Alabama Federation of Republican Women

HISTORY

Republican women's clubs have existed across the nation since the early 1870's. The oldest club on record was founded in Salt Lake City. Inspired by the Republican Platform of 1872 which said: "The Republican Party is mindful of its obligation to the loyal women of America for their noble devotion to the cause of freedom...," hundreds of clubs followed.

In 1938, Marion Miller organized these clubs into a national organization at the first national convention in Chicago. At that time, Alabama had not even ratified the 19th amendment.
By 1943, 23 states had formed statewide federations, but it took Alabama until 1962 to form a state federation. Mary Ellen Miller, of Mobile, was elected as the first President at a statewide meeting in Montgomery. Twelve clubs were charter members of the federation.

Since 1962, the Alabama Federation has continued to grow. Today there are 26 clubs within the 7 Congressional Districts of Alabama, with total membership of over 1,200. The AFRW is part of the largest political party organization in the country, the National Federation of Republican Women. Together with 100,000 other NFRW members across the land, we are a collective force advancing the power of women through political access and participation. AFRW works closely with the RNC, the Alabama Republican Party, and the National Federation of Republican Women.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our Mission is to positively impact our nation and strengthen our Republican Party through recruiting, education, training, supporting, and electing Republicans. The AFRW promotes the empowerment of women of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds in the political process believing our strength comes from diversity of opinion, experience and culture.

AFRW OBJECTIVES

Promote an informed electorate through political education.
Increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of the good government through active political participation
Foster loyalty to the Republican Party and to promote its principles and candidates in all elections including non-partisan elections
Work for the election of the Republican Party’s nominees
Support objectives and policies of the Republican National Committee, the Alabama Republican Committee, and the National Federation of Republican Women

OUR BELIEFS

We believe our strength comes from diversity of opinion, experience, and culture.
We believe in the power of grassroots political activism.
We believe our legacy is developing political leaders for the future.
We believe women are the powerful force for change for the 21st Century.
We believe in government that requires personal responsibility while protecting the worth of the individual.

PROGRAMS

Campaign Management Schools
On the National level and state level, the federation has trained thousands of Republican women to manage campaigns and run for office through Campaign Management Schools, Candidate Recruitment and Women's Leadership Development Programs. AFRW organizes state and local Get Out the Vote programs and participates in the National Capitol Alert Hotline program.

Caring for America
Caring for America projects provide positive public relations and register new Republicans by working in the community and showing that Republican women care. With the war on terror, supporting our troops has become an important part of our Caring for America projects.

Literacy
Barbara Bush Literacy programs and Mamie Eisenhower Library Projects promote the Republican philosophy through tutoring programs and donation of books to libraries, schools, hospitals and other public institutions to encourage Americans to read.

No Child Left Behind
The "No Child Left Behind" project promotes the George W. Bush's education platform.

Scholarships & Internships

The Betty Rendel Scholarship Fund is designated to assist an undergraduate Republican woman majoring in political science, government or economics.

The Nancy Reagan National Pathfinder Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship annually for the study of substance abuse prevention.

The Dorothy Kabis Internship allows 4 college women to work at NFRW headquarters each summer, helping them gain practical political experience.