FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
“Who you going to call: Ghostbusters”! Seriously, we have all seen that movie, the original only in my case, and I did so enjoy it! But what happens when you have a question at club or district levels, and you do not know who to go for answers? Well, let us try to shed some light on that subject this week.
Flowcharts are a great tool to work with when needed. A Flowchart works with the Chain of Command closely but enhances it further when you need to move out from the Chain of Command for answers. Who asks? Who answers? Who do we go to when we do not know who to go to? Who do we count on to get us to the right source for the right answer? These are where a Flowchart comes in handy.
In the mainstay of a common Flowchart, the President is where the buck stops at club and district, (and State for that matter). But is it appropriate or necessary to go straight to the President? The correct answer to that question is: no, it is not.
Hypothetical: If a question arises from a Club Chairman, they go to the Club Dean of Chairmen first. In turn, if they cannot answer the question, the Dean of Chairman goes to the Club President, and if they cannot answer they go to the District Chairman that oversees the area in question and if they do not know, the District Chairman takes it to the District Dean. Only when there is no answer to be found does it then get to the District President.
Why? Why does it go through the channels of the Chain of Command in that fashion? Well, it is simple from my point of view: we need to keep the communication open for all levels in Federation. There may be someone else that needs the same information and to be perfectly honest, announcing something that is important, and possibly part of a new or current Policy is easier done as a whole and once, than in piecemeal.
When we stray out of the Chain of Command and start fishing for the answer, no one else knows what is happening. We need to be cognizant of the time spent by individuals when coming up with the way something is answered. Further, we need to know there is one answer from the authority and that it is not a secret answer. The answer is for everyone in the Flowchart to hear.
So, to find out the answer you seek, you stay on the path, in your lane and move up the Flowchart and/or Chain of Command.
Now, what about those members that go “Fishing for Answers” until they get the answer they seek? Well, that is not a leadership, there is no Flowchart there, nor is there a clear path to anything but their own ego. Tough words, but truth. If you are told what the answer is by whatever authority you seek, that is your answer: Stop Fishing!
I have had some wonderful questions come to me via District Presidents so far in my Administration. This is fabulous, this group asks me specifically and many of them have heard me say once and awhile, I must find that out and will get back to you. None of us know everything, if we did, we would have a head shaped much like David McCallum in that Out Limits episode where he becomes super-smart.
I find that Flowcharts are an integral part of Federation…I even went through a pro/con list with including one in the CFWC Yearbook. However, they are different for each club and district and therefore any Flowchart I would put together may or may not work for your group.
None of us want to be blindsided, nor do we want to say or hear: why didn’t they ask me? That is just not kind, nor proper towards keeping the lines of communication open.
Let us each look at the Flowchart of our group and try to make it work, shall we?
Luv, Pam
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MARCH MADNESS WORKSHOPS
Due to the tremendous amount of email involved, we have dedicated a NEW EMAIL to send all requests for the March Madness Workshop Series to. Please do not contact Lynne or Pam via their private emails. The new email to register is:
You may still request your reservations for the following March Madness Workshop. We have provided the DEADLINE date below for your convenience. Registration will close at 5 pm on the dates listed below: Actual workshop day and time can be found on the attached flier.
CFWC State Brag Hour: March 23
Get those requests in early to the new email and see you there!
Luv, Lynne & Pam
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REMINDER
Dear Club Members,
If you are interested in attending any of the Twilight Tidbits Workshop Zoom meetings in April 2021, AND have NOT attended any March Madness workshops, please send an email to request the Zoom invitations to Reservationscfwc@gmail.com .
Once you request the Zoom invitations, you will receive all Twilight Tidbit Workshop Zoom invitations in one email. The Zoom invitations will come from CFWC Reserve California. Please look for that name in your inbox. You will receive Zoom invitations for ALL of the Twilight Tidbits workshops.
On the day of your desired workshop, you will simply click on the Zoom invitation link (in blue) from the invitation e-mail OR type in the meeting ID as well as the passcode . There is NO need to request individual workshop Zoom invitations. You will have everything you need in ONE email.
