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.

Our Host Hotel

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade

100 Capitol Mall Sacramento, California 95814 USA, 

Book a Room              More About Hotel

RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY JULY 14, 2022

Register for the 2022 General Assembly

Why Stay Here

• Our group rate is only $219 plus tax.
  
• All sessions will take place at the host hotel. You will be in close proximity to programming and your fellow attendees, which helps you maximize your time at the conference.
• No money down, cancellations by August 3, 2022.
  
• The hotel overlooks the Sacramento River, next to the iconic Tower Bridge.
  
• You'll be within a 10-minute walk of the Old Sacramento Waterfront District and events at the Golden 1 Center.
• All Suites include a full cooked-to-order breakfast and two-hour beverage reception nightly.
• The hotel makes sharing a room easy with only a charge of $25 per night for each additional guest in suite (if more than 2 adults per suite).
• Valet Parking available at $35 per night (based on availability). Self-Parking is located in the city garage adjacent to the hotel.
• Hotel to provide complimentary in-room wireless internet to all overnight guests during event dates.

Shared from American Airlines Flight Service magazine:

When the government withdrew U.S. troops from Afghanistan last year, it led to thousands of Afghan refugees fleeing Taliban rule and relocating to other nations, including the U.S. For LGA-based flight attendant Emily VanVleck, who was furloughed in 2020 and then took an EVLOA to return to college, it presented an opportunity to help some of the displaced Afghan women.
​​​​​​​
Majoring in international studies, with a double minor in public policy and human rights, she had just wrapped up an internship with the National Federation of Business and Professional Women – New York City (NFBPWC/NYC). To celebrate, she and fellow interns had their first in-person meeting with their chapter president in Central Park. A discussion about the plight of the refugees ensued, and the Afghan Women Project was born.

"We realized there are no resources meant to help business and professional migrant women who arrive in the U.S., and we sought to fill that void," she said.

Flight attendant Emily VanVleck (in black shirt) and members of the Afghan Women Project collect donations of winter clothes and head coverings.

After getting to know some of the women, Emily found their stories inspirational. She said there are many professionals among them (doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.) and many who were in college when the Taliban took over. Part of the project's mission is to provide them with the tools to pursue their dreams in America. The project created a guidebook on shortening the acclimation process, offering a mentoring program, using its advocacy platform to solve resettlement issues, and finding resources to ease the transition. As a founding member, Emily has played a central role.

"I have worked to develop the project and create relationships with various agencies working with the displaced Afghans," she said. "I conducted interviews with women … to gather information for our guidebook. I also ran point for the winter clothing drive, heading meetings with the various collaborating organizations."

She said the winter clothing drive was an enormous success. With assistance from the Interfaith Center of New York and other community organizations, they gathered over 40 boxes of new and gently used clothing for the families and raised over $10,000.

The group also initiated a program called Zoom Pals to help the Afghan women practice their English skills and make friends. Emily keeps in touch with some of them via text messaging, and she was elated when one young woman texted that she was her first friend in America.

"I have worked tirelessly on this project since August, spending every moment of my free time moving it forward," said Emily, who graduates in May. "Hearing that I was someone's first friend in America gave me inexplicable joy and assured me that this project is working and already affecting people." 

National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) Sponsors the ERA Coalition Rally for Equality on January 27^th, 2022 – 12 PM ET

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs is sponsoring the ERA Coalition Rally for Equality on January 27^th, 2022 to take place with the following timeline:

• 12 Noon ET - Rally at the White House (also livestreamed)
• 1:30 pm ET - Delegation of volunteers marches to Department of Justice
• 2:30 pm ET - Delivery of petition signatures to the Department of Justice

January 27, 2022 is the 2-year anniversary of Democratic attorneys general for Illinois, Nevada and Virginia filing arguments as part of an appeal to a 2020 lawsuit to formally recognize the Equal Rights Amendment and extending the deadline for ratification.

ERA advocates believe that despite some court rulings affirming protections against gender-based discrimination in recent decades, the amendment is still necessary to address legal loopholes around discrimination in work as well as domestic and sexual violence.

Linda Coberly is Chair of the ERA Coalition’s Legal Task Force, a group of constitutional scholars working toward ratification, noted that additional language in the ERA text states that the amendment takes effect two years after final ratification — in this case, January 27, 2022, which connotates when the Virginia legislature finalized its approval of the amendment in 2020.

NFBPWC is participating in the rally and has stepped forward to sponsor and support the ERA Coalition collective voices on important legislation and the actions required to make the Equal Rights Amendment constitutional law.

Quote Megan Shellman-Rickard, NFBPWC National President

“We stand by the ERA Coalition and its important work to give women in the United States true equality without exception.”

