NCFRW – Thankful for the blessings of Liberty! | | | From the desk of Kay Wildt, NCFRW President | | |
"Be a voice, not an echo." - Albert Einstein
NC Republican women are concerned about threats to the future of our party due to proposed changes to our NCGOP Plan of Organization (POO). We ask our members and friends to review the information in this newsletter and to vote against the proposed Plan of Organization.
We face serious challenges in the 2026 elections, and it's critical to unify the party and include all our Affiliate organizations. What many of us see in the proposed Plan are negative changes that tear down the party structure.
From the beginning of the POO Committee's rewrite of the Plan, it was clear that Affiliates, like NCFRW, are to be excluded from the Central Committee meetings held every two months - meetings we have attended faithfully for many years.
In reviewing the work of the POO Committee, I was shocked to read in its 10/2/2024 Minutes that the Vice Chair stated, "The problem is the makeup of the Central Committee. The auxiliary clubs have more power on the Central Committee than they deserve since they have not done much for the party lately." From similar comments made by members of that committee, it is clear that we are unwelcome and were only restored in the draft plan to garner votes to pass the proposed Plan.
The Vice Chair's shocking comment came at the time when NCFRW clubs had just sent letters to over 50,000 North Carolina Republican voters who failed to vote in recent election cycles. In addition to the cost of postage, envelopes and stationery, our volunteers spent thousands of hours handwriting messages to those 50,000 voters. Also at that time, many of us were working on Strike forces in key districts, going door-to-door over weekends.
Happy Father's Day to all our fathers.
Happy Birthday President Donald J. Trump - born on June 14th Flag Day!
| | NCFRW Opposes the Proposed Plan of Organization | | |
Big Tent or Pup Tent?
The proposed plan is not designed to improve the NCGOP, but for control by a select few.
The Republican Party has always been known as a big tent party where all who believe in our values are welcome. With President Trump's leadership, the party has expanded and become even more inclusive, as diverse groups across the nation recognize that our Republican platform is best for freedom, families and hard-working Americans.
At next week's NCGOP Convention, we have a choice to make - to welcome voices or to limit their participation. NCFRW stands for welcoming and inclusion. If you are willing to join us to fight for the rights of all party members to be included in our "Big Tent," we ask you to vote "No" on the proposed plan.
Why we ask you to join us in voting NO on the Proposed Plan:
· This proposal completely changes the very operation of the entire NCGOP and the composition of the Executive Committee.
· The Plan of Organization Committee was not given the authority to do a total "Rewrite" of the Plan and was never empowered to go this far.
· The proposed Plan consolidates power into too few hands. On the State Executive Committee, the minimum number of people required to conduct official NCGOP business would drop drastically.
· As proposed, the Plan limits the voices of all Republicans and discourages participation. Rather than welcoming hard-working volunteers, it shuts us out.
· The unelected Plan of Organization Committee gives itself too much power and control over the Party.
· There are too many draconian changes and no way to amend the Plan. The Plan Committee will not allow any amendments from the floor. They will only permit an up or down vote.
·Since we will not be allowed to amend it, the only vote we have is to STOP it.
Vote NO on the proposed Plan of Organization!
The Plan of Organization and draft POO are on the NCGOP Convention page HERE.
Click on "Plan Committee."
| | Promises by Erica Vedeikis | | |
Someone asked a fair question: What would you need to see in order to support the proposed NCGOP Plan of Organization?
Here’s my answer: Promises made must become promises kept.
Last year, we were told we’d see the new Plan by late summer 2024—early enough to digest it, ask questions, get clarifications, and suggest changes. Instead, we got a draft in December. Not the final version—just a “preview,” we were told.
We also received committee meeting minutes and a commitment from the Committee Chair to host Zoom calls explaining each section of the Plan and its changes. A feedback portal was launched, with the promise that all questions and answers would be posted publicly for transparency.
People engaged. They asked thoughtful questions. What did they get? A phone call thanking them—and a message that “everyone is happy” and “we’re not changing anything.” But remember, we were told, this is just a draft.
January came. No Zooms. February? Still nothing.
Meanwhile, legitimate concerns were raised by affiliate clubs about being excluded from the Central Committee. That turned into an attack on those questioning the Plan. Eventually, one major change was reversed—affiliate clubs were added back in. We were told to be satisfied with that.
