By: Chularat (Toyting) Israngkool Na Ayutthaya 

Meet the Game Changer from Thailand: Chularat (Toyting) Israngkool Na Ayutthaya 

Note: After three (3) years as IFBPW 1st Vice President UN (IFBPW 2021-2024), Chularat (best known as Toyting) is not running for any position, and thus can be celebrated for her work, that of her club, and the clubs in her region.

Toyting is a member of The Federation of Business and Professional Women's Associations of Thailand Under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen. The President of BPW Thailand is Khunying Natthika Wattanavekin Angubolkul.

In her own words: Throughout my time with IFBPW, I have had the privilege of being mentored by Dr. Chonchanok Viravan, fondly known as Dr. Nok, who served as BPWI's international president from 2005 to 2008. Her wisdom and guidance have been invaluable, and her words resonate deeply with me: "BPW is volunteer work, but once you commit, you have to do your best as a first priority because you are doing it for a better life for women and girls." This philosophy has driven my commitment to the organization and the communities we serve.

My journey with IFBPW has been deeply fulfilling, culminating in my becoming one of the UN representatives for IFBPW at UNESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) in Bangkok, Thailand. As a UN representative for many years, I engaged with vital issues affecting women and girls across the region, advocating for policies that promote their rights and well-being.

In 2021, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I was honored to be elected virtually as the 1st Vice President for UN matters and Chair of the UN Standing Committee. This milestone not only marked a significant step in my leadership journey but also solidified my dedication to empowering women and girls globally. I have worked tirelessly to ensure that our initiatives address the pressing needs of women in various sectors, including education, health, and economic development.

As we move forward, I remain committed to fostering collaboration among BPW affiliates and strengthening our voice at the UN. Together, we can create a more equitable and just world for all women and girls, ensuring that their rights are upheld and their voices heard. I look forward to continuing this important work and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.

The Role of IFBPW VP UN

The VP UN collaborates with UN representatives, the UN Standing Committee, various NGOs, and UN agencies, including member states.

IFBPW was among the first groups of NGOs to gain consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1947. This achievement was facilitated through the foresight of Esther Hymer (1898–2001), then the BPW International UN representative in New York who attended the founding of the United Nations.

Today IFBPW has 28 UN representatives located at various UN offices around the world, including New York, Geneva, Vienna, Paris, Bangkok, Rome (at UN HQ NYC, UN HQ Geneva, UN ESCAP, FAO, and more). Additionally, there are nineteen members of the IFBPW UN Standing Committee divided into four groups focused on education and advocacy, CSW, Human Rights, and CEDAW. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our goals are included in the work of the UN.

The main representatives, along with all IFBPW UN representatives, report to the VP UN at the end of each year to prepare the quadrennial report (every four years) that is submitted to ECOSOC in collaboration with UN standing committees. They also prepare written and oral annual statements for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). These reflect input from the committees, executive regions, projects, and experts who select aspects of the UNCSW theme relevant to our current activities and observations. More information is available at:  BPW International & United Nations - BPW International

The Asia and Pacific region 

Home to twenty-seven national BPW affiliates, this region is coordinated by Dr. Narudee Kiengsiri, and is a vibrant network engaged in a variety of activities aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality. We maintain strong connections with our members through a dedicated WhatsApp group, allowing for real-time updates, discussions, and collaboration on initiatives across the region.

Dr. Narudee's insightful report highlights our achievements and ongoing projects, and includes pictures showcasing our events and the dedication of our members.  

BPW Thailand Activities

On the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Thailand's 90th birthday on August 12, BPW Thailand proudly launched an initiative dedicated to honoring and expanding upon Her Majesty's royal aspirations, focused on preserving and developing the invaluable cultural heritage and wisdom surrounding hand-woven Thai silk. Together, we honor Her Majesty’s legacy while fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Our primary goal is to promote the widespread use of Thai fabrics, not only to celebrate our rich cultural traditions but also generates income for local communities. In encouraging the use of Thai silk in daily life and for special occasions, we aim to stimulate the local economy sustainably across all regions of Thailand. In support, we invited our members and the wider community to share pictures of themselves wearing Thai silk, thereby raising awareness and appreciation for our unique textiles while showcasing their beauty and versatility further increasing demand. 

