Legislative Day 2019

 People seek leadership positions for many reasons.  In my case, I didn’t seek out the office of SDFRW President, but it is something I am willing and excited to embrace. It’s hard not to be optimistic as our organization shifts into a higher gear in so many positive and productive ways.  In fact this organization continues to bring in more top notch ladies every month.  Our meetings have been focused on many things that allow time for members on a variety of committees to share ideas and come up with goals and action plans. Strengths and gifts of our members are being realized and utilized. And we have fun getting to know each other in a variety of ways!

What have we been doing?

• Within just months we’ve become engaged in ‘hands on’ support of our deployed military families.
• We have a new form of Americanism by launching ‘Truth For Our Youth’ that engages students at college campuses to understand why Republican principles work best in our country. All are welcome to these panels.
• We are working on creative ways to get the message of truth to folks with public service ads and more.
•  Our social media has hit the gas pedal as we move forward with our website, Newsletter and active Facebook Page, thanks to some very capable, dedicated ladies.
• While we have helped maintain the First Ladies Inaugural Gowns Display, we recently  provided and celebrated the first ever, first Gentleman’s tuxedo that is now in the display case on the ground level of our State Capitol.
• We will be working on a ‘Virtual Club’ for those who don’t have clubs in their county. 
•  We are becoming engaged and educated on the issues of sex trafficking and others that impact the great state of South Dakota.
• Our Legislative Day is Feb.10, 2020 at the State Capitol.

The list goes on, but we anticipate a significant year in 2020 as we move forward. In September we will host Ben Carson at our SDFRW State Convention in Sioux Falls.  We welcome good Republican women to join in the great things we hope to accomplish. Men may become associate members of their local clubs.

Lastly, a bit about myself. Born in Philip, SD, we moved to Madison when I and my twin sister, Debbie, were 8 years old. I completed my majors in Phys. Ed. & Art, with a Health minor from Dakota State College. After marrying Larry Rhoden from Union Center, I taught in the rural schools and coached basketball, track and instructed gymnastics. I have taught VBS for decades and am mid-week youth director at our church, have always enjoyed photography, and still write a weekly column called Central Meade County News.  We have ranched and raised 4 sons, Jesse, Cody, Reggie and Tristen. We have three beautiful daughter-in-laws to balance out the gender situation, Sarah, Liz and Jennifer. I currently am married to SD’s Lt. Governor, and being SDFRW President is my newest role.

  I plan to do my best to enhance our organization as well as its individual members. My goal is for SDFRW to be the organization that realizes the strength of their fellow members and moves forward helping and edifying each other. Together we are strong and effective.

True leaders are not those who strive to be first, but those who are first to strive to give their all for the success of the team.

Best wishes and many blessings in 2020,

Sandy Rhoden

SDFRW President.