Dear GFWC Ohio Club Women,

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I am grateful to serve as the 66th President for GFWC Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs.  I appreciate your confidence in me and your support and encouragement is very gratifying.  It will be an exciting time for Ohio Federation as we see some changes while keeping our traditions alive.  The mission is always the same, to serve our members and our communities.

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The theme for the 2026-2028 Administration is “Acres of Diamonds”.  It is based on a book by Russell H. Conwell.  The story was a lecture he gave and the idea is that we do not need to look elsewhere for opportunity, achievement or fortune.  All the opportunities we could possibly want can be found where we are now.  We need to look for the hidden gems in our clubs and communities as we focus on Membership and Leadership.

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Learn about your members and discover their true potential.  Cultivate those members by providing opportunities to become leaders.  Look for organizations that you can partner with, organizations that need your support and could provide educational programs.

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Diamonds are rare and special, strong and resilient and get tougher as they go through challenges, just like our members.  Let’s have fun “digging” for those hidden gems.

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Acres of Diamonds reminds us that our most precious diamonds are the women who make up our clubs.  Yet, too often, we place our own health last.  We care deeply for our families, our communities and our causes; but we rarely invest that same care in ourselves.  By caring for ourselves, we strengthen the work we do for others.

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The President’s Special Emphasis will be Women Who Shine.  This emphasis is rooted in one belief; when women are healthy, our communities shine brighter.  This initiative focuses on women’s mental and physical health. My hope is that by encouraging early detection, open conversations and small steps in wellness, our members will shine brighter in leadership, service and community life.  Together we will strengthen the communities we serve—starting with ourselves as health is our greatest wealth.

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I want to thank my club GFWC Ohio Junior Cyberlinks Club, the 2026-2028 Board of Directors, State Chairmen and Committee Members for saying Yes when asked to volunteer.  Ohio is very fortunate to have so many dedicated clubwomen who have volunteered their time to GFWC, Great Lakes Region and the Ohio Federation.  They are truly an inspiration and continue to serve as mentors to our membership.

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I want to thank my family, my husband Jamie, my son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Justine Savarin, my daughter Laura and son-in-law Preston as well as my four beautiful granddaughters for always being there to support me.  My husband and children have been on this journey with me the past 38 years and there are no words to express how grateful I am.

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I want to end with a quote from Oprah Winfrey.  “Know what sparks the light in you.  Then use that light to illuminate the world.”

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In Federation Friendship and Love,

 

Barbara Savarin

2026-2028 GFWC Ohio President