GFWC conference highlights ‘Circle of Service’

I’ve always believed service connects people in ways nothing else can. That belief took center stage at the GFWC Southern Region Conference in Huntsville, where the theme “Circle of Service” focused on fighting food insecurity.

Every club in our region takes action to meet that challenge, both locally and globally.

Locally, members donate to food pantries, volunteer their time, create or support backpack programs, organize food drives, and deliver food to elderly neighbors and shut ins.

These efforts make a direct difference in the communities we serve.

Globally, clubs support Heifer International’s Flock of Chicks program.

A $20 donation gives a family 10 to 50 chicks and the training to raise them successfully.

Each flock provides eggs and protein, builds income through the sale of extra eggs and offspring, and secures future stability through Heifer’s “Passing on the Gift” tradition.

Those projects reflect what I love most about the General Federation of Women’s Clubs — that way one small act of kindness can ripple outward and touch lives around the world.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is an international organization that improves communities through volunteer work.

The Southern Region includes clubs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Aruba and Belize.

Our Southern Region officers lead with dedication., They are: President Laurie O’Kelly, Vice President Tammie McCoy, Secretary Shari Carter, Treasurer Roberta Atkinson and Parliamentary Advisor Marian St. Clair.

The conference offered a full schedule of learning, networking, and sisterhood.

Presenters shared information on community service programs, leadership, membership, fundraising, communications, public policy, and more.

We also celebrated the GFWC LEADS graduates and recognized the Region Special Project.

Region President O’Kelly and Alabama President Becky Vansant coordinated the events, bringing everything together with warmth and efficiency.

GFWC International President Suellen Brazil and President-elect Wendy Carriker joined as special guests, adding to the sense of connection that runs through every GFWC gathering.

During her keynote, Brazil thanked members for supporting the Annual Giving Program, which funds GFWC’s top priority, the Headquarters Façade Restoration and Beautification Project.

As the 150th anniversary nears, she urged members to help preserve the building for future generations.

She also shared impressive numbers from 2024.

Clubs completed more than 106,500 projects, gave 5.3 million volunteer hours, donated $14.3 million, and provided more than $10 million of in-kind service.

Those numbers reflect what happens when people work together for good.

President Brazil encouraged everyone to attend the 2026 GFWC Annual Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The event will install the next administration, led by Presidentelect Carriker of North Carolina, and continue GFWC’s long tradition of leadership through service.

Members filled the weekend with learning and service. We collected socks and diaper bag supplies for the National Children’s Advocacy Center.

New socks will help families through the winter, and diaper bag items will support children in the Healthy Families program.

We also contributed to the GFWC Survivors Success Scholarship on the International Day of Service and supported the continuing headquarters restoration campaign.

Every act of giving, large or small, reminds us of the impact we can have together.

Delegates elected the 2026-28 Southern Region officers: President Tammie McCoy of Mississippi, Vice President Shari Carter of Georgia, Secretary Roberta Atkinson of Alabama, and Treasurer Sharon Oliphant of Florida.

Members also honored five Jennie Award nominees — Cynthia Geis of Alabama, Kay Taylor of Florida, Martha Ann Saunders of Georgia, Nancy Smith Griffin of Mississippi, and Bobbie Sox of South Carolina.

Taylor and Saunders will represent the Southern Region at the international level.

The Jennie Award recognizes one clubwoman who demonstrates leadership, commitment and service to GFWC, her club, community, and family. Named for GFWC founder Jane Cunningham Croly, who wrote under the pen name Jennie June, it remains the organization’s only national award for individual excellence.

Representing the GFWC Book Lovers Study Club were President Gayle McAlister, Cheri McCain, Patricia Cox and myself.

I felt deeply honored to receive the GFWC Southern Region Jennie Award at the 2024 National GFWC Convention in Chicago.

We closed the conference with a visit to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center for a planetarium show. Afterward, we enjoyed some shopping at Bridge Street Town Centre.