Author: SMayuga

By Deborah Allen, GFWC Juniors’ Special Program: Advocates for Children Chairman and Jolie Frankfurth, GFWC Director of Junior Clubs

What do GFWC clubwomen do when you ask them to reach a goal? They meet that goal and reach even higher! Since launching the GFWC National Team to help raise funds through the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer, clubwomen have exceeded the 2016 goal set for GFWC by starting over 25 teams nationwide in over 17 markets. By hosting teams in multiple markets, GFWC has helped raise awareness for St. Jude in their fight to end childhood cancer, the leading cause of death by disease for U.S. children past infancy.

GFWC began a partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the 2015 GFWC Annual Convention in Memphis, Tennessee. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped increase the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Although families never receive a bill for treatment, it cost nearly $1 billion to operate St. Jude in 2016 with more than 75% of those funds raised by public contributions with an average individual donation of $35.

As many of you are getting ready for your St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer event, other clubwomen are raising funds through GFWC Virtual Walk teams. Whether you are walking in an event or raising funds for a virtual team, there are resources available to GFWC clubwomen:

• Final Incentive Challenge: Any participant who receives ten online donations during the month of September will be entered into drawing to win 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles. There will be one winner per city.
• As a GFWC Clubwoman, you are welcomed to visit the National Teams Zone on race day. Check in to the race, collect your swag, and then head to the National Teams Zone! Let the St. Jude volunteers at the National Teams Tent know that you are a GFWC member. There will be snacks and goodies as well, so it is a fun place to meet before the opening ceremony!
• Listen to the GFWC/St. Jude webinar for more fundraising and events resources: https://alsacmeetings.webex.com/alsacmeetings/ldr.php?RCID=0cf2181f6189f854756256af092c5e3c
• After the walk/run events are finished, GFWC team fundraising pages will be able to accept donations until December 31, 2016. Remember to report all of your efforts in the Juniors’ Special Program: Advocates for Children category! Send pictures to GFWC of any events held as well as race day festivities!

It’s time to celebrate! Use social media to show your team’s success. Consider issuing a St. Jude Challenge to another GFWC team, state, or region to see who can be the first to raise $1,734. If you think that’s a tough challenge, ask the GFWC Junior Board who hosted a St. Jude Party at the August Board of Directors meeting.

The GFWC Junior Board was full of surprises as they hosted the St. Jude Pre-Race “Kick-Off” Party for the “Amazing GFWC Team BOD” to set the stage for other clubs and states to follow as we kicked off the September St. Jude Children’s Research Center Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer.

Themed after The Amazing Race TV series, the black and gold invitation encouraged all 200 members of the GFWC Board of Directors and GFWC Staff to join in the pre-race festivities to help St. Jude in “Finding Cures & Saving Children.” The event was a simple gathering that included games, prizes, and a signature drink at the “Watering Hole.” In Amazing Race style, attendees ventured through ROAD BLOCKS, where they had to eat the contents in a Dixie cup in hope of finding the St. Jude logo; “Crack the Code” before getting around the DETOUR; YIELD at the “Find a Cure” table in which they selected gift boxes to help move one step closer to “finding the cure” inside; and FAST FORWARD through the printed race track while leaving their signature “thumb” print at the Finish Line.

Prizes were distributed throughout the evening from the winners at each of the game locations.  Laptops were set up with Junior Board members assisting to register walkers, virtual walkers, and state and/or club teams. This was an added plus for those members who were unsure as to how to get their teams registered.

The evening closed with a thank you from Jolie Frankfurth, GFWC Director of Junior Clubs, who announced that donations from that evening’s two-hour social event totaled over $2,400! What a simple way to accomplish a fundraising event, support a GFWC Partner, and encourage interaction between the Board of Directors.

What did your state or club plan in support of September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month? #GFWC4Children

By Angela Cutrera
GFWC Conservation Chairman

GFWC’s commitment to conservation has been evident throughout its history as clubwomen around the country have focused on the preservation of our natural resources. This dedication is the perfect complement to the National Park Service, which works to care for natural and historical treasures.

