GFWC Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs Board of Directors met Feb. 3-4 at the state headquarters, Foster House, in Birmingham. The executive board met Friday evening to prepare clubs’ community service program reports for state judging; review the finance report; and approve various proposals to be submitted to the board of directors Saturday.

Jan Greer, GFWC Alabama president, presided over the winter board meeting. She gave a report on her many activities as state president. She attended the district meeting in the north, central and south regions; attended the GFWC Southern Region Conference on Jekyll Island; attended the AFWC Leadership Workshop; and hosted the Christmas Open House at AFWC headquarters.

Greer also attended several AFWC club meetings, where she promoted her President’s Project: Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes. She said many clubs have donated hundreds of goodie bags statewide for everyday heroes, such as police officers, firefighters, emergency personnel and healthcare workers in emergency rooms and intensive care units.

Each AFWC officer, district director, community service program chair and special committees representative gave a 2-minute report.

From Russellville, Cheri McCain serves as state chairwoman, and Patricia Cox is assistant of leadership development. Cheri reported on the leadership seminar LEADS that was held in January at headquarters. The attendees reflected on their current leadership skills and created individualized action plans that make an effective leader.

As the GFWC Alabama community impact program chair, I reported on the cash awards the General Federation Women’s Club will present at the 2024 convention. This is the only two-year program sponsored by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. There are 51 state federation awards of $100; six category awards of $2,500; and one $1,000 international award – making a total of $21,100. Clubs were encouraged to participate in this program and compete for the monetary awards.

The business session included four proposed bylaw amendments, which were presented by the GFWC Alabama bylaws chairwoman. After reading each proposed amendment and discussing the rationale, the board of directors approved the committee’s recommendation. These bylaw amendments will be voted on by the convention’s delegates.

The GFWC Alabama Strategic Plan, which was established in 1998, was revised Feb. 4.

GFWC Alabama’s vision is to empower women in collaborative efforts of philanthropy, advocacy and community leadership.

Goals include increased membership, financial stability, statewide volunteer programs; organizational leadership strength; and greater communication and public awareness.

The Saturday luncheon was sponsored by AFWC Foster House Club.

Club women supported the National Heart Healthy Month by wearing red for the meeting and luncheon.

A Soup Cookoff featured various kinds of soups made by club board members. Each attendee sampled six different kinds of soup. Members voted on the one they thought was best. The cooks were revealed at the end of the luncheon.

The top two winners were Sherry Killam-Albee, from Gulf Shores Club, in first place with her baked potato soup and, from Russellville’s Book Lovers Study Club, Cheri McCain in second place, using her husband’s family chicken stew soup recipe. Each was presented a “spatula decorated with a winner’s bow.”

Also, an auction for baked items – cakes, pies and more – was held. The proceeds will go toward Foster House.