November Luncheon
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
11:15 Check-in Starts
11:30 a.m. Social Meet & Greet
12:00 p.m. Lunch and Meeting
Santa Fe Country Club
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"What's Happening to Santa Fe?"
Eli Bransford
We welcome Eli Bransford as our November speaker. Eli, in collaboration with his colleague, JD Marmion, a film and documentary maker, have created a docuseries called “What’s Happening to Santa Fe.” In their compelling and informative films, they explore recent challenges in our city concerning both crime and homelessness. In 2021 alone, crime was up 74% from the previous year. Eli and JD noticed this trend and have embarked on a journey to figure out why. Interviewing various people from public officials to police officers to the homeless, they walked the streets night and day to understand this dilemma. They are passionate to effect positive change in the community and preserve our city for future generations. To learn more about their work and watch their videos, visit www.whatshappeningtosantafe.com.
What We Do
According to the National Federation of Republican Women, the Santa Fe Federate Republican Women is a Diamond level club. That means we check the majority of boxes on the NFRW Achievement matrix. In plain words, that means we've got a lot going on that you can get involved with.
Speaker-Luncheons
Our luncheons are a great place to meet like-minded women (and men Associate members.) They are also highly informative. You will meet State and local candidates. You can participate in debates with candidates for governor, senator, or Congress. In off years, you will get to know interesting thinkers on topics that matter to our community. Luncheons are usually the second Tuesday of the month, September to May, at 11:30 at the Santa Fe Country Club. See calendar and directions below.
In the Running
You might get to like some of these candidates so well that you'd be willing to make calls for them or knock on doors. Some of you might like to get trained as poll watchers or poll challengers. Some of you may be so inspired that you may run for office yourself. In 2022, one of our members ran for Congress. In 2023, another member ran for school board. The NFRW offers candidate training.
A Big Enent
Every year, we hold either a gala or what we call a picnic, which is a more casual event. The purpose of these events is to raise money for candidates we support. Our club even has its own PAC. These are exciting, fun events in which we reach out to the whole Republican community in Santa Fe and beyond.
Caring for America
As an FRW member, you can also get involved with our local community. Every year, we do something a little different. In 2023, we got involved with referendum project at Better Together New Mexico as well as the Desert Rose Women's Center. In 2024, we spear headed the Family Month Project, a call for a National Family Month, and achieved national recognition.
Spreading the Word
Every quarter, we send out a highly informative newsletter which includes links to important articles, state and nationwide, upcoming events for the club, and the county, membership events, a new member spotlight and so much more. Don't miss it - it is definitely worth the read!
Scholarship
Every year, we hold the Judith Nowers scholarship for high school seniors. This is basically an essay contest, in which students headed for college write a response to a question, often about the constitution, or how legislation can affect our lives. Currently, the award is $2000 for the lucky winner. The scholarship committee writes a question and grades the essay. In 2024, Francesco Aimale, a senior at St. Michael's, was our winner. Read his acceptance speech here.