By: Nancy Werner
NFBPWC Advocacy Team ERA Lead

EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT-E.R.A. IS BIG TIME in the News

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. 

Seneca Falls or BUST- PART 2. Yes, Denice Robinson and I, of the PA Affiliate, traveled to the 100^th ERA Convention historical event. In the last E News Magazine, I shared the Day 1 events with you. But the best was yet to come on Day 2. Short recap-Generation Ratify and the Columbia School of ERA organized this event. Also, I forgot to give credit to the Alice Paul Institute for their financial support. The Generation Ratify has over 13,000 students in high schools and college campuses across the country. 

We are on Friday, July 22. We went to the Women’s Rights National Park building. The information at the many displays are remarkable. All about the amazing women who have led the way for us during our country’s history. The Park Rangers were knowledgeable about every display. If you ever travel to Seneca Falls, this is a MUST visit. 

For Day 2, the Generation Ratify and the Columbia’s School of ERA scheduled an Intergenerational Panel on the ERA. It was held at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel which was right next door to the Women’s Rights National Park building. The topic was the past, present and future of the ERA. The panel was a gathering of the most extraordinary women who have led the way for ERA and the younger generation who are continuing the challenge.  The stage was set, and the church was packed.

• Christin Nunes, President National NOW

• Carolyn B. Maloney, President NY NOW, former Congresswoman (NY-12) and Board Chairman of the Fund for Women’s Equality

• Ellie Smeal, CEO Feminist Majority

• Rep. Cori Bush, Co-Chair of Congressional ERA Caucus

• Rosie Coulture, Co-Founder Generation Ratify & student at Harvard University

• Belan Yeshigeta, Co-Founder Generation Ratify & Student at Columbia

• Ting Ting Cheng, Director of the Columbia Law School’s ERA Project

• Moderator was Kate Kelly, author of Ordinary Equality

Our moderator, Kate Kelly, had her questions ready for the panelists. Each panelist was prepared to share what they knew, what they were doing and what they saw in that proverbial “ERA crystal ball.” It was exhilarating to hear each woman share her views but the one presenter, Ellie Smeal, had us all on our feet. Working for the ERA for the longest of time, she saw the ERA coming into the U.S. Constitution. Her faith in our virtual society and the http://www.sign4ERA.org project that is sweeping the country was heartwarming. She shared that 50 years ago we only had half of the country behind the ERA but now we know with the use of the Internet, we are reaching far more individuals. Each and every speaker was dynamic and provided insight into our ERA. This panel discussion did run over the hour provided but it was inspiring. 

We were able to take a walk to the People’s Park just down the hill from the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. A beautiful scenic setting along Lake Cayuga to having a picnic and meeting more of the younger attendees. It was supposed to be a working ERA lunch, but we were all busy sharing stories about ourselves and where we were from. Plus sharing the National Federation Business and Professional Women’s Club was Denice and my topic. What caught the many listening ears was our organization’s longevity and how we came to help Alice Paul in the 1930’s. Again, we made many young friends but so many wanted to know what it was like before Roe vs. Wade. They had thoughts about that decision too. 

One never realizes how steep a hill is until you need to climb back up. Denice did the hike, found my car and the way to the park. Naturally, we filled the car with riders as we were to head back to the First Presbyterian Church. Saved a lot of steps. But the church was again filled with all the attendees. (Thank you, Denice, for being our uber driver.)

Our final session was the rest of the afternoon. There were discussions in groups around the church. All returning to provide input into the draft Convention declaration. A committee of attendees then took the draft and finalized a statement. An official vote was taken, and it was unanimous. (I shall try to get that statement for you in the next issue.) But what I felt was HOPE and lots of it. I have been having doubts about the passage of the ERA, but these 2 days showed me that this group, Generation Ratify, will definitely take us to the finish line. The motivation, the enthusiasm, and knowing what needs to be done whether on the Internet, with our legislators, or within our states and communities were being shared. Social media was humming during those 2 days as the younger group were busy using their phones with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and all the other ways to communicate.

The closing ceremony was a member of Generation Ratify who composed a song and music to share with us. Her remarkable musical skills were warmly received. Our organizers, Rosie Coulture, Belan Yeshigeta, and Kate Kelly shared closing remarks as to the hours they spent putting these 2 days together. They were thankful for the many who came and attended. Thanking all of us for our participation and ideas. Lastly, thanking those of us who paid the $267 registration that so many Generation Ratify members could attend. 

We loved learning that part of our registration helped to provide transportation for many of the attendees. Some were able to find accommodation in nearby hotels. We even had some in our hotel. Those that did not get rooms brought their sleeping bags and slept on the floor of the lower level of the church. We saw the buses that transported the many attendees from the Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. area. We signed the Equality Bus. We met students from Stanford, Harvard, Howard, Yale, as well as students from their community colleges and state accredited colleges/universities. They were from everywhere.

