eGFWC 12-20-01 from President Shelby Hamlett

Dear GFWC Members, Warmest holiday greetings to each of you!

One of the greatest gifts is the privilege of serving and I thank you most sincerely for the privilege of serving this wonderful organization; And I thank you for the joy of knowing so many of you; No matter how you celebrate this most significant time of the year, I pray there will be peace, comfort and courage for each of you.

Isn't it exciting to watch the Olympic Torch being carried across the country to Salt Lake, site of 2002 Olympics? We have several members who are involved in the Olympics as volunteers, in many capacities, and we have several members who have been chosen to carry the torch. We are very proud of each one and extend our heartiest congratulations on achieving this honor.

Many of our members have been most generous with their contributions for the September 11 Disaster Relief Fund. We are working diligently toward the purchase of a fire engine or other fire fighting equipment for New York City. Thank you for your caring and sharing in this worthy venture. Although brought about as a result of a series of dastardly terrorist activities, it speaks further to the true community spirit and the unity of our clubs and communities across the land. This kind of support to those on the front lines of disaster follows the GFWC tradition displayed when our nation was at war and we raised funds for bombers.

Those wishing to contribute to the GFWC 9/11 Disaster Relief Fund may send donations to GFWC, Attn: Disaster Relief, 1734 N Street, N. W., Washington, DC 20036. If you have any additional questions regarding this effort, please feel free to contact Marisa at Headquarters. You can either call at 202.347.3168 or email gfwc@gfwc.org.

The US Congress has authorized the Library of Congress to invite up to 3,000 emerging Russian leaders to the U.S. to experience American democracy first-hand and observe how American citizens conduct their daily lives. The 2002 program will be the third Library of Congress "Open World" Russian Leadership Program. GFWC has been asked by the National Peace Foundation, the group that is arranging the visits, to participate in this program. Russian leaders (women and men) will visit communities around the country and will be hosted in private homes for one-week stays. Staying in private homes will provide the Russian visitors the opportunity to share the daily cultural and community lives of their host families, as well as visit institutions such as schools, libraries, churches, theaters, hospitals and commercial enterprises. The program is designed to build a grassroots network of Americans committed to improving US-Russian relations at this critical time.

Individuals can become involved by offering to host a Russian visitor and/or clubs can become involved by coordinating activities with other organizations in the community. Clubs could host a special reception to welcome the visitors to the community, or invite the Russian guests to attend a club meeting or participate in a club project.

GFWC has a list of the communities that will be part of this effort in 2002. If you or your club is interested in participating in 2002 or in the future, or if you would like more information, please contact Debbe Gladstone at dgladstone@gfwc.org.

Traditionally, the GFWC International President sends holiday greeting cards to members and friends of the Federation. Obviously, any message I would send would include most sincere wishes for peace and goodwill to return to our nation and the world. This year, in view of the times, rather than mailing out this message, it seems more appropriate and meaningful to make a contribution in YOUR honor to the GFWC September 11 Disaster Relief Fund where it can make a significant difference in the communities that have been affected so harshly by the terrible tragedies of September 11, 2001.

Please know I wish for you and your family a most glorious holiday season filled with the richest blessings. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sincerely, Shelby Hamlett , GFWC International President

"Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones tend to take care of themselves." -- Dale Carnegie

REPORTING REMINDERS:

JUNIOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS reports are to be sent to DELLA GOWAN.

LEADERSHIP REPORTS are to be sent to SUSAN MARTIN

CLUB HISTORIES go to JANE WILSON

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