GFWC South Central Region Celebrates “Singing Together, Growing Together” at 2026 Conference in Arizona
Six states, nearly 100 attendees and one shared commitment to leadership, friendship and community service.
MESA, ARIZONA — The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) South Central Region celebrated its annual conference October 29–31, 2026, at the Holiday Inn in Mesa, Arizona, under the theme “Singing Together, Growing Together.”
Approximately 100 members and guests attended the three-day gathering, representing GFWC clubs from the six states comprising the South Central Region: Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
The conference brought together clubwomen to exchange ideas, develop leadership skills, celebrate accomplishments and strengthen the friendships that connect GFWC members across state lines.
GFWC South Central Region President Miriam Costilow of Oklahoma presided over the conference, emphasizing the importance of unity, cooperation and growth throughout the Federation.
“Just as every voice contributes something special to a beautiful song, every member and every club brings unique talents and strengths to our Federation,” said Costilow. “Our theme, ‘Singing Together, Growing Together,’ reminds us that we accomplish so much more when we work in harmony. When we share ideas, encourage one another and focus on service, we strengthen our clubs, grow our membership and make a greater difference in our communities.”
International Officers Highlight Conference
The South Central Region was honored to welcome GFWC International President Wendy Carriker and GFWC International President-elect Jolie Frankfurth.
Both international officers participated in conference activities, offering encouragement and insight into the Federation’s priorities and opportunities for continued growth.
Carriker and Frankfurth were also featured speakers at the South Central Region Banquet, and the Saturday night banquet, sharing inspiring messages about leadership, membership, volunteer service and the importance of strengthening GFWC for future generations.
Their participation provided members with an opportunity to connect with international leadership and gain a broader perspective on the work of GFWC throughout the United States and beyond.
Friday’s Arizona Adventure: Goldfield Ghost Town
Friday’s activities included an excursion to historic Goldfield Ghost Town, where conference attendees enjoyed a glimpse into Arizona’s Old West history.
Members explored the town, browsed the village shops, enjoyed a train ride and gathered for lunch in the dining room. Some of the more adventurous visitors also explored an old gold mine.
Although the outing included a little rain, it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the group!
The outing offered an opportunity for members from different states to enjoy fellowship, renew friendships and make new memories.
A Costume Party to Remember!
One of the conference’s most entertaining events was the Friday night South Central Region Banquet and Costume Party, which featured an impressive array of elaborate, imaginative and humorous costumes.
The evening included a particularly memorable processional of GFWC International Officers, South Central Region Officers and Arizona State Officers.
Mary Ann Arnold, South Central Region Protocol Chairman, organized the processional, which took on a decidedly different appearance as officers entered in their creative costumes.
The colorful procession added laughter and excitement to the traditional banquet formalities and provided a memorable beginning to the evening’s celebration.
GFWC International President Wendy Carriker and President-elect Jolie Frankfurth were the featured speakers. Arizona State Night festivities also provided an opportunity for members to showcase their creativity through costumes and entertainment. Among the memorable entries were Oklahoma members dressed as Mrs. Roper from the classic television comedy Three’s Company, complete with colorful caftans and a dance to the show’s theme song. Other members appeared as chickens, pirates, holiday characters and a variety of imaginative personalities.
The festivities demonstrated that while GFWC members are serious about community service, they also appreciate the importance of friendship, fellowship and having fun together.
Saturday’s Business Session Opens with a Patriotic Welcome
The conference’s official business session began Saturday, October 31, at 9 a.m., when South Central Region President Miriam Costilow called the meeting to order.
The opening ceremonies included the presentation of colors by Girl Scout Troop 801 and the singing of the National Anthem by Luanne David of the Los Noches Women’s Club.
Mesa City Councilwoman Jenn Duff extended the official welcome to Arizona, greeting members and guests and recognizing the importance of volunteer organizations and community involvement.
The patriotic opening and warm welcome set the stage for a day of educational programs, regional reports, leadership development and the sharing of successful GFWC initiatives.
W.E.A.V.E. — Bringing Membership, Leadership and Communications Together
One of Saturday’s featured programs focused on W.E.A.V.E., an initiative demonstrating how Membership, Leadership, and Communications and Public Relations can be woven together to strengthen local clubs.
