By: Angie Jackson-Wilson
NFBPWC Bylaws and Resolution Chair 2024-2026

Report on the Bylaws Committee

The Bylaws Committee held its virtual quarterly meeting on January 13, 2025. Participants in the discussion included Angie Jackson-Wilson, Co-Chair; Dr. Twyla Lee Wynn; Rosalind Scott; and President Barbara Bozeman. Co-Chair Varnell Kinnin was absent.

1. The bylaws that were amended at the biennial conference on July 19, 2024, have now been uploaded to the website.

2. To ensure that the state and affiliate bylaws are following the bylaws of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, President Barbara Bozeman requested at the Board of Directors meeting on January 7th that each of the affiliates forward their current bylaws to the Bylaws Chair. The committee members are conducting the review.

3. Proposed amendments to the bylaws must follow Article XX.

ARTICLE XX – AMENDMENTS

Section1These Bylaws may be amended at any General Assembly and Biennial Conference by a two- thirds vote of those present and voting.

Section 2Amendments may be proposed by any State Federation or Affiliate club, the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, or an Affiliate member.

Section 3Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the Bylaws Committee at least sixty (60) days prior to the General Assembly and Biennial Conference and distributed to the membership thirty (30) days before the conference.

Section 4Any proposed bylaws amendment submitted less than the sixty (60) days requirement may be considered at the General Assembly and Biennial Conference provided that:

1. The proposed amendment is presented in writing to the Bylaws/Resolutions Committee prior to the Pre- Board of Directors Meeting.
   

2. Two-thirds of the conference voting body agrees to hear it.

3. A written copy is distributed to the voting body at a business session preceding that at which the vote is taken.

4. In an emergency, without advance notice, an amendment may be considered at a General Assembly and Biennial Conference if it arises out of the business of the General Assembly and Biennial Conference and consent for its consideration is first given by three fourths (3/4) vote.

5. The Bylaws/Resolutions Committee, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall make necessary grammatical, punctuation and editorial corrections to these Bylaws. These corrections shall in no way alter the intent of the Bylaws.

Amended July 19, 2024

Angie Jackson-Wilson

NFBPWC Bylaws and Resolution Chair 2024-2026

By: Susan Oser NFBPWC Advocacy Team LGBTQ+ Lead & LGBTQ+ Advocacy Team: Amanda L Collier, DC, PA Affiliate Chapter Member

If you have noticed with the incoming administration, there have been a lot of anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ legislation coming out of the woodwork. Here are a few that are worth taking note of:

• Mike Johnson sneaks trans bathroom ban at

U.S. Capitol into congressional rules - https://tinyurl.com/jrz6ynm2

• What You Need to Know About Trump’s New Anti-Trans and Non-Binary Executive Order - https://pridesource.com/article/trump-executive-orders-jan-2025

For Your Information:

Hello from Margy at Lesbian Connection magazine!

Lesbian Connection is the free worldwide forum of news, ideas and information for, by and about lesbians. We’ve been publishing since 1974, and we mail issues out every other month in plain brown envelopes (the word “lesbian” doesn’t appear anywhere on the outside).

This magazine is a grassroots forum, which means it’s truly written by our readers. On its pages you’ll find info for lesbians on places to live and where to travel, lesbian B&Bs and guesthouses, websites, cruises, festivals, conferences, lesbian land and retirement communities, products (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.), campgrounds and retreats, lesbian lawyers and

LGBTQ+ Dates for February -

• Black History Month

• February 7: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

realtors, as well as the comic strip “Dykes to Watch Out For” and much more. There are also reviews, articles, letters and topics dealing with whatever issues LC’s readers are talking about, from health issues and politics to relationships and pets.

So, if you’re a lesbian (or know of one), all you need to do is email us (LC@LConline.org) your full name and complete (snail mail) mailing address and we’ll be happy to add you to our list. (By the way, our mailing list is totally confidential; we will never sell, loan or share it with anyone else.) We’d also like to know where you heard about us.

In case you’re wondering, LC survives on the donations we receive from our readers. However, contributions are voluntary, and subscriptions really are free. Our goal is, quite simply, to connect the lesbian community worldwide.

