By: Daneene Monroe Rusnak
2^nd Vice President of Advocacy, NFBPWC 2020-2024

EQUALITY HAS NO DEADLINE!

Take Action on the ERA! Equality Has No Deadline!

****One Click Politics landing page for NFBPWC****

ERA Action on NFBPWC Website

Link to ERA virtual backdrop for download:   Equality Has No Deadline Virtual Backdrop

By: Kathy Kelly
1^st Vice President of Membership, NFBPWC (2021-2024)

HAPPYHOLIDAYS from the Membership Committee! 

WELCOME NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS!

NEW

Kimberly Miller	Colorado NW Metro Student
Alexis Haskins	Colorado Denver Student
Nicole Mora	Colorado Virtual Student
Henrietta M. McElwee,D.C.	Pennsylvania
Kate Earnest	Pennsylvania
Zennie Dizon	California El Monte

RENEW

Ladorian Morris

Student - New York

Get ready for next year’s membership push, “Double or More in ’24” with a chance to win fabulous prizes with every new member you bring in before National Convention next summer.  More details to come in January!

The National Membership Committee meets on the first and third Mondays of each month, holidays excluded.  Join us when you can to learn more about the tools and events that we offer that can support your Affiliate to “Double or More by ’24!”

Contact Kathy Kelly at VPMembership@NFBPWC.org for more information.

What is CSW?  And what the heck are all these acronyms??? 

Join us on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, for an informative program to learn more about NFBPWC’s participation at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.  

We’ll discuss the programs (Side Events vs. Parallel Events), BPW- sponsored programs, Leadership Summit, Gala Event and other social events like Broadway shows and dinners out that will be on the agenda.  We’ll share best practices for how to get there, what to wear and where to stay.  We’ll have plenty of time for a Q&A.  We hope to address all your questions and concerns so that you will join us March 11-22, 2024, in New York City!

A Prayer for a Peaceful Winter Solstice

As we enter the darkest time of the year, the winter solstice, we can find light in our connections at NFBPWC. We are fortunate to have such inspirational members working to accomplish our goals as we continue to educate, unite, and advocate for women. It is an honor to be connected to such a diverse community of women at various stages of their careers and from different backgrounds, each with her own unique story about being a business and professional woman in the United States of America.

Our network is further broadened through the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW) which includes members in over 100 countries in 5 continents. BPW UK, through a registered IFBPW project: https://www.bpw-projects.org/a-van-for-chernihiv/, recently sponsored a “Van for Chernihiv – BPW Help for Ukraine.” NFBPWC members across the USA donated over $1,000 in support of this project. BPW UK President, Jo Kinsey, sent us her thanks for our assistance with this project and stated:

“The help you have sent will let those women [in Chernihiv, Ukraine] know they are not forgotten; they are valued by all of us.”

Unfortunately, this is not the only region of the world that is being affected by the tragedy of violence and war. The loss of human life, and the loss of humanity itself, around the world is heartbreaking.  Women often act as advocates of peace in times of strife and uncertainty while bearing the consequences of violence; this time is no exception. As a non-partisan and secular membership organization, we aim to communicate our solidarity with all women by offering them a hand in friendship and support through even the most harrowing of times. In the USA, many of us will comfortably celebrate with our friends, family, and community in December. Despite being secular myself, I would like to take a moment to invite you to pray for peace on Earth. To that end, I would like to share the “Collect” written by Mary Stewart in 1904, in hopes that it helps guide us all to be the better version of ourselves as this year ends and the new one begins.

COLLECT
Keep us, Oh God, from pettiness;
Let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.

Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking.

May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice.

May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous.

Let us take time for all things;
Make us to grow calm, serene, gentle.

Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straight-forward and unafraid.

Grant that we may realize it is the little things that create differences, that in the big things of life we are at one.

And may we strive to touch and to know the great common human heart of us all, and, oh, Lord God, let us forget not to be kind!

~ Mary Stewart, 1904 (adopted by NFBPWC in 1920)

Let’s continue to celebrate and honor one another, as each member brings their own gifts to the conversation.  The women of today need to hear us. The women of tomorrow want to see us standing strong against war, misogyny, racism, violence, and injustice. We have the power to make a difference as we continue to honor our interconnectedness as humans, more specifically as women.

