10/05/2026
GFWC Great Lakes Region conference had a full business session Saturday:
We learned about how Unity Projects build stronger clubs and communities. A humorous skit showed us how NOT to meet your Legisltor and how we can be taken seriously. A Unified Force for Children emphasized the importance, recognition, and support that's due to those in childcare- children are shaped long before they ever enter kindergarten.👶
Juniorettes are the future of GFWC, and planting the seeds to foster enthusiasm, empowerment, and leadership are easier than you think! The Signature Program had a call to action: Stand Up, Speak Up, Show Up for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Sign and share a picture of you with your signed GFWC Pleadge to Stand with Survivors today! Advocates create bridges across the silence and turn invisibility into dignity. 💜
Speaker Jessi Tapia from the Sojourner Family Peace Center highlighted how brilliantly the organization offers multiple services in a single location- criminal legal system, mental health, child services, legal aid, etc (aka the Family Justice Center model). We also discussed signs of abuse and how to help and support those who are not ready to leave unhealthy situations without pushing them away or making things worse for them. GLR made 300 cards, and donated 83 pairs of gloves, 472 pairs of socks, and some miscellaneous items to warm those in need.🧤🧦
Luncheon speaker GFWC President-Elect Jolie Frankfurth explained how we can help others catch a wave into leadership, starting small, and working up with practice. 🌊
Leadership, Communications & Public Relations, and Membership held a Threads of a Stronger GFWC workshop about how each of our members, their talents, and different focuses W.E.A.V.E. together to make us all stronger than a single thread (or lone member) ever could. 🧵
The 2026 Leadership Education And Development Seminar (LEADS) graduates from each GLR State spoke on their experience at the seminar, what they learned from it, and how they're encouraging others to leadership now. ⭐️
Corporate sponsors can become a great partnership, and the Club Manual and Support page on the GFWC website can show you how. Honoring our Legacy- GFWC has many ongoing budgets to support: 1734 society, unrestricted donations, Crowley Gravesite, Library endowment, WHRC, Signature Program, in memory/ honor, etc. Whatever your GFWC passion or concern, there's a way to help and ensure your money goes to that specific cause. 💲
Fundraising encouraged us to think outside the box and offer experiences or ask for skills or talents to be donated instead of just cash, gift cards, and bake sales. Partnering with other local groups can build the community and elevate both organizations. 🌉
After dinner GFWC International President Wendy O. Carriker outlined her path to the presidency- how being new to town with an invitation to join a club has lead to living in Dupont Circle. She'll be baking spirits bright in HQ this holiday season. ❄️
She also reminded us all to fill out our Impact Forms. The National Day of Service is wonderful, but the Impact Form data will be proof of action, and a feather in our cap for championing non-partisan legislation on Capitol Hill. Our actions are our legacy.🪶
The evening ended with a getting to know you activity, raffle drawings, and a lively live auction. Many beautiful, warm, and sparkling treasures found new homes, the crowning jewel being a Weekend Retreat in Whimsical Wisconsin. 🧀