GFWC President Mary Belle King Sherman, who served as Conservation Chairman from 1914-1920, was instrumental in the formation of six national parks, representing GFWC at the dedication of Rocky Mountain Park near her home and advocating for the GFWC resolution supporting the National Park Service Bill. On August 25, 1916, the National Park Service was officially created when President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act.

To celebrate the 2016 Centennial, the National Park Service invites visitors to “Find Your Park” and discover these historic parks located across the country. So, can YOU Find Your Park?  More than 400 national parks cover over 84 million acres, and there is at least one in every state. These parks are known by numerous names and are big, scenic areas. There are national lakeshores, seashores, and rivers. National monuments are large and small and national memorials honor a person or event.  National battlefields commemorate a military action and national historic sites preserve the country’s history. National preserves are scientific landscapes and wildlife resources.

A visit with Park Ranger Jeremy Wirtz at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, Louisiana, part of the Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve in Louisiana, gave an insight into what the national parks really are about. “We are everyone’s park,” Jeremy stated.  He is willing to work with individuals and groups to conduct programs we are interested in. His job is to pitch national parks, teach the history and culture of the area, and share how we are all responsible for the care of natural resources.

Caring for national parks takes a lot of work from each of its employees as well as the assistance of volunteers.  Jobs for volunteers include working in the visitor center, grounds maintenance, photography, helping with research, or leading hikes.

Consider ways that you and your club members can volunteer and promote the National Park Service:

• Research the national parks and plan a visit to explore a park in your area.
• Plan a year-long study at your club meetings to educate your members about the National Park Service, its history, and the many parks, monuments, and historic sites throughout the country.
• Contact your local park and see if they need volunteers.
• Do they offer programs for kids? Volunteer to help or start a program of your own, such as a nature walk or a craft class using recyclable materials.
• Inquire about adopting a trail or a section of the park. Assist with maintenance, planting of trees, flowers or plants, or cleaning up litter.
• Choose to stay at a national park when traveling.
• Inquire about programs they can offer your group. Topics could include conservation, preservation, recycling, natural resources, plants and animals, or the history and culture of the area.
• Support the parks with monetary donations or by becoming a member of the National Parks Conservation Association.

Celebrate the 2016 Centennial of the National Park Service and Find Your Park.  Discover America’s parks, have fun, and become a steward of these natural and historical treasures to ensure their existence for the next 100 years!

The Jennie Award is named after Jane Cunningham Croly, the founder of GFWC who worked as a journalist using the pen name “Jennie June.” The women honored with this award are a true reflection of the spirit of GFWC’s founder, whose independence and courage led her to form the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1890. As the only award at the Federation level that recognizes individuals for their service, it is truly the highest honor a clubwoman can receive. Much like Jennie June, these women are committed to improving the lives of those around them. They live and breathe volunteer service, and are completely devoted to their clubs, communities, and families.

We hope you have enjoyed reading about this year’s Jennie Award Winners. To learn more about the award, please visit http://bit.ly/2bv6KTK.

Katherine (Kathy) White, a member of the Winterport Woman’s Club in Winterport, Maine, is this year’s New England Region Recipient of the Jennie Award. GFWC was honored to present Kathy with this award in front of her friends, family, and fellow clubwomen at the Wonderful, Wacky Women Luncheon during the 2016 GFWC Annual Convention.

“Living the Volunteer Spirit is not just a tagline when used in reference to Katherine White. Kathy has been a volunteer her entire life.” This sentence opens the narrative included in Kathy’s Jennie Award Nomination Form, and perfectly captures her dedication to community service.

For over 30 years, Kathy has served the Winterport Woman’s Club as a board member, leading the club in numerous successful projects. Within GFWC Maine, Kathy has held the office of State President, Executive Committee Member, District President, and Chairman of various committees. As GFWC Maine President, Kathy’s Special Project, Family Well-being, raising over $40,000 for Maine Partnership for Healthy Communities.

