Notes from September 2025 NFRW Convention

by Beverly Kingsford, BCRW President

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Charlie Kirk asked those who disagree with him to step to the front of the line. He invited conversation and healthy, respectful debate. Agree with him, or not, he was willing to have the conversation.

It is an incredible sign of weakness to silence those with whom you do not agree. If we are unable to return to the ability to have respectful conversations, we have lost our nation.

I believe we will eliminate hate when we illuminate the light in ourselves and in each other. That is what we have been striving for in the BCRW. We are many different voices, with many opinions, but together we can make a difference.

Grafting a plant makes the plant stronger and more resistant to disease. Bringing women together from differing backgrounds, and adding our talents and strengths to each other, makes us stronger. We need all voices, and healthy debate, while we champion the values promoted by the Republican Platform.

I wanted to share with you some insights from the NFRW.

Notes from Tulsi Gabbard

“The best way to defend free speech is to exercise it. The best way to defeat lies is to speak truth.” Speaking of Charlie Kirk, Tulsi reminded us to not fear, that God is with us always.

“This is not time to rest on our laurels.” We must use this time to engage others in their civic duties. This is not a time to relax, but a time to work. 

Referring to her time in the military, and a sign that reminded soldiers to make this day count, she said, “Today is the day. None of us knows how much time we have left here in this life. May we do our best with the time we are allotted. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” 

She prayed for us that we may have the strength to persist.

Notes from Julie Harris, NFRW Pres.

“This is not the time to be complacent. Get out of your comfort zone and talk with people. Don’t assume that others know what you know.”

We were also honored to receive the prestigious Diamon Award for the hard work our club has done in the last year.

Notes from Katie Hopkins 

“You were born knowing that your freedoms were God-given. If I cut you open there is freedom in there and God and guns-it is in you! You have freedom wired into your very souls. In our darkest hours that we must now walk through, know that you brought your British family the light of hope in these dark hours. You are the shining light on the hill!”

Notes from Ron DeSantis

FL went from 300,000 registered Republicans to 1.3 million registered Republicans. That shows that conservative policies work. “We painted in bold colors and not pale pastels. We articulated our policies and brought them about.”

In Florida, tenured professors must go under review every 5 years. There is no automatic free ride. 

He is also working to get rid of property tax for Florida residents. Maybe we can convince him to move to Idaho!

Governor DeSantis reminded us that “If leadership were cost free, everyone would be a leader.” We need leaders and I appreciate the leaders that work so diligently in our organization!

Voting as your Delegate

One of the proposed bylaw amendments that has been pushed for the last 8 years was an attempt to rewrite Article V, Section 1, regarding the NFRW Board of Directors, to allow ALL former NFRW presidents to be voting members of the NFRW Board FOR LIFE. To me, this seemed like a plan to create an establishment vote by people who were no longer elected in by their constituents. Republicans stand for limited government and term limits and this did not seem to match with that plank of our platform at all. It was interesting to me that the vote was divided among the Idaho delegates.

I believe, and I hope, that I represented this body fairly, and I voted with a resounding nay. Votes should be earned, not granted by the simple fact that you exist, regardless of your prior office.

Flying Home

As I flew back from the convention I enjoyed a conversation with a lady from Rexburg. We spoke of the struggles our youth are having and talked about Charlie Kirk. I was tentative, at first, to share my viewpoints, but as we discovered our common ground, I began to share my journey in becoming more involved in the political process. It turned out that she was actually wanting to be more involved but just wasn’t sure how to go about it. I shared with her how to get involved in her GOP Central Committee and gave her the name of a conservative contact there. She thanked me and we’ve been in touch a few times since.

Looking Ahead

I’m wondering if we should start planning a trip for all our members, in two years, to Dallas, TX for the next national convention. We should consider planning a fundraiser that will help cover the costs for all that want to attend and bring all our members to the convention. Wouldn't that be great! I think it would be a stellar experience and I would love to share that with all of you.

It was so inspiring to see over 1,100 women there at the biennial convention of the NFRW, sacrificing their time and money, coming together, serving their communities, and working to advance the principles that keep us safe, free and independent.

Keep shining your light ladies!