Honoring Our Foundation, Shaping Our Future

As we reflect on the past, present, and future of BPW, we are reminded that progress is not an accident—it is drafted, debated, voted on, and built into the framework of action. From the bold words of the Declaration of Sentiments in 1848, to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, to the establishment of National Business Women’s Week in 1938, women have long known that voice and vote are only powerful when supported by vision and structure. And that is exactly what Bylaws and Resolutions provide—a mechanism to transform ideas into action.

Our Past: Grounded in Courage and Clarity - The Declaration of Sentiments, drafted at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, was the first formal demand for women’s equality in the United States. Modeled after the Declaration of Independence, it boldly declared that “all men and women are created equal.” That document—radical at the time—outlined resolutions calling for women’s right to vote, to receive education, and to participate fully in society.

It would take 72 years of organizing before one of those resolutions—the 19th Amendment—was ratified, finally granting American women the right to vote in 1920. The years between were filled with conventions, declarations, and statements of purpose. We know from this that well-crafted words, backed by action, can change the world.

BPW itself was founded in the wake of that amendment, recognizing that political equality must be matched by economic opportunity. In 1938, thanks to the efforts of BPW’s early leaders, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Presidential Proclamation recognizing National Business Women’s Week. That milestone didn’t just celebrate women’s contributions to the workforce—it recognized the growing influence of organized, professional women.

Our Present: Keeping the Flame Alive - Today, our Bylaws and Resolutions Committee carries forward that legacy. Our current governing documents are more than internal tools they are the map that keeps us mission-focused, member-centered,  and movement-driven. Each amendment,  each  clause, each resolution we consider is an opportunity to align our work with the evolving needs of our members and our world.

This year, we’ve focused on making our bylaws more accessible and responsive, while encouraging members to re-engage with the resolutions process. Whether you’re proposing a policy statement, updating language, or helping your local club stay compliant, you are part of a tradition of women who refused to stay silent.

Our Future: Built with Intention - As BPW evolves to meet the future, so must our  framework.  Our structure must support digital collaboration, intergenerational leadership, and international advocacy. Resolutions can be tools of both inspiration and influence—within our own communities and in global spaces like the United Nations and the Organization of American States.

We must ask: What issues define our time? What statements do we need to make? What systems will support our continued rise?

An Invitation to Engage - You don’t need to be a parliamentarian or policy expert to get involved—just bring your voice. If you’ve ever been inspired by a historical declaration or energized by a call to action, then you already understand the power of resolutions.
Let’s honor our foremothers—not just with ceremony, but with structure. Let’s ensure our bylaws reflect our bold future, and our resolutions capture the challenges and possibilities of today.

From Seneca Falls to your local club meeting, every motion matters.
Let’s write the future together.

Angie Jackson-Wilson
NFBPWC Bylaws and Resolution Chair
2024-2026