Critically, our initiative increases the income of women in rural areas who produce hand-woven silk. By providing training and resources, we empower rural women to enhance their skills and create high-quality products sold locally and internationally, contributing to the overall economic development of their communities.

BPW Thailand Fundraising

BPW Thailand recently organized a remarkable gala dinner attended by Their Majesties the King and Queen, who graciously presided over the event. This prestigious occasion brought together members of the community, dignitaries, and supporters dedicated to fostering growth and development within our nation. The proceeds were allocated towards the construction of a Dragon Gate in Bangkok. This stunning architectural feature not only serves as a captivating photo opportunity for tourists but also enhances the cultural landscape of the city. By creating a landmark that embodies the rich traditions of Thailand, our aims are to boost tourism, attract domestic and international visitors, and generate additional revenue for local businesses.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Dragon Gate project represents a broader vision of sustainable development. By investing in this initiative, we contribute to the economic revitalization of the area and provide new opportunities for local artisans, vendors, and service providers. The anticipated increase in foot traffic will benefit surrounding businesses, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.

As we move forward, BPW Thailand remains committed to empowering women and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. We believe that projects like the Dragon Gate not only beautify our city but also create lasting impacts that benefit future generations. Together, we continue to build a prosperous and culturally rich Thailand.

“Giving Women a Second Chance” Project

The “Giving Women a Second Chance” project is a transformative initiative that empowers women in prison by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge. We teach approximately thirty subjects that cover a wide range of topics, including vocational training, financial literacy, health education, and personal development. This comprehensive curriculum prepares these women for their reintegration into society, enabling them to build successful and sustainable careers upon their release. In collaboration with various Ministries and organizations, BPW Thailand provides participants with completion certificates. These credentials not only validate their newfound skills but also enhance their employability, giving them a stronger foothold in the job market.

Our dedicated team of trainers foster a supportive learning environment that encourages personal growth and resilience. Our intent is to provide valuable knowledge and practical skills to break the cycle of reoffending and empower the women to lead fulfilling lives. The project is about restoring hope and dignity to women who have faced significant challenges. Every woman deserves the opportunity for a fresh start.

Financial Discipline Initiative

In Thailand, some 40 million people grapple with debt, a significant issue that stems from a lack of financial discipline, inadequate planning, and ineffective saving habits. This widespread debt crisis has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only individual families but also organizations, and as families drown in debt, the ripple effect hinders the economic and social development of the entire country.

BPW Thailand collaborates with five partner organizations from both the public and private sectors, in the **Financial Discipline Creation Project**, aimed at addressing personal borrowing and household debt issues, mitigating their impact on society, and instilling financial discipline among individuals and families. By promoting financial literacy, the project empowers individuals to manage their finances wisely, leading to healthier, debt-free lives and contributing to a more robust national economy.

This mentorship-based learning model is based on trained mentors who disseminate financial knowledge and provide personalized advice to members within their organizations. The Stock Exchange of Thailand plays a pivotal role by leading training sessions, offering guidance, and supporting the development of educational resources, such as the "Happy Money for Financial Happiness" training manual, tailored for women’s groups across the country. This training equips participants with the tools to plan their expenses, manage debt effectively, and develop a deeper understanding of the importance of saving. By supporting responsible financial behavior, the Financial Discipline Creation Project enhances the financial well-being of participants and strengthens the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations, paving the way for long-term, sustainable success across Thailand.

BPW Thailand's Annual Business and Professional Women Awards

Each year, BPW Thailand proudly presents the Business and Professional Women Award of Thailand to outstanding members and non-members who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields. Objectives:

1. Recognition of Excellence

The award seeks to identify and honor Thai women entrepreneurs and professionals who have achieved success in their business or professional careers, because of their accomplishments and for upholding high ethical standards. This makes them exemplary role models, they serve as a beacon of inspiration for others to follow, encouraging women to aspire for excellence in both their personal and professional lives.

