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.

2nd Vice President Advocacy Report

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

BPW members are invited to join the A-Team for the next NFBPWC Advocacy Committee Meeting

We will discuss current and future issues, initiatives and goals.

When: September 14, 2023

Time: 7pm ET | 6pm CT | 5pm MT | 4pm PT

Meetings are held monthly on the second Thursday of the month. 

How:Online via Zoom.  Details will be provided upon registration.

Who:All interested members are welcome.

Register: https://www.nfbpwc.org/event-4973894 

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)

Do you want to increase your membership?

Please save the dates!

Join our membership drive!  We are ON TARGET to double our membership by the end of the next term.

How can we do that?  Simple!  Each member pledges to bring in one new member.  In fact, we challenge you to bring in one new member and one new member under the age of 35. 

Be sure to keep track!  We are working on some fabulous incentives and prizes, and every member brought in is another chance to win.

Need some help?  We have outreach resources available, including updated Benefits of Membership pamphlets, How to Start or Grow a Club in 8 Weeks Guidebook, PowerPoint presentations and more.

Please consider joining a national membership committee meeting as a visitor – no commitment required.  We promise a lively discussion with new ideas, strategies, tools, and resources.  Also, please consider inviting your current membership chairs to check us out.  

We (usually) meet on Zoom the First and Third Mondays (one hour), 5 PM Pacific | 8 PM Eastern. 

Double or More by ’24! 

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 them… and… there we stop.

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.”

The cost is $49 (see details below), and we have confirmed that there are scholarships available from the local to national levels upon request and completion of the course.

We want to challenge every Club and 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.

Registration information will be posted soon.

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

International Women's Friendship Month and NFBPWC

By President Megan Shellman-Rickard

Heading into our second year of the NFBPWC 2022-2024 term, our Board of Directors, leaders at all levels, and members have a myriad of accomplishments from our first 12 months! Each member has their own path in this organization and a space to share their experiences and enthusiasm for empowering women with people from around the nation and the world. In the spirit of International Women’s Friendship Month in September, take a moment to reach out to current friends and create new connections.

As a member of NFBPWC you are connected to nearly 30,000 members worldwide in over 100 countries. Reach out on social media. Register for the BPW International directory and find members who share your passion for women’s issues from around the world: https://www.bpw-international.org/directory/. Update your profile on our NFBPWC directory, https://www.nfbpwc.org/Directory, and find other members. Take advantage of your membership in this wonderful organization and create the phenomenal opportunities that are waiting for you.

As a member of NFBPWC for over 10 years, I have made countless friendships with members from around the world. It is inspiring to work with people from across the globe as we continue an uphill battle for women’s equity. As we engage with one another and connect, we do create a unique community in which we can make a difference as we create friendships. I personally invite each of you to reach out to me and other leaders in our organization. Let’s take the time to get to know one another and build friendships that will support the ideals that we hold dear for women’s rights globally. We are stronger together as we craft these bonds of friendship.

Please remember, you have an opportunity to provide constructive input and to find your own unique path in this organization. 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!

The Continued Fight for Equality: Women’s Equality Day and the Equal Rights Amendment

August 26th is an important day in the history of women’s rights and for members of BPW - it is Women’s Equality Day and the day in 1930 that the International Federation of Business and Professional Women was officially founded (BPW Day, #BPWDay)! In the USA, this coincides with the commemoration of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. The day is significant as it serves as a reminder of the progress made in the fight for gender equality over the years and highlights the work that continues. It serves an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women who have contributed immensely to the advancement of women’s rights. On this day, we at NFBPWC honor the women who had the courage and conviction to be the founders of BPW. For over a century in the USA, and 93 years internationally, we at BPW continue to be a beacon of light for women around the world.

At the NFBPWC the Equal Rights Amendment stands “first and foremost above all other items of the advocacy platform until Equal Rights have been guaranteed in the United States Constitution” (https://www.nfbpwc.org/Policy-Advocacy). The ERA was first proposed in 1923, and it was a trailblazing move that sought to ensure that gender equality would be protected and recognized under the law. The passage of the ERA will have immense implications on women’s rights protections, particularly in areas such as equal pay, workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and domestic violence. It will be a powerful tool in promoting equitable policies and practices that ensure everyone, regardless of gender identity, is treated with fairness and dignity.

