By:   Daneene Monroe Rusnak
2^nd Vice President of Advocacy, NFBPWC 2020-2024

Priority on the ERA!

On Saturday, October 21^st, I had the pleasure of joining the California BPW affiliate’s Fall Board Meeting as part of an ERA Panel put together by Immediate Past President and California BPW member, Sandy Thompson. Many thanks to fellow panel members, Pattie Rayl, Nancy Werner, and Linda Wilson for their informative and inspiring contributions.

Emphasizing the importance of the ERA is nothing new for NFBPWC members and friends but I think we can all agree that there has been a greater focus on crossing the finish line recently. Likeminded organizations are concentrating efforts and these groups are

encouraging the ERA’s official inclusion in the Constitution in a variety of ways. Below are some helpful links and resources for you to use and share because…..

Equality Has No Deadline!

Take Action on the ERA! Equality Has No Deadline!

****One Click Politics landing page for NFBPWC****ERA Action on NFBPWC Website

Link to ERA virtual backdrop for download: Equality Has No Deadline Virtual Backdrop

• Increase support for the Discharge Petition:

• • a discharge petition is a way of bringing a billout of committeeand to the floorfor consideration without a report from the committee by "discharging" the committee from further consideration of a bill or resolution. Read more about it from ERA Coalition here.

  • • There are 207 co-sponsors of H.J. Res 25. We want to focus on the remaining Democrats and the picking up 6 additional Republicans

    • The number of House Members signing the Discharge Petition increased by 14 new signers to 196 during the month of September. Keep the pressure on to reach the desired 218 signatures.

    • To reach out to Democrats please use list: Discharge Petition Outreach list of current cosponsorsand here's where to reach  Republican Cosponsor/Discharge Petition Targets

• House/Senate - H.J. Res. 82/S.J. Res 39 - ERA Now expresses the ERA has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the 28th Amendment and calls on the Archivist to certify and publish without delay

All the best,

Daneene

By: Kathy Kelly
1^st Vice President of Membership, NFBPWC (2021-2024)

The Holidays are approaching!

How about giving the GIFT of EMPOWERMENT?

Are you starting to wonder what to give to your favorite nieces, granddaughters, sisters, or besties (over age  18)?   Why  not give  the  gift  of  joining  an

organization guaranteed to empower personally, professionally, and politically. Student membership is as low as $30! What a great stocking stuffer for those working on their careers.

How about that busy mom who works full time from the home? I know from experience there’s a sense of isolation at times, and BPW is the best medicine! The gift of membership and the friendships, skills and support our members find in this organization can last a lifetime (unlike another pair of yoga pants…About the same price too).

Hmmm, and what to get your club officers, an outstanding member, or your BPW bestie? How about a beautiful NFBPWC designer scarf!

(thank you Barbara Bozeman)

Suggested donation is $25, including shipping. Contact Kathy Kelly at vpmembership@nfbpwc.orgwith your order.

WELCOME NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS!

NEW

Katrina Canyon /  Seattle, WA

Denise Rubin / El Monte, CA

Judith Johnson-Keyt  / Tacoma WA

Dr. Twila Lee Wynn / Pennsylvania

Linda Cypret-Kilbourne / Michigan

Margaux A. Dever / Michigan

Brigette Robinson / Michigan

Yvette Wilkie / Michigan

Diane Rames / California Berkeley

Pearl Spaho /California Conejo Valley

Kylee Hill  / California Conejo Valley

Cheryl Miller  / California Conejo Valley

 Cathleen Jeanty   /  New York

Ava Ng / California East LA-Montebello

Donn De La Rosa  / California East LA-Montebello

RENEW

Jordan Bennett - STUDENT / Santa Clara Univ

Geneva Milligan- Keinath  / Virtual Nebraska

Theresa G. Amador / California East LA-Montebello

Ladies, in a time where most other service organizations are declining, BPW is building up in leaps and bounds.

Get ready for next year’s push, “Double or More by ’24” with fabulous prizes. More details to come!

The National Membership Committee meets on the first and third Mondays of each month, holidays excluded. Join us when you can to learn more about the tools and events that we offer that can support your Affiliate to “Double or More by ’24!”

Contact Kathy Kelly at VPMembership@NFBPWC.orgfor more information.