2. Support and Encouragement. 

By celebrating the accomplishments of these exceptional women, BPW Thailand fosters a culture of support and encouragement for Thai women in business and professional careers. The award boosts the confidence and morale of women, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It also serves as a reminder that their efforts are recognized and valued, further motivating them to continue breaking barriers and achieving greater heights in their respective industries.

3. Enhancing Public Image 

One of the key goals of the award is to promote a positive image of women entrepreneurs and professionals in the eyes of the public. By showcasing these women for the business world and society, BPW Thailand aims to shift perceptions and emphasize the vital role women play in economic growth and community development. These awards highlight the leadership, innovation, and commitment of Thai women, helping to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for future generations.

BPW Thailand uses this annual recognition to celebrate exceptional women for their achievements and contributions. The award ceremony honors individual success and serves as a collective celebration of the strength, resilience, and talent of Thai women. Our Award is a symbol of empowerment and progress and allows BPW Thailand to inspire others to pursue their dreams with determination and integrity. The award contributes to the broader mission of BPW: to empower women to create a better world by enabling them to realize their full potential and to lead with purpose in their professions and communities. We see how the award continues to inspire future generations of women to strive for excellence while fostering an environment of mutual support, respect, and recognition for women in business and professional sectors across Thailand.

Climate Change and Flood Relief Efforts

BPW Thailand pulled together to seek support during a donations drive aimed at assisting BPW members affected by the recent floods in Northern Thailand. The devastating floods, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, have severely impacted many families, leaving them in urgent need of assistance and support. Homes were destroyed, communities displaced, and livelihoods disrupted livelihoods - particularly in rural areas where many of our members reside. These families are facing significant challenges, including a lack of access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and medical care. Contributions are used for essential aid, including food supplies, temporary shelter, clothing, and medical assistance for those in dire need.

BPW is also focused on long-term recovery strategies to help our members rebuild their lives and communities. This includes providing access to resources that will enable them to restore their businesses and livelihoods. 

In Closing

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to BPW National President Barbara Bozeman and BPW New York President Nermin Ahmad for the incredible opportunity to share the wisdom and stories of BPW Thailand and the Asia and Pacific Region. Your support and encouragement have been invaluable in amplifying our voice and promoting our initiatives.

As I recount our experiences and achievements, I am reminded of the resilience and dedication of our members who work tirelessly to empower women and foster communities across the region. From educational programs to advocacy efforts, BPW Thailand is deeply committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of women and girls.

I hope that this narrative serves not only to inform but also to inspire our BPW members in the USA and around the world. By sharing our successes and challenges, we can foster a spirit of collaboration and solidarity, encouraging each other to strive for our common goals. Together, we can learn from one another, adapt best practices, and build a stronger network that uplifts women globally.

Let us continue to share our stories, celebrate our achievements, and work collectively towards a brighter future for women everywhere. Thank you once again for this opportunity, and I look forward to our continued collaboration and shared success.

Chularat (Toyting) Israngkool Na Ayutthaya 

By: Nancy Werner
NFBPWC Public Relations Chair (2024-2026) 

Engage with NFBPWC on Social Media

Organization Page:   https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Organization Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nfbpwc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2l_ciIxLyvbu1dbBOsV9Tg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nfbpwc_usa/

September Highlights in US Women’s History 

➢ September 12, 1910 – Alice Stebbins Wells, a former social worker, becomes the first woman police officer  with arrest powers in the U.S. (Los Angeles, CA) 

➢ Sept. 13, 1994: Clinton signs the Violence Against Women Act as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law  Enforcement Act, providing funding for programs that help victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault,  stalking and other gender-related violence. 

