AMERICANISM

“We have room in this country for but one flag, the stars and stripes
….We have room for but one loyalty, loyalty to the United States….
We have room for but one language, the English language.”
(The Great Adventure)

As Republican activist, the PWRW Club seeks out opportunities to reaffirm American values and to instill a renewed spirit of patriotism, love of country, and the belief in the special importance of American values through its “Spirit of America” programs and activities.

Among the many volunteer activities Club Members are involved with is that of a White House volunteer. White House volunteers must commit 200 hours per year.  

The PWRW Club jointly sponsors with the Prince William Board of Education, an annual “I speak for Democracy” speech contest open to high school Sophomore, Juniors, and Senior Students.  The Competition Rules are designed to provide an opportunity for both written and oral presentations in support of Americanism, Democracy, Citizenship and Governance.

PWRW members extend their pro-active involvement in federated women’s club activities as members of the VFRW 11th Congressional District Representative’s Committee (the PWRW President) and the VFRW State Board.   In 2008, the Club will be represented at VFRW State level as Awards Chairman on the State Board and as a member of the Legislative Committee.

The PWRW Club plays a key role in the Prince William County Republican Committee. The President is always a member of the Executive Committee and has a vote in its deliberations. The Club encourages PWRW members to joint the PWC Republican Committee and make their voices heard on important issues.

A number of PWRW Club members have family members, friends or neighbors who are serving in the Armed Forces.  We   support our Armed Forces by engaging in projects that aid the U.S. troops and their families.  Club members donate to the Quantico U.S. Marine Christmas “Toys for Tots;” display support for the troops through patriotic signs and bumper stickers,  purchase phone cards, sending letters and cards to our troops, support the VFRW Hampton Roads USO project; contribute to care packages for troops deployed overseas, welcoming service members home from deployment and support for their families.  One member is a member of the Society of Air Force Nurses who support those who have served in USAF Nurse Corps and those who are on current active duty or who are reserve nurses.  

In 2009 the PWRW Club adopted "Books for Soldiers" as a Club Project.  Books for Soldiers is a non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting our men and women in the armed services through donations of books and DVDs.  The organization has its roots in the first Gulf War, where it was reported by CNN Television that once the soldiers were deployed, they were faced with massive downtime and restricted to the base due to the travel limitations. In response to that report a few thoughtful citizens in North Carolina began collecting books to pack up and send to our troops.  After the war, thank you notes from soldiers, sailors, marines and other airmen, who were recipients of the book care packages, told of how important mail call days became as a popular "Book" event.  The project expanded and now includes both books and DVDs. 

The U.S. Marine Corps National Museum is an exciting new facility located at Quantico in Prince William County.  A number of our members were involved in bringing this dream to reality. There are many opportunities to get involved in the Museum volunteer program, greeting guests, conducting tours, and working with the museum programs or the gift shop.  A minimum commitment of 8 hours per month is required for volunteer status and a rewarding experience in working with the Museum staff  www.usmcmuseum.org/

Some PWRW Club members hold educational degrees or are involved in medical and health service volunteer activities such as on church international humanitarian teams under the auspices of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Global Hope Network and the Society of Air Force Nurses.

As Republican Women we need to empower and take action on women’s health issues, in particular the “Go Red for the Heart: and ;Breast Cancer Awareness; Programs. To learn more about women's health issues, the Club invites a speaker to give a presentation at a monthly program meeting. The PWRW Club regularly distributes important health messages to our members and tracks pending legislation that affects women’s health both through our local club and the Virginia Federated Republican Women.  We alert our members to pending action and urge them to take time to send a message to our Members of Congress by calling or writing Congressional Leaders asking for their support for particular Health Bills.

The PWRW Club is integral to the combined efforts of city, county, State and national Republican organizations as we work toward helping Republicans get elected to office, keeping them in office; recruiting candidates to run for office; supporting organizations, events, and projects that uphold conservative principles; and by sizing large and small opportunities to communicate republican principles.  One of the Club’s main goals is to encourage more Republican women to seek elected office, political appointments, and positions in Republican organizations; to that end we actively are involved in recruitment and their election campaigns (PWC Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Maureen Caddigan PWC School Board, Member Julie Lucas; PWC Clerk of the Circuit Court Michele McQuigg). 

Encourage and assist in getting all eligible citizens to vote. There are many opportunities for members to chair or help with projects; attend meetings, conventions and seminars; join campaign teams or work behind the scenes for campaigns and events, “Get Out the Vote” and voter registration activities, or work at the voting precincts during elections.  The Club itself sponsors a “Meet and Greet Republican Candidates” night. Our volunteer opportunities are endless and there is always an active campaign for a national, State, or local office.  

