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Public Relations Committee Report
By: Suzette Cotto, NFBPWC Public Relations Chair

Save the Date

Rapid Response Committee Report By: Susan E. Oser, NFBPWC Rapid Response Committee Chair

Elections and issues heating up.

As we get into the throws of thinking about next year’s presidential election as well as a lot of local elections that will be happening this year and next year, many major issues will be on the voting ballot.  Which of those issues are happening in your city and what issues are you responding to? 

A few organizations out there on the local level have a rapid response team covering issues of concern.  Have you joined to learn about what they do?  If so, how can that be of help to NFBPWC?

Please connect with Sue Oser at rapidresponse@nfbpwc.org if you have any ideas on topics that should be focused on and discussed as we get into the big election cycle.

Immediate Past President Report

By: Sandra Thompson, NFBPWC’s Immediate Past President

Burbank Members Gloria Salas, Sandy Thompson and Janet Diel along with members from Zonta receive a proclamation from Burbank Mayor Constatine Anthony for Women’s Equality Day. It was nice for our city to recognize this important day. 

Thanks to Deb Schuster for sharing this bit of history.  We can be very grateful to the women of Colorado.

This is the Women's Bank building at 821 17th (Seventeenth) Street in downtown Denver, Colorado; the brick structure has stone trim, arched windows and doors.

Up until 1974, many women needed to have a male co-signer to open a bank account or acquire a line of credit. So, eight women came together to change that by opening their own U.S. Women's Bank!

Carol Green, Judi Wagner, LaRae Orullian, Gail Schoettler, Wendy Davis, Joy Burns, Beverly Martinez, and Edna Mosely founded the bank's board by each pitching in $1,000.

On July 14, 1978, people stood in line on 17th Street in downtown Denver to deposit their checks. The bank took in $1 million dollars that day.

The bank also offered classes and got involved with the community. They financed rejected projects including the Tattered Cover Book Store and Wynkoop Brewing Company.

The Women's Bank continued until 1994 when it was sold to the Colorado Business Bank. Many of the founding women continued on with successful careers!

This bit of history reminds us of why we do what we do and we can never go back!

scream

so that one day

a hundred years from now

another sister will not have to

dry her tears wondering

where in history

she lost her voice

-Jasmin Kaur

ERA Team Report

By: Nancy Werner, NFBPWC Advocacy Team ERA Lead 

EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT-E.R.A. IS BIG TIME in the News

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. 

Seneca Falls or BUST- Yes, Denice Robinson and I, of the PA Affiliate, traveled to the 100^th ERA Convention historical event, leaving on July 20 from Harrisburg, PA. We took the scenic Route 15 that parallels the Susquehanna River into southern New York. We had booked lodging in Geneva, NY, only a short distance to the south of Seneca Falls. (The town was quite full of guests.)  

The Generation Ratify and the Columbia Law School’s ERA were our hosts. Generation Ratify has over 13,000 students in high schools and on college campuses across the country. We learned that they had been planning this event for a very long time.  On July 21-22, we participated in the two-day event.  Sitting in the First Presbyterian Church of Seneca Falls was quite an inspirational moment as Alice Paul was remembered. Only 21 years old at the time, the Woman’s Party and she were so hopeful that they thought her amendment would only take 10 years to travel through Congress. 

The program on Friday was jammed back. We were introduced to the team that put so much work into the planning. Kathy Kelly, Esq., author of Ordinary Equality, and Rosie Couture, Co-Founder of Generation Ratify and student at Harvard College, shared the front of the church with a host of dynamic guests. We met Belan Yeshigeta, Co-Founder of Generation Ratify and student at Columbia, Ting Ting Cheng, Director of the Columbia Law’s School ERA Project, and from Nevada, U.S. State Representative Susie Lee. Each spoke from the podium where Alice Paul once stood. The church was full of many Generation Ratify students. Maybe about 150 plus and the rest were the activists who still want to see the Equal Rights Amendment passed. (That would be Denice and myself.) Each speaker gave an individual view on what is happening and ideas to help the ERA move forward.

Another impressive moment was the breakout groups hosted by the Generation Ratify members. One was called, “Organizing for Equality: Direct Action 101” and the other was named, “The Best Way to Protect Abortion & LGBTQIA rights? Federal and State levels.”   The presentations were power points with discussions and input from the participants. What was learned was how well the Generation Ratify students are informed. Six weeks prior to the event they held weekly zooms to update their members on the ERA. They knew the information and came prepared to discuss. They took copious notes as they were all expected to return with information to their high school or college Generation Ratify groups. Let’s just say, they came to make a statement. Alice would have been so proud.

