Meridian hosts statewide Women's Clubs convention

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
April 24, 2003
Several hundred women will converge on Meridian today as part of the 105th state convention of the General Federation of Women's Clubs of Mississippi.
During the three-day event at Howard Johnson Lodge and Convention Center, members will enjoy meetings, dinners with guest speakers and an arts and crafts exhibit by area artists.
Friday's guest speakers include Paula Dias, an corporate relations executive with Childreach, and Ernestine Shriner, president-elect of the General Federation of Women's Clubs.
On Saturday, the speakers will be Janelle Hail, founder and president of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and Dr. Frances Lucas-Taucher, president of Millsaps College in Jackson.
Members of Meridian's three clubs along with representatives from Decatur, Union, Quitman and Philadelphia are expected to attend.
The annual convention is held in a different district each year. It's been about 12 years since Meridian last hosted the event.
The mission of the General Federation of Women's Clubs is to encouraged women to improve their skills, expand their rights and apply their abilities and special sensitivities to society's problems.
The federation began in 1890 with one woman, Jane Cunningham Croly, a professional journalist from New York City. She wanted to cover a dinner at an all-male press club honoring British novelist Charles Dickens, but was told women were not welcome.
In response, she formed the Sorosis Club for Women. Twenty-one years later, that club brought together members of similar clubs in 19 states to form the General Federation of Women's Clubs.