THE PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

Thank you to the Woman’s Club of Carlsbad for hosting their lovely clubhouse for the Area D conference on October 24.

We learned in report writing, if the club did it – report it. If one member did it, and it’s not in the minutes, doesn’t count as a club project. That sometimes during a project how a small touching moment may be the narrative nugget that outshines the whole event. And to celebrate members’ recruitment successes through the GFWC member recruitment incentive star pin program.

Demonstrating the heart of Federations at work was putting together the Lanyards for Operation Gratitude—at times a little challenging for some, but easy for others; and the generous fundraising donation to the Heifer Intl. program.

The Arts program was beautifully presented by the touching Madam Butterfly opera ballet performed by two talented members of the Fallbrook Women’s Club.

A great conference, Alison Eccleston Area D Vice President, thank you for bringing us together for a productive day.

The dates for next year’s Area Conferences will be….       

Oct. 9 – Area B

Oct. 16 – Area C

Oct. 23 – Area D

Oct. 30 – Area A

CFWC YEARBOOK - ELLEN ANSOK, Editor 2026-2028

The 2026-2027 CFWC Yearbook and Procedure Manuel has been uploaded to the CFWC Website.

The download link to the yearbook is under the "Resources" tab. You will need to contact your Club President or District President for the password.



If there are corrections, please contact me directly at barbies4me@ansok.us

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CORNER - 1st VICE PRESIDENT, CINDY SANDERS

THANK YOU to everyone who attended the CFWC Area Conferences and joined me for my presentation, “Rabbits, Races and CFWC Reports!”

It was such a pleasure sharing a little fun and inspiration while talking about the importance of reporting the wonderful work our CFWC clubs accomplish.

Just like the tortoise and the hare, we all move at different paces, but what matters most is that we keep moving forward! Every project, every volunteer hour, and every act of service tells a story worth sharing.

Remember, reporting isn't just about numbers — it's about celebrating our accomplishments, recognizing our members, and sharing the incredible impact we make in our communities!

Thank you for your enthusiasm, participation, and dedication to CFWC. Together, we are making a difference, one report at a time!

 ❤ Be Useful • Be Loving • Be Federated

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CORNER -2nd VICE PRESIDENT, MICKI REED

What’s in a Name? More Than You Might Think!

Protecting Your Club, Your Officers, and Our Federation

Is your club incorporated? If so, are you careful to use its correct legal name?

Many CFWC clubs are incorporated as nonprofit corporations with the California Secretary of State. Incorporation provides an important layer of protection, generally shielding individual officers and members from personal responsibility for the corporation’s debts and obligations. But that protection is not absolute!

Recently, I tried to ascertain a complete and accurate list of our California Clubs. I quickly discovered that some clubs use different names on their social media, their websites, in the California yearbook and the GFWC club list. This is very concerning.

When a corporation cannot pay its debts or a judgment against it, creditors may attempt to hold its officers personally responsible. One way they may do this is by arguing that the corporation was not operated as a separate legal entity. This is commonly called piercing the corporate veil.

What might they use as evidence? Sometimes it is the little things we overlook.

Checks bearing a different version of the corporation’s name. Contracts signed using an incorrect name. Club credit cards used for personal expenses. An officer signing an agreement without making it clear that she is acting on behalf of the corporation.

No single mistake automatically destroys corporate protection. However, these practices can become evidence to hold individuals personally responsible for corporate obligations.

And there is another reason we must be careful. We are part of something bigger than our individual clubs.

There is more to this article, click HERE to see the entire article.

LEGISLATION & PUBLIC POLICY - KATHY HOLM, Chair

Congratulations to Colleen Janssen for all of her hard work and research to help pass the Assembly Bill 1267 banning child marriage. The bill was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30, 2026, completely banning child marriage in the state with zero exceptions. Key Details: 1) Sets the minimum age for marriage and domestic partnerships at 18 yrs.; 2) Takes effect on January 1, 2027.

Legislative change started with her article "Here Comes the Bride: Unchained at Last" published in the 2023 GFWC California Clubwoman Magazine about the problem of child marriage in the United States. She was awarded the Jane Cunningham Croly Award for Excellence in Journalism for this investigative piece, which focused on the realities of forced child marriage, at the GFWC Convention in 2025.

Colleen’s reporting shocked club members into action and directly inspired her to submit a resolution condemning forced marriage with support from her club, district, and state. Her resolution was revised at the 2025 CFWC Convention and finally adopted by CFWC at the May 2026 convention.  

I applaud Colleen on her dedication and advocacy to bring about the change needed to improve the lives of young women in her community, state, and nationally. Colleen’s commitment to create change through legislation is an inspiration to Federation members at every level and exemplifies her motto when she was Orange District President to “Be Like Jane—Get the Job Done!” I encourage all of our members to follow Colleen’s example and to “Be Like Jane!” And, remember to vote!

Reminder: Dual  ZOOM Meeting November 7^th , 9am Legislation/Civic Engagement

Meeting ID: 873 8697 4484 Passcode: 245568

FINANCE COMMITTEE - TOBY KAHAN, Financial Secretary

The CFWC Finance Committee is comprised of the Director of Finance, who is the Chairman, the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, the President and the First Vice President. The Director of Finance has the overall responsibility for the financial transactions of the CFWC with counsel of the members of the Finance and Executive Committees. The Treasurer pays all bills which have been properly approved and for which warrants have been issued.  The Financial Secretary receives all monies and deposits them in the bank approved by the Executive Committee.   She keeps track of Membership Dues paid, donations made to the various CFWC Projects and Programs, and works with the District and Club Treasurers when the need arises.

December 1st will be here before you know it so have you been sending Federation Dues to your District Treasurer for new members joining your club?  There are several clubs that have not reported any new members and it is very important that we have an accurate membership on January 1st to report to GFWC. If your club has new members since July, please send your District Financial Officer the Club New & Late Paying Member Form (available at CFWC.org under Forms) along with your club check (made payable to your District) NOW and continue sending new member dues until December 1st. After December 1st all Member Dues are held by the club and will be sent to your District next Spring.

All donations to CFWC Funds are accepted throughout the year and sent directly to the Financial Secretary, Toby Kahan @ 50595 Breva Street, La Quinta, CA 92253. All checks are made payable to CFWC. Members can donate directly to various CFWC philanthropies (see cfwc.org). Some ongoing projects that need your donations are: The Student Music & Arts Award Fund; Student Writing Award; Student Photography Award; Dollars for Delegates; Emergency Disaster Relief; the Foundation Fund; Districts In Need; and the Itinerary Fund which helps to defray the expenses for CFWC Officers and Chairmen visiting Districts and Clubs.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or questions @ 909-720-3532.

Just a thought ......

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, 
but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

--Martin Luther King, Jr.