By: Teressa Gehrke
Digital Training Chair | digitaltraining@nfbpwc.org

Handling the Holidays

Feeling overwhelmed by advertisements and pressure to buy for the holidays? You’re not the only one. The holidays are known for joyful moments and stress. With kids and grandkids home over the holiday break, it’s a great time to rethink how much screen time they should spend on the TV, phone, gaming and other electronic devices. 

It has been well researched that too much screen time can cause adverse health effects. I remember reading The Berenstains Bears and Too Much TV as a child. The cubs wanted to watch TV instead of playing outside or reading. I have a feeling Mama Bear wouldn’t be happy if she saw how technology has changed. The point is to have measured time for entertainment, family time, and being in tune with nature.

Reducing Screen Time for Youth 

In a 2021 report from Common Sense Media, they “estimated tweens spend an average of 5 hours and 33 minutes using screen-based entertainment each day, while teenagers devote a whopping 8 hours and 39 minutes. A surge in screen use has led to some individuals, including children, adolescents and adults, developing screen-related addictions.” 

These disordered addictions have been linked to lower cognitive function. The research found that individuals with disordered screen use have “significantly poorer cognitive performance compared to others” without the disorder and found they also had lower attention spans. This hinders executive functioning and learning capabilities.

Better Health Outcomes

Staring at a screen for an extended period of time can lead to eye strain, fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, dry and itchy eyes. Taking consistent breaks from the screen can help minimize these effects because it allows the eyes to rest and focus on something else. 

People who use digital devices daily such as office workers and gamers should be taking consistent screen breaks to ensure they get enough rest mentally and physically.

When spending long periods of time in front of a screen, it’s important to take short breaks often. You can take 5-10 minutes every hour, rather than 20 minutes every 2 hours. If needed, you can follow the 20-20-20 Rule.  After spending 20 minutes on a screen, take a break and look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will help with eye strain and fatigue.

Now, stop reading this blog and go for a nice walk outside.

For additional assistance or questions, email: digitaltraining@nfbpwc.org 

Additional resources:

• Excessive Screen Time 

• Screen Breaks

• Taking Breaks 

• Reduce Screen Time

Art provided by Vecteezy
Screen Time by JM Grafix 
Holiday by Teeradej Srikijvilaikul 
Health by Muhammad Khaleeq

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.

By:  Susan Oser
NFBPWC Advocacy Team LGBTQIA+ Lead

Organization of the Month: One Pulse Foundation

Why highlight?

The organization was created in honor of the victims of a terrible tragedy that occurred on June 12, 2016 at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. 49 people were killed and at least 53 were wounded. It is a community of people whose purpose is to open hearts and minds to the violence that happens towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Source(s): https://onepulsefoundation.org/

FYI Positive LGBTQ+ for November:

• 11th Circuit Court Upholds Ruling Blocking Drag Ban In a major ruling released Wednesday, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in the United States ruled that Florida's ban on drag will continue to be blocked from enforcement statewide.

Source(s): https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/11th-circuit-court-upholds-ruling?r=k9h1j&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) releases proposed enforcement guidance to protect LGBTQ+ workers from harassment. The new guidance, released on September 29th, was adopted by a 3-2 vote of the EEOC commissioners. It includes protections against harassment for LGBTQ+ workers and protections against harassment in virtual work environments.

Source(s): https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/eeoc-renews-bid-update-workplace-harassment-guidance-2023-09-29/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=d8c14ad0-d0c8-4902-97b1-00815b0a23f5

• The ‘first English-language trans novel’ adapted for stage. The International Theatre Program at the University of Rochester is launching its production of Sarah Ruhl’s “Orlando” this October. This production offers an exploration of identity and gender fluidity. It joins a trend of an increasing and intensifying interest in the eponymous novel by Virginia Woolf. Ruhl has described her play, which she wrote in 1998, as true to the story Woolf told in the 1928 book.