Gratitude

November is when the season of pumpkin spice turns into hot cocoa with peppermint as we rush around preparing for the busy winter season. So many of us struggle as we try to balance our careers, families, friends, and service commitments. In November, I try to lean into gratitude as my preferred state of mind while navigating the various duties I have as a business owner, leader, mother, friend, and activist.

My practice of gratitude extends beyond the month of November, but I strive to include it as a daily practice during this time of year because the daylight hours continue to recede, and it gets harder to get up each morning. Words of gratitude can connect us and bring us closer together. In a world that seems increasingly disconnected and polarized, verbalizing what I am thankful for creates a framework for a more hopeful future.

I am grateful to the members of NFBPWC for the continued support of our organization and its leaders. The kinship that we feel in this organization helps us move forward as we advocate for women across the nation and the globe. I am thankful that I have this amazing opportunity to serve as our president as we realize our goals together. It is an honor to work with such an incredible group of women who truly see the benefits of being part of an international women’s organization. In the month of November, I am grateful for the 19^th Amendment and my right to vote, as a woman; despite the many years it took for all women in the USA to be equally extended the right to vote.

A final and fitting gratitude for all Veterans this Veteran’s Day and an acknowledgment that NFBPWC began on the heels of World War I with a mission from the government to “coordinate identification of women’s available skills and experience.” As stated on our website (https://www.nfbpwc.org/heritage):

While mobilizing for World War I, the U.S. Government recognized the need for a cohesive group to coordinate the identification of women’s available skills and experience. A Women’s War Council, financed through a federal grant, was established by the War Department to organize the resources of professional women.

These women founded the first organization, NFBPWC, that focused on the issues of working women. As our organization continues its efforts to ensure equality and equity for working women, it is imperative that we intentionally recognize and thank our female Veterans for their service and all Military Affiliated Women (https://www.nfbpwc.org/Military-Affiliated-Women) for their support of our democracy. Happy Veteran’s Day!

The Intersection of Period Poverty and Women in Business

One of the main focuses of the October NFBPWC E-magazine is period poverty, which refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, menstrual education, and proper sanitation facilities. Period poverty is an issue affecting millions of women around the world. This topic has not been as prevalent in discussions among business and professional women, yet it has a significant impact on women's lives, extending into the workplace. We invite you to start talking about menstruation and period poverty with co-workers, friends, and family. Consider how menstruation can affect productivity, absenteeism, and mental health in the workplace; add in period poverty and the consequences felt by both the employee and the employer are magnified.

There is a certain stigma associated with periods and menstruators can feel embarrassed, ashamed, and uncomfortable advocating for their needs. Organizations have the power to promote menstrual equity by normalizing periods and making resources available to all employees. Including period poverty as a corporate social responsibility, such as offering menstrual products in the workplace or distributing them to their employees to address period poverty can create a more inclusive environment for all.

At NFBPWC we are working to alleviate period poverty by starting an initiative to host a Period Product Drive locally with your BPW chapter, club, or affiliate. Consider extending this idea to your workplace or other community-based organizations. We are always stronger together.

Please remember, you have an opportunity to provide constructive input and to find your own unique path in this organization. The Period Poverty Initiative is an idea that began with our Young BPW, Emily VanVleck. What ideas do you have that could move women’s rights and our organization forward in a positive way? Here is a link to our online Advocacy Platform, https://www.nfbpwc.org/Policy-Advocacy, review it and find an issue resonates with you. 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!

NFBPWC is truly living our theme for this biennium: Cultivate Connections, Create Community. Sending personal wishes of celebration, health, and progress around the globe!

Kind Regards,

Megan Shellman-Rickard
NBPWC President
2020-2024

By: Dr. Catherine Bosshart
BPW International President 2021-2024

Dear Presidents of BPW

Dear Members

In the last "Special Edition" of the Newsletter in June 2023, we reported on the Young BPW Asia Pacific Symposium. For the third time, the Young BPW of the Asia Pacific region organized and held a symposium. This is an example of how the regions are active between BPW International and the BPW members in their region, in this case also between the BPW members and the Young BPW of the region. 

The Regional Coordinators play an important role in this interaction: on the one hand, they are full members of the Executive Board, where they report on BPW's activities in their regions and submit regular reports; on the other hand, they are responsible for ensuring that information and the organization of BPW International are well anchored in their regions and that the important projects and initiatives are communicated and actively supported.

