We are some pretty good broads

I am a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC); I have been a member, past secretary, and past and present president for the GFWC Centennial Woman’s Club since I joined in 2000. In March, I am running for the District IV presidency and think I have a pretty good chance of winning, since I am the only nominee. I shall be elected unanimously! So there, G.W., THAT is a mandate. I love the GFWC. I love the ladies it has brought into my life, the good works I have been a part of, and the FUN! (We meet once a month in a members’ home, and run away from home to conventions and have really good times).

What I don’t really cherish is report writing. Once a year, each club must report its year’s activities to the state, which then compiles those reports into one for the nation, which then compiles those for an international report. The reporting process has been streamlined, but for a club that does a lot of small projects, the number of reports to be filed can be daunting. This year, I wrote narratives for 13 separate department chairs, and completed a club rating form. Our club is superior, by the way… in case you had any doubts.

The reporting does give you a feel for what your group has actually accomplished though. Here’s an overview of what 23 woman in a small Southern town did in 2005:
We supported 29 different community programs such as Meals On Wheels, Senior Citizens, Shepherd’s House, Haven of Hope, Karing for Kids, Toys for Tots, including arts and educational programs. Some of that support went to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the Multi-County Cancer Association. We volunteered 4,848 hours in 2005- that’s about 17 hours per month per member. We funneled $7,580 back into our community, and recycled over 3 tons of paper and metal.
We presented 8 educational/informational programs to our membership, and participated in one international program, Heifer International.
Not bad for 23 working (mostly) women who meet one night a month, and have a rip-roaring good time when we do. We have two “mottos”. The first is “Good Women, Good Works, Good Times”- to which our members have tacked on “good food”, because we always have good food at our meetings- we all know how to cook and we all like to eat. The second is “Doing great good in many small ways”, and I think we do that. We have figured out a way to have a positive impact on our community is a way that is undemanding and yet meaningful. We are some pretty good broads.
Now… vote for me for District Prez :)