Kathy led the club in renovating the Union Meeting House, a 175-year-old building on the National Register of Historic Places, raising $200,000 to save the house’s steeple. She has dedicated herself to raising awareness of domestic violence, organizing the collection of 482 pairs of socks to be donated to local domestic violence shelters. As co-chair of the Winterport Community Fund Drive, she helped raise $30,000 over the course of six months, surpassing the original $25,000 goal. The proceeds from this drive were donated to the Lafayette Cancer Center. Through the club’s Community Calendar Fundraiser, Kathy has helped raise money for scholarships, town beautification projects, and the local food pantry.

“Kathy is a well-rounded lady who will do any job asked of her to the very best of her ability, and in an impeccable way,” said Jane Le Vie, 2014-2016 GFWC Maine District Three President.

On the national level, Kathy has served as New England Region President and on several GFWC Committees, including International Liaisons, Signature Program, Communications and Public Relations, and Membership.

“Kathy’s dedication and love for GFWC is evident in all the many ways she has served this wonderful organization. She will be the first to tell you that GFWC is a wonderful opportunity to enrich your life. She is also living proof of that statement,” Jane said.

In addition to her work with GFWC, Kathy has served multiple positions for the Winterport Health Council and the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency for Maine. She has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Maine Partnership for Healthy Communities, and the Bangor Junior League.

Congratulations, Kathy, and thank you for Living the Volunteer Spirit in all that you do.

Today is the 100^th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS). Offering spaces for people to enjoy the natural beauty of America and learn about the past, America’s national parks can also teach us about GFWC’s involvement in the conservation effort. As NPS marks this incredible milestone, GFWC clubwomen have much to celebrate.

As American industrialization advanced in the 19^th century, and urban centers swelled, Americans counteracted the effects with the reform movements that came to define the Progressive Era. Women became the foot soldiers behind the battles for child labor laws, education reform, and the conservation movement. The wilderness was often viewed as a masculine territory, too wild for a lady of the time. However, women used their domestic positions as a way of carving out a space for themselves in nature. In the 19^th century, a woman’s role as mother was granted a more expansive definition. As the caretakers of our nation’s youth, women were seen as protectors of the national heritage, and were portrayed as the nation’s moral guides. Using these expectations as a launch pad, women across the nation embroiled themselves in the fight to maintain America’s natural landscape and resources, with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs leading the way at the local and national levels.

Clubwomen of GFWC first began expressing interest in conservation in 1896. Advocacy for green spaces rapidly became a central concern. By 1902 we had created the Forestry Committee, the precursor to today’s Conservation Committee. Clubwomen across the country became active participants in the fight for national parks, but three women standout as leaders of the movement. Lovell White, Alta McDuffee, and Mary King Sherman were lynchpins of the conservation movement, and among the most pivotal figures in securing the legislation which formed the NPS. All three women held active leadership positions within GFWC.

Mrs. Lovell White, president of the California Federation, led the movement to save California’s Big Trees. When the Calaveras Grove was bought by a timber company, White organized women throughout the country in protest, stating the deleterious effects the loss of the trees would have on California’s ecosystem, and it’s quality of life. A.D. Sharon, the California Federation’s Vice President, appealed to President William McKinley, asking for a bill to interfere with the destruction of the forest. Although Sharon convinced McKinley to send an appeal to congress, the bill for protection was never approved. Consequently, White and Sharon managed to collect 1.5 million signatures, petitioning congress to protect California’s trees. The petition helped to garner an appeal from Theodore Roosevelt, and marked the first time that a message bad been sent to Congress by an organization which was entirely run by women. Calaveras Big Trees State Park was created in 1954, over half a century after White and GFWC California begin their quest.

Alta McDuffee’s work with the New Hampshire Federation of Women’s clubs also demonstrated how GFWC’s conservation efforts operated in sync at the state and local levels. Working with the state of New Hampshire and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, McDuffe, GFWC New Hampshire’s State President, spearheaded the effort to save Franconia Notch from being developed for timber. Under McDuffee’s guidance, GFWC raised over $10,000 for the campaign to purchase 6,000 acres within the forest. McDuffe’s diplomacy earned the project an endorsement from the Maine Federation, as well as donations from across the country.