Club Members are encouraged to write their government representatives at all levels of Government.  Elected Representatives are always open to receiving comments on issues and pending legislation or upcoming votes.  Individual letters are more effective then petitions. However, a petition is very useful for some issues to demonstrate the wide interest and a given position, but to be acceptable the petition must have signed signatures and full address of the signee.  Email petitions are not acceptable to Congress or any other level of government.    

To Register to Vote: www.pwcgov.org

Know Your Voting Precinct and District: www.sbe.state.va.us Where do I vote

Virginia State Board of Elections: www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms

Republican National Committee: www.gop.com

Republican Party of Virginia: www.rpv.org

National Republican Senatorial Committee: http://www.nrsc.org/

National Republican Congressional Committee: http://www.nrcc.org/about/

-- Prince William County

Chairman –Corey A. Stewart (R)
703-792-4640
cstewart@pwcgov.org

Woodbridge – Frank Principi (D)
703-792-4646
fprincipi@pwcgov.org

Dumfries – Maureen Caddigan (R)
703-792-4645
mcaddigan@pwcgov.org

Brentsville – Wally Covington (R)
703-792-6190
wcovington@pwcgov.org

Neabsco – John D., Jenkins (D)
703-792-4668
jjenkins@pwcgov.org

Coles – Martin E. Nohe (R)
703-792-4620
mnohe@pwcgov.org

Occoquan – Michael C. May (R)
703-792-4643
mcmay@pwcgov.org

Gainsville – John T. Stirrup (R)
703-792-6195
gainesville@pwcgov.org

-- State Delegates

13th District – Bob Marshall (R)
703-361-5416
DelBMarshall@house.state.va.us

31st District – Scott Lingamfelter (R)
703-580-1294
DelSLingmtelter@house.state.va.us

50th District – Jackson Miller (R)
703-244-6172
DelJMiller@house.state.va.us

51st District – Richard (Rich) Anderson (R)

804-698-1051
DelRAnderson@house.state.va.us

52nd District – Luke Torian (D)

804-698-1052
DelLTorian@house.state.va.us

-- State Senators:

28th District – Richard Stuart (R)
district28@sov.state.va.us

36th District – Toddy Puller (D)
703-765-1150
district36@sov.state.va.us

39th District – George Barker (D)
district39@sov.state.va.us

-- U.S. Representatives

1st District – Rob Wittman (R)
202-225-4261
http://whitman.house.gov/

10th District – Frank Wolf (R)
202-225-5136
http://wolf.house.gov/

11th District –Gerald (Gerry) Connolly (D)
202-225-1492

http://connolly.home.gov/

-- U.S. Senators

Mark Warner (D)
202-224-2023

http://warner.senate.gov/

James Webb (D)
202-224-4024
http://webb.senate.gov/

Keeping aware of legislative news and events on the local, State and national levels is an important part of the PWRW Club activities.  For a better understanding of the issues, the Club draws on both the NFRW and the VFRW alerts, meetings with our local, State and national representatives, survey results, and other tracking resources to research legislative issues of interest.  Legislative reports are regularly presented at Club meetings, in electronic Email correspondence alerts and in our newsletter.

VFRW Legislative Day

The VFRW Legislative Day is annual event held in Richmond, Virginia that affords our members the opportunity to see our Virginia State Government at work, to interact with our elected State officials and network with other VFRW members from across the State. Club members are invited to hear Republican Women Delegates, the Speaker of the House, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Governor, the Attorney General, and key legislative leaders’ presentations on Virginia State issues of interest.  A most welcome invitation for Club Members is to join their Delegates and Senators from respective districts for lunch; a unique way to informally have our voices heard directly to those who represent us in the General Assembly.  The day-long meeting is followed by a tour of the newly refurbished Capitol Building

Legislative Surveys

PWRW frequently participate in legislative surveys both by the VFRW and individual Virginia Delegates or Senators which provides another avenue to make our voices heard.  Survey results are disseminated among our members and to Prince William County representatives and officials.

Sponsor Legislative Bills

Politically active PWRW Club members from time-to-time work with Virginia Delegates and Senators to research and sponsor bills on issues of interest to our members and our legislative districts.  Members also assist and participate in Town Hall Meetings on pending bills, as well as encourage citizens to write their representatives and occasionally testify at committee hearings.