If you attended any of the March Madness Workshops, you will automatically receive the April Twilight Tidbits Workshop Zoom invitations. You do not need to request them.
If you request the workshop Zoom invitations, please allow 48 hours for a response.
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GFWC CA Clubwoman Magazine Updates
The GFWC CA Clubwoman Magazine needs your help. Please review the opportunities below and help us put together a Magazine that we can all be proud of. A Magazine that can also serve as a Membership tool in our local communities. A Magazine that showcases the work we are doing in our communities for those in need. You are changing lives and creating a ripple effect that will last generations to come. The team looks forward to serving you.
GFWC CA Clubwoman Journalists Wanted
The GFWC CA Clubwoman Magazine is looking for Journalists across the State. No writing skills required. All that is needed is your energy and desire to showcase clubs in your district. If you are interested in joining our growing team, email your interest to cfwccommunications@gmail.com. In the subject line say I'm Interested. In the body of your email tell us why you are interested; and, we will do the rest.
GFWC CA Clubwoman Club Articles and pictures Wanted.
The GFWC CA Clubwoman Magazine is looking for club pictures of projects you have held (including virtual) since the Pandemic took hold. Submit your pictures and a short paragraph about the picture/event with your submission. We would like to highlight all your good work in the upcoming issue.
GFWC CA Clubwoman Advertising available
The GFWC CA Clubwoman Magazine will now be offering Ad space. This is a great way to advertise your events for greater connectivity across the State. It is also a great way to have your local businesses promote their business and support of your club. Please see the attached Article and Ad guidelines for your submission. If placing an Ad, please send all print ready artwork to cfwccommunications@gmail.com. Please send all payments for Ad space to: Jill Drescher, CFWC Financial Secretary
Lu Arredondo
GFWC CA Clubwoman Editor
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Hi Ladies
***************NEW DEADLINE DATE --- APRIL 15, 2021 *******************
I need your help. I’m putting together the memorial for CFWC’s convention in May. Could you please send me info for those that have passed between May 2019– May 2021 that have held positions either on the CA State Executive Board or CA State Executive Committee. This includes: current or past CFWC Administration State role, including Elected or Appointed State Officers, CFWC Chairs, District Presidents, District Deans, Committee Members: Bylaws, Nominating, Elections, Resolutions, Past State Presidents.
I will need:
Their name
Years of Service
Position or positions held
Picture
Bio on the member.
Your deadline for this is April 15,2021
Thank you all for helping me make this happen.
Peggy
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MEMBERSHIP - Sonya Matthies, CFWC Second Vice President
The CFWC Membership Team of Area Vice Presidents are known as the “Honey Bunch” and I serve as their “Queen Bee”! It has been an exciting and wonderful experience BUZZING throughout our beautiful state of California giving workshops, speaking at Los Cerritos District and Southern District Meetings, and even enjoying a delightful Tea with the GFWC Women’s Improvement Club of Roseville. My wings have been silent as we have been meeting via Zoom but how wonderful it has been to meet so many of our members in CFWC that I may not have had the pleasure of meeting without Zoom and all from the comfort of my home.
Interest has been shown in how to receive recognition certificates and pins for members with 25 and 50 Years of Membership. CONTINUE READING
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Jennie Award 2020 Sandra Cabral Jennie June Contest Chair
Who is Jennie June? She was the founder of the General Federation of Women’s Club, GFWC. Jane Cunningham Croly was her actual name. She wrote for a national Newspaper under the of name “Jennie June”. The GFWC Jennie Award honors one clubwoman from each Region for Outstanding Commitment to Club, Community and Family. This GFWC Jennie Award is the only National Honor that recognizes an individual club woman. California has two honorees of this Award. Dori Kelsey in 2006 from the Women’s Improvement Club of Roseville, Sutter District and Pat Irot in 2018 from Placentia Round Table, Orange District. This is a lifetime Award. CONTINUE READING APPLICATION/INFO
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FINANCIAL FACTS from our CFWC Finance Committee
Did you know?