Still, no meaningful discussion. No breakdowns. Just “read the draft” and send us your feedback. But again: it’s just a draft.
Then the County and District conventions came around, and finally—Zooms started popping up. A few, short, one-hour sessions. Not to have open discussion, but to tell us how happy we should be. That “the county is back in control.” It felt like a dog and pony show—slick PowerPoints, no substance, no transparency.
Just 30 days before Convention, the Final Draft was posted. No changes allowed. No amendments from the floor. Just a straight up-or-down vote on a 30+ page document—no side-by-side explanation of what changed and why.
You ask why people are upset? Why we’re still asking questions?
Because we were promised transparency. Promised a process. Promised input. And those promises were not kept.
I’ve seen no list of questions and answers submitted through the portal. No committee meeting minutes since December. No meaningful engagement with the grassroots.
So, what would I need to see to support this Plan? Trust. Process. Respect.
| | Reflection by Margeaux Holland, Chaplain | | |
It takes all of us to bless all of us. It starts with an individual walk with God. He longs to walk with us as He did in the garden in the cool of the day with Adam and Eve. Can you imagine what they talked about? Oh, how blessed that would have been!
Well, when you know Him, He still longs to walk with us and does so right there in your heart through the Holy Spirit. And, what does he say? Read more
| | Rep. Neal Jackson thanks Pauline Bruno | | |
At Legislative Day, there was a very special moment when Representative Neal Jackson (District 78) asked
Pauline Bruno, our NCFRW Americanism Chair, to join him at the podium.
Rep. Jackson praised Pauline Bruno of Moore RW for working with him to upgrade the quality of books and media in school libraries.
As a result, Rep. Jackson announced the passage of HB 636, Promoting Wholesome Content for Students.
Pauline Bruno is a Moore County School Board member and a former teacher, who is committed to ensuring that school children receive an excellent education.
Read about what's in the bill.
| | NCFRW endorses - Martha Jenkins | | |
NCFRW is proud to endorse the 2026-2027 National Federation of Republican Women's slate headed by our own Martha Jenkins, currently NFRW's 1st VP. In addition to Martha, the other women on the slate bring a wealth of experience.
We're proud of all that Martha has done for us, and we're excited to see how she will contribute to the NFRW. The election will be held at the Orlando convention.
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Legislative Day 2025 in Raleigh was outstanding. Thank you to Capital Region VP Jackie Weyhenmeyer for planning a great day and to Representative Diane Wheatley and her husband, Al, for making meeting arrangements.
Members of NCFRW were honored that so many legislators took time to meet with us. Following our time with our legislators, we moved to the red staircase for our official photo.
Jackie arranged for us to meet members of the Council of State. NC State Auditor Dave Boliek welcomed us and invited Charles Dingee, his former opponent and now staff member, to speak.
NC Treasurer Brad Briner, Steve Troxler Secretary of Agriculture, Luke Farley Labor Commissioner and Mike Causey Commissioner of Insurance spent several hours with us answering many questions. Our members appreciated the session and the fact that our Council of State members were so generous with their time.
| Many thanks to Susan Whitehead who was our photographer for the red stairs photo. Also appreciation to Anita Moody, Forsyth RW, and Chair for Caring for America for so many photos. | | With a huge turnout, it was standing room only at the Legislature. | | | Red jackets, even some red shoes marked us as Republicans. | |  | Many thanks to Laura Mussler and Stephanie Cox from the Fayetteville RWC who were in charge of picking up our meals and delivering them to Auditor Boliek's meeting room. | | | |
Republican Women of the Foothills
NCFRW is delighted to announce our newest club, the Republican Women of the Foothills, has formed under the leadership of Club President Patricia Duncan.
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- June 6: D-Day marks the 1944 Allied invasion of Normandy, France.
- June 12: Women Veterans Day
- June 14: Flag Day
- June 14: Army Birthday
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Every two years, NFRW women from across the nation elect a new leadership team, and this year we will hold that election during our Biennial Convention in Orlando at Rosen's Shingle Creek.
There will be great speakers, training sessions, presentation of Club Achievement Awards, National awards for Literacy, Caring for America, Armed Services and other special awards.
