KATHY HUGGINS
Greetings Club Presidents and All,
I am honored to serve as your GFWC Nebraska State President. I will do my best to serve GFWC Federation and GFWC Nebraska during my administration. With the support and dedication of the GFWC Nebraska Clubwomen, I know we can continue to grow the State Federation. Together we can look forward to the many opportunities of fellowship, leadership and service.
This GFWC Nebraska Federation of Women’s Clubs Guidebook is full of valuable information. The Guidebook is what you may call the Nebraska’s Club Manual. I believe it is one of the best sources provided for our State Board of Directors and Club Presidents. The Nebraska Guidebook includes:
Letters from from GFWC Administration
GFWC and NFWC Calendar
Information from the NFWC Administration including District Presidents
GFWC Nebraska Reporting Guidelines
GFWC Special Programs
GFWC Nebraska President’s Special Programs
GFWC Community Service Programs
GFWC Advancement Plan Programs
GFWC Awards, Contests and Grants Programs
GFWC Nebraska Programs
You can use the Guidebook to find many new and existing club project ideas from the Committee Chairmen for each GFWC Program. Please take the time to read about each of these Programs so you can decide which projects will work best for your club. These projects will then be reported at the end of the calendar year. Reporting is the most important thing for the Federation. My goal is that every club reports at least one project under two or more programs this year.
I look forward to reading about all the projects clubs report on.
If your club decides to give a donation to a GFWC Affiliate or the Nebraska State President’s Projects you must remember to send the check to the NFWC Treasurer, Jane Swartz. Write the check out to NFWC with the organization’s name in the Memo. Jane will then send a check to the organization.
Choosing Kindness
Kathy Huggins
GFWC Nebraska State President 2024-2026
JUNIOR'S SPECIAL PROGRAM: ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN
Leadership Is Personal Development and Influence
This Advancement Plan contains valuable information, including practical ideas and resources to assist clubs in developing leadership skills in their members. Whatever talent you use, leadership always involves taking risks, being innovative, and promoting new directions. Some may talk about being born leaders, but most of us learn how to be a strong leader and we should never stop learning and stretching. Just as “management” as a philosophy has evolved through the years into “leadership,” there has also been a growing realization that leadership development involves personal growth and improvement and influencing and fostering others. Both areas have been addressed in this plan, and we are excited to introduce an entirely new resource for members and clubs called the Leadership Toolkit, detailed in this plan. Additionally, we will offer a leadership development online book club and newsletter content.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IS PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
“Who you are comes before what you do. Leadership is being before doing.” — JOHN MAXWELL
DEVELOP POWERFUL PRESENTATION SKILLS
Studies show our number one fear is the fear of public speaking. Anyone can build the skills to be a good speaker by planning, rehearsing, and delivering with flair.
DESIGNING A PRESENTATIO
Identify your focus. Be clear on the purpose of the speech. Know your audience and have a clear goal.
Research your topic. Collect and confirm information, making sure you have all the facts you need to present
and support your presentation.
Organize your presentation. Consider the main parts:
* Introduction: Get the audience’s attention focused by asking a question, giving a startling statistic, sharing a relevant anecdote, or providing a teaser for what is ahead. (5-10%)
* Body: Consider several points to emphasize, ensuring they are relevant and in good order. Use personal stories, humorous anecdotes, and body language to help create vivid images. (70-80%)
* Conclusion: End your presentation with a strong message. (5-10%)
Review and rework the content, checking for interest, strength, and good transitions until it is solid.
Head the paper with your name, presentation title, event or group name, date, and location.
Type the speech using an extra-large font size, wide margins, and double spacing between lines and triple space
between paragraphs. Number pages and place them in a binder for easy reading.
REHEARSING AND DELIVERING A PRESENTATION
Good speakers do not just write and read or memorize the speech. They know their topic. They make notes, using key words to remind them of key points. When giving a brief, strictly timed speech, you must write out a script to be sure you stay within your time limit. Choose your words carefully to minimize their use while maximizing the impact of your main points. Write and rework the presentation to delete words that do not add to the meaning. Practice your presentation in front of a mirror several times to familiarize yourself with the script. This will help maximize your ability to maintain eye contact with your audience and will also increase your level of confidence.
DELIVERY GUIDELINES
Arrive early to check the set-up and make sure all equipment, including microphones, projectors, and screens,
are in place and good working order.