(F.Y.I.: Our official name and address is Elsie Publishing Institute (EPI), PO Box 811, East Lansing, MI 48826,  ph  517-371-5257,  fax  517-371-5200,

www.LConline.org. EPI is a U.S. tax-deductible 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.) Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook!!! – “facebook.com/LConline”

Elsie Publishing, PO Box 811, East Lansing, MI 48826 Ph (517)371-5257  Fax (517)371-5200

Email: LC@LConline.orgwww.LConline.org

• Week after Valentine’s Day: Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week

• February 28: HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day

Good LGBTQ+ News–

• A Mother's Love, A Son's Journey: The Birth of Stand with Trans Executive Director Roz Keith told her son, Hunter: ‘I just want you to be happy.' - https://pridesource.com/article/stand-with-trans-roz-keith

• Before Stonewall and before the Mattachine Society, there was Henry Gerber's Society for Human Rights. -

https://tinyurl.com/52nbwbv4

Helplines

The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255

Ali Forney Day Center: (212) 206-0574

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Info: (800) 342-AIDS (2437), Spanish service: (800) 344- 7432, TDD service for the deaf: (800) 243-7889, [10:00am till 10:00pm EST, Monday through Friday]

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564

The GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): (800) 246-7743

The National Runaway Switchboard: (800) RUNAWAY (786-2929)

If you have any news or leads on anything related to LGBTQ+ news, issues, and organizations, please contact Sue Oser at soser@nfbpwc.org. If you would like to help Susan educate on these issues, please let her know as well. She is also available for presentations and any questions you may have.

Susan Oser NFBPWC Advocacy Team LGBTQ+ Lead

LGBTQ+ Advocacy Team: Amanda L Collier, DC, PA Affiliate Chapter Member

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/

By: Angie Jackson-Wilson
NFBPWC Nominations Chair 2024-2026 

The Nominations Committee is requesting each affiliate to submit the names of  candidates for leadership positions within the organization. By engaging with affiliates,  the committee aims to foster a collaborative environment essential for organizational  growth. This strategy will not only diversify the pool of expertise but also ensure that  leadership roles are filled with individuals who have a deep understanding of the  organization's unique perspectives and challenges. The committee's commitment to this  process is commendable and will likely contribute to robust governance and a dynamic  future for the organization. We are still seeking volunteers to serve on the committee. 

By: Karen GorgeratRegional Coordinator, North America and the Caribbean (2024- 2027) 

Greetings BPW Sisters!  

It is a pleasure to send this message to you as Regional Coordinator, North America and  Caribbean Region (NAC). It is truly an honour to have the opportunity to work with all of  you over the next triennium.  

I have been a BPW Canada member for over 30 years and have had a lot of different positions  over the years including Club President, BPW Ontario President and this year I finished my  term as Immediate Past President of BPW Canada. I live in Quinte West in the Province of Ontario, which is 2  hours east of Toronto. I joined BPW as a way to meet some like-minded women in my community, and by being  engaged in the work of our club it became so much more than that. This work included helping draft Resolutions,  writing Briefs and presenting to Ontario and the Canadian Government officials, presentations for Leadership  Training, attending Commission on Status of Women (CSW) AND meeting amazing women from around the  world. I hope you will all consider taking your BPW membership to the next level and enjoy all that your  membership can give you – what you give to BPW you will get back a hundred-fold.  

The BPW International theme for this triennium is “Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform: Together We Shape a Sustainable Future.” 

Our new BPW International executive, led by President Diana Barragan, is committed to be open and transparent and members will be able to see and appreciate the value of their membership. In NAC, our work will follow that theme to  

1. Sustain and Grow our Membership,  

2. Educate our Affiliates in the area of Advocacy and  

3. Leadership Development to help with Succession  

Planning of clubs and member engagement. We will be finalizing our Regional Committe

e team very soon, and I know with the dedication and commitment of this team we will be a strong force to support BPW International and each other in this beautiful region. May 2025 be a year for all of you that is full of love, laughter, good health and hope. 

Pictured Right: NFBPWC Pres Barbara, BPW Canada Pres Shan, RC Karin

By: Susan Oser
NFBPWC Health Chair, health@nfbpwc.org 

Our health committee continues to keep on going. While one plan is made it evolves and  changes with more discussions and more voices in the mix. Our meetings are held on the  3^rd Mondays of the month unless there is a conflict or a holiday. Our next meeting with be  January 27, 2025, at 8pm ET since January 20 is the Inauguration and Martin Luther King,  Jr. holiday and we would like to respect that. Our signature event that we co-sponsor with  Houston Methodist Hospital is Heart of a Woman, which is slated on February 7, 2025.  Please see the details below. 

