Kelly Imbody GFWC-HB President kevnkell@hotmail.com
February 2026
Help build the first monument on the National Mall dedicated to American Women's History
Communique
Volume 21, Issue 2
The
GFWC of Holden Beach
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Member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs
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GFWC-HB
As I’m writing this we are still waiting for the snow to start falling here. Depending on who you believe we can get anywhere from 3 – 12 inches. Right now…nothing. But as the very first ice crystals come together to form fledgling snowflakes the new flakes look a lot alike. But as snowflakes keep gathering more and more crystals, they cluster together on top of one another in very distinct patterns. Some edges of the ice crystals are jagged. These ragged, uneven areas attract more water molecules than the smoother and more uniform parts of the hexagonal shaped flake. As those clusters of crystals continue their snowflake party, more show up and the party becomes more interesting. Just like snowflakes, our members come together and attract fledgling members. Some of us are smooth in our method of attraction, others of us are a little more jagged in our methodology. Regardless, the result is the same…a beautiful, unique and diverse group of women all with the same purpose: of blanketing our community with the snow of education, advocacy, leadership and volunteerism. I’m hoping for a blizzard!!
Can every snowflake really be different?
Kelly got her blizzard!
Kelly Imbody, GFWC-HB President
Message from our President Kelly - page 2
Calendar - page 4
Message from President-elect Debbie - page 5
Message from 1st VP - Kandace - page 6
Message from Membership VP - Amanda - page 7
Meet Our Newest Members - page 8
February Meeting - page 9
January Meeting - page 10
Club Information - page 11
Charity Gala Information page 12
Arts & Culture CSP - page 13
Art Festival Winners - page 14
Civic Engagement and Outreach CSP - page 15
Environment CSP - page 16
Education & Libraries CSP - page 17
District Arts Festival Information - page 18
Name the New District Zoom Meeting - page 19
GFWC-NC President's Special Project - page 20
GFWC-NC Arts Festival - page 21
GFWC Women History & Resource Center - page 22
Legislation & Public Issues - page 23
Early Voting Information- page 24
GFWC & GFWC-NC Convention News - page 25
Leadership - page 26
GFWC Learning Academy - page 27
Promise Carried Forward - page 28
Don't miss these Articles
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Durham, NC
Watch out for these events!
Club Meeting
Brunswick Plantation Hosted by GFWC-HB
May 19
Feb 19
Feb 12
Name the New District Zoom Meeting
1:00 pm - Learn about Library services
GFWC-NC Arts Festival
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by GFWC-NC President's Special Project
See page 19 for details
Feb 17
Duffers
Feb 21
Mar 7
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Executive Committee/ Leadership Advancement Plan
District Arts Festival
Mar 17
Homer E. Wright Event Center (Formerly St. James Event Center)
GFWC-NC State Convention
Lunch — Library
OUTDOOR
Mebane, NC
11:30 am Lunch RSVP to Amanda
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by The Gala Committee
Apr 11
Rourk Library
Apr 21
10:30 am - 2:30 pm Tickets $65.00
GFWC-HB Charity Gala
Apr 24-25
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Past President's Committee and Installation of Officers
CSP # of Projects Hours Donations In-kind Arts & Culture 8 1045.5 $550.00 $1380.00 CEO 7 2764.5 $2288.00 $4723.84 Ed & Libraries 1 2332 $5590.00 $718.00 Environment 4 264 $100.00 $1328.00 Advancement Plans Communication 3 952 $203.40 Leadership 2 115.5 $918.00 Legislation 2 116 Membership 7 613.5 $5855.75 Special Projects Signature Program 4 3168.5 $58,235.51 $23,121.98 Fundraising 6 3094 $59,956.51 $29,240.00 WHRC 2 546 $3635.00 ESO 2448
The 2025 reports are done and have been sent to GFWC-NC for judging! As you can see from the chart and information below, we were a force to be reckoned with! The totals speak for themselves:
Debbie Yorio GFWC-HB President-elect
TOTAL # of PROJECTS ..................... 57 TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS .......... 15,459.5 TOTAL DOLLARS DONATED.......... $68,687.91 TOTAL IN-KIND DONATIONS ..... $47,798.59
*Because we are volunteers, organizations and communities that benefit do not have to pay to provide some of the services. In addition to dollars spent and in-kind donations, if we estimate an additional amount – hours x the value of volunteer time ($31.80/hr), we have: VOLUNTEER HOUR VALUE: $491,612.10 TOTAL DOLLAR VALUE GFWC-HB PROVIDED in 2025 = $608,098.60 THANK YOU to all our members for working hard and submitting information for reports and to the chairmen and report writers for writing reports. Your hard work, contributions, and dedication are what make GFWC of Holden Beach such an asset to our community and to GFWC.