As part of our core values which also align with the goals of the Coalition, NFBPWC has made available to their membership and the public a campaign to petition ratification. The "Take Action" Online Tool helps advocates navigate the petitioning and proper communication to tell your Senators to “Step Up for the ERA!” 

In solidarity with our sisters, and the ERA Coalition, #RiseUp4ERA

Link to Livestream: https://fb.me/e/Zmhd6vJW

About the NFBPWC

The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) was founded in 1919. In 1930, Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips, a co-founder of the NFBPWC, founded the International Federation of Business and Professional Women.

NFBPWC-USA is a 103-year-old organization. We are a national network of Business and Professional Women with the objectives of developing professional, business and leadership potential for all women. We advocate for the equal participation of women and men in power and decision-making roles.

As a member of BPW/International, NFBPWC-USA has consultative status with the United Nations and works closely with many NGOs (non-governmental organizations) throughout the world. Through the work of the New York City Chapter of NFBPWC, we have consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and participatory status with the Council of Europe.

Former NFBPWC members are pioneers of the women’s equality movement, and include four first ladies of the United States, a US supreme court justice, authors, and esteemed business leaders.

Colin Powell School Fellows Assist Displaced Afghan Women and Girls to Settle in the US

LINK: Vol 42 Newsletter

Colin Powell School seniors Djenabou Bah and Emily VanVleck have developed a project to assist refugee women and girls from Afghanistan in meeting their basic needs and adapting to life in the US. The Afghan Women Project is collecting clothing and other needed resources, providing mentorship and guidance on integrating into American Life, and advocating for support for the refugees.

Bah and VanVleck started the project as summer interns at the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, as part of their participation in the Colin Powell School’s Koch Fellowship in Public Service.

Although their internships have come to an end, Bah and VanVleck have continued as student members of the NFBPWC and have been instrumental in developing their Afghan Women Project. They hope to assist in welcoming Afghan women who have had to leave everything behind and empower them to find opportunity in the United States.

Find out more or donate to the project and see the call for clothing donations and the call for interviews. 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CLUBS DONATES HIJABS AND CLOTHES TO AFGHAN WOMEN

Written by Nancy Arcuri at The Citizen's Voice

The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) collected funds and goods vital to the incoming displaced Afghans, notably the women. NFBPWC has been able to provide new undergarments, gently used clothing, bolts of new material and sewing supplies, as well as some 12,000 new hijab hair bonnets. The bolts of material and the hair bonnets were donated through Material for the Arts (MFTA) in NYC. Some of the goods were forwarded to military bases in the Midwest, while a large shipment was delivered to a military base in New Jersey by members of the Special Project for Afghan Women out of the New York City NFBPWC Affiliate Chapter. 

NFBPWC has learned that strollers, baby clothes, winter coats and winter shoes are also needed. Donations of these materials can be made through Team Rubicon, a Non-Governmental Organization that responds to disasters, health crises, and humanitarian emergencies.

NFBPWC plans to continue focus on the business and professional women, as well as young women, who will be leaving the bases as residents to start new lives in America. The response from both Team Rubicon and the Department of Homeland Security’s coordinators to our initial donations has been extremely positive. They see us as truly welcoming of these new guests of America – individuals who have placed their lives at risk for our troops and those working in Afghanistan over the past two decades. We are honored and humbled to be able to continue our core mission of advocating for business and professional women in the US, to include the Afghan women refugees. We are preparing to share with these women a series of advocacy programs, diversity and inclusion training efforts, and mentoring programs. These efforts are in collaboration with partners ready to provide employment and support for a positive integration into American cultural norms and customs. Individuals are encouraged to join NFBPWC organization via local Clubs and to participate in the highly respected cultural awareness training, mentoring programs and other advocacy efforts.

The NFBPWC was founded in 1919. In 1930 Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips, a co-founder of the NFBPWC, founded the International Federation of Business and Professional Women. NFBPWC is a national network of Business and Professional Women with the objectives of developing professional, business and leadership potential for all women. We advocate for the equal participation of women and men in power and decision-making roles. Former NFBPWC members are pioneers of the women’s equality movement and include four first ladies of the United States, a US Supreme Court Justice, authors and esteemed business leaders. 

For more information about NFBPWC or NFBPWC Clubs in California, please visit nfbpwc.org or bpwcal.org.

National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) Donates Hijabs, and Clothes to Afghan Women

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs is pleased to follow up on its actions by collecting funds and goods vital to the incoming displaced Afghans, notably the women.

"We have been able to provide new undergarments, gently used clothing, bolts of new material and sewing supplies, as well as some 12,000 new hijab hair bonnets," shared Megan Shellman-Rickard, NFBPWC President. "The bolts of material and the hair bonnets were donated through Material for the Arts (MFTA) in NYC."