If you are a former member of the health committee or would like to find an area where you could be involved,  please contact me at health@nfbpwc.org and I will put you on my list. The more you can contribute, the easier it  makes it for me. I’d love to have you. We will meet on the 3^rd or 4^th Monday of the month unless there are any  conflicts or holiday forthcoming. Next meeting is January 27, 2025 

Healthy Thinking for the Month: 

Happy New Year! Have you ever thought about your life and your own self-care? Why not make this year your  self-care year but get rid of things you don’t need, going to your doctors’ appointments, and taking time to relax.  The more you take care of yourself, the more the world will take care of you. 

Health Awareness Dates: 

January is – 

Bath Safety Month, Birth Defects Month, Celebration of Life Month, Cervical Health Awareness Month,  Children Impacted by Parent's Cancer Month, Clap 4 Health, Financial Wellness Month, Get A Balanced  Life Month, Get Organized Month, International Creativity Month, International Quality of Life Month,  International Wealth Mentality Month, Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, National Be On-Purpose  Month, National Braille Literacy Month Link, National Clean Up Your Computer Month, National 

Codependency Awareness Month, National Conscience Month, National Glaucoma Awareness Month,  National Opticians Month, National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month, National Personal Trainer  Awareness Month, National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, National Stalking  Awareness Month, National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, Self-help Group Awareness Month, Self-Love  Month, Thyroid Awareness Month, Walk Your Pet Month, World Introvert Month Link 

Healthy Recipes: 

The following is a nice healthy punch that not only can you make for the holidays, but also make for any party  courtesy of Bonnie O’Leary, Washington BPW (who has a story attached to it). 

By 2023 Windermere Services Company, All rights reserved. I called the local office to ensure we can publish this on our website. They  said it was not a problem and wish the recipients a happy holiday. 

Ingredients: 

Instructions: Chill all ingredients. When ready, combine in a large bowl in this order: tropical punch, cranberry  juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice. Slowly add the ginger ale to maintain as much fizz as possible, then add the  raspberry sherbet one scoop at a time. 

Let the beverage sit for a few minutes as the sherbet breaks down, helping the sherbet mix with a wooden spoon  to combine evenly. Serve with a ladle and enjoy. 

If you would like to submit a healthy recipe to publish in future newsletters, please send them to  health@nfbpwc.org 

Article courtesy of Health Committee member Kathy Clevenger-Burdell’s research – 

November 18, 2024 

Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat the Syphilis Epidemic, Protect Mothers and Infants 

U.S Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Mike Braun (R-IN)  introduced the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act, legislation to protect pregnant mothers and infants  by requiring the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to issue guidance to states on best practices for  screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program  (CHIP), and the Indian Health Service (IHS).  

The house version is led by Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6) and Yadira Caraveo (D-CO-8).  

“Arizona has seen a concerning increase in congenital syphilis cases over the past few years. We know this disease  is preventable, and we owe it to our communities to make that a reality,” said Kelly. “Information saves lives,  and this bipartisan legislation is a critical step in making sure mothers and babies receive the screenings and  treatments they need to stay healthy.”  

“As New Mexico tackles the syphilis epidemic, I remain committed to protecting pregnant mothers and babies  by ensuring they have access to essential screening and treatment for congenital syphilis. That is what my  Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will do,” said Heinrich. “I will keep fighting to expand access to the  high-quality health care New Mexicans need in their home communities.”  

“With rapidly rising rates of congenital syphilis in Arizona’s newborns, we need to ensure our mothers, families,  and health care professionals have thorough access to proper information and solutions when it comes to tackling 

and preventing this disease,” said Ciscomani. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to promote and  improve screenings and treatments for syphilis, ensuring pregnant women, mothers, and babies stay as healthy  as possible.”  

“Affirm is proud to have supported the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act and we are grateful to  Senator Kelly for his role in its introduction. As the HHS OPA funded Title X Family Planning Grantee in the  state of Arizona, our staff are keenly aware of the devastating consequences of undetected or undertreated  syphilis on babies and families in Arizona. Affirm is committed to be part of solutions aimed to increase access  to syphilis screening and timely treatment, educate health professionals and our communities, and decrease  stigma around this vitally important health topic. Our babies are counting on us to reduce maternal and infant  syphilis. We applaud Senator Kelly for making this a priority and we look forward to celebrating the passage of  this bill,” said Karen Martinot, DNP, WHNP, Director of Programs & Clinical Administration, Affirm Sexual and  Reproductive Health.  