Have a glass of water next to you.
Start promptly. Use a small clock or timer and end on time.
Make eye contact with the audience. Look up from notes every five to ten seconds to connect and SMILE
Speak louder and a bit slower than normal. Speak with expression and emphasis through voice and facial
expressions.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart while keeping your hands relatively still.
HANDLING QUESTIONS WITH CONFIDENCE
Decide if, and when, you will take questions from the audience. To handle questions with authority:
Consider in advance possible questions and responses, especially challenging ones. Rehearse with a partner. Smile and calmly respond with a positive answer.
Explain at what point during the presentation questions will be taken and how individuals will be recognized. Point out the microphone to be used.
Maintain control of the questioning. Formally recognize the questioner before he/she speaks and limit the number of questions. Allow only one person to speak at a time.
Listen to the question and look at the person posing the question. Paraphrase the question for the audience. If a question is pertinent to one person, answer in a manner that provides information to everyone, if possible, and maintain good eye contact with the audience.
Kick-start the question period if questions are slow to begin by providing a frequently asked question and then answer the questions.
Offer to take the person’s information and get back to them if you are uncertain of the answer to a question.
Emphasize the need to allow time for others to ask questions or express their opinions if an individual strongly disagrees with you and refuses to stop talking. Thank the person for his/her opinion, noting that there are
different schools of thought on the issue.
Avoid repeating, “Thank you; that’s a good question” after every question, as it seems insincere. Be as
thoughtful as possible in your responses.
Close out the questions and finish your presentation with a powerful closing statement that will resonate with
the audience and reinforce your message.
with backup files, an extra power source, and spare batteries for your remote control.
STEPS TO EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT
ANALYZE
Analyze your time management issues and set realistic deadlines for projects.
Maintain an uncluttered workplace.
Handle paper one sheet at a time.
ORGANIZE
Make a detailed list of projects or tasks to be completed, with specific deadlines.
Organize work according to your personal time schedule. If everything on your list is not completed, add it
to
your next list.
Know how much time a task will take.
Put tasks in order of importance.
Focus on one task before proceeding to the next one.
Keep dates and commitments in mind. Consider if other people will be involved.
SCHEDULE
Take the list and begin working your tasks into your schedule.
Break a task into smaller parts if a prioritized task seems too big to accomplish.
Leave time in your schedule for unexpected activities.
Create a calendar that highlights important District, State Federation, and GFWC dates.
WHERE TO FIND POTENTIAL LEADERS
CLUB MEMBER
She is not an officer but will accept responsibility and take initiative. She motivates others by her enthusiasm and may recognize that her interests lie in planning and implementing projects.
FORMER CLUB OFFICER
She has served the club in several positions and may presently serve on your District or State Board of Directors. She is the voice of experience who knows members and their skills
CURRENT CLUB OFFICER
She has accepted responsibilities that require attendance at additional meetings and good organizational skills. The club members have voiced their confidence by electing her.
NEW MEMBER
She has only been a member for a short time, but she is eager to become involved. She may not volunteer, but she may accept responsibility when asked by a club leader. She may be a much-needed breath of fresh air!
As the leader it is essential you equip your officers and committee chairmen to function effectively. Together you will help your club make a real difference in your community. To do that, regular training will be extremely helpful
to ensure they handle their duties and are growing in their leadership capacity. Reviewing and discussing the guidelines for the various officers, and brainstorming ways your leadership team can grow beyond expectations, will help to build strong leadership.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BUILD LEADERSHIP?
It is important for leaders to be aware of the challenges involved in identifying and developing prospective leaders and to create an action plan to ensure strong, competent leadership for the future. Most often, people will be more likely to accept leadership positions with a clearer understanding if they have a good idea of what is expected
and know that you, as the leader, will nurture and support them along the journey. The leader—whether it is the president, director, or chairman—may consider the following strategies for growing new leaders:
Consider officers and their responsibilities and prepare a detailed handout for each. Hold a team planning meeting for the new officers, share the responsibilities for each office, discuss the status of activities, and develop a preliminary plan for future projects. By engaging these leaders in understanding their duties and in developing plans, you will help build their understanding and skills.
Pull members together from time to time, to reflect on progress and needs, and to consider next steps or necessary changes to accomplish the goal.
Conduct mini-leadership presentations to help members gain a better understanding and develop skills.
