NFRW 41st Biennial Convention

As a HCRW primary member, one of the fabulous rewards of being part of a 63,000 women-strong grassroots political organization, is being able to attend not only state conventions, but also, national conventions.  Approximately 167 women representing every state in the USA attended the NFRW 41st Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Friday night, we had the great pleasure and excitement of hearing (possible 2024 presidential candidates?) the Honorable, Tim Scott, US Senator from South Carolina and also, the Honorable, Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, who both gave strong speeches.

Senator, Tim Scott gave each of the ladies a long-stemmed, thornless rose and a passionate speech about his modest background and the fight in the US Senate.  Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis gave a rousing speech about the challenges he’s overcome in Florida and how we need to take our country back from the current Democrat-Socialist policies.  Both men emphasized the need to take back our country and stand up for our Constitutional rights and American liberties.

Saturday morning, Ann Schockett, NFRW President from New York, opened the 41st Biennial Convention.  Remarks were made by Mike Huckabee, one among many government officials presenting.  Huckabee acknowledged that the efforts of the women in the room were the main reason he was at the podium and the reason many Republican government officials got elected.  He has great respect for the NFRW organization and told us to keep our government officials accountable.  Don’t back down.  We need to ask for support from the leaders and county officials we support.

Our featured speaker for the Saturday luncheon was Governor, Kristi Noem of South Dakota (another possible 2024 presidential candidate?)  She spoke of the victories of keeping her state opened during the Covid lockdown, the challenges South Dakota faces now and her beliefs.  She stressed strong families, strong faith, freedom to pursue the American dream of opportunity and justice for all and emphasized the necessity of a woman’s perspective in government.  She was direct, had a good sense of humor and exuded confidence in herself and her family and pride in her state.

Following the speaker luncheon, we were treated to a sneak preview of the film “Reagan” by the producer, John Sullivan.  To be released in 2022. Dennis Quaid as Reagan does a masterful job.

Then, we broke into workshops.  You could chose one from: communications, fundraising, membership (which I attended), or leadership. If issues are your passion you could chose either workshop: critical race theory or election integrity.  Each workshop had experienced and knowledgeable presenters.  I regretted not being able to attend all of them.

The awards ceremony topped off a great day. I’m so proud of our High Country Republican Women’s club.  In our first six months and with our slate of projects for September through 2021year-end, we managed to get the Silver Achievement Award!  This is usually not achieved until the second year at the earliest.  Way to go ladies!  Keep up the good work! I am proud to report that North Carolina clubs got awards in nearly all categories, so as a state we rock!

The North Carolina Federation of Republican Women celebrated the day dining together Saturday night.  The NCFRW hospitality room and dinner attracted many guests and government officials who had presented.  We are known through the federation for our hospitality.

On Sunday, NFRW Faith Coalition Chair, Janis Holt, led the “Be the Light” prayer breakfast, with an uplifting gospel singing group.  The general session opened with traditional patriotic music by The Spirit of ’76, a Hispanic group which truly got the convention up and moving.  The speakers were Katie Hopkins, a British conservative media personality with an awesome message (Please research her.)  She’s been banned from South Africa for speaking up against racism towards whites, deported from Australia for criticizing the lockdown, arrested in UK for her views and the target of a jihadi plot to behead her.  A 6 foot 2 inch tall blond, no less!

Gordon Chang, author and China expert, spoke next on the threat from China. He made several recommendations: severe relations with China, cut trade, stop giving money to their military, close their embassies in the US, stop Chinese spies, cut the technology agreements and biological technology research with China which have led to the Covid and Fentanyl epidemics in America, don’t allow their DNA storage and ban Confucius Institutes from our university campuses.  Business was concluded with the election of the new NFRW board and passing the gavel.

It’s a magnificent occasion to be part of a group of women dedicated to getting women with strong moral and conservative values involved in politics to champion our Republican values.

I got to swap state pins (see above photo) with many ladies from New Hampshire to California, Arizona to Wyoming.  I heard about their clubs, their communities, their ideas and the challenges they face not only politically, but also in their own families with children, grandkids and great-grandkids.  I sat next to a member from Texas and heard first-hand what she’s seeing with the flood of illegal immigrants and how it’s impacting her community.  I discussed with the VP from New Hampshire the epidemic of drug addiction invading their area.  I learned how a member from Florida was helping the poor of her community stay out of poverty and how Covid numbers were being doctored in Florida.  I listened to a club member from California share how her club membership was rocketing due to the liberal policies and governance in California.

I encourage you to take advantage of the rewards of membership.  Get involved in HCRW locally. Meet other ladies from North Carolina at the state conventions and from around our great country at the biennial convention with the same passions and dedication as yours.  Help our voice in government grow stronger and elect officials who truly represent us.

Thanks to all of you for the opportunity to serve.
Paula Eachus
President, High Country Republican Women

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