By: Susan E. Oser
NFBPWC Rapid Response Committee Chair

Examples of Rapid Response Statements – 

In the past you have seen some of our statements on various issues, even issued by our president. Have you ever wondered what other organizations come out with Rapid Response-like comments or how they organize their own version?  Here are just a few

From the Washington College of Law American University – Rapid Response Panel: The Systematic Targeting of Journalists and Activists at Our Border - https://www.wcl.american.edu/news-events/events/detail/7656/

Rapid Response Team Debuts at UAW-Related Protests -

https://oberlinreview.org/20617/news/rapid-response-team-debuts-at-uaw-related-protests/

UnitedSteelWorkers - https://www.usw.org/act/activism/rapid-response

If you think that maybe there should be a workshop on Rapid Response or how it works within the coming year or you know of other organizations with a Rapid Response program, please let me know.

Please connect with Sue Oser at rapidresponse@nfbpwc.orgif you have any ideas on topics that should be focused on and discussed as we get into the big election cycle.

By:  Nancy Werner
NFBPWC Advocacy Team ERA Lead

EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT 100^th ANNIVERSARY MARCH

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.

Wednesday, December 13^th came and went with little news on the media. The ERA- Coalition worked hard for us to remember that is was December 13, 1923 when the ERA was first introduced in Congress. They invited every group who has voiced or has promoted the ERA passage. (For this list, please go to the Pennsylvania section and search for Lilly Gioia’s-January 2024 Legislation/Advocacy Report. She did a remarkable job researching the groups.)

But it was the weekly Ms. Memo: This Week in Women’s Rights had more information shared under-“100 Years, Not one More”: ERA Advocated Rally on Centennial Anniversary. Madelyn Amos, author, provided an excellent description of the day that started in Lafayette Square. The chants of “not one more year” were heard. The activists marched from the White House to the Capitol with the one mission –not one more year should pass without rights being protected by the Constitution on the basis of sex.

Lilly got it right that they made a few stops along the way. They made sure to visit the department of Justice to ask Attorney Merrick General Garland to remove the Trump Administration OLC memo that is blocking the ERA’s path. They then marched to visit the National Archives where U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan was told that the ERA has met all the requirements according to Article V and to be published as the 28^th Amendment. It was here that Rep. Cori Bush, D-MO, met the group. She shared all the work highlighting the work of women of color to fight for equality. (Sidebar – Denice Robinson and I met her at the Seneca Falls gathering this past summer and she is a passionate dynamo for the ERA passage.)

But you can’t have a march without a press conference. At the House triangle, Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) was the main speaker but she was joined by many – Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA); Gloria L. Blackwell, CEO of American Association of University Women; Honorable Carolyn Maloney, Board Chair of ERA Coalition and former U.S. representative; Eleanor Smeal, President of Feminist Majority; Shalina Effendi, organizer of Generation Ratify; Kase Solomon, League of Women Voters; and, Margaret Mitchell, CEO of YWCA USA. (The photo above is as Eleanor Smeal speaking.)

One very important task for all of us – Call Colleen Shogan at 202-357-5900 – Here is your message – My name is. I am calling from (name your state). I am asking that you do your duty and publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28^th Amendment. The E.R.

A. has fulfilled the requirements set forth in Article Five of the Constitution and we can wait no longer for full constitutional protection.

It is all written out for you. Please try it.

Also, if you haven’t signed the http://www.sign4era.orgto receive notifications, please do so. We are looking for a million signers. Please keep in touch with your Senators using the NFBPWC “One Click.” We have been promised a revisit and we need to be ready. Keep clicking.

I was so hoping that the ERA might be achieved this year, but everyone went home in Washington D.C. - the House and Senate for the Holidays. There are so many issues that need attention. We need to keep working for the passage of the ERA. Just remember-Miracles do happen.

By: Susan Oser
NFBPWC Advocacy Team LGBTQIA+ Lead Happy New Year!

Hoping that you all had a wonderful holiday. As we start 2024 with new energy, I thought it was time to do something new for this column. In the past, we’ve covered the flags and the organizations of the LGBTQ+ community. This year, why not focus on the icons, activists and other people that make up this wonderful community. Just as we do in our own organization sharing the stories of the women around us and the women that make up the history of the BPW organization, it makes sense to do the same for this column. If you have any suggestions or personally know of someone you think should be highlighted this year for the column, please contact me at the email address below.