Perhaps no clubwomen embodied the ethos of extending the definition of “home” to the wilderness better than International Past President Mary King Sherman. Sherman was appointed the Conservation Chair in 1914, where she advocated for the establishment of the NPS. Nicknamed “The National Park Lady,” Sherman’s administration theme was aptly dedicated to the preservation of the American home and the American wilderness. Sherman became an instrumental force in lobbying for the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915, and the campaign fror the Grand Canyon National Park. As Conservation Chairmen, Sherman threw the full support of GFWC behind the creation of the National Park Service, which became a reality on August 25, 1916.

Today, GFWC continues our proud tradition of advocating for the formidable work accomplished by the National Park Service, and promoting conservation efforts. In celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the NPS, and the sacrifices made by our own clubwomen, we invite you to #FindYourPark.

The Jennie Award is named after Jane Cunningham Croly, the founder of GFWC who worked as a journalist using the pen name “Jennie June.” The women honored with this award are a true reflection of the spirit of GFWC’s founder, whose independence and courage led her to form the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1890. As the only award at the Federation level that recognizes individuals for their service, it is truly the highest honor a clubwoman can receive. Much like Jennie June, these women are committed to improving the lives of those around them. They live and breathe volunteer service, and are completely devoted to their clubs, communities, and families.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog post featuring New England Region Jennie Award Winner Katherine White!  

Sue Ann Stearns, a member of the Carrizozo Woman’s Club in Nogal, New Mexico, is this year’s South Central Region Recipient of the Jennie Award. GFWC was honored to present Sue with this award in front of her friends, family, and fellow clubwomen at the Wonderful, Wacky Women Luncheon during the 2016 GFWC Annual Convention.

In 1970, Sue’s father-in-law Johnson Stearns told her to “Join the Woman’s Club! Those are great ladies, and they get things done!” Sue decided to see for herself, and found this advice to be true, as she remains an active member over 45 years later. From participating in every club activity, project, and fundraiser, to being known as a friend to all clubwomen, Sue is always willing to do what is needed to improve her community.

As president of the club, Sue was a leader in the planning and building of the Casa Manana Apartment Complex, which provides housing for low-income senior citizens. Sue served as manager of the complex for 25 years and is still a member of the Board of Directors. This project received fourth place in the 1979 GFWC Community Improvement Program Contest.

As club historian, Sue was successful in securing the placement of the Carrizozo Woman’s Club Building on the National and New Mexico State Historical Registries, and continues to work to maintain the building. Sue is passionate about her club’s history and wrote a thorough account about this history with a report titled, “A Celebration—90 Years of the Carrizozo Woman’s Club, A Brief History of Our Club, GFWC, and GFWC New Mexico.”

“With all her involvement in other endeavors, and working full time for many years until retirement just a few years ago, I don’t see how she found the time and energy to make her many contributions to the Carrizozo Woman’s Club’s meetings and activities,” said Suzi Wolfe, 2014-2016 President of the Carrizozo Woman’s Club. “But she was always present with a smile and assistance when needed.”

In addition to her volunteer work with GFWC, Sue actively served her community as an employee for the Carrizozo-Capital Soil and Water Division of the United States Department of Agriculture. She has served on the board of directors for the Lincoln County Medical Center, New Horizons Center for the Developmentally Disabled, and the Zia Senior Citizens Center. She played a key role in the establishment of the Carrizozo Visitors Center, having single-handedly located the old caboose that currently houses the center.

“Sue is an active, well-known, well-respected and much-loved member of the community,” said Peggy Pinson, a member of the Carrizozo Woman’s Club.

Congratulations Sue, and thank you for your service!

By Henrietta Belcher-Stack, GFWC Membership Chairman

Congratulations on starting a new club year with members you’ve worked hard to recruit all summer! Now is the time to submit the “Go Fish for Members” recruitment form that is due September 1, 2016.

Don’t assume that your new members will automatically have the skills and experiences to fully participate in club meetings and activities. Studies indicate that first and second year members are the most likely to drop their membership if they do not understand or feel a sense of ownership and pride in the organization. We as clubwomen have a responsibility to offer educational programs that teach new recruits the rich history of GFWC and your club, and provide the tools to be active, participating members. You want your new members to understand that they are a vibrant part of this great organization.