NFBPWC will continue to light a path for our future that promotes justice, solidarity, diversity, inclusion, innovation, and more in 2024. Sending personal wishes of celebration, health, and peace around the globe.

By:  Sandra Thompson
NFBPWC’s Immediate Past President

Some of you may have noticed that we have a phone number on our website. That phone number is my home number. As a result, from time to time I receive phone calls from various people. Many of them have to do with them finding some BPW memorabilia that belonged to their mother, aunt, or grandmother. Fortunately, they do not want to just throw it out and contact me looking for some place to send it.A few months ago, I received a call from one such person. She had a collection of the old National BPW magazines. She told me she would go through everything and send me what they did not want. It had been a while since we talked, and I was surprised when my doorbell rang and there was a large box on my doorstep.

I have not had time to really go through it, but I decided to pick one out at random and share some of it with you.

The issue I selected is from July-August 1972. The magazine was called National Business Woman and was 18 pages long. It was the annual review of the last year.

One of the items highlighted in the magazine was that the Equal Rights Amendment was passed by the Congress in 1972. Michigan became the 18 state to ratify it. They were encouraging members to work toward that ratification. It is unfortunate that 51 years later we are still trying to get the ERA as an amendment to the constitution. There was so much hope in their article.

Here is part of the outgoing President’s message.

“And a marvelous addition you have written on the Scroll of Achievement this past year!

Not only did the Equal Rights Amendment pass overwhelmingly in the United State Congress, but exactly half of the states required to ratify have already done so. At the time of this writing, only two have actually rejected ratification.

Programming has been in the areas “where it’s at!” Over and over the reports of programs show that clubs and states are grappling with the real problems of our communities which affect all peoples, and the problems that concern women.

Of course, we have made mistakes, and of course we have not accomplished everything we hoped to do. The only person making no mistakes are dead and the only ones who accomplish everything they hoped to set their goals too low!

This past year was built on the efforts of every prior year, the work of every prior member, the plans and goals of every past administration. We have added one more to the foundation. But we must keep the same attitude of the lad who was asked one day, “Son, who made your?” And the lad replies, “I ain’t finished yet!”

With the “Objectives in Action” as our program, the ratification of ERA to be completed, with true equality under the law and true equal economic opportunity for all citizens yet to be attained, and with our Collect to be lived, we can know for a truth, as “The Golden Key” so aptly puts it, “Our God is Love, and Love brings work; there’s love and work for all.”

On the evening of July 27^th I will be privileged to call Jeanne C. Squire “Madam President”. I join you in my rededication to the things this Federation stands for, and I join you in saying to her, and to the others who serve with her in leadership this year, “As a member, I will do my best. Count on me.”

Osta Underwood, President”

By: Sondra Nunez
NFBPWC Secretary 2022-2024

Love cannot remain by itself — it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service. — Mother Teresa

As the world continues to find   more and more reasons to spread violence and hate, I am reminded we can choose love, we can choose compassion. Thank you members of NFBPWC for your continued willingness to open your hearts and minds to the needs of others. It is a privilege to be one of you.

By:   Daneene Monroe Rusnak
2^nd Vice President of Advocacy, NFBPWC 2020-2024

Priority on the ERA!

On Saturday, October 21^st, I had the pleasure of joining the California BPW affiliate’s Fall Board Meeting as part of an ERA Panel put together by Immediate Past President and California BPW member, Sandy Thompson. Many thanks to fellow panel members, Pattie Rayl, Nancy Werner, and Linda Wilson for their informative and inspiring contributions.

Emphasizing the importance of the ERA is nothing new for NFBPWC members and friends but I think we can all agree that there has been a greater focus on crossing the finish line recently. Likeminded organizations are concentrating efforts and these groups are

encouraging the ERA’s official inclusion in the Constitution in a variety of ways. Below are some helpful links and resources for you to use and share because…..

Equality Has No Deadline!

Take Action on the ERA! Equality Has No Deadline!

