Local club celebrates everyday heroes with special project

By Susie Hovater Malone

The GFWC Alabama Leadership Workshop was held Aug. 6 at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover. This workshop was held for all Alabama Federated Clubwomen.  Representing GFWC Book Lovers Study Club were President Brenda Oliver, Cheri McCain and myself.

The welcome was presented by GFWC Alabama State President Jan Greer.

She reviewed her President’s Special Project for 2022-2024, “Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes,” such as first responders like police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other emergency personnel, and healthcare workers, including those in emergency rooms and ICUs

Clubs are encouraged to have projects honoring the heroes in their communities.

The President’s Special Project will further be funded by $2.50 per each state member.

At the end of the administration, funds raised will be used to provide a scholarship for one of the hero groups.

To kick off the President’s Special Project at the workshop, club women were asked to bring snack items for a hands-on project.  About 250 goody bags were prepared for the Hoover police and firefighters. Several items were given to each district director to carry to their fall district meeting for goody bags for the first responders and healthcare workers in their communities.

Each Leadership chairperson of the Board of Directors was required to display a tri-board poster, handouts and packet samples with information on their project. Some of these projects included arts and culture; education and libraries; environment and health/wellness; communications; public relations; legislation; GFWC Community Impact Awards; Jennie Ward; fundraising; and domestic/sexual violence awareness and prevention.

Attendees were given opportunities to visit the information tables.

Other leadership topics included “Where to Find AFWC and GFWC Resources and Technology;” “GFWC Alabama LEADS Graduate and Leadership Training Opportunities;” “Membership Across the Generations;” and “The Role of the District.”

GFWC President-Elect Suellen Brazil gave greetings from the General Federation of Women’s Club. She expressed appreciation of the Alabama clubwomen for their continued support of GFWC, especially her family and for her as she starts planning for the 2024-2026 administration.

Membership in the AFWC 2728 Society for the 2022 was encouraged. Each member receives a charm for their Key Pin. All the money received from the membership each year goes to help with the restoration of the AFWC Headquarters in Birmingham.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious luncheon provided by a local caterer.

Following closing remarks and door, prizes members read the “GFWC Collect.”