. Think about the woman whose influence reaches throughout her community. Ask yourself, “Whose life has been changed because she chose to serve?”

The Jennie Award is more than an award—it is an opportunity to recognize extraordinary volunteerism and to celebrate the values that define Federation.

Your club may already know a remarkable member whose story deserves to be told.

Jennie Award Quick Tip: Look for the woman who serves because she cares—not because she expects recognition.

Remember: Great Volunteers Rarely Seek Recognition—That’s Why We Should Give It.

Please direct all questions to cfwcjennieaward@gmail.com  OR call/text 562-305-5759

WSR CONFERENCE - SEPT 11 - 13, 2026

The GFWC Utah (the beehive state) has been busy preparing for you and the WSR Conference in Beautiful Park City, Utah.

Location:

The Sheraton Park City, 1895 Sidewinder Dr., Park City, UT 84060

(435) 649-2900

34 miles from Salt Lake International Airport.

WSR Hotel Group rate dates: Sept. 6-16. 2026      

$149.00/night, run of the house rooms 2 queens.

Last Day to Book: Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Tour Dates:    Thursday Sept. 10, Full Day

                          Friday, Sept. 11, Half Day

Conference Dates: Friday – Saturday, Sept. 11-13, 2026

Please see attached registration forms.

More information on the CFWC website.

LEGISLATION & PUBLIC POLICY - KATHY HOLM, Chair

Just a reminder that the monthly Legislation & Public Policy Zoom meeting is this coming Saturday. July 11 at 9:00am. Meeting ID: 869 2959 3140 Passcode 103763

To see the schedule of meeting through December, click HERE.

Just a thought ......

"Sometimes when you're in a dark place, you think you've been buried. But you've actually been planted."

--Christine Caine