Step back and allow new leaders to work and grow. While mistakes may be made, if you nurture your new
leaders, they will grow in skill and confidence. Praise new leaders for the job they are doing.
Encourage new members to contribute to various activities where their fresh ideas will be helpful.
Incorporate reports on GFWC activities at club meetings to connect members with the Federation and other
GFWC clubs.
Take advantage of member diversity. Each individual member brings unique skills to the club.
Mentor new leaders. Support them with suggestions. Encourage participation in all GFWC activities. Travel
with
them and help with expenses when possible. Provide them with GFWC resource materials. This is an
investment that will pay off!
Share the work. It is easier if members help plan meetings, participate in projects, and write reports.
Be generous with your appreciation.
Nurture and prepare successors for their work. Leaders should be supportive.
SETTING THE TONE & CREATING A HEALTHY CLUB CULTURE
Setting the tone for your organization can be difficult at times, as leadership roles inherently come with stress and a glaring spotlight that can be unforgiving if not handled properly.
Be a leader whom you would want to follow.
When setting the tone for your organization always remember to put yourself in your team’s shoes first. If you know that members look forward to coming to club meetings, you have taken a great first step in establishing
a culture of success.
Always be accessible.
In setting the tone for your club it is always a good policy to make yourself as accessible as possible to your club members.
Always maintain your composure.
Maintaining your composure at all times is a key component to setting a positive tone for any organization you may be a part of.
Stay positive when adversity hits.
It is a given that every club is going to be hit with adversity. The pandemic of 2020 has taught us that! However, maintaining an eye to the future, keeping a positive outlook, and realizing that every setback is only temporary.
Make the mission bigger than yourself or the club.
As the leader of any club you have the power to inspire. One of the most effective ways to do this is to clearly articulate the mission you have undertaken and what it contributes to the world around you.
In leadership roles, it is impossible not to contribute to the culture within the organizations we serve. Setting the right tone and staying focused on maintaining it over time can, and should, ensure that leadership efforts have a lasting impact.
EVERYONE IS A LEADER EVERY DAY
Let us spin the concept of “everyday leadership.” Here are seven acts of everyday leaders:
Commit. Passion is a strong desire that can get you to do amazing things. Passion is an emotion to be acted upon. Without action, passion yields no worthwhile results. Passion is the fuel for the fire of action. When you have passion for something, you love it even when you hate it.
Listen. I have never heard anyone say, “I am a lousy listener.” Almost everyone says, “I am a great listener.” The fact of the matter is that we are terrible at it. Everyday leaders engage their power of listening; listen more than you speak
Communicate. You have feelings, experiences, opinions, and a voice. All have value. So, share them often. You become an everyday leader by expressing your thoughts and ideas
Be humble. We all know so-called leaders who are described as arrogant, entitled and controlling. Do not be that leader! See yourself as an everyday person whose experiences and voice matter as much as the next person’s – no more and no less than your neighbor’s.
Innovate. There are formulas for everything, and they are copied and followed. You do not have to shock and awe every chance you get, but think about offering something fresh to further the conversation or something original to move the ball.
Learn. If you are human, you have failed. Failure, however, is not an end to the story, it is a beginning. The trick is to “Fail Forward.” Failure is an everyday leader’s protein; it is where the energy comes from.
Smile! Your smile can change the world. It is a powerful tool. Your smile brings hope, light, acceptance, and gratitude.
GFWC LEADS
The GFWC Leadership, Education, and Development Seminar identifies GFWC members at the local level who have the potential and desire to assume leadership positions in their State Federations and/or GFWC on the national level. Participation in GFWC LEADS can help up-and-coming leaders gain the capabilities, confidence, and commitment necessary to pursue and achieve higher offices and serve with distinction.
STATE AND DISTRICT LEADS PROGRAMS
States and Districts are encouraged to hold a LEADS program to identify and develop strong potential leaders prepared to assume club, District, and state leadership positions. By implementing a well-designed LEADS event, the leadership gap of some experience will be addressed, and the talent and enthusiasm of a trained, confident group of volunteers will be more effectively used. The individual member, as well as our organization and communities, will benefit. The leadership can determine when the state or District LEADS program is best conducted. Several sample agendas are available in the Leadership Toolkit for creating half- and full-day events using materials available in the toolkit. Members of the 2020–2022 GFWC Leadership Committee are experienced and have diverse and comprehensive backgrounds. We are dedicated to GFWC and look forward to developing strong leaders through our partnership. The vision we cast as leaders while engaging our members will ensure even greater impact by our GFWC clubs. Each GFWC Region has a representative on the Leadership Committee. Please reach out to these talented leaders for their assistance and guidance.