****One Click Politics landing page for NFBPWC****ERA Action on NFBPWC Website

Link to ERA virtual backdrop for download: Equality Has No Deadline Virtual Backdrop

• Increase support for the Discharge Petition:

• • a discharge petition is a way of bringing a billout of committeeand to the floorfor consideration without a report from the committee by "discharging" the committee from further consideration of a bill or resolution. Read more about it from ERA Coalition here.

  • • There are 207 co-sponsors of H.J. Res 25. We want to focus on the remaining Democrats and the picking up 6 additional Republicans

    • The number of House Members signing the Discharge Petition increased by 14 new signers to 196 during the month of September. Keep the pressure on to reach the desired 218 signatures.

    • To reach out to Democrats please use list: Discharge Petition Outreach list of current cosponsorsand here's where to reach  Republican Cosponsor/Discharge Petition Targets

• House/Senate - H.J. Res. 82/S.J. Res 39 - ERA Now expresses the ERA has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the 28th Amendment and calls on the Archivist to certify and publish without delay

All the best,

Daneene

By: Kathy Kelly
1^st Vice President of Membership, NFBPWC (2021-2024)

The Holidays are approaching!

How about giving the GIFT of EMPOWERMENT?

Are you starting to wonder what to give to your favorite nieces, granddaughters, sisters, or besties (over age  18)?   Why  not give  the  gift  of  joining  an

organization guaranteed to empower personally, professionally, and politically. Student membership is as low as $30! What a great stocking stuffer for those working on their careers.

How about that busy mom who works full time from the home? I know from experience there’s a sense of isolation at times, and BPW is the best medicine! The gift of membership and the friendships, skills and support our members find in this organization can last a lifetime (unlike another pair of yoga pants…About the same price too).

Hmmm, and what to get your club officers, an outstanding member, or your BPW bestie? How about a beautiful NFBPWC designer scarf!

(thank you Barbara Bozeman)

Suggested donation is $25, including shipping. Contact Kathy Kelly at vpmembership@nfbpwc.orgwith your order.

WELCOME NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS!

NEW

Katrina Canyon /  Seattle, WA

Denise Rubin / El Monte, CA

Judith Johnson-Keyt  / Tacoma WA

Dr. Twila Lee Wynn / Pennsylvania

Linda Cypret-Kilbourne / Michigan

Margaux A. Dever / Michigan

Brigette Robinson / Michigan

Yvette Wilkie / Michigan

Diane Rames / California Berkeley

Pearl Spaho /California Conejo Valley

Kylee Hill  / California Conejo Valley

Cheryl Miller  / California Conejo Valley

 Cathleen Jeanty   /  New York

Ava Ng / California East LA-Montebello

Donn De La Rosa  / California East LA-Montebello

RENEW

Jordan Bennett - STUDENT / Santa Clara Univ

Geneva Milligan- Keinath  / Virtual Nebraska

Theresa G. Amador / California East LA-Montebello

Ladies, in a time where most other service organizations are declining, BPW is building up in leaps and bounds.

Get ready for next year’s push, “Double or More by ’24” with fabulous prizes. More details to come!

The National Membership Committee meets on the first and third Mondays of each month, holidays excluded. Join us when you can to learn more about the tools and events that we offer that can support your Affiliate to “Double or More by ’24!”

Contact Kathy Kelly at VPMembership@NFBPWC.orgfor more information.

Gratitude

November is when the season of pumpkin spice turns into hot cocoa with peppermint as we rush around preparing for the busy winter season. So many of us struggle as we try to balance our careers, families, friends, and service commitments. In November, I try to lean into gratitude as my preferred state of mind while navigating the various duties I have as a business owner, leader, mother, friend, and activist.

My practice of gratitude extends beyond the month of November, but I strive to include it as a daily practice during this time of year because the daylight hours continue to recede, and it gets harder to get up each morning. Words of gratitude can connect us and bring us closer together. In a world that seems increasingly disconnected and polarized, verbalizing what I am thankful for creates a framework for a more hopeful future.