At the Spring NFRW meeting, the Board voted to offer an Early-Bird Registration fee of only $300, available for a two-week period. Keep watching NFRW emails and plan to take advantage of that Early-Bird offer when it is announced in summer.
Above all else, it is wonderful to be with other like-minded women who love God and Country and are committed to protecting our nation. And we have fun!
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- June 5 - 8, 2025: NCGOP State Convention, Koury Convention Center
- September 25 - 28, 2025: NFRW Convention, Orlando, Florida
- November 15, 2025: NCFRW Fall Meeting, Koury Convention Center
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Virginia "Ginger" H. Alexander Neustadt, NCFRW President from Lincoln County, who served from May 3, 1975 to May 21, 1977.
In 1975 Ginger became the President of the NCFRW. A member of the Jesse Helms and Jim Martin's local congressional committees, Ginger managed Bob Dole’s campaign and developed a special friendship with Elizabeth Dole. She was elected to the NC Republican Party’s Hall of Fame and received the Ninth Congressional District Grassroots Leadership Award.
Ginger served Gov. Jim Martin as Director of North Carolina Juvenile Detention Service, committed to improving the lives of juveniles. Ginger cherished this work, embracing the opportunity it gave her to serve North Carolina’s youth.
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Let your light shine!
We'd like to hear about all the great things your clubs are doing and share the news in this newsletter! Contact NCFRepublicanWomen@gmail.com and send in your information and photos.
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JOIN THE NCFRW REGENTS PROGRAM
Heartfelt thanks to our members and friends who support NCFRW through our Regents program. You enable us to achieve our goals.
We are excited to announce that your club may be a REGENT CLUB. Thank you to our first Regent Club, Crystal Coast Republican Women's Club!
SILVER REGENT CLUB FOR 2025:
CRYSTAL COAST REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S CLUB
NCFRW Regents for 2025:
GOLD - Sarah Absher, Dena Barnes, Elaine Bologna, Kyshia Brassington, Stephanie Broughton, Debbie Dennis, Gay Dillard, Mary Frances Forrester, Dr. Rita Gibson, Cornelia Groce, Barbara Harrison, Didi Hedrick, Kristine Hunt, Martha Jenkins, Senator Dana Jones, Diane LeBlanc, Felice Pete, Pat C. Smith, Celeste Stanley, Carol Ulrich, Angela Vacek, Ceil Wasserman, Jackie Weyhenmeyer, Kay Wildt
SILVER - Christine Adams, Jeanna Benoy, Nancy Brinkley, Christine Card, Jo Clark, Janice Craig, Ellen Donovan, Stephanie Franks, Kelly Gallimore, Angela Hawkins, Linda Hill, Margeaux Holland, Bonnie Joyner, Pam Keller, Linda McAlister, Susan Mills, Dr. Gail Morfesis, Michele Nix, Sandra Patterson, Patsy Penuel, Terri Penzenstadler, Linda Petrou, Brenda Rembert, Leisa Rowe, Cat Stash, Brenda Teague, Charli Thyne, Erica Vedeikis, Sarah Wetherby
BRONZE - Pauline Bruno, Lari Bubile, Laura Cox, Cindy Edwards, Kathy Flanigan, Melissa Freeman, Kathy Gleeson, Pam Higgins, Mary Anne Huggins, Ann James, Lisa James, Carolyn Justice, Martha Miller, Anita Moody, Misty Nagy, Elizabeth Nutley, Janet Nutley, Becky Porter, Peggy Smetana, Donna Stewart, Candace Sullivan, Marge Swierz, Toni Wall, Nancy Woody
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NCFRW Regents Program
Our special Regent Program provides additional funding to keep NCFRW dues low, fund special events, train and recruit candidates and educate voters. May pay in installments. See website to join. Become a Regent today!
Bronze Level $150
Silver Level $250
Gold Level $500
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Support NCFRW with a donation!
Contributions to NCFRW enable us to bring great speakers to our meetings, positively impact our state and nation, recruit and elect conservatives, advocate for good government, and offer training and communications.
We're fighting for you, our families and our nation.
Please support our work with a gift from your heart.
We are grateful for help at every level. Thank you!
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