Each region holds its Regional Conference in a triennium, i.e. between the International Congresses. The organizers create a special conference program with the Regional Coordinator; the International President and the members of the Executive Board attend the conferences, inform directly about the BPW activities in the respective region and offer a Leaders' Summit.

This triennium has already seen the Regional Conferences of Europe in Reykjavik, Iceland, of Africa in Arusha, Tanzania, of North America and the Caribbean on St. Kitts and Nevis, and of Latin America in Santiago, Chile. Still to come this year is the Asia Pacific Region Conference in the Kingdom of Bahrain, UAE. You can find the invitation with program and registration options on the > website. The regional conferences are open to all BPW members. Would you like to travel to the Kingdom of Bahrain? Why not combine your trip with a visit to the Regional Conference.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the upcoming Regional Conference.

With this in mind, I extend my warmest greetings to you all,

Dr. Catherine Bosshart

BPW International President 2021-2024

By: Sondra Nunez
NFBPWC Secretary 2022-2024

Stanford Sierra Youth & Families

When my daughter and son-in-law decided to work through a foster to adopt agency, they chose Stanford Sierra Youth & Families. Below is information about this organization and ways you might be able to help. 

Stanford Sierra Youth & Families provides a continuum of care to empower youth and families to overcome challenges together, as well as connects youth in foster care to the permanent loving families they need and deserve. We support the entire family with professional treatment and compassionate care, so every youth can thrive at home, in school, and in the community. Those we serve are able to heal, learn life skills, and build relationships through our research-based, family-centered, targeted approach. 

We are determined to give every young person a chance at a healthy, productive and self-sufficient life with lifelong family connections. It is our unwavering commitment to meaningful and sustainable outcomes that distinguishes our organization as a leader in the field.

Mission

Transforming lives by nurturing permanent connections and empowering families to solve challenges together, so every young person can thrive.

Vision

We envision our communities with safe, lifelong connections for all young people, built and strengthened through generations of empowered families.

Values

• Compassion

• Equity

• Excellence

• Honor

• Integrity

• Partnership

How you can help?

Copper for Kids is a campaign of Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYAF) and was founded over 11 years ago. It was established to raise funds to provide permanent loving families and support services to local children in foster care. Without the support of a family, these vulnerable youth face devastating outcomes. Within just 2 years of aging out of foster care, more than 50% of these youth will be homeless, in jail, or addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Originally the campaign focused on enlisting the support of the construction industry to raise funds through recycling scrap copper and has now expanded to include more ways to help. Together, we can ensure that every child in foster care has permanent connections to family and the support they need to thrive. 

COLLECT SCRAP COPPER - By collecting scrap copper and other recyclable materials from job sites, you and your company can make a lasting impact on the life of a child.

• CHOOSE STANFORD SIERRA - Is your company planning a golf tournament or other fundraising event? Choosing SSYAF as the beneficiary is a simple way to generate valuable resources for youth in foster care.

• SPONSOR - Become a sponsor for the annual Copper for Kids Golf Tournament hosted by Iron Mechanical and help raise funds to provide permanent, loving families for local children in foster care.

• DONATE - Make a gift today to ensure children have the unconditional commitment of a family. Click here to donate. 

• MENTOR - Become a mentor who can open a world of wonder for a youth in foster care. Attend an upcoming orientation for more information! Email wonder@ssyaf.org to learn more.

FOSTER/ADOPT – Open your heart and home to a child in foster care. Contact us at (916) 344-0199 or email pathways@ssyaf.orgto learn how you can help.

By: Daneene Monroe Rusnak
2^nd Vice President of Advocacy, NFBPWC 2020-2024

Advocacy Action Opportunity

Dendrofemonology Sculpture at the National Mall

JOIN ERA COALITION FOR DENDROFEMONOLOGY: A FEMINIST HISTORY TREE RING

ON THE NATIONAL MALL IN DC NOV 1-4

#ReclaimOurHistory   #VoteOurFuture

“Growing up near the Muir Woods and spending a lot of time there during COVID, I love when you see these big tree slices, but they’re always telling male stories,” she told me recently on a Zoom call. “They’re all colonialist, patriarchal stories, and I just feel like I’m being mansplained history. So I wanted to see a feminist history tree ring.”