Some of the goods were forwarded to military bases in the Midwest, while a large shipment was delivered to a military base in NJ by members of the Special Project for Afghan Women out of the NYC NFBPWC Affiliate Chapter, including co-chair Voyka Soto, Emily VanVleck, and student member Djenabou Bah.

"We have learned that strollers, baby clothes, winter coats and winter shoes are also needed," added Soto. "We encourage donations of these materials through Team Rubicon, an NGO that responds to disasters, health crises, and humanitarian emergencies." 

NFBPWC plans to continue to focus on the business and professional women, as well as young women, who will be leaving the bases as residents to start new lives in America.

The response from both Team Rubicon and the Department of Homeland Security’s coordinators to NFBPWC initial donations has been extremely positive. They see the Afghan Women Project as truly welcoming of these new guests of America – individuals who have placed their lives at risk for our troops and those working in Afghanistan over the past two decades.

"We are honored and humbled to be able to continue our core mission of advocating for business and professional women in the US, to include the Afghan women refugees, Soto continued. "And, we aren't stopping anytime soon. We are preparing to share with these women a series of advocacy programs, diversity and inclusion training efforts, and mentoring programs!"

These efforts are in collaboration with partners ready to provide employment and support for a positive integration into American cultural norms and customs. Those interested are encourage individuals to join the NFBPWC organization and to participate in their highly respected cultural awareness training, mentoring programs, and other advocacy efforts.

About the NFBPWC

The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) was founded in 1919. In 1930, Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips a co-founder of the NFBPWC, founded the International Federation of Business and Professional Women.

NFBPWC/USA, is a 101-year-old organization. We are a national network of Business and Professional Women with the objectives of developing professional, business and leadership potential for all women. We advocate for the equal participation of women and men in power and decision-making roles.

As a member of BPW International, NFBPWC/USA has consultative status with the United Nations and works closely with many NGOs (non-governmental organizations) throughout the world. Through the work of the New York City Chapter of NFBPWC, NFBPWC has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and participatory status with the Council of Europe.

Former NFBPWC members are pioneers of the women’s equality movement, and include four first ladies of the United States, a US supreme court justice, authors, and esteemed business leaders.

To learn more, visit www.NFBPWC.org.

National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) Advocates for displaced Afghan women with the Afghan Women Project 

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs has begun outreach and support to welcome the displaced women refugees of Afghanistan by implementing the Afghan Women Project. The immediate goal of this support project is providing needed clothing and fundraising.  

NFBPWC learned of the needs of these women from the New York City Affiliate Chapter which works closely with the United Nations as a UN recognized NGO. Following this initiative, NFBPWC plans to continue to address all issues of advocacy with help in adjusting to new environments and daily life.

NFBPWC will open paths to professional business resources, providing practical assistance, and mentoring to those who seek career and business advice through a mentoring program. Outreach has already begun on the National level with NFBPWC members across the country. 

The organization is proud to be able to take their collective skills and use them to ease the stress of migration, and form a bridge between the courageous, driven women in Afghanistan to the women ready to excel here in the United States. This practical intervention is aimed to fill a gap in government resettlement services.  

NFBPWC's national network has the reach to augment the abilities of the Afghan women to navigate skills and resources available to them. With an aim to continue their dreams of personal liberty as they sought careers and entrepreneurship in Afghanistan, NFBPWC will work to create elevated work and opportunity here in America. 

About the NFBPWC

The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) was founded in 1919. In 1930, Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips a co-founder of the NFBPWC, founded the International Federation of Business and Professional Women.

NFBPWC/USA, is a 102-year-old organization. We are a national network of Business and Professional Women with the objectives of developing professional, business and leadership potential for all women. We advocate for the equal participation of women and men in power and decision-making roles.

As a member of BPW International, NFBPWC/USA has consultative status with the United Nations and works closely with many NGOs (non-governmental organizations) throughout the world. Through the work of the New York City Chapter of NFBPWC, we have consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and participatory status with the Council of Europe.

Former NFBPWC members are pioneers of the women’s equality movement, and include four first ladies of the United States, a US supreme court justice, authors, and esteemed business leaders.

Donations to the project will be accepted through a fundraising campaign which is open until October 31, 2021. To donate, please visit https://www.nfbpwc.org/Donate.

For more information about the NFBPWC, please visit nfbpwc.org.

The National Federation of Business & Professional Women Holds Parallel Event at the United Nations CSW65

The main focus will be on achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC, USA, February, 2, 2021 

As part of the 2021 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) event, the National Federation of Business & Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) will hold a parallel event on using impact activation events to help fast track a gender-equitable pandemic recovery. [Link to Event]

To be held on March 18, 2021, the event will focus on how the pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities that adversely affect women & girls all over the globe, forcing a shift in priorities and funding across public and private sectors.