As we reflect on the significance of Women's Equality Day, BPW Day, and the importance of the ERA, we are reminded of how far we have come in the fight for gender equality. However, we must also acknowledge the work still to be done and commit ourselves to the fight for equal rights for all. It is imperative to honor the legacy of the powerful women who have paved the way for us and do our part to ensure that no one is left behind. As NFBPWC and individual members, we have a responsibility to uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or simply speaking up against injustice, we all have a role to play in the fight for equality. The ERA, BPW Day, and Women's Equality Day are symbols of hope, progress, and determination in the face of adversity, and together, we can create a world where all women are empowered, valued, and respected.

At NFBPWC we continue to grow and thrive because we are working towards a more equitable world. We would like to take this moment to welcome our newest NFBPWC Affiliate, NFBPWC Washington State! The work that Washington State Business and Professional Women has done for over 100 years to empower women personally, professionally, and politically is phenomenal. The leadership at NFBPWC is thrilled to welcome the first 15 members from Washington State into the fold of national and international membership and look forward to your participation!

Please remember, you have an opportunity to provide constructive input and to find your own unique path in this organization. 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!

Celebrating the Spirit of Women and Freedom this July 4th

It's the time of the year again when America celebrates its Independence Day and freedom.  Let us take this moment to celebrate the women and their undeniable role in the continued fight for freedom and equality. As we celebrate this July 4th, it is imperative to reflect on the challenges women continue to face in America today. The past year has brought some big blows to the equitable treatment of women. As an organization, we know that the only way to enshrine equality is by passing the Equal Rights Amendment. We have made progress throughout our country’s history, however, there is still much work to be done in areas such as equal pay, reproductive rights, access to quality healthcare, and combating gender-based violence. We need to continue fighting for equality, not just for ourselves but for our daughters and the generations to come.

As we at NFBPWC celebrate the spirit of women and freedom this July 4th, let us remember and honor the remarkable women in our own organization who have brought about change and helped shape our nation's history. Let us also continue the fight for equality and liberty for all American women. Together, we can work to create a future America that truly is the land of the free and the home of the brave, where every person's rights and freedoms are respected and protected.

Please remember, you have an opportunity to provide constructive input and to find your own unique path in this organization. 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!

Equal Rights Amendment

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) remains at the top of our advocacy platform with the following statement:

The Alice Paul Equal Rights Amendment shall stand first and foremost above all other items of the advocacy platform until Equal Rights have been guaranteed in the United States Constitution - i.e. "Equality of Rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

Many of us held out hope that April 27, 2023, would be the day that the S.J. Res. 4 would declare the ERA ratified and valid. Despite polls showing that 83% of Americans believe that it should be incorporated into the U.S. Constitution (https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/public_education/2020-survey-civ-lit-full-report.pdf), S.J. Res. 4 did not pass, and the ERA was not brought to the floor for debate and a vote. As a non-partisan organization, NFBPWC does not endorse any one party over another, and yet, women’s rights are not equally supported by all politicians. Please take a moment to participate in our campaign to contact our representatives, Equality Has No Deadline! The fight continues, despite the failure of S.J. Res. 4. Women, especially those represented by senators who voted against the ERA, can have the most impact.  Please take a moment to tell your representatives that you support the ERA.

Our organization continues to develop the professional, business, and leadership potential of women at all levels. In order to fulfill our mission at its highest level, it is imperative that Equal Rights are guaranteed in the United States Constitution. The Executive Committee and Board of Directors continue our work to elevate this goal. We are open to collaboration and partnerships as we strive for the success of the ERA. Thank you to all the members who continue to participate in conversations about the ERA at all levels. We have been working towards the goal of Equal Rights as an organization for over 100 years and we will continue the fight together. Please share your thoughts and ideas on how we can better represent ourselves and our efforts in regard to the ERA with the Executive Committee and thank you for your continued support.

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!

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