Background  

Untreated, syphilis can seriously damage the heart and brain and can cause blindness, deafness, and paralysis  among newborns. Screening during the third trimester and delivery can lead to earlier detection of congenital  syphilis and prevent adverse health outcomes for mothers and newborn infants. Centers for Disease Control and  Prevention (CDC) data shows Arizona as the state with the third highest rate of congenital syphilis in the nation.  

Specifically, the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act requires the HHS to issue guidance to state Medicaid  agencies on actions states may take to improve access to syphilis screening for pregnant mothers and infants, best  practices for physicians treating cases of congenital syphilis, strategies for increasing access to telehealth services,  and increasing access to treatment in the third trimester and at delivery.  

The legislation is endorsed by the National Coalition of STD Directors, March of Dimes, American College of  Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, and Affirm. The text of the  bill is here. 

By: Teressa Gehrke
NFBPWC Digital Training Special Committee Chair 

Upcoming Digital Training 

The next Digital Training event is Sunday, February, 9 2025, 5:00 pm MT. virtual event will cover new Zoom features and putting your best face forward personally and professionally. This is also a good time to review some online safety tips, like romance scams before Valentine’s Day.  

Register online: https://nfbpwc.org/event-6001660

Here are some resources to review before our event:  

● Zoom Learning Center 

● Zoom on YouTube 

For additional technology assistance or questions, please email: DigitalTraining@nfbpwc.org.  

Looking for a few good women 

Are you tech savvy? Join the Digital Training Committee.Email DigitalTraining@nfbpwc.org, if you’re interested. The committee will support the chair with ongoing tech news through blogs, articles, and quarterly events.

By: Angie Jackson-Wilson, NFBPWC Bylaws and Resolution Chair 2024-2026 
Varnell Kinnen, Co-Chair 

The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee convened in October, marking a significant  advancement in our organization's dedication to aligning governing documents with our  mission. We are requesting each affiliate to review their bylaws and ensure they align  with those of the National Organization. 

In the upcoming months, our focus will be on promoting consistency and collaboration  among affiliates. It is crucial for each affiliate to nominate a representative to serve on the  committee. This step guarantees diverse perspectives and inclusive decision-making, which not only strengthens  the committee's function but also empowers affiliates to actively contribute to the organization's future. This  collective effort will undoubtedly lead to a more robust and mission-focused governance structure.

By: Susan Oser, NFBPWC Advocacy Team LGBTQ+ Lead 
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Team: Amanda L Collier, DC, PA Affiliate Chapter Member 

Happy New Year! What are your New Year’s resolutions? Maybe one of them is being  an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Here are some resources to help you: 

Straight for Equality: Guide to Being an Ally to Trans and Nonbinary People - https://tinyurl.com/5fkey84w 

Friends & Family Support Systems for LGBTQ+ Youth - https://tinyurl.com/sxes3z24 We Need to Talk More About Trans People, Not Less - https://tinyurl.com/4nujxkd3 

LGBTQ+ Dates for January 

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month 

Jan. 15-19: No Name-Calling Week 

January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day – Honoring the memory of all who suffered,  including the many LGBTQ individuals persecuted during the Holocaust. 

Good LGBTQ+ News– 

✓ Making History: Iowa elects first transgender woman to the state legislature - https://tinyurl.com/yc4d98kj 

✓ Alex Consani becomes first transgender Model of the Year - https://tinyurl.com/5jtevvb7 ✓ Trans power couple Zooey Zephyr & Erin Reed got married & the pictures will melt your heart - https://tinyurl.com/yc44ewr5 

Helplines 

The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 

Ali Forney Day Center: (212) 206-0574 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Info: (800) 342-AIDS (2437), Spanish service: (800)  344-7432, TDD service for the deaf: (800) 243-7889, [10:00am till 10:00pm EST, Monday through Friday] 

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564 

The GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): (800) 246-7743 The National Runaway Switchboard: (800) RUNAWAY (786-2929) 

If you have any news or leads on anything related to LGBTQ+ news, issues, and organizations, please contact  Sue Oser at soser@nfbpwc.org. If you would like to help Susan educate on these issues, please let her know  as well. She is also available for presentations and any questions you may have.