Track Legislation Status and Government Information

The PWRW Club keeps its membership education on How a Bill Becomes a Law regularly tracks U.S. Congressional and Virginia Legislature legislation status and deliberations of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors; keeping club members informed on issues of interest and contacting representatives to voice Club views, as well as utilizing various mechanisms to educate and inform the Prince William County Community.

For tracking VA legislation status: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/PolicyPub/legis98/home.html

For tracking U.S. Congressional legislation status: http://thomas.loc.gov/

For Prince William County BOS information: www.pwcgov.org

For Commonwealth of Virginia information: www.virginia.gov/cmsporta2/

Virginia General Assembly: http://legis.state.va.us

For US Government information: www.usa.gov/

For U.S. Supreme Court information: www.supremecourtus.gov

1. Drafting and Introduction
   A legislator has an idea FOR A BILL, usually from a constituent.
   Then legislative member presents the idea and requests that it be DRAFTED INTO A BILL. In January, when the General Assembly meets, the Delegates and Senators introduce their bills in their respective chambers.
2. Committee Action
   The Bill is REFERRED to a committee. The members of the committee consider the bill and decide what action to take. This is when the public may speak.
   After listening to the testimony, the committee will vote to recommend the passage or defeat of the bill. They may also offer changes (called amendments). If the committee recommends passage of the bill, it then goes back to the chamber where it was introduced.
3. "Floor Action"
   The titles of the bill must be read or printed in the calendar three times
   FIRST READING: The bill is printed in the calendar or is read by the Clerk.
   SECOND READING: The bill may be amended after it has been read a second time. In the House of Delegates, the bill will be debated.
   THIRD READING: In the Senate, the bill may be debated. A final vote is taken during the third reading.
4. Voting
   If the bill passes, it is then SENT TO THE OTHER CHAMBER where it follows a similar process of committee action, floor debate, amending, and voting. If the bill passes both house in the same form, it then goes to the Governor. If the bill is amended by the other house, it is then returned to the body from which it originated for approval of the amendment.
   A COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE is usually created to resolve any differences between the House of Delegates and Senate.
5. Governor's Action
   Once passed in the same form, the bill is then sent to the Governor for his approval.
   The Governor may:
   sign the bill into law
   amend the bill and return it to the General Assembly for their approval.
   veto the bill and return it to the General Assembly, where the House of Delegates and Senate may override the Governor's veto by a two-thirds vote of both houses.
   take no action and the bill becomes law without his signature.
6. Law
   Bills that become law during a Regular Session (or the Reconvened Session that follows) are effective on July 1st, unless otherwise specified.

The PWRW Club is an active participant in reading and literacy activities throughout our local community and promoting reading among Club members. In keeping with our mission to help strengthen our nation and our community through education and the political process, we encourage our members to read books on government, foreign affairs, politics and American history and to join a book reading club.  It is our view that by providing brief book reviews and access to recommended reading lists it encourages our members to be avid readers.   The PWRW Club further supports this effort by participating in book and author programs and the Club features a book club selection on our own webpage (pwrwclub.com) that reflects Republican philosophy drawing on the recommended GOP Reading List.  Club members often donate time to read a book for the library story hour. 

Republican Women have also long supported reading and literacy projects, in particular the Mamie Eisenhower Project the Barbara Bush Literacy Project and the Laura Bush advocated Reach Out and Read Project and the Dictionary Project.  In 2002, the National Federated Republican Club Literacy Committee launched the NFRW Literacy Month with a reading theme each year and a featured Book of the Week on its webpage nfrw.org.  The PWRW Club participates in the NFRW Literacy Month by featuring a club program presentation and by a PWRW annual book donation to the Prince William Public Library System.

One PWRW Club members clearly recognize the importance of education at all stages of life and from all educational institutional resources.  Promoting educational opportunities through the Club is a regular part of our program and activities.  One member is an Adjunct Staff Professor at the Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and a guest instructor at the U.S. Foreign Service Institute.  Several members tutor students or teach private lessons.  

The Club furthers the Republican objectives among young Republican women through promotion of scholarships in political science or government studies offered by the Virginia Federated Women’s Club, the National Federated Women’s Club and the Republican Party of Virginia.  Interested students may apply for the “VFRW Political Science Scholarship;” the “VA/GOP Jane Byler Institute Scholarship;” or one of three NFRW scholarships: the “NFRW National pathfinder Scholarship,” the “NFRW Betty Rendel Scholarship,” and the “NFRW Dorothy Andrews Kabis Memorial Internship."

