Collegiate swimmer and women’s sports activist Riley Gaines will headline the Iowa Federation of Republican Women Spring Conference Thursday, April 25, at Rhythm City in Davenport, Iowa. Tickets are on sale at www.iowafrw.org with donor opportunities available. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the program begins at 7:00 p.m.
“When we heard Riley Gaines speak at the National Federation of Republican Women convention last fall, we knew we needed her to come here to Iowa, share her experiences, and speak truth and common sense to our members,” said Michelle Crawford, IowaFRW president. “The event is open to the public and we expect 300 people to come hear her message of motivation and fighting for what’s right. When you hear her personal story, what she’s been through, and her commitment to standing up for girls and for equality, you’ll never forget it.”
As part of the National Federation of Republican Women, IowaFRW members belong to the most influential grassroots women’s political organization in the U.S. with more than 65,000 members nationwide.
“One thing I’ve heard a lot from girls through all of this is that they feel helpless,” said Gaines, a former University of Kentucky NCAA swimmer. “And one thing I learned right away when I met the ladies with the Federation of Republican Women is there is nothing helpless about them! They are fierce fighters for women and girls, they don’t shy away from standing for what’s right, and I am proud to be associated with them. I am excited to speak at the IowaFRW Spring Conference.”
Gaines has become an emblem of fairness and reason in the debate over transgender women competing in girls’ and women’s sports. Known for excellence in both athletics and academics, she is a role model for young girls and a powerful speaker who addresses her experiences candidly and age-appropriately. While public speaking was never her goal, she has gained national prominence and expanded her advocacy beyond sports and locker rooms to include the necessity of preserving safe spaces for women.
“Everyone should hear Riley’s story and we hope parents will bring their teens and tweens to the April 25 event,” Crawford added. “This isn’t just about swimming or sports – this is about fairness and safety and fighting alongside warriors like Riley Gaines to protect women and girls:”
The Iowa Federation of Republican, founded in Tama County in 1939, unites the voices and values within the Republican Party. The IowaFRW (www.iowafrw.org), with local clubs and members throughout the state, proudly represents the party that first made it possible for women to vote in the United States, and works to increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government. IowaFRW members volunteer more than 100,000 hours annually to fulfill our mission to elect Republican candidates, promote the principles of the Republican Party, educate the public, and inform the media. IowaFRW is a member organization of the National Federation of Republican Women, the largest grassroots Republican women’s organization in the country, founded in 1938.