Source(s): https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/international-theatre-fall-production-orlando-568802/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=d8c14ad0-d0c8-4902-97b1-00815b0a23f5

The following is an overview of or anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the news:

• Ohio Republican Says Bathroom Ban Has Nothing to Do with Trans People. Only ten states ban transgender people from bathrooms. While most bans focus on K-12 schools, three states go beyond that and target adults in other places. Ohio may become the fourth if HB183 passes.

Source(s): https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/ohio-republican-says-bathroom-ban?r=k9h1j&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

• Federal Appeals Court allows Kentucky and Tennessee to enforce bans on medically necessary care for trans and non-binary youth. The Sixth Circuit Court upheld Kentucky’s and Tennessee’s bans on

medically necessary gender-affirming care on September 28th by a 2-1 vote. Lawyers for the families who brought the Tennessee challenge called the ruling a “devastating result for transgender youth and their families” and said they were “assessing [their] next steps” in defense of transgender rights.

Source(s): https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/appeals-court-upholds-tennessee-kentucky-bans-trans-care-minors-rcna118056

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

By: Sandra Thompson
NFBPWC’s Immediate Past President

In August the East LA Montebello Club in California celebrated Women’s Equality Day at the home of Marjory Hopper.  Marjory asked me to explain why we wear yellow.  At the time I really had no idea, but thanks to some information from Barbara Bozeman and further research I came up with some of the reasons yellow is an important color in BPW.   It was suggested that I share with all of you what I came up with, so here is my presentation.

The Meaning of Yellow 

Yellow represents joy, happiness, positivity, and honor.  It makes one happier and suppresses anger and frustration.

It is the most energetic color and increases confidence.

It also represents a new dawn.

Yellow is a luminous color that attracts light, exuberance, and freshness.  We can’t help but be drawn in by its perky cheeriness.  As world history and Western symbology expert Michael Pastoureau noted in his book Yellow: The History of a Color, yellow shares a similar likeness to gold and honey, which epitomize pleasure and abundance in ancient cultures and religions.  It also signified opulence since royals would wear it in their clothing.

According to Nina Ashby, psychic and author of Simply Color Therapy, the color yellow is symbolized by the sun and represents joy, light and mental positivity.  Spiritually, the color yellow is also embodied by the solar plexus chakra-the seat of power and will.  Ashby points out our yellow is associated with the mind and the logical, left side of the brain that organizes information.

The suffragettes were inspired by their English sisters who wore white, purple and green.  When they brought it to the United States, they changed the green to gold.

Kansas was the first state to hold a referendum on women’s suffrage in 1867.  A referendum is when citizens directly vote on an issue.  While the referendum was defeated (leaving Kansas women without the vote), it inspired other western states to hold similar referendums.  Kansas eventually recognized a woman’s right to vote in local elections in 1887.  In 1867 when women were campaigning for the referendum in Kansas, they began carrying sunflowers since that is the state flower of Kansas.  This then changed the gold to yellow.

If you wore yellow roses you were for the vote for women and if you wore red roses you were against.

By Teressa Gehrke, Digital Training

In an era dominated by advancing technology, digital literacy is not just a skill, it's a fundamental right. For women around the globe, access to digital resources and the ability to navigate the digital landscape can be transformative. In this blog, we will explore the vital role of digital literacy in empowering women and how NFBPWC can lead in this arena.

The Significance of Digital Literacy for Women

First, digital literacy is a gateway to education. It opens doors to a wealth of educational resources, from online courses to e-books, leveling the playing field for women in pursuit of knowledge. We continually hear that education is the key to the kingdom, or in our case, queendom. What skills do you have that can elevate another woman in your life?

Second, digital literacy provides economic empowerment. Access to digital tools and platforms enables women to participate in the global economy, either through entrepreneurship or remote work opportunities. As a technology professional, who has dabbled in blockchain, I’ve seen how digital literacy and the ability to use tools like cryptocurrency can uplift a women’s collective in more impoverished areas.

Third, women can amplify their voices. Social media and digital platforms provide a stage for women to voice their opinions, advocate for change, and connect with like-minded individuals on a global scale. If we don’t hear it or see it, we can’t know about it. This can level the playing field and bring attention to humanitarian and women’s rights issues.