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings.
I stand watch in American’s halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners, my
head is a little higher, my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped – I am saluted.
I am loved – I am revered.
I am respected – I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war for more
than 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge,
Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.

I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forests, Anzio, Rome and the beaches
of Normandy.

Guam, Okinawa, Korea, KheSan and Saigon all know me.

I am presently in the mountains of Afghanistan and the
hot dusty deserts of Iraq, and wherever freedom is needed.

I led my troops, I was dirty, battle worn and tired, but
my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of
countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt,
for I am invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the
streets of my country. And when it’s done by those whom
I’ve served in battle – it hurts. But, I shall overcome –
for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over
the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point
on the moon.

I have borne silent witness to all of America’s finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield, or when I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldiers, or when I
When I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving Comrades on
the battlefield, or when I am flown at half-mast to Honor my soldiers, or
when I lie in the trembling arms of a parent at the grave of their fallen son
or daughter, I am proud,

I Am the Flag of the United States of America.
Anonymous

Let's Go Red for Women
Red has various meanings and implications.  Red can be associated with the Red Hatters -- those women that are proud to be fifty and over.  Red can imply energy, passion, love, and is the color of our blood.  
The American Heart Association's “Go Red for Women” program uses the color red and the red dress symbol to empower women to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.
Consider these facts:

Women are also less likely than men to receive certain diagnostic testing and treatments, such as angioplasties and stents, for cardiovascular diseases.
Do you know the warning signs of a heart attack?  Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening: chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath or other signs like breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.   As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number.
 As women we often forget to take care of ourselves, because we are so busy taking care of others.  Take a few minutes out of your busy schedule for yourself.  Make a difference in your life and the lives of other women by urging your congressional leaders to co-sponsor HEART legislation To find out more specifics about pending the heart legislation, visit http://www.heartforwomen.org/.

What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease, meaning that it is a different disease in different women, a different disease in different age groups and has different cell populations within the tumor itself. Generally, breast cancer is a much more aggressive disease in younger women.

Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.

This year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Breast cancer is not exclusively a disease of women, however. Approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year. The evaluation of men with breast masses is similar to that in women, including mammography.

Risk Factors
No one knows the exact causes of breast cancer, but research has shown that women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the disease.

Risk factors for breast cancer include:

Symptoms
Generally, early breast cancer does not cause pain. Even so, a woman should see her health care provider about breast pain or any other symptom that does not go away.

Common symptoms of breast cancer include:

Early Detection Plan
An Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan should include:

In 1961 the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) established the Mamie Eisenhower Library Project (MELP).  This is a memorial honoring a former First Lady provides a valuable community service.  The Project asks NFRW local clubs and members to donate books and videos that reflect Republican philosophy, present outstanding Republican personalities or have historical significance to local public libraries or school libraries.  In support o the Project objectives, the NFRW features a “Book of the Week” on its website.  A List of MELP recommended books is also available on the NFRW website vfrw.org.  The PWRW Club participates in the MELP Project both through annual PWRW Club donations and member donations of books to the Prince William Public Library System.  

Reading is “the” most important skill of all.  It is the starting point for all the economic and social opportunities this world has to offer.  The Barbara Bush Literacy Project recognizes this axiom and asks Republican women to initiate cooperative literacy activity with a local library, day care center or school such as reading to groups or tutoring students and participating in adult reading groups.  The project also urges clubs to give the gift of a book to unique recipients such as each baby born in the community. The project further urges clubs to seek out partners in the business community to provided matching fund donations in support of the project.   The PWRW Club participates in the BBLP project both through annual PWRW club donations to the Prince William Library System and member donations of books, and reading to children during story hour, tutoring students.

The Dictionary Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1995.  The goal of this program is to assist all students in completing the school year as good writers, active readers and creative thinkers by providing students with their own personal dictionary.  The dictionaries are a gift to each student to keep and use at school and at home for years to come (dictionaryproject.org). The PWRW is an advocate of this program and donates funds to support the program in local schools.