In addition to the icons, I’ll be sharing the good news and the bad news of what is happening within the community. It is still important to be aware of the current court cases in proceedings, discriminatory actions and more so that we as an organization can be better allies. At the same time, we also need to share and celebrate the good too.

LGBTQ+ Icon of the Month: Demi Lovato

Why highlight?

She is a popular singer-songwriter that came out as pansexual this year on the popular Joe Rogan Experience show. Their songs are beautiful, and they have been nominated for a Grammy. They are a popular icon among the younger demographic.

Source(s): https://www.demilovato.com/#/

Good LGBTQ+ News for January:

• New Legislation Package Introduced in Michigan: Removing Barriers for Legal Name Change; Accurate ID Documents and Birth Certificates – http://tinyurl.com/3h43jjrcTransgender, gender non-conforming, and non- binary people with incongruent identity documents are at a greater risk of experiencing violence and discrimination. Some states make it difficult and expensive for trans people to update their birth certificates or other identity documents, with some even requiring trans people to undergo surgery just to get an amended document.

• We Are Here: LGBTQ+ Adult Population in United States Reaches At Least 20 Million, According to Human Rights Campaign Foundation Report - http://tinyurl.com/y5scnwasAccording to an analysis of data in the Census Bureau’s recent Household Pulse Survey, 8% of respondents identified themselves as LGBTQ+, suggesting previous surveys undercounted the population.

• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appoints members to state’s first LGBTQ+ Commission. http://tinyurl.com/49zu8y7vThe Governor named 13 members to the LGBTQ+ Commission the week of November 26th. The commissioners have not yet met and will set goals for improving life for the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan.

And now for the BAD news:

• UNAIDS officials say anti-gay laws impede fight against HIV/AIDS. http://tinyurl.com/5n6mbhddSixty-seven countries have laws that criminalize gay sex. In those countries, HIV prevalence rates are about five times higher among gay men than in countries where same-sex relations are not criminalized, according to figures from UNAIDS.

• Republican Congressman: Pass National Sports Ban To Make Trans People Detransition http://tinyurl.com/3zeeejyhRepresentative Glenn Grothman, in a hearing to ban trans people from playing sports of their gender identity, said a trans sports ban must pass because otherwise, trans people won't "switch back."

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

TWILA STOUT, February 8, 1938-November 27, 2023

I have known Twila Stout for more than 40 years. We originally met when I was the Merced County Librarian, and she worked in the main library. I was quickly impressed with her warmth, intelligence and sense of humor. One day I invited her out to lunch. As Twila has said many times – “Be wary of Bosses inviting you out to lunch.” I told her about the Business and Professional Women’s organization and invited her to join the Merced BPW, which she did. When anyone asked Twila how she became a BPW member, she would tell this story. When Merced BPW closed, she joined East Los Angeles-Montebello BPW (my Club) even though she was a long way from East Los Angeles-Montebello. When we were on Zoom, she would Zoom in, but only attended one in-person meeting and that was when she stayed with me for a couple of days. She also was a Dual Member of Berkeley and Downtown Sacramento BPW Clubs and would attend those meetings via Zoom.

She was born in Rose Bud, Arkansas, but left there as a child. She graduated from school in Merced. She married a contractor George “Bud” Stout so flew with him to various places around the United States where he was working. They had a son Tim, a daughter Terri, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and seven great- great-grandchildren. The marriage ended in divorce.

When Twila retired from the Merced County Library (although she never did really retire, but filled in at various branches when staff members were on vacation or sick), we had a roast-type program for her at the park behind the library. A large group of people from the community attended including the editor of the “Merced County Times” turned out to say they will miss her in the library.

Besides being active in BPW, she was a “Red Hat Lady” and active in Beta Sigma Phi, Merced Woman’s Club, Friends of the Merced County Library, AARP and ACPCA. She was most active in Toastmasters’ International and was in fifteen Clubs. She was the judge for many of their competitions and programs in California, the United States and around the world. She was also a mentor. The day after she died, she was to participate in the Singapore Toastmasters. They wondered why she was not there on Zoom. Twila was a wonderful storyteller.

Twila will be missed by all who knew her. Let’s all raise a glass of Coke to her as that is what she would have each day for breakfast, and let’s all continue to support and mentor others.