➢ September 14, 1964 – Helen Keller receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom along with 4 other women: Dr.  Lena Edwards, Lynn Fontainne, Dr. Helen Taussig, and Leontyne Price 

➢ September 14, 1975 – Elizabeth Ann Seton is canonized and becomes the first American-born saint, founded  the first U.S. Order of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph

➢ September 20, 1973 – Billie Jean King defeats Bobby “No-Broad-Can-Beat-Me” Riggs in the battle of the sexes  tennis match 

➢ September 25, 1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor is sworn in as the first woman U.S. Supreme Court Justice ➢ September 26, 1971 – Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-New York) announces she will enter the Democratic  presidential primaries 

➢ September 26, 1973 – Capt. Lorraine Potter, an American Baptist minister, becomes the first woman U.S. Air  Force chaplain 

➢ September 29, 1988 – Stacy Allison becomes first American woman to reach the summit of Mt. Everest 

Sources: https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/womens-history-us-timeline 

https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/this-month-in-womens-history/september/ 

➢ September 18^th is International Equal Pay Day (A/RES/74/142) 

Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 18 December 2019 

[on the report of the Third Committee (A/74/399)]  

74/142. International Equal Pay Day 

The General Assembly, 

Reaffirming the obligation of all States to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms,  and also that all forms of discrimination, including discrimination against women and girls, are contrary to  the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on  Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the  Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention on the Rights  of the Child, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the  

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination  and other relevant human rights instruments, Reaffirming also the commitment  made to gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, contained in  the outcome documents of relevant international conferences and summits, in  particular the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth  World Conference on Women and the outcomes of the twenty-third special session  of the General Assembly, entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and  peace for the twenty-first century” 

Upcoming Dates in Women’s History to Note for October: 

➢ October 11^th is International Day of the Girl Child (A/RES/66/170) 

➢ October 24^th is United Nations Day (A/RES/168 (II)) 

➢ October is Health Literacy, Breast Cancer, Domestic Violence, and HIV/AIDS Awareness Month.

By: Angie Jackson-Wilson
NFBPWC Nominations Chair 2024-2026 

We are actively seeking members with the skills and experience necessary to build a pool  of future candidates for elective office. The growth and success of our organization  depend on it. 

According to NFBPWC, Inc Bylaws, Article X, Section 7: To be eligible to run for office,  a candidate must have served the National Federation in an elected or appointed  capacity at the national, state, or affiliate chapter/club level for at least one year prior to  the election. 

For detailed requirements of each office, please visit the Resource Libraryon our website. Additionally, we are seeking members to serve on the Nominating Committee.

By: Sandy Thompson
NFBPWC Finance Chair, finance@nfbpwc.org 

DO YOU LIKE MONEY? 

We have not had an active Finance Committee for several years. This term we would like to have an active  committee. The committee is responsible for developing the budget, fundraising and overseeing the finances of  the Federation. 

We will be looking to seek grants and other sponsors for the organization. If you have experience in writing grants or seeking sponsorships, then please lend us your expertise.  

We are looking for members. If you like money and would like to help the Federation be  financially sound, then please join the committee.  

Please contact me at finance@nfbpwc.org. if you would like to be part of this committee.

By: Teressa Gehrke
NFBPWC Digital Training Special Committee Chair 

Looking for a few good women! Teressa Gehrke will continue as the Digital Training Chair for the next term. Are you tech savvy? She’s looking for a few good women to join the Digital Training Committee. Email DigitalTraining@nfbpwc.org, if you’re interested.  

The committee will support the chair with ongoing tech news  through monthly blogs, articles, and quarterly events. MFA? It’s not a bad word. The next Digital Training event coincides with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. We will meet on Sunday, October 20th at 5pm MT. Teressa will discuss MFA, known as Multifactor Authentication. It is also called 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication or Two-Step Authentication). You can register at: https://nfbpwc.wildapricot.org/event 5843112 

For additional assistance or questions, please email:  

DigitalTraining@nfbpwc.org.

By: Sandy Thompson
NFBPWC Finance Chair 2024-2026 

Voting 

Why is it important to vote? 

1. Elections have consequences. You have the power to decide on the quality of life you want. Voting  is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about. This is your life: take the time to help decide  what’s best. 

2. Not voting is giving up your voice. Elections are decided by people who go out and vote. Take some  time and learn about the measures and the candidates. If you don’t vote, someone else will make the  decision for you. Your power is your vote. 

3. It’s your money. You pay your dues, but do you know how that money is being used? Most people  don’t. Voting is your chance to choose how your dues are spent. 