GFWC LEADERSHIP AWARDS
GFWC recognizes State Federations for outstanding projects and clubs for creative projects in implementing effective Leadership projects as follows:
Certificate to one State Federation in each membership category
$50 award to one club in the nation for project creativity
Award winners will be determined by entries into the
Award Program. Each State Federation may submit one State Award Entry and one Club Creativity Award Entry for the Leadership Advancement Plan. Clubs do not submit
GFWC Leadership Education and Development Seminar (LEADS)
The GFWC Leadership, Education, and Development Seminar identifies GFWC members at the local level who have the potential and desire to assume leadership positions in their State Federations and/or GFWC on the national level. Participation in GFWC LEADS can help up-and-coming leaders gain the capabilities, confidence, and commitment necessary to pursue and achieve higher offices and serve with distinction.
GFWC LEADS is typically held annually on the day prior to the official opening of the GFWC Annual Convention. The program may include the following
Overview of various leadership skills.
Explanation of GFWC resources, materials, and assistance.
Outline of GFWC policies, parliamentary procedure, and protocol.
Discussion of tips and techniques for pursuing personal growth and developing leadership
opportunities.
Application Process and Deadline
Each State Federation and International Affiliate may select one LEADS attendee annually.
LEADS Candidate: Return this form, along with two letters of support from active GFWC club members, to your State Federation by the state application deadline. If your state has a form, use that instead.
State or International Affiliate Leadership Chairman or President: Your chosen LEADS Candidate’s application form and photo is due to GFWC Second Vice President Jolie Frankfurth (jfrankfurth@gfwc.org) and GFWC Leadership Chairman Susan Gettys (susan.getts@att.net) by March 15, 2023. Thank you!
State and District LEADS Program
States and Districts are encouraged to hold a LEADS program to identify and develop strong potential leaders prepared to assume club, District, and State Federations leadership positions. By implementing a well- designed LEADS event, the leadership gap of some experience will be addressed, and the talent and enthusiasm of a trained, confident group of volunteers will be more effectively used. The individual member, as well as our organization and communities, will benefit. The leadership can determine when the State Federation or District LEADS program is best conducted. The GFWC Leadership Committee can assist State and District leaders in creating half- and full-day events using materials available in the toolkit. States may choose to select one participant from their own LEADS program to attend GFWC LEADS.
Criteria for LEADS Participation
It is highly recommended that each State Federation or International Affiliate LEADS candidate meet the following criteria.
Demonstrates leadership capabilities at the club level as an active club president, club officer, or club project or committee chairman.
Exhibits a commitment to the Federation.
Exhibits an understanding of the GFWC mission of community service, illustrated by programs and
projects in which she is or has been involved.
Demonstrates leadership characteristics, including, but not limited to, organization, responsibility,
trustworthiness, enthusiasm, and flexibility.
Exhibits an interest in and willingness to pursue higher leadership positions in GFWC.
Agrees to share information gained from participation in LEADS with others in the State Federation.
Understands and accepts potential expenses involved in participation.
Has not held elected positions at or beyond the state level (this criterion is highly recommended,
but not required, in order to encourage potential leaders at the club level to apply).
Has not attended a previous LEADS program. Members are eligible to attend only once.
Agrees to make every effort to attend the Fall GFWC Region Conference to report on their LEADS
experience.
Must be a member of a per capita dues paying club, or a delegate of an International Affiliate as
noted below.
Expenses
GFWC demonstrates its commitment to training leaders by funding a portion of the expenses of candidates who are members of per capita dues paying clubs. State Federations may consider underwriting a portion of an attendee’s expenses. LEADS candidates are asked to be responsible for a portion of their expenses as an affirmation of their personal commitment to the leadership development and training. LEADS participants are responsible for making their own travel and lodging arrangements.
State Federation attendees receive:
Transportation and lodging stipend of $325.00.
Lunch during the LEADS program (no registration fee is required). Checks will be distributed to candidates upon completion of the seminar.
