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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.

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 Western States Region Jennie Award Winner Bessie Konishi!

GFWC is proud to announce that Janice Carter of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, is the 2016 Mississippi Valley Region recipient of the Jennie Award, a medal of honor given to only eight of the nearly 100,000 clubwomen worldwide. Janice celebrated these accomplishments with her family and fellow clubwomen at the Wonderful, Wacky Women Luncheon on June 28 at the 2016 GFWC Annual Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

Janice joined the GFWC Generation III Club in 1983 and has held nearly every leadership position within the club. She is an active member on the local, state, and national level, and was recognized as clubwoman of the year in El Dorado Springs. She started the club’s Nursing Home Christmas Project over thirty years ago, organizes the annual salad supper and auction to benefit Missouri Girls Town, and provided the first anatomically correct baby doll for home economics classes at the local high school.

Janice is known as the “Federation Lady,” planning two club meetings each year revolving around GFWC on a national level. At these meetings, Janice educates local members about the benefits of belonging to GFWC and shares accomplishments of the Federation. Because of Janice, clubwomen in her community learn about how GFWC works on both the local and national levels.

Janice led the club in the painting of Bulldog Paw Prints to support the local high school, helping visitors find the football field and basketball court. Through the Nursing Home Christmas Project, Janice makes sure that every resident of local nursing homes receives a homemade Christmas card. Whether organizing a Halloween carnival for local children, planning a little Mr. and Miss Santa Contest, or painting bleachers for community ball fields, Janice isn’t afraid of hard work.

“Janice is a true role model that defines membership and leadership. I have never seen her without a smile on her face, always looking at the bright side,” said Jessica Frier, president of GFWC Generation III.

In addition to her leadership in GFWC, Janice is active in numerous community organizations. As a two-time ovarian cancer survivor, Janice provides support to those fighting cancer as the founder, treasurer and facilitator of the High Hopes Cancer Support Group and a team captain for Relay for Life. She is a charter member of Friends of the Library, and was instrumental in helping the library find a new location. She continues to serve as treasurer of the group. Janice is also a charter member of the Preserve Our Past society and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary.

“Her positive attitude is contagious. She commits her life to family, club, and community. Volunteering is second nature to her; she has always been there to help and will continue to be, in any capacity she feels necessary,” Jessica 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 Mississippi Valley Region Jennie Award Winner Janice Carter!

We are proud to announce that Linda Beatty of Boykins, Virginia is the 2016 Southeastern Region recipient of the Jennie Award, a medal of honor given to only eight of the nearly 100,000 clubwomen worldwide. Linda was presented the award on June 28 at the 2016 GFWC Annual Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

Linda joined the GFWC Boykins Junior Woman’s Club in 1967 and is currently a member of the GFWC Tarrara Women’s Club. Linda is a committed leader who is instrumental in town projects and events, including the Boykins Community Calendar Fundraising Project, the Boykins Annual Christmas Parade, and the Christmas Homes Decoration Project.

Linda’s leadership has allowed the community calendar project to become the club’s biggest fundraiser, with the latest edition bringing in a net profit of over $1,700. In addition to spending long hours each year laying out the calendar and organizing the anniversaries, birthdays, meeting dates, and more, Linda has dedicated the calendar to the town’s history and founders by adding pictures and historical trivia. Thanks to Linda’s dedication, the club provides multiple scholarships and donations to organizations in the community.

“Her club work itself has shown unending dedication to many projects and activities that she wholeheartedly embraces. Linda truly Lives the Volunteer Spirit in all aspects of her life,” said Victoria Edwards, president of the GFWC Tarrara Woman’s Club.

In 1982, Linda became the first woman on the Boykins Town Council and has served every term but one ever since. Her leadership helped break the glass ceiling in her town and paved the way for other women to serve, as today’s town council is composed of mostly women.

Linda has served multiple times as Vice Mayor and is committed to promoting Boykins, a town of 600 residents in Southeastern Virginia, as a great place to live.

“She has seen both the ups and downs of small town life and is not afraid to voice her opinion when difficult issues arise, often managing to sway decisions to an acceptable compromise,” Victoria said.

