FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends,

I imagine boosting membership and connecting with younger members to revitalize the organization.  As I continue to work to make my dream come true it is becoming a reality. It was exciting to launch an initiative to “Ignite Your Volunteer Spirit.” with a core focus on increasing membership, retaining existing members, and actively engaging younger members to “Light-the-Spark” of volunteering throughout our Federation. Campaigns to reward clubs and districts that have grown in numbers, aiming to attract busy new members through innovative, meaningful projects were embraced. As we recognized that “these young people are out future,” the administration encourages sponsoring Juniorette clubs and engaging young members to step up as the next generation of leaders.

My “Ignite” Theme and Civic Engagement aims to foster enthusiasm for volunteering, with a special focus on civic engagement, including support for military personnel, veterans, and child advocacy. Encouraging using social media and technology to make reporting easier and increase connectivity has made the organization more appealing to a broader demographic. We continue to encourage every member to “bring in one new member”. Our Federation’s strength comes from its members, and together we make a impact!

Thank you for continuing in your dedication to making a lasting impact as we move forward in 2026 and Celebrate the General Federation of Women’s Clubs 136^th Anniversary!

Yours in Federation and Love, Sonya

CFWC EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING - SPECIAL NOTICE

A Highlight for the February Board meeting in Santa Clara!

Friday evening, February 27th: Elaine Chung, CEO and Leadership Strategist for Beyond the Change, will be our speaker. Elaine will speak on “Connection, Curiosity, & Courage”! You won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn from this talented speaker. 

There is still time so contact Tami to get registered.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT and OUTREACH - ANNE COCHRAN, Chair

It's Presidents Day this Monday and we celebrate this federal holiday by reflecting on our past and present presidents. We can each take a moment to realize it’s the little things we do that can make a big difference. We can be patriotic and hang our flag out on Monday and we can support our local communities in the festivities of this holiday.

ARTS & CULTURE - KELLY DAVIS, Chair

Celebrating different cultures involves actively learning about, respecting, and honoring diverse traditions, languages, and

perspectives to foster inclusion and reduce prejudice.

Project: Celebrating Chinese New Year Hrs 16Donated $0 In-Kind $20

The theme of our January meeting was The Year Of the Dragon as it was the beginning of Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dragon on the Lunar Calendar. We had Year of the Dragon decorations, including a 12-foot-long cut-out dragon. We learned which animal represented our particular year and the traits that were assigned to the animal. It was fun. We also learned about the Chinese New Year itself, which is known as Spring Festival in China. We all learned something new and it was a festive way to start our club year. Club: Beaumont Woman’s Club

Chairman: Mickie Reed

ENVIRONMENT - NANCY B. JONES, Chair

How about “Going the Extra Yard” for Environment? Christal Cansino (The Woman’s Club of Indio) reported that the club recognizes homeowners who maintain outstanding and water-conscious front yards, enhancing the overall appearance of Indio. The homeowners of each featured yard receive a certificate and a yard sign in collaboration with the Water Authority. The club has awarded nearly 50 certificates to homeowners, businesses and schools since 2020. The yards are featured in the club’s newsletter and social media. What a great way to promote water-efficient landscaping in their city!

LEGISLATION & PUBLIC POLICY - KATHLEEN HOLM, Chair

Good news! According to the January 30th and February 5th issues of the GFWC News & Notes, the 119th Congress has passed HR 4323, The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act . Congress also approved a spending package on Tuesday, February 3, that secures funding for most federal agencies through September 2026, ending the second government shutdown in the last four months. One of the highlights is that the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant program funding increased by $7 million above the FY 2025 enacted level for a total of $720 million. Thanks to members for their participation in the GFWC Legislative Action Center and the efforts of our GFWC President Suellen Brazil and her Legislative and Public Policy Committee!

I can’t stress enough how important it is to register with the Legislative Action Center. Registration allows members to respond immediately to legislative alerts and communicate with congress representatives to support vital legislation. Our California numbers have improved. In Aug. 2024 registration numbers were 644 members and as of Jan. 2026 registration numbers were 831. Congratulations! My goal last year was to get at least 1000 members. My goal for this year is 1,500 members. Let’s make that happen!

“GFWC continues to recommend that members urge Congress to act to protect and fully fund our priorities as outlined in our resolutions. Keep the focus on Congress!” (Mary Pat Marcello, GFWC Legislation & Public Policy Chair)

Just a thought ......



"Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard."

—Kevin Durant