Acting Dean of Chairman: Barbara Jackson
REPORTING: It is very important that clubs submit reports for the purpose of awards, recognition, and statistical data not only for GFWC but also on the state level. Clubs need to keep track of every project completed including Volunteer Hours, Dollars Donated, In-kind Donations, and Dollars Spent. If this information is kept up to date throughout the year, it will make it easier when reporting is due. Clubs need to email their reports to the First Vice President. She will compile all club reports and send them to the NFWC Chairmen. Keeping club members busy with different projects helps retain members and is also a great tool for recruitment. Once again it is so important that every club reports all projects with all the significant information. The goal is for 100% of our clubs t o report, even if they only did one project.
GUIDELINES: Clubs will report to the Nebraska State Federation. The GFWC Guidelines can be found in the 2022-2024 Club Manual through the Member Portal. The reporting section of the NFWC Guidebook also contains guidelines and instructions for clubs to use for reporting programs. Narratives describing the state program(s) are necessary to be eligible for a GFWC Award. The narrative does not have to be long, just a few sentences explaining the project, how the project had an impact on the community, and who benefited from the project. If you have a project that was fantastic, report it for a Club Creativity Award, with a narrative not to exceed one typed page.
DEADLINES: Reports should include activities in a calendar year from January 1 through December 31 of the current year. The deadline for club reports is January 15 of each year and should be sent to Kathy Huggins at the address or email at the beginning of this article. They will then be sent by February 1 to the NFWC Chairmen. Copies of NFWC Chairmen reports are sent to the Nebraska State President with the statistical information such as volunteer hours, dollars donated, in-kind donations, and dollars spent by February 26. She will total the statistical information and send that to GFWC. The Nebraska Chairmen must also send their compiled reports (all narratives) to their GFWC Chairman by March 15.NFWC GUIDEBOOK: This NFWC Guidebook, along the GFWC Club Manual will give you needed instructions as well as guidelines on filling out the forms used. If you have any question or need help, feel free to contact me.
THANK YOU FOR REPORTING!
JILL SYDIK
There are 80,000 Clubwomen that are members of several thousands of clubs from local to international level. We are a powerful, service-oriented organization. We need to continually look for a new members and retain current members.
The 2020-2022 GFWC Club Manual has lots of information on the many benefits of belonging to GFWC
1. Strength in Unity
2. Support and Encouragement
3. Leadership Training and Professional Development
4. A Varied Volunteer Menu
5. Health and Happiness
You can promote GFWC by talking about it to everyone around you. We need to promote ourselves. Develop an "elevator speech" to spread" to spread the word. Promote the value of GFWC.
Use the GFWC Club Manual to find everything you need to know about everything.
GFWC website (www.GFWC.org)
GFWC Clubwoman Magazine. A must for all to subscribe to.
News and Notes, come to you be email.
GFWC Facebook
GFWC Member Center (www.GFWC.org/membership)
More detailed information to Membership can be found in the Membership section of the 2020-2022 GFWC Club Manual. It can be found in the Member Portal. Awards will be given to club members who bring in new, active, dues paying members. Club Presidents, keep track of new members and who brought them in. Then send Janet Kuhl, NFWC Membership Chairman, the information so that presentations can be made at the State Convention.
If you would like to become a NFWC member in your area, contact Mary Jo Jarecke at mjarecke@gmail.com or Janet Kuhl, NFWC Membership Chairman.
ANGELA BELEW
The Nebraska Federation of Women’s Clubs Secretary’s duty is to record minutes of the Executive Board Meetings, the NFWC Board of Directors meetings and the NFWC State Convention. The Board of Directors consists of the Executive Committee, Chairman of Departments, Chairman of Educational Loan Fund Committee, Chairman of all other committees and Special Projects Chairmen.
The secretary is responsible for preparing the NFWC Administrative Directory for the two year term. Please provide any up-to-date records of all NFWC members and with the cooperation of “ALL CLUBS” and “District Presidents” we’ll keep the Administrative Directory current, including addresses and Club meeting information.
The secretary keeps a cash book stating date, warrant number, listing to whom committees to the secretary and the secretary will maintain these reports in the Secretary’s file.
EACH YEAR, by APRIL 1st, ALL CLUB PRESIDENTS must fill out and send the updated DIRECRTORY INFORMATION FORM, found in the NFWC Guidebook, to the NFWC SECRETARY. For your convenience, you may email the information to the address above. Also send a copy of the same to your District President.