Linda Wilson, President, East Los Angeles-Montebello BPW

Jackie Melvin

See below submission from NFBPWC California Federation

With Profound Sadness from Barbara Bozeman

You may not know this, but within the small and mighty band of sisters, known as NFBPWC-North Carolina most of our members are Past State Presidents for BPW/NC. A few months ago, another past president joined our ranks – Gail Bradshaw Harper, from Kenansville, North Carolina.

I’m sad to report that Gail passed away on December 19th, 2023.

What I can tell you about Gail is that she was a kind and generous friend. We could and often did spend hours just chattering away like parrots, talking about so many things – and not just our BPW connection. She loved travelling and architecture. So many times, we talked about taking a road trip up to where I was from in RI because she always wanted to tour the mansions. She was also a competitive horsewoman in her youth. She talked of those days with great pride and joy.

Barbara Bozeman, Gail Harper and Marsha Riibner-Cady during Installation of Barbara as NC President

In her professional life, numbers were her “thing.” Gail spent many years working for others in accounting and then opened her own successful business “Accounting Solutions by Gail Harper” in her hometown of Kenansville.

She first joined BPW in 2004 and after only 4 years working at the club level, she stepped up to serve and enhance the North Carolina state organization and from 2010 to 2011, she served as the State President.

She was motivated to help anyone in need – and a great believer in and supporter of what the Business and Professional Women’s Clubs are all about. She championed many causes and helped support many efforts, the impact of which is immeasurable.

She is survived by her husband Wyatt, daughters Jessica and Jamie, and grandchildren, Ariel, Chloe, Nelson, and William and her brother Gary. She adored and cherished her family.

Most of you will never have the privilege of knowing Gail as we did. I know I speak for the North Carolinians when I say - We loved her very dearly, and we shall miss her so very much.

July 18-21, 2024

Sheraton Valley Forge

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Registration opens soon!

Save the date and make some plans to meet fellow members in Pennsylvania! This is a hybrid event where you can attend in-person or online. You have the opportunity to re-connect with old friends, make new ones, and work together with your BPW colleagues from all over the United States and the globe!

You are invited to attend our General Assembly sessions.  Virtual or in-person, we have options for you!

Hear from a fascinating lineup of speakers, participate in workshops and elections, and kick back to enjoy happy hour receptions, good food including a Gala Awards Dinner, tours of the area, and entertainment!

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

CSW68 is coming in March 2024 in New York.

Here is some information concerning the upcoming event.  Remember you can view many of the Parallel events for free online.  If you have not done this, I recommend you try it next year.  There are some great events to choose from.

NGO CSW68 Forum:

• Information about the NGO CSW68 Forum: ngocsw.org/ngocsw68/

• NGO CSW68 Forum FAQs

• Virtual and in-person Parallel Event applications are open now until Monday, 4 December.

• Apply to sell goods at the NGO CSW68 in-person Artisan Fair! The deadline to apply is Monday, 19 January 2024.

• Registration for the NGO CSW68 Forum will open in December. The registration is open to the public. No ECOSOC-accreditation, affiliation with an organization, or any other qualifications are required. We will send an email to our mailing list and post on social media when registration opens.

• We will be updating our Advocacy Toolkit for CSW68. In the meantime, you can use the NGO CSW67 Advocacy Toolkit as a helpful resource. We will share the updated Advocacy Toolkit as soon as it's available!

• For questions or information about the NGO CSW68 Forum, contact NGO CSW/NY at info@ngocsw.org.

UN CSW68:

• Information about the UN CSW68: unwomen.org/en/csw/csw68-2024

• Registration for the UN CSW68 is now open for ECOSOC-accredited NGOs.