The sixty-fifth session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65), the primary intergovernmental forum for discussing gender equality and empowerment, will take place virtually this year from March 15-26. This annual event is attended by member states, UN entities, and global UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) accredited non-governmental organizations.

#pandemic #equality #unitednations #girls #women

With a goal to showcase innovative ways for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and activists to accelerate awareness and action for this issue, NFBPWC will host two screenings of the award-winning film Pioneers in Skirts – a film where viewers can see their role in the solution, feel hopeful, and are motivated to act.

CSW65 attendees will be able to view the film for one week of on-demand screenings as well as during a March 18 one-hour LIVE Filmmaker Watch Party screening event, followed by an interactive expert panel discussion.

Representatives of Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited NGOs from all regions of the world are invited to join the filmmakers and esteemed panelists for a post-screening impact discussion on how to use events like this one to advance women and girls’ status around the globe.

The post-screening discussion will feature interactive elements to encourage audience engagement, and share best practices for how to activate films and other media to influence empathy, bring awareness to solutions, and fast track progress towards the achievement of gender equality.

For information on how to RSVP for the screenings and the panel event, visit https://www.nfbpwc.org/event-4123114.

“Organizations like BPW spent the first part of the pandemic in shock over the backsliding of progress made towards the achievement of gender equality,” said Megan Shellman-Rickard, President of NFBPWC. “We quickly pivoted to taking action – and want to empower others to do so, too.”

With everyone going virtual and the need to keep issue-awareness and progress moving forward, storytelling is key for keeping audiences engaged. Stories have the power to change minds and move hearts. “Good storytelling like Pioneers in Skirts can engage the brain in ways other forms of communication simply cannot,” shared Producer Lea-Ann W. Berst.

“We are proud of the conversations our audiences have had after screening our film,” says the film’s Director Ashley Maria. “Viewers at this screening, and the Impact Relay* screenings around the world, will be able to share their truths, ask questions, and take action.”

To see the kind of conversations sparked by Pioneers in Skirts, watch the Meaningful Conversations highlight reel:

RSVP: For information on how to RSVP for the screenings and the panel event, visit https://www.nfbpwc.org/event-4123114.

About NFBPWC: The National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs (NFBPWC/USA) works to develop the professional, business and leadership potential of women at all levels, and advocates for equal participation of women and men in power and decision-making roles.

NFBPWC/USA is an affiliate of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) – which is also an NGO that has had general consultative status with the United Nations through the ECOSOC since 1947. At present, there are a total of 21 members serving as representatives of BPW International at the United Nations and its subsidiary organizations, specialized agencies and related organizations. For more information, please visit: https://www.nfbpwc.org.

About the film: Pioneers in Skirts® is a feature documentary examining the need for gender parity in our culture from the perspective of a female filmmaker who was frustrated with her own problems in the film industry.

In an inspiring portrait of perseverance and determination, director Ashley Maria expands her search to include other industries and society in general. She shares her own story, but she also follows the journey of 3 girls on a robotic team, their fathers, as well as a young mother – all while traveling the U.S., speaking to fellow pioneering women and topic experts who had solutions to share. By the end of her quest, Ashley finds out how we ALL can address the stereotyping and sexism that can chip away at a woman, hurt her potential, and make her feel like she must re-think her dreams.

For more information, please visit: https://www.pioneersinskirts.com.

*About the Pioneers in Skirts Impact Relay: The March 18, 2021 screening will be the kickoff event for the Pioneers in Skirts Impact Relay – where activation efforts surrounding nationally-focused screenings will be used to cast a broader scope of awareness for the need to address gender equality and human rights issues.

The impact campaign involves having prospective movie screening hosts apply to be chosen for a free movie screening and filmmaker post-screening Q&A. Screening in a multitude of diverse locations around the globe, the team at Pioneers in Skirts aims to re-ignite governments, civil society, businesses, and other stakeholders to work to eliminate discrimination against women and girls and achieve equality in all areas of life.

With projections showing that women are being disproportionately affected by the pandemic, they want the Impact Relay to also be a push for women to be at the heart of pandemic recovery efforts.

About NGO parallel events: The NGO Commission on the Status of Women is a group of New York–based women’s NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (NGO CSW/NY), organizes the civil society side of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Running parallel to the events occurring within the UN Headquarters, the NGO CSW events provide civil society the opportunity to engage in the processes and events of CSW without ECOSOC-accreditation or a UN grounds pass.

Over the two weeks of the Commission on the Status of Women, NGO CSW/NY organizes events that inform, engage and inspire grassroots efforts and advocacy needed to empower women and girls. For more information, please visit https://ngocsw.org/ngo-csw-forum. 

Contact:
NFBPWC Media Relations
press@nfbpwc.org
+1 (818) 848-2848

# # #