Leadership workshop provides ideas
One of the most rewarding parts of this year’s GFWC Alabama leadership workshop came when clubwomen assembled more than 100 reading kits and drawstring backpacks for Ronald McDonald House and Children’s of Alabama.
Before assembling the kits, members donated books, boxes of crayons and coloring books for GFWC Alabama President Caroline Hollowell’s special president’s project: “Powering Potential-READ.”
The project encourages clubs to help ensure that every child has access to books, reading support, and encouragement to learn. By investing in literacy, GFWC Alabama hopes to help build confident learners, strengthen families and create brighter futures throughout Alabama.
It was a meaningful way to begin a very informative workshop devoted to strengthening our clubs and the communities we serve.
Members of the GFWC Book Lovers Study Club joined approximately 80 clubwomen from across Alabama at Shades Crest Baptist Church in Hoover for a day of leadership training, fellowship and service.
Hollowell welcomed attendees and introduced this administration’s theme, “Powering Potential,” which recognizes the vital role volunteers play in inspiring growth, creating opportunities and strengthening communities through service.
The workshop also provided an opportunity to learn about priorities at both the state and international levels of GFWC.
GFWC International President Wendy J. Carriker, the organization’s 56th international president, encouraged members to become involved through Community Service Programs, Special Programs, Advancement Areas, Juniors Special Programs and Juniorettes so every member can find meaningful ways to share her talents.
She also announced that restoring and refurbishing GFWC Headquarters in Washington, D.C., will be a priority during her administration.
Throughout the day, GFWC Alabama officers shared guidance from the 2026-2028 GFWC International Club Manual and practical ideas we can use in our own clubs and communities.
Second Vice President Pam Johnson discussed ways clubs can attract and retain members from different generations by understanding what they value, why they join, and how they prefer to become involved.
Secretary Cindy Walker emphasized effective communication within clubs, encouraging officers to provide meeting agendas in advance, communicate clearly and support their club secretaries. She also distributed helpful reference materials for secretaries.
First Vice President Lois Roberts reminded us that we serve because we care and that even the smallest act of kindness can leave a lasting impact. She also reviewed annual narrative reports and offered suggestions for preparing them before the Feb. 1 deadline.
Information tables representing Alabama’s Community Service Programs gave members opportunities to ask questions, gather ideas and collect resources to use back home.
We also picked up information on fundraising, membership, communication and public relations, legislation, effective meetings, the GFWC Learning Academy, Juniors programs, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Alabama, the GFWC Women’s History Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Alabama, the GFWC Women’s History & Resource Center, and other resources designed to support local clubs.
Lunch and breaks provided opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow clubwomen from across Alabama and learn from one another’s experiences. Those conversations were an enjoyable part of the day and provided additional ideas to bring back to our own clubs.
Past GFWC Alabama President Becky Vansant chaired the workshop.
Following closing remarks, a workshop evaluation and the Club Collect, club members returned home with practical ideas, new resources and renewed enthusiasm for serving our communities through GFWC.