Look what we did!
Which CSP Do You choose?
Kandace Hill GFWC-HB 1st VP
As a new administration takes shape, you may consider which CSP to join, possibly selecting one different from your previous choice. Below is a brief overview of each option. Evaluate how your skills and interests align with the CSP you select. Participating allows you not only to contribute positively to our community but also provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow club members in a more focused setting. ARTS & CULTURE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM—The study of art and culture enriches human experience. Art education improves problem solving and critical thinking skills, builds focus and perseverance, and nurtures creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Cultural awareness promotes effective communication and profoundly increases the ability to appreciate and enjoy a variety of new people and experiences. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH—The GFWC Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program reminds GFWC members that each of us is a part of a larger society and is responsible for undertaking actions that will create a better quality of life and foster a sense of community—locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. The four “broad strokes” of this effort include: 1) Citizenship; 2) Crime Prevention, Safety, and Disaster Preparedness; 3) The Needy, Hungry, and Homeless; and 4) military personnel and veterans. EDUCATION & LIBRARIES—GFWC members promote education in both children and adults. We aim to help others, while we also continue to learn. Projects in the Education Community Service Program are designed to foster schools, as well as other educational institutions and opportunities, and to promote literacy, libraries, and the love of a good book. Through these efforts, we encourage the growth of individuals and communities at home and around the world. ENVIRONMENT—Community Service Program encourages us to become stewards of the earth by working to; 1) Preserve the World’s Resources, Protect wildlife and Domesticated Animals, 2) Live Sustainably, and 3) Beautify our Communities and Enjoy Nature. Health and Wellness—Community Service Program is designed to inform members of issues that affect the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. To improve our well-being, we must address three key components: 1) Nutrition, 2) Disease prevention, and 3) Physical and emotional care. This Community Service Program aims to explore the various opportunities for awareness and advancement of each of these vital areas. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” Wellness has been described as an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth.
Our club women never cease to amaze me! At our January meeting we inducted nine new members and each one comes to our club bringing unique interests and interesting background experiences! Meet them, get to know them and find out the great talents they bring to GFWC of Holden Beach. Who has a passion for boating? Who supports our community by helping with taxes and elections? Do you know who is fluent in three languages? Did you know one new member is an Architectural Historian and another loves antiquing and treasure hunting on the weekends? One new member has a passion for working with teen girls? Have you talked with our new member who was an ICU nurse and now loves being a grandmother? Who is a retired speech language pathologist but is heading back to work a little more? And have you talked to the corporate paralegal who enjoys public speaking and fitness? WOW! Smart and interesting women who will strengthen us as a club and join in as we support our community! Welcome!
Welcome New Members
Also..don't forget to join in on February 12th for an 11:30 lunch at Duffers in Shallotte and then a great learning opportunity at the Rourke Library at 1:00. Come to one part or both! RSVPs are not required but would certainly help give Duffers a "heads up". So if you can meet for a great day of lunch, get to know a few clubwomen a little better and learn the new digital library search and checkout system send me an email (arollins1260@gmail.com) and come join the fun!!
Amanda Rollins GFWC-HB Membership VP
Meet them on the next page..
