Club Chronicles: General Federation of Women’s Clubs in Alabama board meets

The GFWC Alabama Summer Board of Directors meeting was held at the AFWC Headquarters Aug. 6-7. This was the first time the Board has met as a group at the historic state headquarters in Birmingham since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As always, state President Randy Matthews did an excellent job presiding over a successful board meeting. Serving on the AFWC Board of Directors From Franklin County are Patricia Cox, Cheri McCain and myself, of the Book Lovers Study Club.

A report was given on the GFWC Alabama Juniorette Jamboree that was held July 24 at the First Baptist Church of Wadley. Juniorette Clubs are sponsored by State GFWC Women’s Clubs for middle school and high school girls who are interested in volunteering for their community. The Jamboree Day was summed up by the GFWC Alabama Juniorette Chairman Joyce Jones as a “highly successful and educational day celebration.”

The sessions presented were on communication, leadership, membership and a scavenger hunt, which focused on what GFWC is and its mission of enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.

The keynote speaker was Rhonda McDavid, executive director of Camp Seale Harris.  She presented a program on Camp Seale Harris and Southeastern Diabetes Education Services whose mission is to educate, encourage and empower children and their families living with diabetes to live well.

The GFWC Alabama Juniorette Clubs’ project was Dollars for Diabetes. They raised $425 for Camp Seale Harris which is the Alabama President’s Project.

Certificates of participation were awarded to the Juniorette club members who attended along with the advisors and co-advisors.

President Matthews reported that the GFWC Alabama Clubs had donated more than $12,000 and 127 twin sheet sets for Camp Seale Harris.

Reports were given by each officer of the GFWC Alabama Board of Directors and each board member.

There are a lot of plans and educational opportunities available for the 2021-2022 club year. Clubs are encouraged to invite the state president or another GFWC Alabama officer to their club meeting to assist clubs in every possible way to achieve goals set for the upcoming year as well as present a special program or visit the outstanding grassroots members who make up GFWC Alabama.