National Federation of Republican Women's Convention in Orlando, Florida from September 10-13, 2009   (Nancy Steckler)

More than 1300 republican women from 46 states attended the NFRW's 35th Biennial Convention in Orlando, Florida.  Representing our state federation was June Jackson, President and Sandra Kahn, Treasurer as well as Nancy Steckler from the Gerald R. Ford Women's Club; Peggy Kolarik, President of the RW of Leelanau County; Fran Triebes and Joan Jackson, both RW of LC members as well. There were many opportunities to network with other republican women from all over the country and to enjoy and share experiences about local and state GOP party events, campaigns and club activities.    

Addresses were given by Republican leaders, elected officials, political analysts, policy experts, authors and other notable guests. The common themes and topics during the event included opposing President Obama's healthcare reform plan, supporting the flourishing TEA parties and other grassroots conservative movements, and helping the Republican Party build momentum for the 2010 elections.  Sue Everhart, Chair of the Georgia Republican Party gave us a great moment with her 'Power Chic' motto to "WIN - Win in Numbers" for 2010!  We were reminded that women voters made up 56% of the vote in 2008.

Convention delegates elected the new officers for the Federation in 2010 and 2011. Sue Lynch (WI) was unanimously elected as president; Joyce Smith (IN) as 1st Vice President; Rae Lynne Chorenky (AZ) as 2nd Vice President; Martha Jenkins (NC) as 3rd Vice President; Jessie Morton (LA) as 4th Vice President; Jane Lane (NH) as Secretary and Brenda Smith (KS) as Treasurer.

Other business included the delegate votes to approve 3 amendments to the NFRW Bylaws, an annual membership dues increase to take effect January 1, 2010, a resolution supporting the Enumerated Powers Act (H.R. 450) as well as 4 additional resolutions.

Delegates, alternates and guests were given opportunities to attend a campaign management school, political and policy workshops on healthcare reform, women and campaigns, technology and new media and membership development taught by nationally recognized experts.

The NFRW presented Club Achievement Awards for excellence in membership development, campaign activities, community relations, programs and club functions. Winners from Michigan were as follows:  The Diamond Achievement Award was presented to the Republican Women of Leelanau County; The Gold Club Achievement Award was presented to the Suburban Republican Women; and a Bronze Club Achievement Award was presented to Emmet County Republican Women's Club.

The NFRW presented "Awards of Distinction" to state and local clubs for accomplishments at the state and local levels in areas of membership and program development, campaign activities, community service, and public relations. The NFRW 5th biennial My Favorite Teacher Award was presented to Susan Jordan of Salina, Kansas who is an elementary school teacher and former army pilot.

More than 50 young women between the ages of 14-17 were given the opportunity and honor to represent their home state during the Flag Ceremony and to serve as a Page during the convention.  Michigan was well represented by Carrie Bell of Petoskey,  Michigan.

Concluding remarks:  As a federation, we should look to 2010 as Judgment Day and win back Michigan!  Michael Steele, our RNC Chair has charged us all "to step up and lead and make a difference through empowerment and opportunity".  He encouraged us to form a partnership with our party and the  leadership to form a "Republican Renaissance" to include teenagers, young and college age republican women.  One of the most powerful images at the convention came from speaker Mason Weaver when he told us about attending the TEA Party in DC on September 11th.  He was scheduled to speak and headed out of his hotel to walk and by 11AM there over 400,000 people between him and the Freedom Mall.  When he reached the stage to speak, he looked out and saw "rivers of people flowing into the Freedom Mall from all directions".  He had 2 minutes left for his message to the marchers, and turned around facing the White House and said "Mr. President, this is your only public option".  NO to healthcare and a GM takeover and to Obama and his administration that is all about socialism... we say NO.  As he was leaving the stage, police officers asked him to help them move marchers from the Freedom Mall area reserved for Obama supporters and he turned to the crowd around him and said..."Move Us".  Sue Everhart, chair of the Georgia Republican Party, inspired us all to become 'Power Chics' as women made up 56% of the vote in 2008, to work together as the "Sky is the limit" and "We can take control"! and to WIN - Women In Numbers!
  

Convention speakers and instructors included the following:

Speakers : Michael Steele, RNC Chair;  Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota Governor;  Charlie Crist, Florida Governor; Frances Rice, Chair National Black Republican Association, "Why Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican";  Ben Sasse, Former Asst US Dept of Health and Human Services;  Sue Everhart, Chair Georgia Republican Party, "WIN - Women in Numbers";  Mason Weaver, "Real Freedom in America - My Journey from Liberal to Conservative";  Jackie Gingrich Cushman, co author "5 Principles for a Successful Life: From our Family to Yours";  Angela McGlowen, "Changing the Republican Tide".

Workshop Instructors: Carlyle Gregory, "Campaign Mechanics";  Vincent Harris, New Media Strategies and Holly Robichaud, Political consultant, analyst and fundraiser, Opposition research, targeting, fundraising, earned media and voter contact;  Bob Asztalos,  Dr. Julio Gonzalez and Sally West, "How Healthcare Reform will Impact America" ; Toni Anne Dashiell and Hazel Roman, "Members are Treasures" and Sue Everhart, Chairman Georgia Republican Party, "Why Women Don't Get Elected".