Not pictured
Karen Kennedy
Colleen McDaniel
Christal Page
Anne Ring
Connie Trotter
Jenny Stoner
Bobbie Rostetter
Patti O’Connor
Denise Mirandola
Meet Our Newest Members
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle 1920 in Tennessee, the men did meet The suffragists waited with hope to see victory or defeat. Thirty-five states had led the way, But the final decision was on that day. Roses of yellow were yes and red were no Which way would the vote then go. One young man, with heart and doubt, Received a letter that turned him about. Harry Burn, with a red rose worn, Read his mother’s words that important morn. “Be a good boy,” Febb Burn wrote, “Give women, too, the right to vote.” His “aye” broke through the sea of red, And cheers and happy tears were shed. So let yellow roses forever grow As women would vote and all would know For future generations, let the banner of hope continue to unfurl Because the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world! Kandace 2026
February Club Meeting
The Colors of Women’s Suffrage The women’s suffrage movement in the United States is closely associated with three main colors: purple, white, and gold (or yellow). Each of these colors held special meaning and was used intentionally by suffragists in their banners, sashes, pins, and other materials during marches and campaigns. ·Purple: Symbolized loyalty, dignity, and the steadfastness of the suffragists’ cause. ·White: Represented purity and the moral high ground of their movement. ·Gold: Signified hope and the light of a new day. Gold was first used by the early Kansas suffragists and later adopted nationally. These colors became powerful symbols of the fight for women’s right to vote and are still recognized today as representations of the struggle for gender equality.
February 17 2026 Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 Refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 Meeting hosted by GFWC-NC President's Special Project
Be at the February meeting to learn about...
Women’s Suffrage -- You never know who might show up!
Harry & Febb Burn
Arts Festival
L to R - Amanda Rollins, GFWC-HB Membership VP, Connie Trotter, Jenny Stoner, Bobbie Rostetter, Christal Page, Patti O’Connor, Denise Mirandola, Colleen McDaniel, Karen Kennedy, Karen Throckmorton, GFWC-NC President. Kelly Imbody, GFWC-HB President (Anne Ring not present)
School Art
Arts CSP signing in ART
Arts Festival & Induction of New Members
What a fantastic January Meeting
New Members Induction
Arts CSP Refreshments
Karen Throckmorton, GFWC-NC President Presided
Club Crafts
45 members & 2 guests in attendance
Voting for "Club in Action" Photo
Our new club banner
May's Gem of the Month, Julie Lopez presented the Gem for January to Cindy Lee. Cindy has been a member since 2020. She has been Co-Chairman of the Environment CSP several times and she is very involved with Seabiscuit Wildlife Center rescuing birds. Cindy has used her decorating talents to create beautiful centerpieces for our Gala since her induction into the club. Congratulations Cindy.
February Birthdays
Gail Clark - February 14 Jeri Bills - February 16 Jere Blackburn - February 20 Anne Ring - February 21
Leapings and Love February is the shortest month, with a mere 28 days—except during leap years, when the 29th is added, correcting our calendar’s drift with the solar year. The odds of being born on February 29th are roughly 1 in 1,461, making “leaplings” a rare breed indeed. Beyond Valentine’s Day and its waves of red roses, February is also National Bird Feeding Month in the U.S., inviting people to help birds survive winter’s scarcity. Ancient Romans once celebrated Lupercalia in mid-February, a festival of fertility and purification, which some believe inspired later romantic traditions.
Gem of the Month
Club Information
Our Blooming for a Cause Charity Gala will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Homer E. Wright Event Center (formerly the St. James Community Center) 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Invitations will be mailed mid-February.
"Blooming for a Cause" Charity Gala
Gala meeting for all Committee Chairmen and Co-Chairmen on Monday, February 16, 11:00 am at the Chapel.
Solicitation letters and forms have been mailed, and donations are starting to come in! As a reminder, for silent auction items, please forward the completed donation form along with a picture of the item to Holly Coleman. For sponsorships, please place the completed donation form and check in an envelope and deliver to Holly.
submitted by Michele Skultety
Arts & Culture CSP
Arts and Culture Women’s Suffrage
Arts and Culture were crucial to the women’s suffrage movement, using visual media like posters, cartoons, postcards, and banners, alongside music, plays, poetry, and literature, to shift public opinion, unify supporters, and make the political fight visible and relatable to the masses through compelling, accessible images and powerful narratives. This creative output moved beyond legislative details, defining new roles for women and challenging domestic stereotypes, even incorporating satire and symbolism (like the colors purple for loyalty, white for purity, and gold for enlightenment) to rally support and influence perception before the 19th Amendment passed. How Art Helped the Movement It helped shaped and promote the image of women as active participates in democracy, influencing broader cultural views. It swayed undecided citizens by putting a human face on the political cause. Art helped define womanhood, moving beyond the domestic sphere portraying suffragists as dignified, capable citizens, while also using images of children to make the cause seem non-threatening. Often political cartoons satirical images, both pro – and anti – suffrage, appeared in newspapers, depicting the struggles, ridiculing opponents, and illustrating arguments for and against women’s voting rights, making complex ideas accessible. Song’s, poems (like Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “Woman’s Hour”), and plays brought emotional depth, rallying people with powerful words and themes that resonated culturally. The fashion and spectacle part organized large parades with striking banners, turning the campaign into a visual spectacle and a public demonstration of women’s organized power, as seen in the 1913 parade on Pennsylvania Avenue.