My favorite moments- Standing at the church podium where Alice Paul delivered her Equal Rights Amendment. Denice and I both got goosebumps. 

Engaging with the younger generation and their focus to see the ERA into the Constitution. Plus, I will admit, being interviewed on what it was like 50 years ago, was a reality check. It was humbling but uplifting that I could realize that I did make a difference those 50 years ago.

Hearing from our ERA leaders of their passion and purpose. Ellie Smeal, Rep. Cori Bush-MO-D, and Carolyn Maloney, President of the NY NOW are true champions of the ERA.  Meeting them and enjoying their company was a thrill.

Our trip was definitely one for a lifetime. So glad that we had the determination to attend and be part of history. We made many new friends, made memories and learned that many strategies that are being used across the nation. Don’t forget to sign up with the http://www.sign4era.org

Please keep in touch with your Senators using the NFBPWC “One Click.” You know how your Senators voted back In April. We have been promised a revisit and we need to be ready. Keep clicking.

Key to the Photo Collage Above:

Top Row:  Photo 1- Nancy and Denice are in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel waiting for Day 2 to start. Do you know the lady standing next to Nancy is?

Photo 2- The petition to sign for the ERA is online. Please take a moment and SIGN.

Photo 3- People's Park along the beautiful Cayuga Lake was our lunch site. Lots of conversations were being entertained among the many women and men.

Bottom Row:  Photo 1- U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, MO-D, leader of the ERA Caucus in Congress, was dynamic in her presentations. She encouraged Generation Ratify members to keep moving forward and not stop.

Photo 2 - The VOTE EQUALITY Bus was with us and we were all invited to sign somewhere. Traveled from the VA area.

Photo 3 -Denice and Nancy made sure that they got a photo at the very podium that Alice Paul shared her Equal Rights Amendment speech. 

By: Susan Oser
NFBPWC Advocacy Team LGBTQIA+ Lead

Over the past year, we learned about the various communities and the flags that they represent.  While there are many more to focus on, there are a lot of websites out there that can educate you on those flags that may have been missed.  They include such websites as https://www.hrc.org/resources/lgbtq-pride-flags and https://rcsgd.sa.ucsb.edu/education/flags. 

A major focus for this year will be various organizations around the country or even the world that help, support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.  It’s a great way to learn about these organizations and perhaps invite them to your next meeting or for special speaking engagements.  The more we learn about these organizations the more we can network and offer the support they need via an ally or more.

Recently, there has been an uptick in various state capitols and cities proposing as well as passing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, especially focusing on the transgender community.  They are the most vulnerable within the spectrum with transgender youth facing the most hatred and bullying currently.  It is vitally important for our organization as well as other allies to listen, learn, and speak up for this community as well as all LGBTQ+ individuals.  They need our voices more than effort as we begin to prepare for next year’s presidential election season.  Because of the impact these laws have, and the inequality faced, going forward, this section of the LGBTQ+ advocacy column will be devoted to highlighting those bills and bring awareness to just what kind of situation the transgender community especially is facing.  There will also be good news as well to share because there always needs to be a silver-lining among the clouds.

Organizations of the Month:

Transgender Law Center, Trans Lifeline, Stand with Trans, The Trans Justice Funding Project, Transcend the Binary

Transgender Law Center – Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to define themselves and their futures. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.

Trans Lifeline – Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.

Stand with Trans – Stand with Trans is saving lives one person at a time, one day at a time. We help trans youth build resilience, confidence and find hope for a future filled with joy. Founded in 2015 by a passionate mom, the organization continues to grow, serving an international population of families.

The Trans Justice Funding Project – TJFP moves money to trans-led grassroots group and projects with trust and no strings attached. We center trans justice in the US and US territories and honor and amplify the ways our communities organize, create and shift culture, commit their love and care, and fight like hell for trans liberation.

Transcend the Binary -We support trans/gender diverse folks and their families in developing a pathway to achieve their health and wellness goals.

Why highlight?

Source(s):

https://protecttranshealth.org/ 

https://translifeline.org/ 

https://standwithtrans.org/ 

https://www.transjusticefundingproject.org/ 

https://www.transcendthebinary.org/ 

FYI Positive LGBTQ+ for October:

If you don’t think writing to your state or federal congressperson makes a difference and writes back to you, check out what happened when a letter was written to Rashida Tlaib concerning LGBTQ+ issues:

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for contacting my office regarding transgender rights. I share your commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and autonomy of all people, regardless of their gender identity.

I want to assure you that I stand firmly in support of transgender rights and the right to access gender-affirming care. It is deeply troubling to witness attempts to criminalize and strip away the fundamental rights of transgender individuals, particularly when it comes to their healthcare decisions. 