• Dear Soldier: Heartfelt Letters from America's Children by Barbara W. Baldwin, Amber Baldwin D'Amico and Heather Baldwin Duff
• Riding with Reagan: From the White House to the Ranch by John R. Barletta
• An Inconvenient Book: Real Solutions to the World’s Biggest Problems by Glenn Beck
• How to Raise an American: Activities, Fun Facts, Books, Films, Places and Much, Much More! by Myrna Blyth and Chriss Winston
• Checkmate by Karna Small Bodman
• Inheritance of Honor by Stephen D. Boyett
• State of Emergency; Buchanan, Patrick J.; Thomas Dunne Books, 2006
• The Small Woman; Burgess, Alan; Evans Brothers, 1957
• Time and Chance: Gerald Ford's Appointment with History by James Cannon
• Operation Homecoming: Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front, in the Words of U.S. Troops and Their Families by Andrew Carroll
• Blue Skies, No Fences: A Memoir of Childhood and Family by Lynne Cheney
• Black in the White House: Life Inside George W. Bush's West Wing by Ron Christie
• How Now Shall We Live ;Colson, Chuck; Tyndale House, 2004
• The Troops Need You America: Six Ways to Help Them Win from Your Living Room by Major Eric England (Reserve)
• Condi: The Condoleezza Rice Story by Antonia Felix
• A Time to Heal: The Autobiography of Gerald R. Ford by Gerald R. Ford
• My Dear President: letters Between Presidents and Their Wives by Gerald W. Gawalt and Jane Gawalt
• Winning Right: Campaign Politics and Conservative Policies by Ed Gillespie
• Racing to Win: Establish Your Game Plan for Success by Joe Gibbs with Ken Abraham
• Rediscovering God in America: Reflections on the Role of Faith in Our Nation's History and Future by Newt Gingrich
• Leadership by Rudolph W. Giuliani
• Kearns Team of Rivals – The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln; Goodwin, Doris; Simon & Schuster. 2005
• I Rose Like A Rocket – The Political: Education of Theodore Roosevelt; Grondahl, Paul Free Press, 2004
• From America’s Children; Integrity House, 2006
• Conservative Comebacks to Liberal Lies: Issue by Issue Responses to the Most Common Claims of the Left from A to Z by Gregg Jackson
• My Father, My President: A Personal Account of the Life of George H. W. Bush by Doro Bush Koch
• The Leaders of a New Nation; Lacy, Brenda Publish America, 2006
• The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey by Candice Millard
• America Mourning: The Intimate Morgan, Melanie Story of Two Families Torn By War, Torn by Beliefs; Moy, Catherine; WND Books,2006
• Culture Warrior by Bill O'Reilly
• Debunking 9-11 Myths: Why Conspiracy: Theories Can’t Stand up to the Facts; Forward by John McCain, Popular Mechanics, 2006
• Season's Greetings from the White House by Mary Evans Seeley
• The Messenger; Silva, Daniel; Putnam, 2006
• Prince of Fire , Silva, Daniel;; Putnam, 2006
• Father Abraham: Lincoln's Relentless Struggle to End Slavery by Richard Striner
• Republican Women: Feminism & Conservatism from Suffrage Through the Rise of the New Right; Hearst-Rymph, Catherine; U of N. Carolina Press, 2006
• Comeback Moms: How to Leave Work and Restart Your Career…; Samuels, Monica; Morgan Road Books, 2006
• Cane River Tademy, Lalita; Warner Books, 2002
• Heart of a Hawk: One Family's Sacrifice & Journey Toward Healing by Deborah H. Tanish
• The Glass Castle Walls, Jeannette;; Scribner, 2005

 BOOKMARK IT

The VFRW Political Studies Scholarship instituted in 2005.  The scholarship is given to a Virginia collegiate woman, majoring in either government or political science, who displays a serious commitment to community involvement in politics.  Scholarship applications must be submitted by March 1 of each calendar year.  The VFRW Education/Scholarship Committee selects the winner vfrw.org/education. 

This scholarship named in honor of Jennifer Byler, a longtime Republican Party leader and former National Committeewoman from Virginia, the Jennifer Byler Institute (JBI) is an initiative of the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV).  Its mission is to increase the number of effective Republican women in public service and party leadership by providing extensive training and support to women as they pursue their political and professional goals vagop.com.

The National Federation of Women established the national Pathfinder Scholarship Fund in 1985 in horror of  First Lady Nancy Reagan.  The three annual scholarships of $2500 provide financial assistance and support to students seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees.  Applications are due to the State Federation  Presidents by June 1 of each calendar year. Scholarship application information is available at nfrw.org.

The National Federation of Women Clubs established the Betty Rendel Scholarship Fun in 1995 in honor of  NFRW Past President Betty Rendel’s extraordinary leadership skills and dedication to the Republican Party in her home state of Indiana, as well as at the national level.  Three annual scholarships of $1000 are awarded to undergraduate students who are majoring in political science, government or economics and have successfully completed two years of college course work.  Applications are due to the State Federation Presidents by June 1 of each calendar year. Scholarship application information is available at nfrw.org.

Contest Rules currently under development