-Tiffany Shlain

Dendrochronology is the science of tree dating.

ERA Coalition and it’s partner organizations invite you to attend a day of art, inspiration and activism.

Helpful Links:

• Committee webpage

• Projects we are currently focused on 

• View the 2022-2024 Advocacy Platform Flyer

All the best, 

Daneene

By: Kathy Kelly 
1^st Vice President of Membership, NFBPWC (2021-2024)

Are you ready to increase your membership?

Whenever we talk about membership, we often want to target certain demographics to keep the organization fresh and current.  We also think of new and interesting allies for membership in BPW (see the 8 Weeks Guidebook for ideas).  We understand that social media is pretty much the only way to reach our ideal target markets.

Are you ready to learn this important skill?  NFBPWC is thankful to Suzette Cotto and her team for this exclusive offer to our members:

“Affiliate NFBPWC Clubs will learn the importance of digital marketing to attract new members, retain current members and successfully sustain the organization into the future. By using the tenants of digital marketing, you will learn what a great, intentional online presence and targeted marketing can do to amplify your organization, career, and professional persona.”

We challenge every BPW Affiliate to sponsor at least

one member for this course.

Don’t let your club miss out!  If we can all learn these skills together, we can collectively amplify the BPW message and our invitation to join the cause.

Click HERE for more information and to register for the course.

WELCOME NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS!

New Members:

Carrie Thomas	Virtual - Illinois
Elisabeth Carrio	California (MAL)
Alex Fagen	Michigan
Nikki Trumble	Michigan
Nicole Horn	Michigan
Vasukji Arumugam	Cali Berkeley
Dr. Zilola Khashimova	Cali Berkeley
Niharika Srivastav	Cali Berkeley
Brooke Burns	North Carolina
Aspen Johnson	Colorado
Tugce Kuran	Florida South

RENEWING MEMBERS:

Barbara Schroeder	Pennsylvania
Tara Hojiwala	Cali Berkeley
Suzette Cotto	Virtual - Texas

The National Membership Committee meets on the first and third Mondays of each month, holidays excluded.  Join us when you can to learn more about the tools and events that we offer that can support your Affiliate to “Double or More by ’24!” 

Contact Kathy Kelly at VPMembership@NFBPWC.org for more information.

From the Desk of the Secretary

By: Sondra Nunez, NFBPWC Secretary 2022-2024

As our family continues to navigate the CA foster care system, I have been spending time doing as much research as possible to educate myself and others about the realities surrounding children in need of help. The below information is taken from the FCCA (Family Connections Christian Adoptions) website.

Five Important California Foster Care Statistics

1. California makes up about 7% of the number of kids in foster care nationwide.

California, one of the most densely populated in the United States, faces unique challenges when it comes to foster care. The scale of the state's population alone contributes significantly to the foster care numbers in California. In fact, California accounts for approximately 7% of children in foster care nationwide. This statistic highlights the immense need for support and resources within the state's child welfare system.

By providing a range of adoption services, including foster-to-adopt programs, home studies and post-placement support, FCCA ensures that prospective families are equipped with the necessary tools and guidance throughout the adoption process.

2. Roughly 4,000 children age out of foster care in California every year.

When children age out of the foster care system in California, they face a daunting transition into adulthood without the stability and support typically provided by a family. The consequences of aging out can be severe and long-lasting. Without the safety net of a permanent home or a reliable support system, these young adults often experience challenges in various aspects of life.

They may struggle to find stable housing, pursue higher education, secure gainful employment and maintain good physical and mental health. So, when you think about children in foster care statistics in California, it’s important to recognize the significance of providing children with the necessary resources and support to thrive as they navigate the challenges of adulthood.

3. On average, children and teens stay in the foster care system for 12-20 months.

Children and teens often stay in the foster care system for extended periods due to various factors and complexities. The primary goal of foster care is to ensure the safety and well-being of children while their birth families receive the necessary support and services to address the issues that led to their removal.

During their time in foster care, children and teens undergo a comprehensive assessment of their family situation, including evaluations of parental fitness and efforts toward reunification. This process requires time to gather evidence, conduct investigations and provide opportunities for birth parents to address the concerns that led to their children's placement.

