FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends,



This period has been exceptionally busy as your President, particularly in relation to the GFWC State Statistical Forms, which were submitted to GFWC by March 15th. CFWC clubs report their statistics to the Districts, which then consolidate the figures from all clubs in their reports. These district-level statistics are subsequently forwarded, continuing through the process until all data reaches GFWC. The cumulative numbers for Projects, Volunteer Hours, Dollars Donated, and In-Kind Donations across GFWC Special Programs, Service Programs, Advancement Plans, Fundraising, Women’s History and Resource Center, and Epsilon Sigma Omicron were truly remarkable.

The contributions from Affiliate Organizations were also outstanding. I remain continually impressed by the commitment, time, and generosity our members demonstrate as they work diligently to make a positive impact each day.

Looking ahead to the CFWC 123rd Annual Convention, I am pleased to announce that a representative from “Shelter to Soldier” of the Navy will be joining us on Saturday, May 16th, accompanied by “Moose,” to share insights about this important organization. Additionally, Jolie Frankfurth, GFWC First Vice President, will serve as our Keynote Speaker and will facilitate two workshops. This convention promises a diverse range of opportunities and will be highly valuable for all attendees.

Over the coming month, I will be attending several District Conventions and installing new officers. I look forward to engaging with members across the state during these events. I encourage you to share your reasons for joining CFWC and the memorable moments that inspired you to remain an active member. Our organization exemplifies "Strength United is Stronger" and "Unity in Diversity" as we continue our efforts to support others.

Yours in Federation and Love,

Sonya

CONVENTION INFORMATION - MARY SPRAGUE, Co-Chair

CFWC CONVENTION will magically appear at the Ontario Airport Hotel on 
May 14-16, 2026. The Call for the 2026 CFWC Convention is included in this issue.

2026 Convention Call

LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC POLICY - KATHLEEN HOLM, Chair

Congratulations! As of December 31, 2025, there were 831 California members registered on the Legislative Action Center. My goal was to reach 1000. This chair’s goal for 2026 is 1500 to 2000 members. Let’s make it happen!

A big thank you to all the clubs and districts who submitted reports for Legislation and Public Policy. This chair received 30 club reports and four district reports. Judging has been completed and a State Report of the top projects for Legislation & Public Policy was sent to GFWC. CFWC applauds your efforts!

As reports were reviewed and judged, judges were looking for documented data of what actions were taken as a result of a club’s involvement in legislation and public policy. What was the community impact of the club’s involvement? What were the quantifiable results? How did clubs measure impact?

Here is one judge’s suggestion for clubs: Know how many members are registered with the LAC (Legislative Action Center). Calculate the percentage of registered members.

Have a goal of 100% registration. Then ask and record how many members acted or responded to alerts at each monthly meeting.

Upon reviewing reports, I think it’s clear that club members need to learn more about legislation and what the difference is between legislation and civic engagement. I’m inviting all members to attend a monthly Zoom meeting on Legislation & Public Policy the first Saturday of each month at 9am – 10am. Our first meeting will be on April 4^th at 9am. The Zoom link will be in the next Quick Bytes.

ENVIRONMENT - NANCY B. JONES, Chair

Thank you for reporting your support for Penny Pines in your 2025 Club Environment narratives! 54 Clubs sent around their specially-designed containers, heard from speakers from the National Forests, and collected for Penny Pines last year. In 2025 CFWC clubs donated $17,000 to National Forests for reforestation and reported 1300 volunteer hours for the project. Our clubs sponsored 260 plantations last year! Many clubs bought $68 plantations as memorials for members and friends. Keep up the good work - our forests give us life, breath, and strength!

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT and OUTREACH - ANNE COCHRAN, Chair

Ladies, let’s do St. Patrick's Holiday for the veterans next week. Plan a get together and make a fun St. Paddy’s Day basket and fill it with goodies a veteran might like then the basket off at your local VFW or American Legion or other facility of your choice. They will absolutely get a kick out of it. 

Just a thought ......

“Imagine if we were all magical leprechauns, and every wish ever made on a four-leaf clover obliged us to help others obtain their wishes.

Now imagine if people simply lived like this were true.”

--Richelle E. Goodrich