The American Women’s Group (AWG) of Languedoc-Roussillon, a non-profit organization of approximately 65 members, 60% American, was founded in 1986.

It has a mission to promote friendship and share the American language and customs with the French community, while helping new arrivals adapt to the French culture.

“Many of us have been residents of the area for a long time, and have brought up families here. For American women who now live in France, being a member of the group is their way of staying in touch with the of American culture,” said Katharine Claringbull, the club’s president, a former resident of San Francisco for 30 years.

“Although we are a non-sectarian and non-political group, we consider things like helping our members register to vote in the 2008 US elections important.”

Club members, many of whom have lived in Asia and Africa, feel strongly about fundraising and about contributing locally. AWG is a member of FAWCO, the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas, so their fundraising activities are divided between international projects, under FAWCO’s auspices, and local charities. Recently FAWCO awarded a development grant to AWG that they will put towards an educational charity for girls in the Philippines.

Locally, they are contributing to Le Cle, a Montpellier-based non-profit organization that helps children suffering from cancer. AWG member, Jan Caire said: “This club means so many things to me … knowing that we make a difference to people through our fundraising is very important.
“I’ve never thought I was a club person – but this is different.”

“We try to make fundraising fun,” said club VP, Julie Milstien. A good example was this year’s Spring Fair in April, an event that raised money for both FAWCO and for Le Cle.

“Some of us have experienced village fairs and garden fêtes; the tradition in England is very strong,” said Mrs Claringbull.
“Instead of being held around a church, ours was held at a beautiful Languedoc village winery. Visitors experienced the atmosphere of a street fair, but could also relax with glass of wine under the shade of the trees.”

In addition to their charity work, AWG has a strong social element. Along with cultural outings, AWG offers a wide range of member activities. Among the monthlies are book club, children’s group, Bible discussion group, bar nights in the city (open to non-members as well) and cooking classes led by two of the “excellent cooks” within the group.

AWG members have raised money for FAWCO charities by holding dinners in private homes, one of which was a ‘Chili Cook-off’ in January - the vote-winning chili's special ingredient was chocolate.

Dr Maquita Schwarz, another talented member, posts articles on health and well being on the AWG website - www.awglr.org

AWG's popular Garden Club holds working meetings at members’ homes, takes tours to plant nurseries and beautiful, often private, gardens in the region – always followed by a gourmet meal. Members come from Great Britain, France, Holland, Australia, and Canada, but its roots are American and it strives to keep the spirit of the holidays alive.

“We celebrate the American tradition in whatever way we can,” said Mrs. Claringbull. “We’ll celebrate Independence Day, and the end of our club year, with a family swim and BBQ afternoon beginning at 17.30, a uniquely American tradition. The club’s emphasis on ‘healthy, relaxed living’ reflects the relaxing feeling of the region.

“To be part of a region, one has to connect, help others, and become a part of the community. Our club strives to do those things well on every level. In the course of doing this we have made longstanding friendships. Membership in the club gives back to us in so many ways”.