The principles of patient autonomy and individual healthcare choices are cornerstones values of our democracy, which is why I have backed several significant pieces of legislation to support our transgender residents:

H.R.697 - Justice for All Act of 2023: This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or race-related characteristics in schools, businesses, federally funded programs, and other settings. It also provides statutory authority for and expands the types of civil actions that may be brought for violations. You can read more on the bill here: https://tlaib.house.gov/posts/tlaib-re-introduces-justice-for-all-act-restoring-original-intent-expanding-protections-of-civil-rights-laws 

H.R.15 - Equality Act: This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. The bill definessex to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

H.R.4422 - Global Respect Act:This bill imposes visa-blocking sanctions on foreign persons responsible for or complicit in violating the human rights of individuals due to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. The President must report and periodically update a list of foreign persons responsible for such human rights violations and apply sanctions accordingly.

H.Res.269:Recognizing that it is the duty of the Federal Government to develop and implement aTransgenderBill of Rights to protect and codify the rights oftransgenderand nonbinary people under the law and ensure their access to medical care, shelter, safety, and economic security.

Trans rights are human rights. Rest assured, I will continue to work tirelessly to protect life-saving healthcare for transgender youth and adults alike.

Thank you again for reaching out to me on this crucial matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future with any other concerns you may have. My door is always open to you. 

Sincerely,

Rashida Tlaib

Member of Congress

The following is an overview of or anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the news:

Anti-Trans Legislative Risk Assessment Map: New Adult Map

This map shows the 2-year risk for anti-trans laws. For the first time, included in this release is a new adult map showing the risk for trans adults in the United States. https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/anti-trans-legislative-risk-assessment?r=k9h1j&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email 

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

Happy BPW International Anniversary 2023!

BPW International was founded 93 years ago today in Geneva. BPW members can be found in 111 countries worldwide. We are a professional network of incredible women, full of expertise and rich in achievements. Congratulations to us all!

#BPWDay#bpwdirectory 

#bpwinternational#professionalnetworking

(Source:  https://www.facebook.com/bpw.international)

Mentoring Report

By: Valentina Solarin, NFBPWC’s Mentoring Chair, mentoring@nfbpwc.org 

Mentoring Program Application

We're excited to announce another session of the Mentoring Program! The NFBPWC Mentoring Program matches members with each other and facilitates a mentor/mentee relationship.

Open to all members at any point in their career, mentor/mentee pairs meet virtually to discuss various topics ranging from skills, strategy, equity, and more.

We have a plethora of expertise among our members. Become a mentor!

There are equal numbers of members who are yearning to find someone to learn from and gain an understanding of something. What do you want to learn?

Vocalize an area of interest in an application so the Mentoring Program Team can find a mentor to assist you.

1. THE FIRST STEP is to submit an application HERE to the Mentoring Committee and explain your goals with the program. 

2. The Mentoring Committee with then partner you and coach you through launching your mentoring relationship!

Our goal is to have every local or virtual Affiliate take part in the mentoring program.  We encourage each Affiliate to have a member serve as a liaison to assist in empowering members to participate as either a mentor or mentee.

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

Tell us about your mentoring expertise/skills in an area OR tell us what you would like guidance in.

Application: Apply by clicking on the registration button on this page.   You must be logged into the membership database to apply. In the log in field, enter your email and password, then click the LOGIN button. If you do not remember your password, click the FORGOT PASSWORD link next to the LOGIN button. Enter your email address to receive a reset password link via email.

STEP 2: APPLICATIONS ARE REVIEWED AND MATCH ATTEMPTS MADE

New matches will be asked to have an initial meeting to confirm:

1. there is a good fit,

2. goals can be established for a successful outcome, and 

3. a time-frame for the mentoring process can be achieved. 

STEP 3: COMPLETE THE MENTORING AGREEMENT

Mentor/Mentee teams are required to document their goals and agreed-to time-frame.

STEP 4: CHECKPOINT

The Mentoring Program Chair will contact the participants at random points to check on their progress and ensure that teams are working.

STEP 5: EVALUATIONS

Mentor/mentee teams submit evaluations of the process. This is invaluable feedback for the program as we move forward to determine future processes.

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

This is a reminder about the UK event that is coming up on September 6.

BPW United Kingdom has a series of talks on Wednesdays.  The following is one that they have that is coming up in September that might be of interest to you.  This might be an opportunity for us to help our BPW sisters in the Ukraine.

United Kingdom BPW Speaker Events: ‘Wednesday Talk’ 
Speaker: Victoria Filatova and Jo Kinsey, BPW UK President Talk Title: ‘Van for Chernihiv’ Ukraine Project 

Date: Wednesday 6th September 2023 Time: 7pm London Time or 11 a.m. Pacific, Noon Mountain, 1 p.m. Central and 2 p.m. Eastern.  