It is time to plan a New Member Orientation. You can call it whatever you want to—an information session, an orientation, or a social evening gathering.

Let’s say we are having a “new member social evening.” Plan this as a special event for your new members. Send them an invitation. You can purchase invitations, create invitations on your computer and print them out, or send an e-invite. Be sure to take your potential members’ access to computers into consideration when you plan how you will invite them to this important gathering. Plan to include refreshments or even a light supper. Have the event start just after work or whenever is most convenient for the majority. It should last no longer than two hours.

This special event is the time to show these new recruits that they are “An Essential Piece” of your club. Building an orientation event around the “essential piece” is easy. For this you will be using decks of cards. You can use cards from the Dollar Store as centerpieces. Make name tags with a card and place cards also using individual cards from the deck. Your agenda for the meeting can have a border of playing cards around the paper to keep with the theme, and the ice breaker can use the cards to support the essential piece that each new member represents.

What should happen at a New Member Orientation? The event should be planned like a meeting with an agenda to keep on track. A gathering of new members, new members’ mentors/Federation sisters, and board members would be appropriate for this event. This is a perfect time for new members and current members to get to know each other in a smaller social group setting.

The meeting is used to welcome, acquaint, inform, motivate, and engage your new members. To illustrate how the club operates, each board member should be prepared to give a short overview of her job. The GFWC Membership YouTube video can be used at this time, at a follow-up event, or even shared with new members for private home viewing. The membership chairman should assemble and distribute informational packets covering all levels of GFWC for new members to take home and read at their leisure. GFWC is an organization with a long history and many facets to understand, and you do not want to overwhelm new members with too much information at once.

Plan to follow up with the new members the following week to see if they have any questions, and to find out how they want to participate on a committee or community service program. The sooner you are able to get the new members involved, the faster they will feel welcome and at home in their new club.

The Jennie Award is named after Jane Cunningham Croly, the founder of GFWC who worked as a journalist using the pen name “Jennie June.” The women honored with this award are a true reflection of the spirit of GFWC’s founder, whose independence and courage led her to form the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1890. As the only award at the Federation level that recognizes individuals for their service, it is truly the highest honor a clubwoman can receive. Much like Jennie June, these women are committed to improving the lives of those around them. They live and breathe volunteer service, and are completely devoted to their clubs, communities, and families.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog post featuring South Central Jennie Award Winner Sue Ann Stearns!

GFWC is proud to announce that Sandra Roberts of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is the 2016 Middle Atlantic Region recipient of the Jennie Award. Sandra was honored in front of friends and family during the Wonderful, Wacky Women Luncheon on June 28 at the 2016 GFWC Annual Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

Since joining the Village Improvement Association of Rehoboth Beach in 1997, Sandra has dedicated herself to supporting the club. She’s served as club president, chaired fundraisers, developed club projects, and participated in countless committees. She is also active in GFWC on a state level, and served as the GFWC Delaware State President from 2010-2012.

“With GFWC in her heart, she willingly takes on new challenges and shares in everyone’s many successes and few failures,” said Thelda Blackwater, 2014-2016 Village Improvement Association President.

During her time as president of the Village Improvement Association from 2004-2006, Sandra led the club in supporting West Side Rehoboth New Beginnings Community Center, a recreational and educational center in West Rehoboth. The club chose the center as its Community Improvement Project, addressing the needs of children in this often overlooked community. Through this project, members supported the center in its mission of improving the lives of underprivileged children, providing school supplies, educational materials, and clothing. The club continues to support the center to this day.

“Sandy has worked with all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. She is admired by everyone who comes into contact with her,” said Brenda Milbourne, executive director of the West Side New Beginnings.

Sandra is an advocate for West Rehoboth, working to improve living conditions in one of Delaware’s poorest neighborhoods. She has served as treasurer of both the Coalition for West Rehoboth and the Rehoboth Day Care Center. She also currently serves as the co-chairman of the Cancer Support Community Improvement Program, working with cancer organizations to bring education and volunteerism to cancer patients.

Described as insightful, open-minded, determined, compassionate, positive, and welcoming, Sandra is a shining example of volunteerism.

