Oklahoma members celebrate leadership, friendship, service and opportunities for growth at regional gathering.

Ten GFWC Oklahoma members attended the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) South Central Region Conference, held October 30–31, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona. The conference brought together clubwomen from the six states that make up the South Central Region: Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

The annual gathering provided opportunities for leadership development, sharing successful community service initiatives, strengthening friendships and celebrating the volunteer spirit that unites GFWC members across the region.

Oklahoma Well Represented

Oklahoma’s delegation included:

• Miriam Costilow, GFWC South Central Region President and GFWC Oklahoma Past State President, Hugo Inter Se Club
• Charlene Ridgway, South Central Region Corresponding Secretary, Region Membership Chairman and GFWC Oklahoma Past State President, Durant Fortnightly Club
• Monica Bartling, GFWC Oklahoma State President, Sorosis Club of Waurika
• Lisa Adkins, GFWC Oklahoma State Vice President, Sorosis Club of Waurika
• Brenda Calahan, GFWC Oklahoma State Secretary, Fortnightly Club of McAlester
• Elizabeth Scott, Vice President, Sorosis Club of Waurika and Oklahoma State Environmental Chairman.
• Sharon Duncan, Ways and Means Chairman, Sorosis Club of Waurika
• Paula McGee, GFWC Oklahoma Southeast District President, Fortnightly Club of McAlester
• Ellie Merwitz, GFWC Oklahoma Epsilon Sigma Omicron Chairman, Fortnightly Club of McAlester.
• Helena Girod, GFWC Oklahoma Northeast District Treasurer and 2026 LEADS representative, The Tulsa Silver Foxes Club

GFWC Oklahoma Past State President and current South Central Region President Miriam Costilow presided over the conference.

A Little Arizona Adventure — and a Lot of Fun!

Friday’s activities included a visit to historic Goldfield Ghost Town, where members explored the Old West community, enjoyed a train ride, visited shops and shared lunch. Some adventurous members even ventured into an old gold mine!

Although rain accompanied the outing, it certainly didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. And despite visiting a ghost town, the group reported no actual ghost sightings!

Arizona State Night brought another round of laughter and entertainment with a costume contest and dinner. The Waurika ladies transformed into their best Mrs. Roper characters, complete with colorful caftans, and danced to the theme song from the classic television show Three’s Company. Other Oklahoma members joined the fun dressed as a pirate, Santa’s helper and other creative characters.

It was a wonderful reminder that GFWC friendships are built not only through service and leadership, but also through laughter and shared experiences.

International Leadership Inspires Members

The conference welcomed GFWC International President Wendy Carriker and GFWC International President-elect Jolie Frankfurth, who shared inspiring messages throughout the gathering and served as keynote speakers for Saturday evening’s banquet.

Conference sessions featured presentations highlighting GFWC’s Signature Program, Community Service Programs and leadership initiatives. Members gained practical ideas and resources to take back to their states and local clubs.

W.E.A.V.E. — Connecting the Threads of Membership, Leadership and Communications

One of the conference’s most meaningful presentations focused on W.E.A.V.E., a program demonstrating how Membership, Leadership, and Communications and Public Relations can be woven together to strengthen local clubs.

Presenters included three immediate past state presidents:

• Charlene Ridgway, South Central Region Membership Chairman, Oklahoma
• Debbie McAllen, Leadership Chairman, New Mexico
• Val Redington, Communications and Public Relations Chairman, Arizona

The presentation emphasized that successful club projects are about more than completing an activity or reporting volunteer hours.

Our reports should tell not only what we did, but why it mattered.

By sharing the impact of our service on individuals, families and communities, we tell a more compelling story about the value of GFWC. Those stories help attract new members, strengthen community partnerships and inspire others to join in service.  GFWC South Central Region Membership Chairman, Charlene Ridgway, will present the W.E.A.V.E program at the Oklahoma State Convention in Oklahoma City on Saturday, May 1.

Oklahoma Shares Its Vision for the Future

Each state president was given one minute to highlight initiatives underway in her state.

GFWC Oklahoma State President Monica Bartling focused on Let’s Talk Oklahoma, the state’s Signature Program initiative bringing community panel discussions on Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention to communities across Oklahoma.

The initiative brings together law enforcement, victim advocates, service providers, community leaders and other professionals to increase awareness, encourage prevention and connect individuals with resources.

Bartling also highlighted Oklahoma’s newly adopted Strategic Plan and statewide Branding and Promotion Campaign, designed to strengthen GFWC’s visibility, support local clubs and encourage membership growth.

In addition, Bartling presented information on establishing GFWC Juniorette Clubs in partnership with local middle and high schools.

Juniorette Clubs offer young people opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in meaningful community service and become involved in the GFWC volunteer tradition. These clubs can include both boys and girls and represent an exciting opportunity to introduce a new generation to community service.

Valuable Information on Nonprofit Status

Another conference highlight was a presentation by Vicky Ann Trimmer, GFWC Middle Atlantic Region Treasurer, tax attorney and Certified Public Accountant.

Trimmer discussed the process of applying for and maintaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, providing valuable guidance for clubs considering or currently operating under this designation.

Trimmer also serves as GFWC’s contracted 501(c)(3) Specialist, offering expertise on this important organizational issue.

Oklahoma LEADS Representative Shares Her Experience

Helena Girod, of the Tulsa Silver Foxes Club, shared her experience participating in the 2026 GFWC Leadership Education and Development Seminar (LEADS).

Girod described how the program expanded her understanding of GFWC, strengthened her leadership abilities and provided valuable opportunities to connect with other emerging leaders.

Her presentation reinforced the importance of encouraging members to participate in GFWC leadership training at every level.

Celebrating the Volunteer Spirit — and Looking Ahead to Arkansas

The conference concluded Saturday evening with a banquet featuring keynote addresses by GFWC International President Wendy Carriker and President-elect Jolie Frankfurth.

Members also enjoyed a creative invitation to the 2027 South Central Region Conference, presented by Mary Ann Arnold and Debbie Hall.

The next regional gathering will be held October 15–17, 2027, at the Wyndham Fort Smith City Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

For Oklahoma’s ten representatives, the Mesa conference offered a combination of education, inspiration, friendship and fun — along with new ideas to strengthen clubs and expand their impact at home.

From Arizona to Oklahoma and across the South Central Region, GFWC members continue to demonstrate that when women work together, communities grow stronger.

Riding with Purpose. Leading with Heart. Living the Volunteer Spirit.

GFWC Oklahoma — Riding for the GFWC Brand!