I am grateful to the members of NFBPWC for the continued support of our organization and its leaders. The kinship that we feel in this organization helps us move forward as we advocate for women across the nation and the globe. I am thankful that I have this amazing opportunity to serve as our president as we realize our goals together. It is an honor to work with such an incredible group of women who truly see the benefits of being part of an international women’s organization. In the month of November, I am grateful for the 19^th Amendment and my right to vote, as a woman; despite the many years it took for all women in the USA to be equally extended the right to vote.

A final and fitting gratitude for all Veterans this Veteran’s Day and an acknowledgment that NFBPWC began on the heels of World War I with a mission from the government to “coordinate identification of women’s available skills and experience.” As stated on our website (https://www.nfbpwc.org/heritage):

While mobilizing for World War I, the U.S. Government recognized the need for a cohesive group to coordinate the identification of women’s available skills and experience. A Women’s War Council, financed through a federal grant, was established by the War Department to organize the resources of professional women.

These women founded the first organization, NFBPWC, that focused on the issues of working women. As our organization continues its efforts to ensure equality and equity for working women, it is imperative that we intentionally recognize and thank our female Veterans for their service and all Military Affiliated Women (https://www.nfbpwc.org/Military-Affiliated-Women) for their support of our democracy. Happy Veteran’s Day!

The Intersection of Period Poverty and Women in Business

One of the main focuses of the October NFBPWC E-magazine is period poverty, which refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, menstrual education, and proper sanitation facilities. Period poverty is an issue affecting millions of women around the world. This topic has not been as prevalent in discussions among business and professional women, yet it has a significant impact on women's lives, extending into the workplace. We invite you to start talking about menstruation and period poverty with co-workers, friends, and family. Consider how menstruation can affect productivity, absenteeism, and mental health in the workplace; add in period poverty and the consequences felt by both the employee and the employer are magnified.

There is a certain stigma associated with periods and menstruators can feel embarrassed, ashamed, and uncomfortable advocating for their needs. Organizations have the power to promote menstrual equity by normalizing periods and making resources available to all employees. Including period poverty as a corporate social responsibility, such as offering menstrual products in the workplace or distributing them to their employees to address period poverty can create a more inclusive environment for all.

At NFBPWC we are working to alleviate period poverty by starting an initiative to host a Period Product Drive locally with your BPW chapter, club, or affiliate. Consider extending this idea to your workplace or other community-based organizations. We are always stronger together.

Please remember, you have an opportunity to provide constructive input and to find your own unique path in this organization. The Period Poverty Initiative is an idea that began with our Young BPW, Emily VanVleck. What ideas do you have that could move women’s rights and our organization forward in a positive way? 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!

Kind Regards,

Megan Shellman-Rickard
NBPWC President
2020-2024

By: Dr. Catherine Bosshart
BPW International President 2021-2024

Dear Presidents of BPW

Dear Members

In the last "Special Edition" of the Newsletter in June 2023, we reported on the Young BPW Asia Pacific Symposium. For the third time, the Young BPW of the Asia Pacific region organized and held a symposium. This is an example of how the regions are active between BPW International and the BPW members in their region, in this case also between the BPW members and the Young BPW of the region. 

The Regional Coordinators play an important role in this interaction: on the one hand, they are full members of the Executive Board, where they report on BPW's activities in their regions and submit regular reports; on the other hand, they are responsible for ensuring that information and the organization of BPW International are well anchored in their regions and that the important projects and initiatives are communicated and actively supported.

Each region holds its Regional Conference in a triennium, i.e. between the International Congresses. The organizers create a special conference program with the Regional Coordinator; the International President and the members of the Executive Board attend the conferences, inform directly about the BPW activities in the respective region and offer a Leaders' Summit.

This triennium has already seen the Regional Conferences of Europe in Reykjavik, Iceland, of Africa in Arusha, Tanzania, of North America and the Caribbean on St. Kitts and Nevis, and of Latin America in Santiago, Chile. Still to come this year is the Asia Pacific Region Conference in the Kingdom of Bahrain, UAE. You can find the invitation with program and registration options on the > website. The regional conferences are open to all BPW members. Would you like to travel to the Kingdom of Bahrain? Why not combine your trip with a visit to the Regional Conference.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the upcoming Regional Conference.

With this in mind, I extend my warmest greetings to you all,

Dr. Catherine Bosshart

BPW International President 2021-2024