DEADLINE: APRIL 1ST OF EACH YEAR
DIRECTORY INFORMATION FORM FOUND IN RESOURCES
PEGGY WOLTMAN
Yearly dues per club member is $20.50. The club president or club treasurer is to mail the money to the state treasurer starting November 1st, but no later than December 1st of each year. The dues are to be accompanied by a membership list with each member’s name, address, phone number, and email address. A copy of the lists will be sent to the NFWC President and NFWC Secretary.
The $20.50 dues, per member are divided and sent to GFWC and Districts. The dues are to be deposited and distributed from our general fund account.
Donations made by NFWC Clubs or individual NFWC members for our designated projects are to be sent to the state treasurer for deposit. A check will then be written to the non-profit organization. The donating club or individual will be acknowledged in the note accompanying the donation check.
One of the main roles of the GFWC Nebraska State Treasurer is to record and deposit all the money. Also, she is to pay all bills that are recorded on a warrant that is signed by the GFWC Nebraska State President and the GFWC Nebraska State Secretary. These warrants are to be recorded in the secretary’s record book and all warrants must match the check number for the written check. All duties are addressed in the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
The end of each business year is June 30th. All books, warrants and pertinent documents will be sent to the auditor for review and audit. A donation to a non-profit is given in lieu of payment for the audit.
Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions you might have.
VICKI BEILKE
District I theme for the next two years will be “Community Service.”
A summer workshop was held on June 11, 2022 at Raymond for District I as new officers needed to be installed and business brought up to date. New officers are Vicki Beilke-President, Jill Sydik-Vice President, Lynne Dixon-Nelson-Secretary, Elizabeth Ketner-Treasurer, and Mary Lou Dempsey- Parliamentarian. Clubs in attendance with representative members were the Stella Research Club, the Raymond Woman’s Club, the Fairmont Woman’s Club, and the Lincoln Heritage League Club. Special guests were State President Karen Crandall and State Vice President Kathy Huggins.
The Fall Convention was hosted by the Lincoln Heritage Club at the St. Marks Methodist Church in Lincoln on September 24, 2022. Again special guests were State President Karen Crandall and Vice President Kathy Huggins. Both ladies presented information on their goals and objectives for the upcoming two years. President Crandall emphasized her goals using the acronym NEBRASKA to list specific ideas. The District I club presidents each gave a review of their club goals and special projects of which many focus on community service.
A focus of President Beilke will be to support the Child Savings Institute which is located in Omaha. This organization has worked with children and families for over 100 years in the areas of adoption, in- home services, independent living skills, foster and kinship care, early childhood education, emergency shelter, pediatric and adolescent therapy in addition to a variety of other services. President Beilke has supported this organization for many years and felt that it would be a worthwhile group for the district. The guest speaker at the Fall Convention was Evell Thomas from CSI and she gave an inspirational presentation about the services and her experiences at CSI for over 20 years.
A memorial service was also held to commemorate five members and two honorary members from the Heritage Club who passed away this year.
Regarding other District I events, the Fine Arts Day is tentatively planned for March with the Raymond Club hosting. A specific date will be determined later. The Sophomore Pilgrimage, after a three-year absence due to Covid restrictions, will be scheduled to be held in early April. Jane Sonneland of the Heritage Club is the State Chairperson for this event and will be contacting all club presidents later this fall. It will be nice to have club events back to normal after the past few years of limitations.
Have a great club year!
Vicki Beilke, District I President
BARBARA JACKSON
Volunteers Plant Seeds of Love That Helps Countless Hearts to Grow
The District II officers are: Jane Swartz, President; Barb Jackson, Vice-President; Cheryl Strickler, Secretary; and Sue Wiley, Treasurer. The three clubs that are in District II are:
GFWC Bennington Woman’s Club, co-presidents Leola Bonge and Janet Kuhl; GFWC Horizon Woman’s Club, president Karen Crandall and GFWC Papillion Junior Woman’s Club, president Karla Rupiper.
The District II Convention was held on Saturday, October 15 at the Bennington Public Library and Community Conference Center. Rolls, coffee and lunch were served.
The speaker was Deann Zens from GFWC Bennington Woman’s Club. She talked about the history of “Those Amazing Sass Brothers” who raised irises since 1920. Free irises were given to the ladies to take home with them.