#2 This year no personal information for any CFWC Board member is on the CFWC Website. See your CFWC Yearbook for your Financial Team and other officers and chairmens addresses, phone numbers and ways to contact them.
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From Jill Drescher, CFWC Financial Secretary
The Club Information Form for Affiliates is now on our website. Thank you.
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Once again it is time for GFWC clubwomen to urge Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The General Federation of Women's Clubs has long supported local domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers even before the first Violence Against Women Act was passed by Congress in 1994. Today, we continue to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking with our advocacy, time, energy, donations, resources, scholarships, and commitment to education and prevention.
GFWC established the Legislative Action Center, or LAC. LAC allows members to track bills, contact your local representative(s) and act on issues important to GFWC, Clubs and Members. Local Clubs and clubwomen are the advocates “on the ground” for GFWC’s legislative agenda. If you have joined the Legislative Action Center, please go and show your support for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) by sending a letter to your representative(s).
If you have not joined as yet, please go to gfwc.org, the member portal, and sign up.
MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD!
UPDATE: We are delighted that the U.S. House of Representatives voted to remove the time limit on the Equal Rights Amendment by passing HJ Res 17 with a vote of 222 to 204 on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. The bill had bi-partisan support with a total of four Republicans voting "Yea."
Your CALL TO ACTION is to contact your U.S. Senator and urge them to CO-SPONSOR SJ RES 1.”
Thank you, Deborah E. Bushnell, CFWC Legislation and Public Policy
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Carol Burkhart - Advocates for Children Chair
GFWC offered several webinars this month presented by affiliate organizations. Last week Melanie Kapinos from Heifer International presented some interesting information. Heifer International has been working toward ending hunger and poverty while caring for the earth since 1944. This organization has helped over 36.9 million people in 21 different countries, but there are still one billion people living in poverty worldwide. Many clubs are helping eradicate hunger and poverty by supporting Heifer International. When a family has a living income, children are able to attend school. With assistance in small scale farming, families have access to better nutrition and a more dignified life. Heifer International has determined that women are the best investment for the future when raising food for their families.
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Military & Veterans Yolanda Petroski, Chair
Manufacturer coupons greatly assist our military families in stretching their budgets. Many clubs report clipping coupons that are sent to military bases in the U.S. and abroad. To answer your many questions, check out www.ocpnet.org.
Keep in mind that the U.S.P.S. requires Customs Form 2976-A be attached to the package being sent directly to a base overseas. Use the description “Manufacturers Coupons” and record the value as “--$0.00--.” Check the “Gift” box on the form, and for the coupons to be returned if there are problems when using Priority Mail. That way the package can be forwarded to another base. Last year we learned the Post Office required zip+4 and I do have a list of eight base addresses that have that additional information. I’ll be happy to forward it to you upon request.
In reviewing the reports submitted this year, there was a very wide discrepancy in the value given to In-Kind Donations regarding the value of coupons collected. General Federation does not have a guideline on this, at this time – hopefully, that will change so all states report the same figure. Until that happens, the correct figure to include as an In-Kind Donation as to the value of coupons sent to the military is 10% of the face value. This was approved at the recent state board meeting and will remain in effect until further notice.
Clipping coupons for the military is a very worthwhile project. Continue reporting the hours spent doing this and the cost of postage to mail the packages. It is not imperative that an In-Kind figure be included – you might want to do what several clubs reported and declare the In-Kind value to be “Priceless!”
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Have YOU been checking out our updated FaceBook page? Would you like your Club or District news included on FaceBook, and/or in the CFWC California Clubwoman magazine ?
If so, please send pictures and articles and other pertinent information to
We thank you for your participation and look forward to seeing YOUR Club and District activities in our publications.
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Editor's Note: While some of the following forms will eventually be moved to the CFWC website, these are remaining for a while at the request of the chairmen posting them,
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Just a thought ......
Leaders are - by definition - change makers.
When you are called to lead,
you are called to advance, move forward, and improve the situation.
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