FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends,



As we progress through April, we are reminded to "Spring into Action" by advancing spring initiatives, strengthening community relationships through volunteer efforts, and acknowledging the valuable contributions of our members who positively impact their communities and beyond. Volunteers in Action Week will take place from April 24th to 30th, and GFWC Federation Day will be celebrated on April 24th. This occasion provides an excellent opportunity to host an Open House at your clubhouse or meeting venue, commemorating the founding of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs on April 24, 1890. 

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) was established by Jane Cunningham Croly to connect women’s literary and service clubs nationwide, supporting volunteerism and educational reform. The GFWC promotes civic involvement and social advocacy on issues like child labor, education, and public health. Today, with about 65,000 members in the U.S. and abroad, GFWC remains one of the world’s largest nonpartisan, nondenominational women’s volunteer organizations, dedicated to community service.



The California Federation of Women’s Clubs will participate in District Conventions this April as new leadership transitions take place. I will attend conventions for the Southern, De Anza, Orange, and Tierra Adorada districts, as well as an upcoming meeting with the Woman’s Club of Vista. Members are encouraged to share their reasons for joining and remaining in CFWC, as it serves to showcase our initiatives and attract prospective members. I sincerely appreciate your ongoing commitment to making an impact, and it is a privilege to serve as your president.

In Federation and Love,

Sonya

CONVENTION INFORMATION - KATHI McGRAW, Co-Chair

CFWC CONVENTION    May 14-16, 2026

Ontario Airport Hotel & Conference Center

Now is the time to plan your Convention trip. The rooms at the Ontario Airport Hotel (Hyatt) are totally booked. We have added rooms at the La Quinta Inn which is across the street from the Ontario Airport Hotel. But the deadline for rooms is April 13^th. Use the booking link found in the Call to Convention. If you are having trouble with the room reservation, please call Mary Sprague, 714-6372879.

All registrations and meals need to be to Kathi McGraw by April 20^th. Do not mail a check on April 19^th! If you are registering then, use Zelle and email your registration form to Kathi McGraw. PLAN NOW not May 1^st.

Convention is a time for ALL members. We have very few Club Presidents and Club delegates registered so far. This is a time for all members to be a part of the working of this state. (Remember District Presidents, Maxine the Rabbit wants you to MULTIPLY the number of members from your district.)

The ESO Breakfast on Friday morning features the author Lynne Spreen. After a career in public education, she published her first novel Dakota Blues, about two midlife women who embark on a life-changing road trip. Now she writes exciting, closed-door romance about couples who are learning about themselves and finding a new gear in the second half of life. Come join the adventure at the ESO Breakfast.

ART & CULTURE - KELLY DAVIS, Chair

Ever wonder how to get your club members interested in Art and Culture? 

Here is an idea for you from the Ebell Club of Irvine.

Project: Art & Culture Hrs: 136.

Each month our Arts and Culture chairman uses several sources to find a variety of arts and culture activities for the Orange County area that might interest our members. Her listing of events in out monthly newsletter are always very informative, fun to read, and they encourage us to take advantage of the events. Beginning in October, we asked members to track their hours attending plays, concerts, and other events. We also included hours spent visiting museums, national landmarks, and historical sites. At each General meeting, we go around the table so each member can briefly report on their activities and hours for the month. This has spurred others to also attend shows before they close or plan a visit to a site. We plan to continue this fun

and information activity.

Arts and Culture Chair: Pat Nostrume

ENVIRONMENT - NANCY B. JONES, Chair

Volunteers Cleaning Communities    Hours 375      Donated $300

Volunteers Cleaning Chatsworth was started in 2020 by Jill Mather, a Chatsworth Women’s Club member. It has expanded into neighboring communities and was renamed Volunteers Cleaning Communities. It is a simple concept encouraging members to walk and pick up trash with friends. After two hours of “trashing,” a social hour at a local coffee spot gives everyone a chance to get to know each other. Groups meet up every day in different neighborhoods. When large volumes of trash are collected, volunteers call the city for pickup, or volunteers use their trucks to haul the trash away. A Non-Profit was established that receives donations, so they are able to purchase trash bags and grabber pickup tools for the volunteers to use. As the trend as grown, the organization now offers gloves, backpacks, hats and tools of their own with the Volunteers Cleaning Communities logo since many members now pick up trash on their own time. Our community is cleaner and our members and other volunteers have found an excuse to get out, keep busy and make new friends.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE - KATIE SQUIRE, Chair

Resolutions Committee – Who Is Qualified?

The election of Resolutions Committee members is outlined in the current CFWC By-laws (page 25, Section 14.3: Area Elections), specifically subsection C (Bylaws and Resolutions Committee Members) and subsection E (Eligibility 2, 3, and 4).

In simple terms, almost every club member in CFWC is eligible to be nominated by their district. There are just a few exceptions:

●     Members who have completed a two-year term on the committee may not serve consecutive terms.

●     Alternates who have served less than half a term (under one year) remain eligible for election.

●     Members of the CFWC Executive Board may not serve on the committee unless specifically authorized by the bylaws.

That means the vast majority of our members can be considered—and encouraged—to participate.

We hope districts will nominate individuals who are curious about and committed to the resolutions process. Ideal candidates are those who are interested in helping retain, develop, and strengthen our nonpartisan policy work. Experience in writing resolutions—whether within CFWC/GFWC or in other grassroots policy organizations—is valuable, as is legislative experience. Just as importantly, we welcome members who are eager to learn and grow in this area.

Each Area will elect one committee member and two alternates at its Area meeting on the first day of the CFWC Convention. That makes your role especially important—districts provide the nominees who make this process possible.

Serving on the Resolutions Committee is not only an honor, but also a meaningful opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of our Federation and contribute to its mission. We encourage you to consider who in your district might be a great fit—and to help them take that next step.

MORE CONVENTION INFORMATION - CELEBRATION OF LIFE



There will be a Celebration of Life at the CFWC Convention. We will remember members of the CFWC Executive Board who have passed away since the May 2025 convention. Please include a picture and the Executive Board positions they held (i.e., State officers, State Chairs, District Presidents and District Deans) and the years they served. Please send the information by April 20. 2026 to Debbie Pietraszko (debpie74@yahoo.com)  

Just a thought ......

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide

you’re not going to stay where you are.”

― J.P. Morgan