From the desk of:
Ingrid Lake
CFRW President
July 4, 2026
Welcome to this week’s SPARK
Spotlight, Positivity, Action, Reflection, and Knowledge
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
PRESIDENT’S WEEKLY SPARK
SPARK: Reflection
From 1776 to Today: A Quarter Millennium of Freedom
As we celebrate this Fourth of July, I want to wish each of you and your families a joyful, safe, and meaningful Independence Day.
Today, we pause to give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and to remember the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of those who secured and have defended those freedoms throughout our nation’s history. The blessings of liberty are never guaranteed—they are preserved by citizens who are willing to serve, lead, and stand for the principles on which our country was founded.
I am deeply grateful for each of you and for your dedication to the California Federation of Republican Women. Your commitment to your communities, our organization, and our shared values makes a difference every day. It is an honor to serve alongside you.
May you enjoy a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends.
Happy Independence Day!
SPARK in Practice:
Stay Engaged! The more you engage with your local club, CFRW, and NFRW, the more opportunities you’ll have to learn, connect, grow as a leader, and make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond.
PRO TIP: Don’t skip the underlined text! Each link opens the door to valuable resources, connections across our Federation, and simple next steps to help you take action.
Thank You for Attending!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to register for and participate in our Summer Board of Directors Meeting on June 27th. Your commitment to staying informed and engaged is what makes CFRW such a strong and vibrant organization.
Our outstanding speakers delivered encouraging, informative, and engaging presentations, and I hope each of you came away with valuable insights, fresh ideas, and practical takeaways that will strengthen your leadership and benefit your clubs in the months ahead.
We are looking forward to our next in-person meeting. Keep an eye out for details to come soon!
As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, we have a remarkable opportunity to share the mission of both CFRW and NFRW with those around us. This milestone reminds us that freedom is preserved not by chance, but by informed, engaged citizens who are willing to lead and serve.
The America 250 celebration provides a natural opportunity to invite friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues to attend a meeting, participate in a club event, or become a member. When we welcome new members into our Federation, we are strengthening a network of women committed to educating voters, developing leaders, supporting Republican candidates, and advancing the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility.
Every conversation is an opportunity to grow our Federation. As we honor the legacy of the past 250 years, let’s also invest in the next generation of leaders by inviting others to stand with us. Together, we can ensure that the values that shaped our nation continue to inspire and guide California—and America—for years to come.
Volunteer Hours Reminder
The reporting period for Volunteer Hours ends on June 30th and reporting for these hours starts on July 1 and is open for 2 weeks for Club Presidents to report their member volunteer hours to NFRW.
More information is available in previous and future SPARK emails, below by clicking the button, or by emailing CFRW 3rd Vice President, Bibi Mesmer.
Register Now for July 9th
Now that our Summer Board of Directors Meeting has concluded, I encourage you to register today for our next Distinguished Speaker Series event on Thursday, July 9, from 6:00–7:00 p.m., featuring California State Senator Tony Strickland.
Senator Strickland represents California’s 36th Senate District and has dedicated decades to public service at both the state and local levels. Known for his focus on fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic opportunity, and government accountability, he brings a wealth of experience and insight on the issues shaping California’s future.
I was thrilled to see so many clubs come together to host watch parties for our Summer Board of Directors Meeting. The fellowship, shared learning, and enthusiasm demonstrated the strength of our Federation. I encourage clubs to consider hosting another watch party for this Distinguished Speaker Series event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn together, engage in meaningful discussion, and strengthen the friendships that make CFRW so special.
As a valuable benefit of CFRW membership, this event is completely free for all members. Our Distinguished Speaker Series offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the leaders making decisions that impact our state, gain valuable insights on current issues, and participate in a live question-and-answer session.
Registration is now open! Reserve your spot using the registration link below, and invite your fellow CFRW members to join you for what promises to be an informative and engaging evening.
As a benefit of membership, there is no cost to attend these events. They provide our members with direct access to the leaders making critical decisions on our behalf. You will have the opportunity to listen, learn, and ask your questions during this engaging session.
Stay tuned for complete details and registration information in upcoming SPARK emails. We hope to see you there!
ACTION ITEMS RECAP
Want to grow your club’s membership? (The answer is YES!!)
Contact Bunny Hacker to get started on using the Voter Database we now have access to.
Bunny Hacker
Volunteer Hours & Calls Reporting Period ends June 30 and reporting window is from July 1- July 15, 2026.
REGISTER for the next CFRW Distinguished Speaker
Thursday, July 9th from 6pm – 7pm
CA State Senator Tony Strickland
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California Federation of Republican Women
428 J St Ste 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
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