The Global Difference

NFBPWC is dedicated to promoting digital literacy and training among women worldwide, with the belief that a digitally empowered woman is an agent of change in her community. She can teach others, and even more importantly, teach children.

Bridging the Digital Divide 

Who do you know who can provide accessibility to more women? Who do you know who can benefit from gaining access to digital resources, especially in marginalized communities? These conversations are needed to bring more women into the digital fray, but also to encourage women to join the technology or cyber security field. Globally, an estimated 25% of women are in the cyber security field and it needs to hear your unique voice. 

How You Can Support Digital Literacy

 

Get involved by volunteering your time, skills, or resources to support NFBPW’s Digital Training efforts. Help raise awareness about the importance of digital literacy for women in their own communities and networks.

Conclusion

Digital Literacy is not just about using computers; it's about accessing opportunities, amplifying voices, and transforming lives. We’re driving change and empowering women worldwide. By supporting this cause, we can all play a part in building a more inclusive and equitable digital future.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Having a sense of digital literacy also means you practice good habits like strong passwords, use multi-factor authentication to double up your defenses against bad hackers, and avoid clicking on phishing links, emails, and attachments. If you have any questions about security awareness, please contact me @Teressa@PopCykol.com.

By:  Manjul Batra
NFBPWC Nominations Chair, nominations@nfbpwc.org

Forms for National elective office & Chairmanships will be sent out early for Clubs to prepare their members for leadership positions for the term 2024-2026.

Recommendation:

1. Club President’s identify their members for club leadership or National positions and support their development during the club year.

2. As recommended earlier a scheduled independent National training program be organized for club leaders who intend to run for National Office or Chairmanships.

By: Valentina Solarin
NFBPWC’s Mentoring Chair, mentoring@nfbpwc.org 

Mentoring Program Application

We're excited to announce another session of the Mentoring Program! The NFBPWC Mentoring Program matches members with each other and facilitates a mentor/mentee relationship.

Open to all members at any point in their career, mentor/mentee pairs meet virtually to discuss various topics ranging from skills, strategy, equity, and more.

We have a plethora of expertise among our members. Become a mentor!

There are equal numbers of members who are yearning to find someone to learn from and gain an understanding of something. What do you want to learn?

Vocalize an area of interest in an application so the Mentoring Program Team can find a mentor to assist you.

1. THE FIRST STEP is to submit an application HERE to the Mentoring Committee and explain your goals with the program. 

2. The Mentoring Committee will then partner you and coach you through launching your mentoring relationship!

Our goal is to have every local or virtual Affiliate take part in the mentoring program.  We encourage each Affiliate to have a member serve as a liaison to assist in empowering members to participate as either a mentor or mentee.

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

Tell us about your mentoring expertise/skills in an area OR tell us what you would like guidance in.

Application: Apply by clicking on the registration button on this page.   You must be logged into the membership database to apply. In the log in field, enter your email and password, then click the LOGIN button. If you do not remember your password, click the FORGOT PASSWORD link next to the LOGIN button. Enter your email address to receive a reset password link via email.

STEP 2: APPLICATIONS ARE REVIEWED AND MATCH ATTEMPTS MADE

New matches will be asked to have an initial meeting to confirm:

1. there is a good fit,

2. goals can be established for a successful outcome, and 

3. a time-frame for the mentoring process can be achieved. 

STEP 3: COMPLETE THE MENTORING AGREEMENT

Mentor/Mentee teams are required to document their goals and agreed-to time-frame.

STEP 4: CHECKPOINT

The Mentoring Program Chair will contact the participants at random points to check on their progress and ensure that teams are working.

STEP 5: EVALUATIONS

Mentor/mentee teams submit evaluations of the process. This is invaluable feedback for the program as we move forward to determine future processes.

By: Sandra Thompson
NFBPWC’s International Chair, international@nfbpwc.org 

VAN FOR THE UKRAINE

BPW International is fundraising to send a van to the Ukraine.  BPW UK and A. Leclercq are leading a fundraising campaign to acquire, equip, and transport from Bulgaria a van for the benefit of BPW Chernihiv, Ukraine.  Along with the van they want to fill it with much needed supplies for our BPW sisters and their families and friends.  

