Club Chronicles: Book Lovers reflect on public issues advocacy

The GFWC/AFWC Book Lovers Study Club held its November meeting at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.  Serving as hostesses were Ponda Gordon, Hillary Malone Hall and Patricia Cox.

“Celebrating Women in Public Office” was the program title.

One of the primary tools GFWC uses to educate and mobilize its members is the GFWC Legislative Action Center. For more than a century, members have advocated to raise awareness of specific issues requiring attention at the national and state levels.  Many of those solutions have come in the form of legislative action, with GFWC/AFWC members having worked to pass laws affecting highway safety, juvenile justice, women’s suffrage, the rights of the disabled, equal pay for women and resources for victims of domestic violence.

A report on the club’s breast cancer walk was given by Sheila Upchurch. A little more than $3,200 was raised. Members voted to donate $1,000 to the Walking the Road to Wellness Organization and keep the rest locally to help women on their journey to wellness and recovery.

An update was given on “The Roxy’s Legend of Toyland” scheduled for Nov. 28 through Dec. 2.  Members signed up for a time to volunteer as hostesses with the musical.

Also the upcoming “Every Light a Prayer for Peace” and Veterans Reception were discussed.

The Holiday Tour of Homes that is scheduled for Dec. 9 was finalized.  Members were assigned as hostesses at the four homes. Calvary Baptist Church will serve as the location to purchase tickets, tour brochure, map and refreshments.

One of the highlights of the meeting was a silent auction of Christmas items. The money raised from this project will be used for a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

As a new project for the club, members will donate funds monthly to the Canine Companions for Independence on its Veteran’s Initiative.

Club Chronicles is written by Susie Hovater Malone.