Linda has demonstrated her commitment to GFWC by eagerness to assume leadership roles, such as Virginia State President from 2002-2004 and a member of the Credentials Committee from 2006-2008. She is a shining example of someone who lives GFWC’s mission every day.

We are only days away from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs 2016 Annual Convention and Shot@Life is proud to be a part of this year’s festivities. The Convention will take place in Baltimore, MD and we look forward to connecting with the nearly 1,000 GFWC clubwomen in attendance.

The national Convention is the culmination point of the GFWC Lifesaver Awards Program! Over 135 clubs in 45 states participated in the program this year raising over $50,000 to provide children in the developing world with lifesaving vaccines that they would otherwise not have access to. See where your club and state line up by click here!

We are proud to be a partner of GFWC and we look forward to the various activities taking place at the event!

1. Shot@Life Exhibition Booth: Stop by our booth to learn about Shot@Life, the NEW FALL 2016 Awards Program and to pick-up and take a picture with your Lifesaver Awards!
2. Shot@Life: Drop to Zero Workshop: A slice of something new! Shot@Life will be launching the new awards program with an exciting challenge to help end polio forever. Stop by our workshop to learn how you can help drop global polio prevalence to zero by participating in our virtual 5k on World Polio Day (October 24, 2016)! GFWC Leaders like Janet Trombetti, T Jablanski, and Nancy Jones plan to speak on their experiences abroad and on fundraising and fighting polio!
3. Shot@Life Awards Banquet: We will announce the top five club and state winners of the 2015 -2016 Awards Program and Lifesaver State Program at the national Convention. In addition we will recognize every club who has raised $125+ and states who have raised $625+. Mark your calendars for the luncheon on June 29 at 1:00 p.m. now!

Click here to see the current rankings in the competition. Make sure to check it for accuracy!

Shot@Life would like to thank all the clubs, states, and clubwomen who participated in the 2015-2016 Awards Program.

Stop by our booth to learn about how you can win in 2017!

We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore!

With best wishes,
Alan Kissick
Partnership Officer
Shot@Life Campaign

By Hope Royer
GFWC Public Issues Chairman

There is no better time than now, as we approach Memorial Day amidst Military Appreciation Month, to recognize the nation’s nearly three million women veterans, past and present. Theirs is a living legacy of service.

GFWC clubwomen will organize and attend community-wide celebrations on Memorial Day in honor of all of our nation’s veterans. We will fly the flag of the United States of America with pride in salute to all those who have served our country.

Members continue to make financial contributions to the Women In Military Service For America Memorial. Clubs are encouraged to participate in the Tell 3 Women—Pay Forward the Legacy campaign, one of the latest efforts of the Women In Military Service For America Foundation to help guarantee that the names of military women will not be lost to history. The effort asks that each of us seek out three women veterans and help them register for inclusion in the Memorial. Registration forms are available online or by calling 1-800-222-2294.

GFWC clubwomen have developed projects specifically designed to support women in military service. Clubs see that USO Centers are kept stocked with beauty and cosmetic products. Clubs provide welcome home baskets of beauty supplies to returning service women. Veterans and military family members who are maternity patients at our nation’s Veterans Hospitals are showered with baby products. Clubs invite local women veterans to attend club meetings and social events.

Clubwomen also honor our nation’s female veterans by supporting legislation through the GFWC Legislative Action Center. Recently, clubwomen across the country contacted their Congressional representatives and urged them to support legislation that would allow Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) to be buried at Arlington Cemetery.

Between 1942 and 1944, 1,102 women were trained to become WASPs, and flew non-combat military missions while their male counterparts were deployed to combat. Collectively these women flew 60 million miles across the United States in every type of military aircraft. Despite their service, they were ineligible for officer status and were never awarded full military status. They had to pay their own way home after the war. Thirty-eight women died while serving their country, and their families were forced with the cost of transporting their bodies and arranging burials.

In 1977, WASPs were granted veterans’ status. However, a recent policy change made by the Army prevents WASPs from being buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

GFWC supported legislation to honor these female veterans and reinstate WASP inurnment rights. On May 11, Congress passed this legislation. It is now headed to President Barack Obama for a signature.