4. Voting is an opportunity for change. Do you want to make a positive impact? Voting gives you that chance! Support the  candidates and measures that help the organization. Make your voice heard in this election. 

5. The organization depends on you! Make the decision to vote for yourself and those around you.

Make sure your voice is heard – Vote! 

Below is a partial list of elections where a single vote decided the outcome: 

• President Ruthford B. Hayes was elected President of the United States by one Electoral vote 186 to 185 

• A Democratic candidate won New York’s election to its 36th Congressional District in 1910 by garnering  20,685 votes, while his Republican opponent drew 20,684. 

• Maine’s 1982 state House election was won by a candidate who received 1,387 votes to the loser’s 1,386  votes 

• A 1980 state House race in Utah in was won by a victor who garnered 1,931 votes over the loser’s 1,930  votes 

• A 1970 Rhode Island state House race was won by the victor’s 1,760 votes to the loser’s 1,759 votes 

• A Missouri state house race during the same year as Rhode Island’s above-referenced political race was  won by the victor’s 4,819 votes over the loser’s 4,818 votes. 

• And don' forget it was by one vote that women won the right to vote! 

So, as you can clearly see, your vote can make all the difference! 

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

Varnell Kinnen, Co-Chair 

Once the updates from the Biennial are submitted, working with the clubs on future amendments will be crucial. 

Below is a sample proclamation for National Business Women’s Week:

By: Kathy Telban, NFBPWC Women’s Equality Day Team Lead  

On August 24^th we commemorated Women’s Equality Day by expanding it from just acknowledging the certification of the 19^th Amendment that gave women the right to vote to include the continued effort to get the 28^th Amendment in the Constitution. These two       amendments are the bookends to women’s equality.  

 

When the founders were planning for the United States, they left women out of the Constitution by design. Not long ago, I looked up the 19^th amendment to see the actual text and realized that the 28^th amendment (The ERA) had similar language to the 19^th. 

19th Amendment (Began 1848 - Passed 1920)	28th Amendment (Introduced 1923 - PendingPublication)
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.	Equality of rights under the law  shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.

Given all the misinformation about what the ERA would do, once you compare them side-by-side you clearly see that the 19^th only focuses on voting and the 28^th is everything else. The ERA is the foundation that says everyone has equal rights under the law and you cannot treat someone differently based on their sex! 

According to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, “Certainly the Constitution does not require discrimination on the basis of sex. The only issue is whether it prohibits it.  It doesn't.”  

Our expert panel educated us on these two amendments and the road that women have traveled on their way to full equality for 4 generations. Tina Cassidy, author of Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait? Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson and the Fight for the Right to Vote (2019) shared the strategies that women used to get the attention of the President and have the 19^th amendment ratified and published. Wendy Murphy, law professor and pioneer in Title IX work, educated us on the ERA with facts from her recently published law review article titled: Unequal Protection of the Laws for Women is Constitutional Terrorism, so How Come Nobody Knows About It? You can find it here: (https://tinyurl.com/4xmw48sx).

Kamala Lopez a filmmaker and Founder/President of Equal Means Equal shared stories, strategies, and how her documentary Equal Means Equal was used to educate and inspire voters in the last three states of Nevada, Illinois, and Virginia to ratify the ERA. This film is still playing on Prime and a must see. She also encouraged attendees to join her Final Impact project by taking a picture with a phone and uploading it to a site that will produce large posters with many individual pictures of people calling Joe Biden to ask him to call the Archivist to direct her to publish the ERA. Learn more here: https://finalimpact.org

This commemorative event was well attended with 58% (70) of the 122 registrations. Of the total registrations, 70% were not members! Attendees took action at the event by signing petitions, a letter to Jill Biden, and texting both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to get the ERA published. You also can sign these petitions: bit.ly/3I9zvnj sponsored by Shattering Glass; www.sign4era.orga National student led petition; and sign this letter to Jill Biden https://equalmeansequal.org/signjillsletter/sponsored by Equal Means Equal. Also text daily “Publish the ERA Now” to President Biden 302-404-0880 and Vice President Harris 301861-2977 until the ERA is published.