On September 6^th the UK hosted a meeting featuring 3 women who live in Chernihiv, Ukraine for nearly 560 days of this conflict, and one who made the decision to leave and become a refugee in England.  They spoke of the hardships that they are facing.

Enough money to purchase the van has been raised, but now we need to fill it with lifesaving items for the people in the Ukraine.  Toward this end NFBPWC would like to support this effort.  There will be a place on the national website where you can donate.  Just go to https://www.nfbpwc.org/Donateand enter your information at the bottom of the webpage to donate (if you are logged into your membership account, your information will automatically populate).

Items that are needed include the following:

• Well-stocked first aid kits for providing first aid (with turnstiles)

• Chargers and power banks also with solar panels

• Autonomous solar panels

• Torches, battery-powered flashlights and floodlights (to support households and businesses during emergency situations and blackouts)

• Thermoses or flasks of good quality (for 3-5 liters)

• Gas touristic cookers with cylinders

• Medicinal products (vitamins, for nervous system, antivirals, pain relievers, antipyretic drugs, throat lozenges that do not need to be stored in the refrigerator)

• Food for babies

• Sanitary-hygienic items: toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, ST’s, etc.

All items will be purchased in Bulgaria to avoid shipping costs.

We will be collecting funds until October 25^th.   This will allow us time to transfer the funds to BPW International.  Here is the link to donate https://www.nfbpwc.org/Donate.   You can go to the bottom and just check Ukraine Van Project and make your donation.

Every little bit helps so please consider a donation of any size to this project to help others.

By: Suzette Cotto
NFBPWC Public Relations Chair

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/

October Highlights in US Women’s History

October Highlights in US Women’s History 

• October 3, 1904 – Mary McLeod Bethune opens her first school for African-American students in Daytona Beach, Florida

• October 4, 1976 – Barbara Walters becomes the first woman co-anchor of the evening news (at ABC)

• October 4, 1993 – Ruth Bader Ginsburg joins the U.S. Supreme Court as its second woman Justice

• October 8, 1993 – Toni Morrison becomes the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature

• October 10, 1983 – Dr. Barbara McClintock receives the Nobel Prize for Medicine for her discovery in genetics about mobile genetic elements

• October 11, 1984 – Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan is the first U.S. woman astronaut to “walk” in space during Challenger flight

• October 15, 1948 – Dr. Frances L. Willoughby is the first woman doctor in the regular U.S. Navy

• October 16, 1916 – Margaret Sanger opens the U.S.’s first birth control clinic in Brooklyn, New York

• October 23, 1910 – Blanche Stuart Scott is the first American woman pilot to make a public flight

• October 24, 1956 – Reverend Margaret Towner is the first woman ordained a minister in the Presbyterian Church

• October 28, 1958 – Mary Roebling is the first woman director of a stock exchange (American Stock Exchange)

(Source:  https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/october/)

U.S. Postal Service to Unveil Stamp Honoring Ruth Bader Ginsburg

What: The first-day-of-issue ceremony for a new Forever stamp commemorating the legacy of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

When: Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, at 6 p.m. EDT

Where: National Portrait Gallery

Eighth and G streets NW

Washington, DC 20001

Details:

The United States Postal Service is proud to announce the dedication ceremony for a new Forever stamp honoring Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, celebrating her groundbreaking contributions to justice, gender equality and the rule of law.

The ceremony will feature:

• The official stamp unveiling

• A keynote address by Governor Martinez

• Remarks by other notable speakers

• A presentation on the design and significance of the stamp

• An opportunity for interviews and photographs

News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtags #RuthBaderGinsburgStamp and #RBGStamp.

About the Stamp

The Ruth Bader Ginsburg stamp features an oil painting of her in her black judicial robe and iconic white collar. The stamp captures her enduring spirit and tireless dedication to upholding the principles of the Constitution.

You can pre-order your stamps now.  More information can be found at:

By: Susan E. Oser
NFBPWC Rapid Response Committee Chair

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.