To register for the event please copy and paste the link below into your browser: Van for Chernihiv Ukraine Project 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/van-for-chernihiv-ukraine-project-tickets-674390368747?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Tickets: Join us to hear more about this project that has been granted funding from BPW International to buy a vehicle to help distribute humanitarian aid in Chernihiv, Ukraine. 

BPW UK President Jo Kinsey has worked with Amelie LeClerc from BPW France and together they have secured funding totaling €25,000 or $27,815. Next, they aim to raise further funds to fill this with useful items needed to help people, with the help of BPW Chernihiv member Victoria Filatova and Yulia Zayka. Victoria will be joining this webinar to explain how the funds will be used, and what day to day life is like for Ukrainian women. You can hear in the media what life can be like, but UK is honored to welcome Victoria who will share her first-hand knowledge. This webinar is open to all, and friends of BPW UK are welcome.

Regional News 

St. Kitts held readiness workshops on how to be prepared for the workplace.

Concordia held a panel discussion International Women’s Day promoting technology for women and girls.

Canada held their Annual General Meeting in August.

International Dates to remember:   Latin America Regional Conference will be held September 6 to 10, 2023 in Santiago, Chile.  

BPW International Congress which will be held in Mar del Plata, Argentina November 17 to 21, 2024.

September Highlights in US Women's History

Celebrate Anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution – Constitution Day September 17th 

Celebrating Women & Democracy Kit 

September Highlights in US Women’s History

• September 12, 1910 – Alice Stebbins Wells, a former social worker, becomes the first woman police officer with arrest powers in the U.S. (Los Angeles, CA)

• September 14, 1964 – Helen Keller receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom along with 4 other women: Dr. Lena Edwards, Lynn Fontainne, Dr. Helen Taussig, and Leontyne Price

• September 14, 1975 – Elizabeth Ann Seton is canonized and becomes the first American-born saint, founded the first U.S. Order of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph

• September 20, 1973 – Billie Jean King defeats Bobby “No-Broad-Can-Beat-Me” Riggs in the battle of the sexes tennis match

• September 25, 1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor is sworn in as the first woman U.S. Supreme Court Justice

• September 26, 1971 – Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-New York) announces she will enter the Democratic presidential primaries

• September 26, 1973 – Capt. Lorraine Potter, an American Baptist minister, becomes the first woman U.S. Air Force chaplain

• September 29, 1988 – Stacy Allison becomes first American woman to reach the summit of Mt. Everest

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2l_ciIxLyvbu1dbBOsV9Tg

https://www.instagram.com/nfbpwc_usa/

Public Relations Committee Report
By: Suzette Cotto, NFBPWC Public Relations Chair

Save the Date

Rapid Response Committee Report By: Susan E. Oser, NFBPWC Rapid Response Committee Chair

Elections and issues heating up.

As we get into the throws of thinking about next year’s presidential election as well as a lot of local elections that will be happening this year and next year, many major issues will be on the voting ballot.  Which of those issues are happening in your city and what issues are you responding to? 

A few organizations out there on the local level have a rapid response team covering issues of concern.  Have you joined to learn about what they do?  If so, how can that be of help to NFBPWC?

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.

Immediate Past President Report

By: Sandra Thompson, NFBPWC’s Immediate Past President

Burbank Members Gloria Salas, Sandy Thompson and Janet Diel along with members from Zonta receive a proclamation from Burbank Mayor Constatine Anthony for Women’s Equality Day. It was nice for our city to recognize this important day. 

Thanks to Deb Schuster for sharing this bit of history.  We can be very grateful to the women of Colorado.

This is the Women's Bank building at 821 17th (Seventeenth) Street in downtown Denver, Colorado; the brick structure has stone trim, arched windows and doors.

Up until 1974, many women needed to have a male co-signer to open a bank account or acquire a line of credit. So, eight women came together to change that by opening their own U.S. Women's Bank!

Carol Green, Judi Wagner, LaRae Orullian, Gail Schoettler, Wendy Davis, Joy Burns, Beverly Martinez, and Edna Mosely founded the bank's board by each pitching in $1,000.

On July 14, 1978, people stood in line on 17th Street in downtown Denver to deposit their checks. The bank took in $1 million dollars that day.

The bank also offered classes and got involved with the community. They financed rejected projects including the Tattered Cover Book Store and Wynkoop Brewing Company.

The Women's Bank continued until 1994 when it was sold to the Colorado Business Bank. Many of the founding women continued on with successful careers!

This bit of history reminds us of why we do what we do and we can never go back!

scream

so that one day

a hundred years from now

another sister will not have to

dry her tears wondering

where in history

she lost her voice

-Jasmin Kaur