The Women’s Equality Day event was recorded, and a link will be available soon. You can watch and share it with others!  

I want to thank President Barbara Bozeman who came up to me after the Biennial Conference to ask me what I’d like to do for NFBPWC and when I shared this idea, she put me in charge and supported me the whole way. Also, thanks to Emily Van Vleck our VP of Advocacy for helping me plan and prepare for this event. In my experience the only way you can pull off an event like this in a short period of time is to have a professional team that gets the job done!

By: Susan Oser
NFBPWC Advocacy Team LGBTQ+ Lead 

Greetings, 

I, Susan E. Oser, am continuing my role as the LGBTQIA+ Liaison for this great  organization. Because it is the new term, I plan to do things a little bit differently and work  closely with our new V.P. of Advocacy Emily VanVleck. For this new term, I would like  to focus on issues that have an LGBTQ+ slant according to the Advocacy Platform and I  

will be sharing some special dates in LGBTQ+ history, as well as the good things that have happened for the  community. However, I cannot do this alone and would love a person or two to connect with and help me.  Maybe even plan an event or two. If you are that person, you can contact me at the address below this entry. 

LGBTQ+ Dates for September – 

➢ September 16-22 Bisexual Awareness Day - https://www.glaad.org/bisexual 

➢ September 18 – National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day - https://www.hiv.gov/events/awareness-days/aging 

➢ September 23 – Celebrate Bisexuality Day - https://bivisibilityday.com/about/ ➢ September 27 – National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/awarenessdays/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library /awareness/ngmhaad.html

Good LGBTQ+ News for June – 

✓ These moms’ sperm donor sued them to get parental rights. They just won a court victory. - https://tinyurl.com/25jejs2t 

✓ Trans girl appeared in court in soccer uniform, won the right to play & headed straight to practice - https://tinyurl.com/nhjncjek 

✓ China awards visitation rights to gay mom in historic first - https://tinyurl.com/m23kzue2 ✓ Federal judge: Military can no longer prevent people with HIV from enlisting - https://tinyurl.com/5ekh32j9 

If you have any news or leads on anything related to LGBTQ+ news, issues, and organizations, please contact  Sue Oser at soser@nfbpwc.org. 

ERA Team By: Nancy Werner
NFBPWC Advocacy Team ERA Lead (2022-2026) 

EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT – Women’s Equality Day – August 24, 2024 from 12:00 to 1:30 Eastern – Hosted by the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Club Advocacy –Equal Rights Amendment. “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex” needs to be placed into our Constitution. While most states have laws prohibiting discrimination of any kind based on sex, proponents of the E.R.A. say laws can be  reversed or eliminated. Having a Constitutional Amendment would cement those rights.  

Women’s Equality Day-August 24, 2024 was an extraordinary event for our organization. Kathy Telban, Ohio,  created this event by finding 3 outstanding speakers on the Equal Rights Amendment. With the help of Emily  VanVleck, our Vice President of Advocacy, and NFBPWC President Barbara Bozeman, it was an informative  and inspiring hour and a half. Let me share some of the highlights with you. 

Women’s Equality Day was established in 1973 to commemorate the certification of the 19^th Amendment to  the Constitution that gave women the right to vote. This year will not only celebrate this historic event again, but educate, agitate, and activate you to push for the full equality by demanding publication of the 28^thAmendment to the Constitution-The Equal Rights Amendment.  

From the right to vote in 1920, through the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment in 2020, to demanding  its publication today, women have persisted for over 200 years through three generations for the simple right  to be being treated equally under the law. Not one more year! (I credit Kathy Telban with these 2 paragraphs.) With a panel of experts to guide us, these women led us through the women’s journey to achieve equality. 

Our first speaker was Tina Cassidy, author of Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait. It was in 2016 that she  learned about Women’s Equality Day. She began to research the stories that brought the women’s movement  for the right to vote. She learned that there were 6 states who gave the women the right to vote prior to 1920.  They were Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Colorado and California. These states needed peoplepower as to receiving seats in the US House of Representatives. She shared the work of Alice Paul in trying to keep  the suffrage movement in the national news. The Suffrage Procession was held the day before election day  back in 1917. There was the car with 3 women who drove from California to Washington D.C. or the plane  that her good friend, Lucy Burns, flew a banner across many miles of our country. Alice’s plan to have the  Sentinels stand in front of the White House for months in all kinds of weather was brilliant. But Wilson was  not too fond of them and finally had them sent to prison. There their treatment was force feeding. There was  a period of time when Alice was actually placed in a mental institution.  

