Susan Speaks

You have heard the old adage, “Time flies when you are having fun with your friends.” Well, I am living proof of that statement. These past two years have flown by, and I have indeed had fun with my Federation friends. There have been so many opportunities to visit with you in your districts and clubs that I am grateful for. Your adherence to the administration theme of GIFTS: Get Involved For Tennessee’s Success has been overwhelming. I am so proud of each and every club and each and every member. You truly are the epitome of Tennessee Federation volunteers.

Thank You! Thank you to all of the clubs who took the time to file reports with the various state chairmen. I look forward to compiling all of the information and submitting my final report to GFWC. Club Rating Guides showed significant increases in membership and leadership activities in your clubs. There is still some confusion about what to count as a program or a project, but I gave clubs credit when it was obvious you had short changed yourselves. I hope club presidents will wear their rating ribbon proudly at Convention. The only down side to this whole process is there are so many really good things you have done in your communities that we didn’t hear about. However, the things we heard about are fantastic!

Now that the work of reporting is done, it is time to enjoy the fun activities that will occur at the next convention. Awards for club work well done and recognition for outstanding efforts by individuals are always a highlight. This issue of TF News is full of articles about speakers, vendors, and other convention high lights so I will not take up more room to say the same things. But I would be remiss if I did not encourage you to take advantage of the Day of Service project on Friday at Thistle Farms. I want to do a project with each of you. I love my club members dearly, but I love my Federation friends, and I look forward to the opportunity to volunteer along side you. Come join me in a Day of Service!

THISTLE FARMS, a Day of Service

GFWC of Tennessee will hold its first state wide Day of Service in conjunction with the annual spring convention. The agency chosen for our support on Friday, April 19th from 10AM to 3PM is the Magdalene House in Nashville. The Rev, Becca Stevens founded the organization in 1996 as an opportunity to help women in Nashville who needed a safe house from prostitution and drugs. She will be on site to welcome us.

Our Day of Service will be spent at Thistle Farms, which meets at the Chapel on the campus of Vanderbilt University. All volunteer opportunities will be inside. Thistle Farms is a creative, profitable, and sustainable workplace for residents and friends of Magdalene. Their creations include candles and body care products. The name is derived from the wildflower that grows on the road that many Nashville prostitutes frequent.

What a wonderful opportunity to work together as club women from all across the volunteer state! What a wonderful opportunity to be women helping women. The organization is providing transportation to and from the hotel and lunch for our convenience. Meet in the hotel lobby promptly at 9:45 A.M. Arrive early, leave your luggage in the president’s parlor and take part in an adventure that will show the united support of Tennessee club women. Wear your GFWC shirts/club shirts to let everyone we see know that Tennessee clubwomen are working to improve the quality of life for women in Tennessee.

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