During lunch, Denice and I felt like movie stars. What?? Guess I was startled that these young students wanted to interview us. Questions - What was it like 50 years ago? What did you do during the early 1970’s? Were you on a college campus? Did you have marches? I could only share my activism on my college campus. Yes, we had marches and rallies. We were united and then I graduated as an educator in 1971. But I soon learned of an organization called the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. that was supporting the ERA amendment. I even showed my red, white, and blue pin that stated, “ERA Is for Everyone.” I was 22 years old. Those pins were sold to our many NFBPWC members and worn proudly. Looking back to those years, I couldn’t believe 50 years had passed and we were now the senior mentors. But we did spread the word about NFBPWC.  

We returned from lunch to three breakout groups. Again, they were led by the Generation Ratify leaders. Gender Justice, Voting Rights and Organizing for State/Local ERA action, Intergenerational and Cross Movement Coalition Building and Faith Organizing Workshop. Amazing topics and the strategies that were shared in the discussions were well prepared. Everyone was welcomed into the talks.

Our Friday keynote speakers were Senator Pat Spearman, President of the Pro Tempore of the Nevada Senate, and U.S. Representative Cori Bush, Founder of the Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment. She represents the state of Missouri. Both were dynamic in their presentations and shared their plans for the ERA to make the U.S. Constitution. When Cori shared that this would be the last generation to stand up and pass the ERA, the church went wild. Those young people were up on their feet and giving it their all. Must say, these two women have “spunk” and the charisma to make it happen.

In the back of the First Presbyterian Church is a group photo of the attendees at the July 21, 1923, gathering. So, to commemorate this date, the entire group went out in front of the church to do a retake for the 100-year ERA Anniversary Photo. Our group was a little bit larger, but they had the traffic stopped, boom crane in place and Denice and I sure hope we can find ourselves in the photo. 

Now, there were 2 more events that evening. A March was held down one street. There were banners and lots of activity. The New York NOW, Rochester NOW and Women’s March of Seneca Falls led the march and everyone took part.

Finally, at 8:00 p.m. Cori Bush and Generation Ratify had a birthday party. It was to celebrate the birth of the modern youth-led movement for the ERA with a birthday cake, party games and feminist fun! But it was also the birthday of Cori Bush!  Thought that was special.

Now that was Day 1. I was exhausted as the heat of the church was not pleasant. I kept wondering how hot it was 100 years ago when the women wore the long dresses and buttoned blouse. We did receive green fans when we came in the early morning, but they didn’t do the work of a real fan.  Denice and I arrived in our white jackets and pants with green tops. We looked the part of the ERA leaders. But those jackets were NOT needed. The younger people were not affected by the summer heat. They were still going strong and enjoying every minute. Generation Ratify did quite a lot for many students who were helped with financial aid to fly to Seneca Falls. Some received hotel rooms, but the majority were sleeping on the church floor in their sleeping bags. It was engaging to see so much energy all around us. I will leave Day 2 for next month. I need to get my wind as Day 2 was just as empowering as Day 1. 

Repeat Information- Feminist Majority has put out the sign your signature to the ERA. Everything you need to know is right there. Https://www.sign4Era.org  As Eleanor Smeal of the Feminist Majority has shared that our society is now a virtual society. We will be able to reach more individuals and provide the evidence that Americans support the ERA. 

Please pass it to all your family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Your name will be logged and any new information on the ERA will come your way via your email. This is the communication that we have been waiting for. If you wish to applaud the creators, the 4 Rhode Scholars of Hunter College are to be congratulated. 

Keep going to our NFBPWC One Click System and use it. We appreciated every “yes” vote for the ERA back in late April. If your Senator (s) voted in favor, please tell them. But maybe this wasn’t the case and you saw a “no” from your Senator(s). Tell them what you are thinking. Let them know that you support the ERA. It looks like the Legislative Process is our way to travel to see the ERA become our 28^th Amendment to the Constitution.  Don’t forget the https://www.sign4era.org/

LGBTQ+ Team Report

By: Susan Oser, NFBPWC Advocacy Team LGBTQIA+ Lead

If you have an idea of an organization that you would like to highlight or would like to help and become more involved as an LGBTQ+ advocate, please contact Sue Oser at soser@nfbpwc.org or angelbpw1719@gmail.com. 