Tina Cassidy continued with the slogan used by Woodrow Wilson, “Keeping the World Safe for Democracy.”  The women did not care for this slogan and shared their thoughts in high numbers. Well, Wilson had fulfilled  his 2 terms and was considered a lame duck. He changed his mind, and the public was changing their minds,  too. It was on August 26, 1920, when the right to vote was passed and the 19^th Amendment was added to the  Constitution. 

Our second speaker was Wendy J. Murphy JD, author of Ohio Northern University Law Review Article:  Unequal Protection of the Laws for Women is Constitutional Terrorism, so how come Nobody Knows About  it? 

One area that Alice Paul really followed was being nonpartisan in all her decisions about what women should  be following. Alice wrote the Equal Rights Amendment in 1923 and shared it at Seneca Falls that July. She kept  everything low key. We were watching the states place equality into their state Constitutions. But we also  wanted the ERA in our US Constitution. So, we had 35 states that ratified it, but we needed 3 more. In 2012,  the archivist placed in writing that he would do just that if 3 more states passed it. Well, it happened with  Nevada, Illinois and finally Virginia in 2020. As happy as we were, we saw that it did not happen. Not with  Trump and not even with Biden. 

Our plan for the coming weeks to election-give the White House daily calls and share you will not vote for  Harris unless the ERA is signed. We are 170 million strong and this is our time to act. NO VOTE FOR HARRIS  UNLESS YOU PUBLISH THE ERA NOW. 

302-404-0880 President Biden 

301-861-2977 VP Harris 

202-224-3121 Capital Switchboard 

Our third speaker was Kamala Lopez, President and Director of the film, Equal Means Equal. She shared her  ERA educational project with us and how long it took to create so many educational items for us all to use.  The movie is still available to secure and view. It shares the background stories of here and in England as  women in both countries tried to get the vote.  

But, Kamala also shared her journey going from state to state to get the legislatures to listen to her and her  group. In 2018, they visited Arizona at their polling places. Another stop in 2018 was Illinois where they  partnered with other groups and traveled the state in busloads. Their attempt in Missouri was a frightening  experience as Kamala shared they were practically run out of state. Then in 2019, she traveled to Virginia and was greeted with a State Supreme Court ruling about the gerrymandering that was in Virginia. When that was  addressed, it was wonderful to be in Virginia and see the vote taken. 

It was then that the US Congress started to hold a hearing about the ERA. Kamala and her team were there  sharing their views. We just heard that the US Bar Association has shared that the ERA is passed. 

Kamala is promoting the “Final Impact.” She would like us all to take a photo as we talk on the phone and  send it to the following address. https://finalimpact.org. All the information that you need can be found on this site. 

While we are doing that make sure you place the phone numbers for President Biden, VP Harris and the  Capital Switchboard in your phone, and call them every day.  

It was an incredible 90 minutes of information! But for over 50 members, it was the best webinar! As for taping  it, it was but it will be offered only to the attendees. 

Women’s Equality Day will be or was an incredible day for all of us on August 26. Hope you wore your  yellow. We have work to do every day until Election Day. Let’s get busy and start our phone calls. Already I  have the numbers in my phone. We should all be inspired by our 3 panelists. They were tremendous in  knowledge and motivation. Again, a huge thank you to Kathy Telban, Emily VanVleck and Barbara Boseman  for a job done extremely well. 

SIGN4ERA – May I encourage you AGAIN to take the time RIGHT NOW to sign onto this link:  http://www.sign4ERA.org. When you visit this site, there is much information given to you. History of the  current work and why it is so important. We now have 110,000 supporters who have signed the petition. The  number is still climbing. 

Please keep in touch with your Senators using the NFBPWC “One Click.”