While efforts are made to expedite permanency for children, ensuring their safety and well-being remains paramount, and this often means they need to stay in foster care for an extended period. FCCA's fos-adopt program plays a significant role in reducing the number of kids in foster care. Our program combines foster care with the goal of adoption, providing a unique pathway to permanency for waiting children.

4. There’s been a drop in the number of kids in foster care in recent years.

While there has been a decline in the number of kids in foster care, it is important to recognize the impact COVID-19 had on the foster care system. The COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching effects, including the closure of schools and a reduction of in-person interactions with mandatory reporters, such as teachers and counselors, who play a crucial role in identifying children that were being abused or neglected.

With remote learning and limited opportunities for face-to-face interactions, there is concern that cases of child abuse and neglect may have gone undetected or unreported during this period. Therefore, the decrease in the number of kids in foster care may not necessarily mean an improvement in child welfare but rather a lack of awareness due to the limitations of the pandemic.

5. There are 60,000 children in California waiting for a loving family.

In California, there are approximately 60,000 children in the foster care system, and 15,386 are waiting to find a loving and nurturing family through adoption. These children, who have experienced the trauma of separation from their birth families, long for the stability, support and care that a permanent home can provide. 

NFBPWC National Board Meeting:

Date: October 17, 2023

Time: 5PM Pacific, 6PM Mountain, 7PM Central, 8PM Eastern

Time zone tool: Convert Time Zone Instantly | Time Difference Calculator

Main Topic: Legacy, Leadership, and Succession Planning

We will be sending an email requesting a written report from each officer, committee chair, and affiliate president. Please be prepared to submit your written report by October 1, 2023 to secretary@nfbpwc.org:.

Meeting agenda (tentative/advanced):  10.17.2023 NFBPWC Board of Directors Meeting Agenda.pdf

All members are welcome and guests are encouraged for this Board of Directors meeting. We continue to highlight this term's theme to "Cultivate Connections, Create Community" with the focus issue of Women on the Move.

Verbal report question for Board of Directors and Leaders:

What kind of support do emerging leaders get in our organization? And/or what is missing? How can we build talent and leadership from within NFBPWC?

Board of Directors Report Templates:

Executive Committee only:

2022-24 BOD Meeting 5 - Executive Committee Report.docx

NFBPWC Affiliate/Federation Presidents only:

2022-24 BOD Meeting 5 - Affiliate-Federation President Report.docx

NFBPWC Committee/Special Committee/Taskforce Chairs only:

2022-24 BOD Meeting 5 - Committee Report.docx

• Zoom details to be sent after registration.

• BPW International Theme 2021-2024:  New Actions through Cooperation

By:  Veera Mahajan

NFBPWC Gender Based Violence Committee Chair

Gender-based violence, a pervasive and insidious social issue, continues to cast a dark shadow over societies worldwide. Its roots run deep, intertwining with cultural norms, power dynamics, and personal attitudes. In our quest to eradicate this menace, it’s essential to recognize that the problem often lies not only in external forces, but within ourselves – in our discomfort, fear, and pride.

At the heart of the matter lies discomfort. We are often uneasy discussing gender-based violence, as it forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the society we live in. This discomfort can lead to avoidance, denial, and harmful behaviors. It’s crucial to acknowledge this discomfort and actively engage in open dialogues, creating safe spaces to challenge and transform the narratives that sustain gender-based violence.

Fear, too, plays a significant role. Fear of backlash, ridicule, or retaliation can prevent individuals from speaking out or intervening. Fear of losing societal acceptance or personal relationships can keep victims trapped in silence. By acknowledging these fears, we can work towards fostering a culture of empathy and support, empowering survivors to come forward and allies to stand up against violence.

Pride can also be a stumbling block. Our ego sometimes blinds us to our own biases, making it challenging to recognize and address harmful behaviors. A culture that normalizes toxic masculinity or reinforces outdated gender roles feeds into this pride. Unlearning these ingrained beliefs is essential for dismantling the foundations of gender-based violence.

To combat gender-based violence effectively, we must embark on an introspective journey, examine our discomfort, fear, and pride. By acknowledging these internal barriers, we can actively work towards creating a more equitable and just society.

Only through collective self-awareness and action, can we hope to bring an end to the cycle of violence and abuse, fostering a world where every individual can thrive without the shadow of gender-based oppression.