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April 15, 2025 Launch Meeting Pics & Recap
April 15, 2025 Meeting Recap:
April 15th marked the first meeting of the Jax Beaches Republican Women's Club Federated and there was no shortage of excitement! Packed into tables like sardines with folks standing around in the back, we filled up the patio of Strings Sports Brewery.
Esther Byrd, the President, shared her why for starting the Club:
"After 4 years as President of RWCDF, and serving in the State Federation, I saw the writing on the wall. RWC will be extinct in 20 years if we don’t figure out how to engage younger women. Luncheons at country clubs are great and those must continue to serve their members. But the last 5 years has brought a whole new group of people, specifically moms and busy professionals, to the political table. They can’t sit on the sidelines anymore as the left tries to erase women, mutilate children and push porn into our schools. Many haven’t been involved before and don’t really know where to go or how to effect change. THAT is where we come in!
Our mission is simple: To engage women in politics and government in a healthy, balanced and productive way in furtherance of our shared values."
The Executive Committee was introduced and members were asked what they want this Club to be and how we can engage them. One member said that it was important to have access to candidates so that she can make informed decisions for herself during election season. Another member wants to be more educated on the function of government. Access to elected officials to build relationships was another. We discussed that Republican Women's Club support ALL Republicans, therefore, we don't play in Primary Elections. Our members individually can support whomever they wish, but the Club must stay neutral. Esther gave her well known "50 shades of red" analogy and explained that even if we disagree with a Republican on one issue, there will be another issue on which we agree and will need to work with them.
Our speaker was Lindsey Killen, a JBRWC Founding Member and the Chief Operating Officer of Do No Harm. Do No Harm represents physicians, nurses, medical students, patients, and policymakers focused on keeping identity politics out of medical education, research, and clinical practice. They believe in making healthcare better for all – not undermining it in pursuit of a political agenda. Do No Harm seeks to highlight and counteract divisive trends in medicine, such as “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” and youth-focused gender ideology.
She share some startling statistics regarding medical transitioning of children and the amazing work they are doing to try and stop it. Anyone can be a member of DNH and she encouraged us to join so you can follow and support the work they do. You can learn more about Do No Harm here.
Our gift card raffle was amazing with 10 winner of gift cards from Sisterlee Boutique, Safe Harbor Seafood, Sliders Oyster Bar, Cinotti's Bakery and Culhane's Irish Pub plus a bottle of Culhane's red wine and 5 Sisters Vodka! Thank you to all for their generous donations! Supporting local business, especially if they are owned by conservatives, is really important so we hope you'll visit these establishments and give them your business.
Thanks also to RWCDF for bringing their beautiful, patriotic jewelry to offer for sale to our members and attendees!
We closed with our upcoming events:
April 18 at 1:15pm Civic Connections with Congressman Greg Steube (Virtual)
April 21 at 9:00am Founding Member Zoom
April 23 at 8:30-9:30am Coffee Collab
April 25 (time TBD) Civic Connections with Congresswoman Kat Cammack (Virtual)
May 2 at 1:15p Civic Connections with Sheriff Michelle Cook (Virtual)
May 2 at 5:30-7pm First FriYay Happy Hour at Sliders
Meeting May 20th – Law Enforcement Discussion Panel
Meeting June 17th – Former Speaker Paul Renner – Conservatives are the REAL Conservationists
Meeting July 15th – State Rep. Kiyan Michael – An Angel Mom on a Mission & Legislative Update
Pink Out Gala – Save the Date October 4th
If you missed this meeting, we hope you can make it next time! Keep an eye on your email for the invite. If you don't see it, search your email for jbrwc.wildapricot.org and rescue it from your spam folder.