The 2019 GFWC Annual Convention was held in Austin, Texas, June 29 through July 1 at the JW Marriott Austin. The clubwomen of the GFWC Texas Federation hosted the convention.

More than a thousand clubwomen from across the United States and at least a dozen countries traveled to the Lone Star State to join in on the Austin adventure.   

The convention officially began with the Opening State Flag Ceremony, followed by business sessions, workshops, speakers, exhibits, vendors, partner networking and raffles. For celebration, there were award banquets and luncheons in which clubs were honored for their successes and accomplishments for the past year.

Alabama was well represented by clubwomen who attended the convention. Christine Steele, president of the Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs, reported GFWC Alabama and four AFWC clubs received national awards for their club’s reports.  One of these national awards was prepared by Russellville Book Lovers Study Club member Cheri McCain, who serves as education CSP chairperson on the AFWC Board of Directors. Becky Vansant, AFWC membership chairperson, accepted the Membership National Award for GFWC Alabama.

The 2019 convention project was the March of Dimes. The Convention Service Project is an annual opportunity to bring clubwomen from across the country together to make a lasting impact. Clubwomen created 1,000 Self-Care Packages for the March of Dimes. This generous donation from club women will bring relief to parents who are experiencing the exhaustion and stress that comes with their baby being in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for weeks or even months.

As a way to explore Austin, clubwomen’s spare time included touring the Texas Capitol, The LBJ Presidential Library, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Austin Zoo.

Some clubwomen ventured on a trip to Waco, Texas, hometown of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” Chip and Joanna Gaines, where they shopped at Magnolia Market and enjoyed lunch outside with treats from local trucks and the Magnolia Bakery.

Next year’s convention will be held in Atlanta, Ga. Alabama clubwomen have already begun saving to attend since it’s only a short drive away.

Club Chronicles is written by Susie Hovater Malone.