Pride and Advocating for Equal Rights

As we celebrate the idea that “love is love” and recognize Pride Month, please take a moment to consider current events and how intricately interconnected we all are as members of the NFBPWC community. Writing one of my final President’s letters has me awash in many emotions about what it means to be a woman and a human rights advocate in the USA, and the world, in the 21^st century.

Members are stepping up across the nation as leaders both in the organization and in their own communities. We come from various backgrounds. Some of us are cisgender women, some identify as LGBTQAI+, some are mothers, some chose not to or could not become mothers, some members are men, some are religious (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist), some are atheist or agnostic, most of us are daughters, all of us had mothers, and all of us joined the original working women’s organization, NFBPWC. Being unique individuals supporting our NFBPWC mission to develop the professional, business and leadership potential of women at all levels is what guides us. We are at a moment in history where we must stand together for our fundamental human rights, to be treated as whole complete citizens in the “We the People” of the United States of America.

During the past two terms, we have reinvigorated our organization. We have seen an incredible growth in membership and engagement. Women’s rights have become a table talk issue across the country. In simple interactions, when people find out about NFBPWC and the role in which I serve as president, I hear both hope and fear. Women, and girls, are no longer confident in their abilities to be autonomous human beings. I appreciate this organization, for so many reasons, and I recognize how important it is to have our history and our commitment to women’s rights so deeply valued. As you read through this month’s magazine, you will see that our members were touched by many of the issues that the month of May brought forward: reproductive justice and bodily autonomy, the Equal Rights Amendment (and the hope of full passage, finally), environmental concerns, LGBTQAI+ issues, Women on the Move, education, advocacy, and even the USPS.

Collectively, our influence is stronger. We can accomplish more by raising our voices together. The women of today need to hear us. The women of tomorrow want to see us standing strong against 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.

Please remember, you have an opportunity to provide constructive input and to find your own unique path in this organization. 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! Please accept my personal invitation to all NFBPWC members to join us at our Biennial Conference in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, or our Hybrid option, July 18-21, 2024. Look for details on our website: www.nfbpwc.org.

We offer a community to each other, one in which we can find solace and solutions. And let us not forget to be kind and accepting of each member’s journey in this organization as we endure these extraordinary moments of history (and herstory). NFBPWC is truly living our theme for this biennium: Cultivate Connections, Create Community. Sending personal wishes of celebration, health, and progress around the globe! Pride and Advocating for Equal Rights

Kind Regards,

Megan Shellman-Rickard
NBPWC President (2020-2024)