There was an impressive performance by our Clubwomen this year’s festival. Members submitted arts, crafts, photography and literature. The Arts and Culture CSP members hosted the refreshments. From Bolivia and Virginia Elementary Schools, we had 14 visual art, 11 poetry, and 6 short story entries. Winners will receive ribbons and first place winners will receive a $10 Walmart gift card. North Brunswick High School students submitted 9 art entries in 5 categories. First place winners will be forwarded to the GFWC-NC District 7 Art Festival held on February 21, 2026. *This year our club is fortunate to be hosting the GFWC-NC District 7 Arts Festival. The festival’s location is right in our own backyard - Brunswick Plantation Country Club and Golf Resort. Be part of something amazing. Lend a hand and help our club. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. 1st Place Club Winners: Crafts Papercraft—Judi Stankowich Glass—Nancy McDevitt Sequin & Beads—Jeri Bills Crochet – Garment—Linda Sturgill Crochet – Small—Linda Sturgill Nature Craft—Kandace Hill Open—Jeri Bills Visual Art Acrylic—Pam Foertsch Pen & Ink—Kelly Imbody Literature Poetry—Kandace Hill Photography Our World Up Close—Marie-Pierre Fletcher Natural Wonders—Marie-Pierre Flecher Reflections—Nancy McDevitt GFWC Volunteers in Action—Kelly Imbody
submitted by Holly Coleman
This Year’s Art Festival was a Great Tour de Force!
Arts Festival Winners
Lisa Holmes & Robin Langley Co-Chairman
The GFWC-NC President’s Special Project as we all know is “Find Your Beat, Join the Rhythm”, focusing on the Arts. During this club year, clubs across the state are being asked to save and donate quarters in support of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument to be installed on the National Mall, Washington, DC in the next few years. Why quarters you ask? Well, because the word quarter contains the word art. QUARTER. Our club will have its donation collection in the lobby at every meeting. Get a jar, fill it up, and empty it at the meeting every month. Help make our contribution grow. For more than 200 years, the National Mall has symbolized our nation’s history and its democratic values, which have inspired the world. The National Mall is a huge green space in the middle of our capital city and sees over 24 million visitors a year. As America’s front yard, the National Mall is home to many of our country’s iconic memorials telling the story of people and events that shaped us as a nation. Women do not currently have a single monument in the National Mall, and we should have a place there. This is our chance to help make that happen. Among the monuments and memorials across the mall and surrounding capital grounds (there are over 100) are 8 we are most familiar with: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Korean War Veterans Memorial Lincoln Memorial Thomas Jefferson Memorial Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Vietnam Veterans Memorial Washington Memorial World War II Memorial We should all plan to visit our capital, it’s only about a 6-hour drive from here. If you’ve already been, you probably wished you could have spent more time as there is so much to see. If you’ve never been, go! And definitely plan to go when women are finally recognized for our accomplishments and contributions to our great nation.
submitted by Kelly Imbody
Civic Engagement and Outreach CSP
Winter in southeast North Carolina is usually mild compared to much of the country, but even short cold snaps and changing weather patterns can have a big impact on local wildlife. Many animals in the Coastal Plain rely on behavioral adaptations rather than heavy fur or deep hibernation. White-tailed deer grow thicker coats and adjust their feeding times, often moving more during warmer daylight hours. Raccoons, opossums, and foxes become less active during cold spells, sheltering in hollow trees, brush piles, or under buildings to conserve energy. Bird life also shifts in winter. Some species migrate south through the region, while others—like cardinals, tufted titmice, and Carolina wrens—remain year-round. These resident birds depend heavily on seeds, berries, and insects hidden in bark or leaf litter. After a hard freeze, food can be harder to find, making backyard bird feeders an important supplemental resource when kept clean and stocked appropriately. Reptiles and amphibians, including turtles, frogs, and salamanders, slow their metabolism dramatically. Many burrow into mud, leaf litter, or underwater environments to avoid freezing temperatures. Coastal wildlife faces additional challenges. Cold weather can affect fish populations, while winter storms reshape beaches and marshes used by shorebirds and other species. Sea turtles are also vulnerable to “cold stunning” when water temperatures drop quickly. Protecting natural habitats, leaving fallen leaves in yards, and being mindful of wildlife during cold weather can help southeast North Carolina’s animals survive the season.