The presentation was led by three South Central Region chairmen, all immediate past state presidents:
- Charlene Ridgway of Oklahoma, Membership Chairman
- Debbie McAllen of New Mexico, Leadership Chairman
- Val Redington, Communications and Public Relations Chairman
The presenters emphasized that these three areas should not operate independently, but should be incorporated into every aspect of club activities and community service projects.
A particularly important message focused on how clubs communicate the results of their work.
It is not enough to report what a club did. We must also tell why it mattered.
Sharing the stories behind service projects — the people helped, the needs addressed and the difference made in a community — creates a more meaningful picture of GFWC’s impact.
These stories also provide powerful tools for recruiting new members, building community partnerships and increasing public awareness of the Federation.
Six States Share Their Accomplishments
Each of the six South Central Region state presidents was given an opportunity to provide a brief report highlighting projects, programs and initiatives underway in her state.
The presentations reflected the diversity of activities throughout the region while demonstrating a shared commitment to service, leadership and membership growth.
Encouraging the Next Generation Through Juniorette Clubs
Another presentation focused on the opportunities available through GFWC Juniorette Clubs.
Monica Bartling, GFWC Oklahoma State President, presented information on establishing Juniorette Clubs through partnerships with local middle and high schools.
Juniorette Clubs provide young people with opportunities to participate in community service, develop leadership skills and experience the value of volunteerism.
These youth organizations can include both boys and girls and offer established GFWC clubs an opportunity to mentor future community leaders.
The presentation encouraged members to consider how their clubs could engage younger generations and introduce them to the traditions and opportunities of GFWC.
Understanding 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status
Vicky Ann Trimmer, GFWC Middle Atlantic Region Treasurer, tax attorney and Certified Public Accountant, presented an informative program on applying for and maintaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Trimmer, who has been retained by GFWC as its contracted 501(c)(3) Specialist, discussed the responsibilities and requirements associated with obtaining and maintaining nonprofit designation.
Her presentation provided valuable information for clubs seeking to understand the process, remain compliant with applicable requirements and make informed decisions about their organizational structure.
LEADS Representatives from each state shared their LEADS experience at the International Convention in June in Scottsdale, Arizona. They also focused on how they had used that experience in their local and state club work.
Barbara Harvey, SCR Signature Program Chairman, presented a workshop on Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention and the Pledge to Stand up. Speak up. Show up. Attendees were challenged to sign the pledge and to post it to the SCR region Facebook Page and post the photo to the meeting’s Photo Circle.
Texas State President, Novella Byrd, presented the workshop on Corporate Partners and Development and Debbie Thomas, past South Central Region President and Annual Giving Chairman for GFWC, presented a workshop on Annual Giving.
Suzanne Simons presented a workshop on the Junior’s Special Program and Billie Williams presented a program on Fundraising.
An Evening of Inspiration and Celebration
The conference concluded with the South Central Region Banquet, featuring keynote addresses by GFWC International President Wendy Carriker and GFWC President-elect Jolie Frankfurth.
The evening combined meaningful messages about the future of GFWC with the camaraderie and fun of the conference’s costume celebration.
Members reflected on the ideas shared during the conference, celebrated their accomplishments and looked ahead to another year of service throughout the South Central Region.
Arkansas Extends Invitation for 2027
The conference concluded with an invitation to the 2027 GFWC South Central Region Conference, scheduled for October 15–17, 2027, at the Wyndham Fort Smith City Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Mary Ann Arnold and Debbie Hall presented a creative invitation, encouraging members from all six states to gather again for another year of leadership, learning and fellowship.
As attendees returned home, they carried new ideas, renewed enthusiasm and strengthened friendships.
The 2026 conference theme, “Singing Together, Growing Together,” served as a reminder that the strength of GFWC comes from the individual talents and voices of its members joining together in a common purpose.
Across Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, GFWC members continue to demonstrate that when women work together, they create lasting change in their communities.
As Madame President Costilow’s theme reminds us, every voice matters, every member contributes and every club plays an important part in the Federation’s success.
Six States. Many Voices. One Federation.
Singing Together, Growing Together!