Guest speaker, T.J. Ernest gave a talk about The Bethlehem House. Donations were brought from all members with baby items, clothes, diapers, car seats, etc. This was also done in regardsto Child Advocacy Week. Other speakers were: GFWC/NFWC President Karen Crandall, and GFWC/NFWC First Vice President Kathy Huggins, who also is on the GFWC Legislation/Public Policy Committee. The Club Presidents also gave their report on all of the volunteer efforts each club has and will be doing in their community. A silent auction and a basket raffle was held along with state fundraising items for sale.
The District members will continue to support the GFWC/NFWC State President’s Special Projects and volunteers will plant seeds of love that help countless hearts to grow.
DIANE UHER
“Volunteering Measurable Memories”
The GFWC Nebraska District III held their 119th Annual Convention on Saturday, August 27th, 2022 in Howells at the Howells Community Center. The GFWC Howells Woman’s Club hosted the event.
The convention was called to order at 10:00 a.m. The convention business meeting was conducted. The three GFWC/NFWC Clubs represented were the GFWC Howells Woman’s Club, GFWC Clarkson Woman’s Club and the GFWC Sowers.
Guest speakers during the convention were NFWC President Karen Crandall, NFWC First Vice President Kathy Huggins, GFWC Mississippi Valley Region Secretary Cheryl Strickler and NFWC Fundraising Pat Gage and Mary Jo Jarecke.
The program was given by Deann Zens, GFWC Bennington Woman’s Club on her experience of the first “Nebraska All Women’s Honor Flight.”
The convention was adjourned followed lunch by the GFWC Howells Woman’s Club.
SANDRA NELSON
The theme for District IV is "
District IV Theme – “Show Your Heart By Volunteering”
District IV Officers are: President – Sandra Nelson; Vice President – Bonnie Kruse; Secretary – Breanne Chandler; Co-Treasurers – Elaine Oldehoeft and Bonnie Cudaback; Rene Chandler – Parliamentary Advisor.
There are eight clubs and 102 members in District IV. The theme for this District is: “Show Your Heart By Volunteering.” Club members give of their time, talents and funds to support many of the GFWC Projects involved with Domestic Violence, Advocates for Children, Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Memorial Hospital, Nebraska Lions Club Foundation, Arts and Culture, Writing Contests, Photography, Quiz Bowls, Civic Engagement and Outreach, Education and Libraries & ESO, Environment/NFWC Ronald McDonald House and Health & Wellness to name many. Other District IV Chairmen are also serving on Committees for: Communications and Public Relations, Fund Raising and Development, Legislation/Public Policy and Women’s History and Resource Center.
The Fairmont Woman’s Club is looking forward to hosting the NFWC District IV 116th Annual Convention on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at the Fairmont American Legion Hall. The District will have their annual Fundraising Auction and local speaker, Mary Lundberg, Secretary of the American Freedom Defenders Veterans Memorial at Fairmont. GFWC/NFWC State President, Karen Crandall, will also come speak to us that day.
KIM ALEX
District V/VI
GFWC District V VI Convention was held October 22 at the Grand Island Law Enforcement Center in Grand Island. The GFWC Caring Women Junior Woman’s Club hosted the District Convention. The morning started with a lite breakfast and coffee. The Convention was opened at 9:30 am by GFWC District V VI President, Kim Alex. There were seventeen in attendance. Secretary and Treasurer reports were given.
The guest speaker was Dana Jelinek from the Grand Island Visitors Bureau; she spoke on tourism in the great state of Nebraska. We were surprised at all the different sites she spoke about within our very own state to go visit. State President Karen Crandall spoke on Communication, Leadership and Membership. Kathy Huggins, First Vice President spoke on articles for the Guidebook and Reporting. She is also a member of the GFWC Legislation and Public Policy and volunteered to help members sign up for the Legislative Action Center. All state officers spoke, they were: Janie Mullanix, Claims Committee Chairman; Deb Grim, Educational Loan Committee Chairman; Pat Gage, Fundraising Co Chairman; along with Kim Alex, District V VI President.
District V VI Club Presidents gave their reports: JoAnn Oseka President of GFWC Caring Women Junior Woman’s Club; Janie Mullanix President of GFWC Champion Junior Woman’s Club and
Lisa Atchison, Vice President of GFWC Kearney Woman’s Club.
There were items for sale from the State Fundraising. A very good boxed lunch was served. Kim Alex thanked everyone for coming. The 2023 District V Vi Convention will be held in Kearney.