What do I wear? Great question and here are some suggestions:

Thursday night is casual for our Welcoming Reception in the evening.

Friday is our Board of Directors meeting; most attendees will be wearing business attire.

Saturday, we will wear white during the day to recognize the women suffragists who paved the path for women in the USA before us. This is the day of our General Assembly, so a white suit, white jacket, or white blouse would be appropriate. Most attendees will be wearing business attire during the day.

Saturday night is our Gala event. Take this opportunity to shine and bring something dressy to wear as we celebrate. A cocktail dress, a fancy scarf, a lovely pant suit, and other “glamorous” items will be appropriate. Have fun with this night. It is an opportunity to share yourself, your culture, and your fashionista side!

Sunday morning will be casual as we say goodbye. Some attendees will be participating in off-site tours and some will be departing. We will have one final Board of Directors meeting that will close out this conference as we start to look toward the next 2-year term.

Rules for candidates and campaigns for the 2022 Executive Committee General Assembly elections:

• The NFBPWC email list will not be shared and cannot be used by any candidate to promote their campaign or candidacy.
• No campaign materials are allowed to be distributed in the General Assembly room, onsite.
• Campaign materials may not be larger than standard letter size paper (8.5 x 11).
• Campaign materials are expected to be appropriate, ethical, and keep within the professional standards that align with the mission of NFBPWC and its members. The Nominations Chair will enforce these standards and determine any violations of these rules.
• Endorsements are allowed by members.
• The Board or Directors and/or Executive Committee may not directly or indirectly endorse one specific candidate over another.
• Campaigns cannot begin until July 6, 2022.
• Social media campaign rules:
• • It is not appropriate to request that the NFBPWC Public Relations Chair,  or PR Committee members, create campaign posts. The Public Relations Chair will review and approve all social media campaign materials prior to posting them on any NFBPWC social media platforms.
  • Candidates may post on their own social media platforms, any tagging of NFBPWC in posts will be reviewed and approved by the NFBPWC PR Chair.
  • You may not use the NFBPWC seal anywhere in your campaign marketing materials (photos, etc.), as NFBPWC does not endorse one candidate over another, and we do not want to create the appearance of such an endorsement.
• Please note that the Executive Committee and the Nominations Chair reserve the right to make changes to these campaign rules and regulations at any time as we see fit.

The theme for the 2022 General Assembly is Together, Again.

As NFBPWC members we are all part of an intricate puzzle that empowers us to develop the professional, business and leadership potential of women at all levels. At this year’s conference, we will be celebrating our connections that make us a stronger organization as we unite and advocate for women.

Valuable expertise

Because our NFBPWC leaders - all over the country - keep us focused and drive us forward as an organization, we are proud to have several as our special guest speakers who will highlight their commitment and experience during the 2022 General Assembly.

On Friday afternoon, attendees will have their choice of 6 breakout session workshops that will follow our theme with focus on Leadership in our organization. Attendees, both in-person and remote, will learn about utilizing NFBPWC resources and connections locally, nationally, and internationally to improve both our organization and our personal lives.

On Saturday afternoon, we will highlight our Advocacy arm of the organization with 6 different breakout session workshops about our efforts to unite and advocate for women.

To view the full program: CLICK HERE

To register for 2022 General Assembly: CLICK HERE

Enclosed you will find the forms that need to be completed by all members wishing to run for elective office of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs.

• 2022 NFBPWC Nominations Forms.pdf 
• 2022 NFBPWC Nominations Forms.docx

The term of office is two years.

The offices that are available are President, First Vice-President Membership, Second Vice-President Advocacy, Treasurer, Secretary and Young BPW (if the bylaw amendment passes).

We will also be electing a Nominations Chair.This is an elected chair position that serves on the Board of Directors.

Members of a State Federation or Affiliate Chapter/Club shall be eligible for election.

Candidates must have served the National Federation in an elected or appointed capacity on a national, state or affiliated chapter/club level for one year prior to the election.

No more than two candidates from the same State Federation or Affiliate Chapter/Club shall be nominated.

Signed forms must be returned by: July 4, 2022.

Nominations can be made from the floor if a full slate is not obtained by the above deadline.

THE FORMS SHOULD BE EMAILED TO THE NOMINATIONS CHAIR AT NOMINATIONS@NFBPWC.ORG.

Any questions, please contactnominations@nfbpwc.org.