submitted by Lynn Crawford
Environment CSP
Wildlife in Winter Time
Pam Foertsch & Cindy Lee Co-Chairman
Do you enjoy gathering with other GFWC women (and guests) for an informal lunch at a local restaurant? Your next opportunity is February 12th. Those who choose to come will gather at Duffer’s in Shallotte to eat and chat (RSVP to Amanda Rollins). Come at 11:30, and you’ll have plenty of time to eat and enjoy others who come and still get to the Rourk Library across the street, if you want to attend both events.
Kandace Hill & Nancy McDevitt Co-Chairman
Education & Libraries CSP
The Education & Libraries CSP will be collecting old, unused computer equipment to be donated to the Brunswick County Computer 4 Kids program during the February and March general meetings. The used computers are refurbished and donated to students. Please contact Nancy McDevitt for a list of acceptable equipment and BCC4K’s policy on private information on donated hard drives.
The Education & Libraries CSP will participate in Read Across America during the month of March by celebrating the birthday of Dr. Suess with kindergarten students at Bolivia Elementary School. Each kindergarten student will receive a Dr. Suess storybook. Donations of Dr. Suess books (6.5 X 9-inch size) will be accepted at the upcoming general meeting on February 17th.
Brunswick County Library
submitted by Jeri Blackburn
Did you know that you can check out e-books online through your library system without ever going to a library branch? Our Brunswick library provides this service through the LIBBY program. Did you know that you can check out books and other media and resources from libraries all across North Carolina by searching for what you need through the NC CARDINAL state-wide online library catalog? Whatever you request online will be transported to any Brunswick County library you select for you to pick up at the desk. Did you know that our library also schedules assistance for use of tech devices, or info about tax preparation, for example – for those who request personal assistance? GFWC-HB members can learn about these and other library services on February 12th at the Rourk Library branch in Shallotte at 1:00 pm.
February 21st
Wear your RED attire in support of GFWC-NC District 7 and American Heart Month!
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE 8:00 am - 9:00 am - Arts Festival Contest Entry Registration 8:15 am - 9:00 am - Registration, Silent Auction, 50/50, Shopping with Evelyn’s Birds of a Feather 9:00 am - All Judging Begins 9:00 am - 11:00 am Call to Order, Opening Ceremonies, Morning Business Session 11:00 am - 11:30 am - Art Project 11:30 pm - 12:00 pm - LUNCH 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm - Arts and Crafts Open for Viewing, Silent Auction, 50/50, Shopping 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm - Announcement of Scholarship Awards, LEADS and Arts Winners 1:00 pm - 1:15 pm - Closing Remarks, Collect, Adjournment 1:15 pm - 1:20 pm - GFWC-NC District 7 Group Photo 1:20 pm - Art Festival entries are available for pickup
Brunswick Plantation Brunswick House 382 Brunswick Dr, Calabash, NC 28467
GFWC-NC District Arts Festival
GFWC-NC New District
New (Pink) District ZOOM Meeting Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 7:00pm
Link to meeting: The meeting will open at 6:30pm to allow attendees to join and make sure all is working as needed prior to the 7:00pm start time. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89872804607 View meeting insights with Zoom AI Companion https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=409b185c-e6a3-496b-957b- 6b2fd059af70 Meeting ID: 898 7280 4607 One tap mobile: +13052241968,89872804607# US +13092053325,89872804607# US Join instructions https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/89872804607/invitations?signature= bmKHKeQOhsY2vJsHzN22dLwhQJtesRCX90CAWRbqbAQ
The focus of this meeting is to: Elect District Representative and Alternate for the 2026-2028 GFWC-NC Nominating Committee for Officers. (This Nominating Committee will fill the slate for the 2028-2030 Executive Committee and Board of Trustee nominees.) Elect District Representative and Alternate for the 2026-2028 GFWC-NC Nominating Committee for Community Service Program Chairman. (This Nominating Committee will fill the slate for the 2028-2030 CSP Chairmen.) Vote on New District Name
