FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Leadership is often judged by achievements, but the most inspiring leaders are remembered for how they make others feel—encouraged, valued, empowered, and motivated to serve. I hope our paths have crossed during my two years as President of the GFWC California Federation of Women’s Clubs and that my actions reflected my belief in the power of women working together.

The CFWC 123rd Annual Convention, held in Ontario from May 14–16, 2026, celebrated the outstanding achievements of members from across the California Federation of Women’s Clubs. We were honored to welcome the GFWC First Vice President, Jolie Frankfurth, who led two workshops and served as the convention’s keynote speaker. Through her commitment to volunteerism and her passion for empowering women, Jolie continues to make a meaningful impact throughout GFWC.

Join us June 26-29 for the 2026 GFWC Annual Convention at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. The convention will offer business sessions, celebrations of state and club achievements, motivating speakers, and hands-on workshops to build leadership growth and innovation. The convention will end with the installation of the 2026-2028 GFWC Officers and Board of Directors.

Thank you for your commitment to making a difference in your communities and beyond and for being the “spark” that lights the way for others to follow.

Yours in Federation and Love, Sonya

PARLIAMENTARIAN - CHRIS HERZOG

The Nature of a Convention and how it differs from other meetings.

A convention is a gathering of delegates for a yearly session, which may consist of several meetings.  Delegates are the representatives of the constituent units of a larger group. For example, a national organization (GFWC/CFWC) with hundreds of chapters (clubs) might hold an annual convention, composed of delegates and officers of each chapter for the purpose of electing national officers and setting policies for the organization. The convention serves as a single deliberative body acting in the name of the entire organization. (RONR 12 ed. 58:1)

Although there are many similarities in the way business is conducted at a convention and the way it is conducted at other meetings, there are a few significant differences. Because each convention may have multiple meetings and is normally composed of a new set of delegates, it must begin with a series of steps by which it “organizes” itself before it can go on to consider substantive business.

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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH - ANNE COCHRAN, Chair

This whole month of May is special for our veterans They have Armed Forces day, Poppy month and the special Memorial day to which we can all prepare with due diligence and make this so every veteran you meet can have the dignity and honor in which they so much deserve. 

LEGISLATION & PUBLIC POLICY - KATHY HOLM, Chair

I hope everyone enjoyed the State Convention. I'm looking forward to a new term of being your State Legislation Chair. I will be having monthly Zoom Meetings. Please see the attached schedule. The meetings are open to all Legislation Chairs and all members who are interested in getting more involved in legislative action.  Thank you!

ENVIRONMENT - NANCY B. JONES, Chair

Congratulations to the Lemon Grove Forward Club - Club Creativity Winner for GFWC California in the Environment Community Service Program!

The Lemon Grove Forward Club collaborated with Home Depot Lemon Grove to revitalize the original Women’s Forward Club Sonshine House clubhouse. The house is a designated historical building that dates back to 1922 and the original gardens were designed by Kate Sessions, a renowned San Diego horticulturist. The Club received a grant from Home Depot for landscaping the clubhouse property this year: rock, plants, mulch, and wood chips to beautify the clubhouse and their community environment.

Prior to starting the project, the clubhouse had broken windows, and the homeless had been living in the bushes and starting fires. Volunteers removed some bushes, pulled weeds, and added drought-resistant plants. Since members added native plants, the clubhouse now has a sign for the California Pollinator Pathway project. The Club and volunteers from other civic groups also renovated the inside of the clubhouse - refinishing the original hardwood floors, washing and painting walls, and updating facilities to help bring this historic landmark back to life. The Club proudly holds their monthly meetings in the Sonshine House.

The Club collaborated with the Lemon Grove Busy Bee Project, participating in 46 projects: revitalizing homes, churches, and pathways at no charge to the owners. Signs for the Pollinator Pathway of California all around town remind Club members that they are making a difference in their community and for the environment! The Busy Bees completed three garden projects on school grounds that teachers incorporate into their curriculum. Children care for and just love these natural areas!

In 2025, Lemon Grove Forward Club members worked on Sonshine House Landscaping and the Lemon Grove Busy Bee Project with 3,017 volunteer hours, $4,934 donations, and $995 In-Kind.

Just a thought ......

"Leadership is an action, not a position."

--Donald McGannon