Judge lauds club members work for Federation day

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“These are incredible women…”

“”It is an honor to stand here and celebrate Federation Day with these women who are united through service to their community.”La Salle County Judge Leodoro Martinez III was joined by county commissioners, law enforcement, school district representatives, local government officers and child advocates in welcoming the members of the Cotulla Woman’s Club to the county courthouse this week to mark Thursday, April 24, in commemoration of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

The ceremony in the district courtroom on Tuesday gave the judge and Woman’s Club members an opportunity to thank those who have given hours of volunteer time in service to their community, addressing vital issues related to family health and wellbeing, standing up against domestic violence, child abuse and dating violence; and bringing light to social issues relevant to South Texas.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs was founded in 1890 with 63 original clubs, and the Woman’s Club of Cotulla has been active in the community for over 100 years.

“This organization empowers women to be community leaders, advocates for change,” the county judge said at the ceremony. “Club members have always stepped up with passion and purpose.

“These are incredible women who carry the mission forward every day,” Judge Martinez added, “in our neighborhoods and beyond, with a wish for a better world. Let’s lift each other up and lead with a purpose.”

“This year marks 135 years of the general federation,” club member and County Attorney Elizabeth Martinez said. “The Cotulla club is a member of the Texas federation, and I remember when I was first invited to meet the club. I thought it was going to be a tea party with ladies, but it wasn’t. There is much to do, and Louisa Franklin put us to work.

“There is great satisfaction in volunteering in our community,” Atty. Martinez added. “We are grateful to the county judge and commissioners for giving us a platform to pay it forward.”

Local federation council member and Texas president-elect of the state’s Women’s Clubs organization Novella Byrd gave credit to the club members for their work on a wide range of issues and local government for backing the club’s mission of public service.

“I thank all of you for your unfailing support,” Byrd said. “You have jumped in wholeheartedly, the county government, county judge, and school district. You have been our voice.

“One of the biggest projects by the club has been supporting the Wintergarden Women’s Shelter and child advocacy organizations,” Byrd added. “We have been able to give a voice to those who cannot speak up, those who need to be heard.”

Records provided by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs indicate that Texas members alone collectively contributed over 96,000 volunteer hours in 2024 to local projects.

The county judge noted that he believes club members have given much of their time and effort to address social issues in the community.

“It takes a lot of hours, and your work does not go unnoticed,” Judge Martinez said. “You put the families first.”

The judge extended thanks to the school district, sheriff’s office, and the commissioners’ court “for allowing us to do what we do for the community.”

“The women of the club are dedicated to the community they serve,” Judge Martinez said in his proclamation. “They make their mark on the world by living the community spirit. Cotulla’s club has been serving our families for over 100 years in health and social issues, advocating for children and families.”

The Woman’s Club of Cotulla takes an active role in monthly efforts to raise awareness of vital issues, bringing together government entities, schools, churches, shelter organizations, child advocates, law enforcement and emergency responders, and encouraging public awareness and promoting intervention in and prevention of critical threats to family wellbeing.

This month, club members have distributed silhouettes of children and other public displays, distributed information and resource material, and addressed local groups in April’s dedication to intervention in child abuse and sexual assault, both of which were marked by proclamations from the county government.