The Jennie Award is named after Jane Cunningham Croly, the founder of GFWC who worked as a journalist using the pen name “Jennie June.” The women honored with this award are a true reflection of the spirit of GFWC’s founder, whose independence and courage led her to form the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1890. As the only award at the Federation level that recognizes individuals for their service, it is truly the highest honor a clubwoman can receive. Much like Jennie June, these women are committed to improving the lives of those around them. They live and breathe volunteer service, and are completely devoted to their clubs, communities, and families.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog post featuring Middle Atlantic Region Jennie Award Winner Sandra Roberts!

GFWC is pleased to announce that Marge Nelson of Westchester, Illinois, is the 2016 Great Lakes Region Jennie Award Winner. Marge received the award during the “Wonderful, Wacky Women” Luncheon at the 2016 GFWC Annual Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

Marge is described by fellow clubwomen as a diligent worker who is knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic. She is compassionate and loving, always putting the needs of others first. She is currently a member of the Jackie’s Bow Ties Club and has been a member of GFWC since 1974, serving in leadership roles at the local, state, and national level.

Since 1966, Marge has dedicated herself to promoting American Indian culture in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. As Illinois State President from 2002-2004, Marge compiled a 69-page booklet about this subject, which was given to every district and club in Illinois. She was honored by the American Indian Center in Chicago at the center’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration. Through Marge’s advocacy, the American Indian Center received monetary donations of over $35,000 and in-kind donations of over $350,000. Marge has also actively supported veterans, the GFWC Signature Project, and the Pillars Shelter.

In addition to her volunteer work with GFWC, Marge gives back to her community by volunteering for Westchester Community Church, where she has been a member for nearly 40 years. She has also given her time to the Westchester Park District, volunteering as a tour guide when the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall was brought to Westchester.

Carol Wait, president of Jackie’s Bow Tie Club, says she is amazed by Marge’s energy.

“She had three daughters, returned to school to earn a degree, ran three preschools, and still had time for the Woman’s Club and her community,” Carol said.

Marge is truly Living the Volunteer Spirit on a daily basis, and demonstrates how GFWC members can successfully improve their communities. From supporting American Indian families to serving for over 20 years as her town’s Easter Bunny, Marge’s work has touched countless lives.

“Marge is great example of a clubwoman. She is always willing and quite capable of fulfilling any position or task given to her,” Carol said.

The Jennie Award is named after Jane Cunningham Croly, the founder of GFWC who worked as a journalist using the pen name “Jennie June.” The women honored with this award are a true reflection of the spirit of GFWC’s founder, whose independence and courage led her to form the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1890. As the only award at the Federation level that recognizes individuals for their service, it is truly the highest honor a clubwoman can receive. Much like Jennie June, these women are committed to improving the lives of those around them. They live and breathe volunteer service, and are completely devoted to their clubs, communities, and families.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog post featuring Great Lakes Region Jennie Award Winner Marge Nelson!

GFWC was pleased to recognize Margaret (Peggy) McLane as the Southern Region Recipient of the GFWC Jennie Award at the 2016 Annual Convention. Peggy is a member of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Panama City, Florida and is a dedicated volunteer who is always looking to serve her club, community, and family.

Peggy had only been retired for one month when she joined GFWC in 2005, soon serving in leadership positions as a Community Service Program coordinator for her club. While serving as president, the Woman’s Club of Panama City received recognition as one of the best large clubs in Florida.

Thoughtful and organized, Peggy’s strong leadership skills and ability to implement plans has led to many successful outcomes for her club. She developed a partnership with another club in the area to draft a resolution banning texting while driving, which was adopted by GFWC Florida and signed into law by Governor Rick Scott in 2013. Peggy was instrumental in renovating the entrance of the clubhouse and adding handicap parking and a ramp. She has also helped coordinate a welcome dinner for six Wounded Warrior Beach Retreats, bringing comfort to injured members of the military.

