Celebrating the Spirit of Women and Freedom this July 4th

It's the time of the year again when America celebrates its Independence Day and freedom.  Let us take this moment to celebrate the women and their undeniable role in the continued fight for freedom and equality. As we celebrate this July 4th, it is imperative to reflect on the challenges women continue to face in America today. The past year has brought some big blows to the equitable treatment of women. As an organization, we know that the only way to enshrine equality is by passing the Equal Rights Amendment. We have made progress throughout our country’s history, however, there is still much work to be done in areas such as equal pay, reproductive rights, access to quality healthcare, and combating gender-based violence. We need to continue fighting for equality, not just for ourselves but for our daughters and the generations to come.

As we at NFBPWC celebrate the spirit of women and freedom this July 4th, let us remember and honor the remarkable women in our own organization who have brought about change and helped shape our nation's history. Let us also continue the fight for equality and liberty for all American women. Together, we can work to create a future America that truly is the land of the free and the home of the brave, where every person's rights and freedoms are respected and protected.

Please remember, you have an opportunity to provide constructive input and to find your own unique path in this organization. Here is a link to our online Advocacy Platform, https://www.nfbpwc.org/Policy-Advocacy, review it and find an issue resonates with you. This is a chance to develop your potential, and that of NFBPWC, in a safe and welcoming space. Please continue to bring your ideas, projects, and your own light forward. Let us celebrate our successes as individuals and as an organization!

NFBPWC is truly living our theme for this biennium: Cultivate Connections, Create Community. Sending personal wishes of celebration, health, and progress around the globe!

Equal Rights Amendment

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) remains at the top of our advocacy platform with the following statement:

The Alice Paul Equal Rights Amendment shall stand first and foremost above all other items of the advocacy platform until Equal Rights have been guaranteed in the United States Constitution - i.e. "Equality of Rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

Many of us held out hope that April 27, 2023, would be the day that the S.J. Res. 4 would declare the ERA ratified and valid. Despite polls showing that 83% of Americans believe that it should be incorporated into the U.S. Constitution (https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/public_education/2020-survey-civ-lit-full-report.pdf), S.J. Res. 4 did not pass, and the ERA was not brought to the floor for debate and a vote. As a non-partisan organization, NFBPWC does not endorse any one party over another, and yet, women’s rights are not equally supported by all politicians. Please take a moment to participate in our campaign to contact our representatives, Equality Has No Deadline! The fight continues, despite the failure of S.J. Res. 4. Women, especially those represented by senators who voted against the ERA, can have the most impact.  Please take a moment to tell your representatives that you support the ERA.

Our organization continues to develop the professional, business, and leadership potential of women at all levels. In order to fulfill our mission at its highest level, it is imperative that Equal Rights are guaranteed in the United States Constitution. The Executive Committee and Board of Directors continue our work to elevate this goal. We are open to collaboration and partnerships as we strive for the success of the ERA. Thank you to all the members who continue to participate in conversations about the ERA at all levels. We have been working towards the goal of Equal Rights as an organization for over 100 years and we will continue the fight together. Please share your thoughts and ideas on how we can better represent ourselves and our efforts in regard to the ERA with the Executive Committee and thank you for your continued support.

Please remember, you have an opportunity to provide constructive input and to find your own unique path in this organization. This is a chance to develop your potential, and that of NFBPWC, in a safe and welcoming space. Please continue to bring your ideas, projects, and your own light forward. Let us celebrate our successes as individuals and as an organization!

NFBPWC is truly living our theme for this biennium: Cultivate Connections, Create Community. Sending personal wishes of celebration, health, and progress around the globe.

Kind Regards,

Megan Shellman-Rickard
NBPWC President
2020-2024