Thanks to the efforts of GFWC clubwomen who wrote letters urging Congress to support this legislation, female veterans like Elaine Harmon will be honored with a burial in Arlington National Cemetery.

As you make plans for this weekend, remember to take time to recognize and support women veterans, as well as those currently serving in the military. Send a message of support and gratitude to our services members through the USO’s Campaign to Connect. Visit www.uso.org/message/thanks-a-million to submit your message, and the USO will deliver it in centers across the world.

How does your club support women in military service?

This blog is part four of a series about mothers and daughters who share GFWC membership. Click here to read the first three posts!

Sharing membership in GFWC has allowed mothers and daughters to strengthen their bond and share a love of volunteering. In addition to supporting each other as family, these women grow together as friends and clubwomen.

Becca Wagman is grateful that she can share her GFWC experience with her mother, Tricia Wagman, and is inspired by her mother’s positive attitude. Tricia makes every project, even the tiring ones, a lot of fun, Becca said.

“It is reassuring to know that my mom will always have my back and be there for me. But even more special is she understands the way GFWC works and knows how to best support me to be successful in the service of others,” Becca said.

Becca could not wait until the summer of fifth grade, when she would finally be able to join the local GFWC STARS Juniorette club. Tricia began volunteering with the STARS club so that she and Becca could volunteer together.

Tricia has enjoyed watching Becca in action as a volunteer and seeing her grow into leadership positions.

“It has been great to have my daughter share the love for GFWC and the passion for volunteering and living the volunteer spirit. It has been wonderful to serve together this administration as Special Assistant and Becca as an honorary assistant to the GFWC International President. We have made wonderful memories attending and working at the GFWC International Conventions together and being roommates,” Tricia said.

This year, Ellen Owens received a pin for 20 years of service as a member of the GFWC Women’s Club of Manassas, Virginia. This achievement was made even more special by the fact that Ellen’s daughter, Robin Grubbs, just celebrated her 10 year anniversary with the club.

The family’s GFWC legacy continued when Robin’s 20-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn Jones, joined the club this year.

“She has been helping at events for many years and has grown up with the volunteer spirit! We are all very proud to be GFWC clubwomen,” Robin said.

Janet Ordway Atwater’s grandmother, Catherine Schilling Ordway, was one of the twelve founders of the Book and Needle Woman’s Club of Oradell, New Jersey, which was founded in 1915.

Janet’s mother served as president from 1959 to 1961. Janet is now 85 and serves as the club’s historian, parliamentarian, and bylaws chairman. She also served on the Credentials and Registration Committee for the GFWC New Jersey Convention.

“Though many changes have been made in our club to interest the membership of the younger generation, we are a healthy club; our vine is planted deep and we are vibrant in today’s world,” Janet said.

Patti Kwashnak’s mother belonged to GFWC in New Jersey during the 1950s. The women met at a local bowling alley, wearing their hats and gloves. Patti’s mother passed away in 1965, and Patti joined the Red Bank Junior Woman’s Club in 1966. She moved to Connecticut, and is still a GFWC member 50 years later.

Sue Walker has enjoyed teaching her daughter, Kendra Patty, about GFWC. She was especially proud when Kendra was installed as the GFWC Tennessee Director of Junior Clubs.

“It sure has made life more interesting seeing GFWC through the eyes of someone much younger. She has made the meetings fun, sometimes challenging, and so very meaningful. I have been very blessed to have my side kick with me. I dream that my granddaughter will join GFWC and we all can attend the conventions together,” Sue said.

Kendra has found that her mom is a huge source of information for all things GFWC. She has enjoyed attending conventions with Sue and learning about GFWC’s history.

“Having my mother being with me as a GFWC member has made me a better person. I have learned to care and create solutions to problems for the community and I have learned to work with volunteers from across the Unites States,” Kendra said.

If you’re a clubwoman with a legacy in GFWC, please consider joining the GFWC Legacy Club. Learn more by visiting the club’s Facebook page.