Peggy has played an active role in several of the club’s Community Improvement Projects. Her letters to county commissions and tourism officials that outlined ways to improve beach water safety awareness were taken seriously, as the officials adopted these suggestions and the number of drownings was reduced. Working with the local garden club, Peggy helped implement the improvement of the local Girl Scouts Butterfly Garden.

“Peggy has, in all seasons of her life, recognized the need to give her time to enhance the lives of others,” said Gerry Wilson, president of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Panama City.

Peggy is committed to improving the lives of children in her community. She serves as a Bay County Judicial System Teen Court Jury Monitor, where she ensures teenagers who have committed misdemeanors receive fair punishment. She has donated her time and money to a summer reading project at a low-income elementary school, making sure that students have at least three books to take home for the summer. As a result of this project and Peggy’s dedication, 1,600 books are collected annually.

“She has been volunteering since she was fourteen years old. Moving into a federated club such as the Woman’s Club of Panama City was just a natural progression for the continuation of her service to others,” said Louis Lawrence, past president of the Woman’s Club of Panama City.

Peggy has been a Girl Scout since 1950 and has been listed in the World’s Who’s Who of Women. While earning her Masters, Peggy received a Virginia Outstanding Teacher Award for her design of an adult education program in Hampton, Virginia. In 2005, she received the Air Force Outstanding Civilian Service Medal as an award-winning Services Squadron Marketing Director.

The Jennie Award is named after Jane Cunningham Croly, the founder of GFWC who worked as a journalist using the pen name “Jennie June.” The women honored with this award are a true reflection of the spirit of GFWC’s founder, whose independence and courage led her to form the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1890. As the only award at the Federation level that recognizes individuals for their service, it is truly the highest honor a clubwoman can receive. Much like Jennie June, these women are committed to improving the lives of those around them. They live and breathe volunteer service, and are completely devoted to their clubs, communities, and families.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog post featuring Southern Region Jennie Award Winner Margaret (Peggy) McLane!

Bessie Konishi, a member of the GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club in Alamosa, Colorado, is this year’s Western States Region Recipient of the Jennie Award. GFWC was honored to present Bessie with this award in front of her friends, family, and fellow clubwomen at the Wonderful, Wacky Women Luncheon during the 2016 GFWC Annual Convention.

Bessie joined the GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club in 1966, and soon became an influential leader both in her club and in Alamosa. Drawing on her own experiences as a child of Japanese immigrants during World War II, Bessie has worked extensively to promote peace and end racism in her community.

Sadly, Bessie has faced prejudice in her life. During World War II, while Bessie and her sister visited a local café, they were ignored by the wait staff, while other customers laughed and made rude remarks. During the 1960s, Bessie’s daughter was told she could not belong to a club because she was Japanese. Bessie talks about these experiences and demonstrates how difficult it was growing up in the 1940s in her program, “History of Japanese Americans in the San Luis Valley.”

As a member and leader of the GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club, Bessie has continued to promote peace and justice through her club work. By sharing experiences from her childhood and teaching school children how to fold origami cranes that were sent to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Japan, Bessie’s actions show that we can learn from the past.

“Her leadership, understanding, volunteering, goal setting, planning, and perseverance help all members learn and open their minds to possibilities that can be accomplished,” said Judith Greenwood, president of the GFWC Woman’s Citizen Club.

Whether raising money for Heifer International, hosting Pinwheels for Prevention, partnering with Alamosa’s Tu Casa, Inc. to build a new children’s advocacy center, or planning a fashion show to raise money for nursing scholarships, Bessie is a dedicated volunteer who always does what it takes to improve her community.

“Bessie’s work with serious issues, such as racism and peace, has inspired me and many others personally. Her own experiences led her to try to help others understand that prejudice is not acceptable,” Judith said.

In addition to serving in multiple leadership roles, such as club president, district president, and GFWC Colorado President, Bessie is a community activist who volunteers for many other organizations. She served on the Alamosa School Board, volunteers at the Alamosa Welcome Center, and was the first Asian American woman to serve on the board of directors for the Caring for Colorado Foundation. A retired elementary school teacher, she is married to Ben Konishi and has three children, seven grandchildren, and four step-grandchildren.

Thank you, Bessie, for your 50 years of service to GFWC.