• CSW68 Expert Group Meeting information and papers

For questions or information about the UN CSW68, contact UN Women at 

csw@unwomen.org

By: Susan O’Malley
IFBPWC UN Representative NGO CSW/NY, Chair ex officio Professor Emerita, City University of New York   UNChair@nfbpwc.orgsusanomalley4@gmail.co

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/

December Highlights in US Women’s History

December Highlights in US Women’s History

• December 9, 2002 – Award-winning ABC News journalist, Michele Norris, becomes the first African American female regular co-host of National Public Radio’s news magazine, All Things Considered, she stepped down in 2012

• December 10, 1869 – Wyoming is the first territory to give women the right to vote

• December 10, 1938 – Pearl S. Buck receives the Nobel Prize for Literature for The Good Earth

• December 13, 1993 – Susan A. Maxman becomes first woman president of the American Institute of Architects in its 135 year history

• December 14, 1961 – President’s Commission on the Status of Women is established to examine discrimination against women and ways to eliminate it

• December 14, 1985 – Wilma Mankiller is sworn in as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma – the first woman in modern history to lead a major Native American tribe

• December 17, 1993 – Judith Rodin is named president of Univ. of Pennsylvania, the first woman to head an Ivy League institution

• December 28, 1967 – Muriel Siebert becomes the first woman to own a seat on the N.Y. Stock Exchange

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

By: Veera Mahajan
NFBPWC Gender Based Violence Committee Chair 

Empowering Women: Embrace Self-Respect and Self-Love to Eradicate Domestic Abuse

In today's world, where women play pivotal roles in the business sphere, it's crucial to recognize the significance of self-respect, self-love, and their connection to combating abuse at home and at the workplace. As empowered businesswomen, it's our responsibility to foster awareness and advocate for change in societal attitudes towards these issues.

Understanding Self-Respect and Self-Love:

Self-respect is the cornerstone of empowerment. It involves acknowledging one's inherent worth and setting boundaries that honor personal values. Self-love complements this by nurturing a compassionate relationship with oneself. These principles are vital in building a foundation for a strong, empowered individual.

Domestic Abuse: Breaking the Silence:

Unfortunately, domestic abuse remains a pervasive issue affecting women across all walks of life. It's crucial to recognize the signs and understand that abuse is not just physical; it encompasses emotional, financial, and psychological aspects. By breaking the silence and fostering an open dialogue, we create a safe space for victims to seek support.  By speaking up we also encourage women to speak up when an imbalance of power shows up at work. 

Empowerment through Self-Respect:

Empowerment begins with respecting oneself. In the business world, it translates to setting boundaries, advocating for fair treatment, and rejecting any form of discrimination or abuse. Encouraging a workplace culture that prioritizes respect and inclusion is pivotal in empowering women.

Self-love isn't indulgent; it's necessary for mental and emotional well-being. By practicing self-care, nurturing healthy relationships, and embracing personal growth, we fortify ourselves against external negativity. This resilience allows us to navigate challenges, including those stemming from domestic abuse.

I did a fundraiser in October for Period Poverty through my foundation called Foundation for Women at Risk. We help underprivileged women in Agra, India. These young girls and women in India are kept in dark rooms for the five days they have periods like something is wrong with them.  The group I work with is called Indian Dream Foundation.  This group produces sanitary napkins and donates them to the local girls and women who cannot afford them. They also educate the girls and their families about period hygiene and that this is a normal biological phenomenon. So, the girls are not looked down upon and so the girls feel good about themselves. 

During my recent trip to India, I met a lot of men and women including Jalpa Vithalani, President of NFBPW, Mumbai, who are very dedicated to supporting this very important and natural medical condition. 

(Pictured Right:  Jalpa and Veera)

As businesswomen, our platform allows us to amplify voices and initiate change. Engaging in awareness campaigns, supporting organizations dedicated to combating domestic abuse, and using our influence to advocate for policy changes are impactful ways to create a ripple effect of empowerment. 

The journey towards empowerment, driven by self-respect and self-love, is intertwined with the fight against domestic abuse. As businesswomen, let's harness our strength, knowledge, and network to foster a culture of respect, support victims, and drive meaningful change.

By: Susan E. Oser
NFBPWC Rapid Response Committee Chair

What is your rapid response issue?

My job as the Rapid Response Chair is to seek out issues that the organization can take  a voice on that connect to our mission and legislative platform.

And while there is an organizational mode behind the issues, what about you the individual?

Are there any issues that are valuable and speak close to your heart and in a heartbeat, you would post a social media link, video, or share an article about?  What is that issue that speaks to you that you are willing to fight for and make it your personal issue.   

If you have such an issue that speaks close to your heart, then perhaps that is your personal rapid response issue.  You don’t need organizational backing or its voice to do it because it is your path.  But if you need ideas or support, connecting to an organization like NFBPWC can be a great starting point for you.

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.