submitted by Kandace Hill
In the summer of 1920, the eyes of the nation turned to Nashville, Tennessee. The decision made in this Southern city would determine whether the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, would become law. The campaign for women's suffrage had been long and now everything came down to one dramatic showdown in the Volunteer State. Inside the halls of the State Capitol, a symbolic battle unfolded. Supporters of suffrage distinguished themselves by wearing yellow roses pinned to their lapels, while opponents wore red roses. Both sides lobbied legislators with fervor, hoping to sway the critical votes required for ratification. In the chambers was Harry Burn, a young legislator who initially sided with the opposition, donning a red rose. However, a heartfelt letter from his mother urged him to support suffrage. Inspired by her words, Burn switched his rose to yellow and cast the deciding vote in favor of the amendment. (See Harry and Fern Burn's Picture on page 9) The yellow rose became a powerful symbol across the nation. At parades and rallies, yellow ribbons and flowers adorned banners, sashes, and hats, creating a visual statement of support for women's rights. The color yellow (often referred to as gold) was adopted as a key hue of the national suffrage movement, representing hope and life. As well as purple, symbolizing loyalty, and white, representing purity. Thanks to the efforts and courage of countless individuals, the 19th Amendment was ratified. The War of the Roses in Tennessee remains a testament to the power of symbolism, perseverance, and the enduring fight for equality.
The War of the Roses
GFWC-NC President's Special Project
Join us at the 2026 GFWC-NC Arts Festival to be held on Saturday, March 7th at the Mebane Arts Center. Please click here to download the official call for registration. Register by February 23rd. GFWC-NC Arts Festival News can be found here.
Hotel Accommodations can be made at The Drury Inn & Suites Burlington via an individual call-in reservation OR online reservation, go to www.druryhotels.com Enter Group number 10176214 Reservations may also be made by calling 1-800-325-0720 and referring to the Group number 10176214 Hotel Rate: $175.00/night Hotel Cut-Off Date: 2/11/2026
The campaign for women’s suffrage began in earnest in the decades before the Civil War. During the 1820s and '30s, most states had extended the franchise to all white men, regardless of how much money or property they had. At the same time, all sorts of reform groups were proliferating across the United States—temperance leagues, religious movements, moral-reform societies, anti-slavery organizations—and in many of these, women played a prominent role. Meanwhile, many American women were beginning to chafe against what historians have called the “Cult of True Womanhood”: that is, the idea that the only “true” woman was a pious, submissive wife and mother concerned exclusively with home and family. Put together, all of these contributed to a new way of thinking about what it meant to be a woman and a citizen of the United States.
submitted by Judi Stankowich
GFWC Women's History and Resource Center
For more information, on Women's Suffrage, go to...
https://www.history. com/articles/the-fight- for-womens-suffrage or at GFWC WHRC https://www.librarycat. org/lib/GFWC/search/ text/women%27s+ suffrage
Legislation and Public Issues
Passed by Congress on June 4, 1920 and ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment finally gave women the right to vote. But the fight for women’s rights, today 105 years later, continues. One of the pioneers for fair pay for women was Lilly Ledbetter. GFWC was a strong supporter of Lilly Ledbetter’s fight to have Congress pass The Fair Pay Act, a bill ensuring these rights. She was a speaker to GFWC members on more than one occasion and our members took action in support of her fight. Her story has been made into a film called Lilly. It is currently available on several streaming sources. It stars Patricia Clarkson as Lilly Ledbetter as she battles the court case Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Several members have viewed the movie and strongly urge everyone to watch it. The performances are excellent and the story details her decades long struggle for fair pay for women.
Lilly Ledbetter
submitted by Donna Geise
Primary Election Information
The primary is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in March in even-numbered years. The purpose of a primary is to narrow the field of candidates for the General Election. Example: If there are 2 Republican candidates and 1 Democrat candidate for a county commissioner seat, the primary determines the Republican candidate for the general election. If only 1 Democrat candidate filed for office, they would become the party's nominee without a primary. Thus, not all offices up for election this year may appear on primary ballots. Primary ballots feature candidates from a single political party. Primary ballots only contain candidates from one political party. A candidate must have been affiliated with that party for at least 90 days as of the date the person files the notice of candidacy. In a primary, voters affiliated with a political party may only vote for their party’s ballot and may not vote in another party’s primary. For example, a registered Republican may only vote in the Republican Party primary. Unaffiliated voters may choose the Democratic, Libertarian, Republican, or nonpartisan ballot in a primary election. A nonpartisan vote would only be available if there were a referendum item on the primary ballot. The Green Party and the No Labels Party have not opened their primaries to unaffiliated voters. 17-year-olds can vote in a primary if they are 18 by the date of the General Election. The reason for this is that the primary is a nomination process - you are not electing anyone to office. If the number of candidates that file equals the number of seats to be filled, then a candidate is declared their party's nominee without a primary. Their name will automatically be placed on the General Election ballot. Unaffiliated Candidates Any qualified voter may seek nomination as an unaffiliated candidate. This involves a petition process in which the petitioner collects the required number of signatures, depending on the office they are seeking. An individual who successfully qualifies as an unaffiliated candidate will be listed on the ballot for the general election. Early voting allows any registered voter to cast a ballot in person on select days before the election Early Voting Schedule - March 2026 Primary Election (PDF)
GFWC and GFWC-NC Convention News
Reminder that 2026 is an Installation Year, meaning all those in attendance will take part in the ceremonial proceedings for the transfer of leadership from Madam President Suellen B. Brazil to President-elect Wendy Carriker. Next year, GFWC celebrates two Administrations in one event. Join your GFWC sisters in thanking the 2024-2026 Administration for their leadership and welcome the 2026-2028 Administration. This is definitely the must-attend event of the year! Registration will begin in early 2026.
2026 GFWC Annual Convention June 26-29 Scottsdale, Arizona
2026 GFWC-NC Annual Convention April 24-25, 2026 Durham, North Carolina
This is Karen Throckmorton's last weekend as state President. Let's attend and support her in her final moments as GFWC-NC President. Watch for more information.
MISSION STATEMENT The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. GFWC FOUNDING GFWC’s roots can be traced back to 1868, when professional journalist Jane Cunningham Croly of New York City, attempted to attend a lecture by novelist Charles Dickens at an all-male press club. Denied entrance on account of her gender, “Jennie June” formed a woman’s club, naming it Sorosis, a Greek word meaning “an aggregation; a sweet flavor of many fruits.” In celebration of its 21st anniversary in 1889, Sorosis members proposed a conference of women’s clubs to pursue the cause of federation. That conference was held in New York City on March 20, 1889, with the goal of preparing a constitution for ratification the following year. Clubs that had already applied for membership in the new General Federation of Women’s Clubs were invited to the ratification convention, which was held at the Scottish Rite Hall in New York City, April 23-25, 1890. Sixty-three delegates from 17 states attended. After some discussion and amendments, the constitution was ratified on April 24, which GFWC members continue to celebrate as Federation Day.
Leadership
submitted by Ann Landis
Where Jane Croly was denied entrance in DC
Know Your Organization
Find the NEW GFWC Learning Academy on the GFWC.org website site. Log into the Members Portal and click on Learning Academy on the top banner
Interested in learning more check out these categories...
The Learning Academy serves as GFWC's online training site, offering a diverse range of free courses designed to meet our members' needs. Members seeking insights and training to enhance their skills and knowledge will find our training videos beneficial as they progress in their club membership journey.
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So here’s to courage, boundless, bright, To every mother’s, daughter’s right— To those who marched, who wrote, who dreamed, To all the silent, all who screamed. May ballots fall like petals white And suffrage be a beacon light For every generation’s claim: The right to speak, to sign one’s name. Let history’s ink be never dry On those who dared to question “why?” Let daughters read these lines and know The power of the seeds we sow. For women’s suffrage was not won In silence, nor by only one— But by the many, strong and brave, Who turned the tide, who broke the wave. Remember them in every vote, In every right for which we hope, In every law and every voice— For in their struggle, we rejoice. And so the story carries on— A torch passed down, from dusk to dawn. Let ballots wave and voices blend: The song of women, without end.
Epilogue: A Promise Carried Forward