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

Congratulations to Jamaica for celebrating their 50th anniversary.    We congratulate them on their 50 years of service to women.    

I am including the information once again for the International Congress.  

The time for the BPW International Congress is fast approaching.   It will be held November 17 to 21 in St. Kitts.  Go to https://stkittscongress.bpwinternational.org/registrationfor more information. 

Below is a summary of what is included and the cost for registration. 

 

5 Days - Delegate / Member 

Opening Ceremony, Regional Conferences, General Assembly, Panels, Workshops, Breakfast, Lunch & Coffee Breaks, at the Marriott. 

NOTE: Gala Dinner and Farewell Dinner are not included in this ticket. 17 - 21 Nov 2024 

Ticket Prices 

Early Bird (until 2 Sept 2024) 

Standard (until 15 Sept 2024) Late (until 15 Oct 2024) 

Credit Card or Bank Transfer 

900 EUR - Early Bird 

1'100 EUR - Standard 

1'250 EUR – Late  

Gala Dinner $145 US 

Farewell Dinner $150 US 

We hope to see a lot of you there to enjoy a time to connect with you BPW sisters from around the world.

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/

By: Susan E. Oser
NFBPWC Rapid Response Committee Chair 

Before continuing to this month’s article, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading my articles and supporting me as the Rapid Response Chair for the second half of this term.  While it has been a challenge, I have learned a lot.  Hopefully, in the new term after the July Assembly (as of this writing) we can have a new chair with clearer rules in place to help make it easier to perform in this position. 

Issues that will need your attention and need to be addressed. – LGBTQ+ issues – Transgender Rights 

As Rapid Response chair, it is my job to keep my ear to the ground and eyes to the screen or otherwise on issues that I feel should not only be an issue for us personally but also for your locals to discuss or have a special educational presentation on.   

This month, it’s about LGBTQ+ issues particularly, transgender issues. 

The reason this needs to be its because a lot of conservative lawmakers in conservative cities, towns and especially states are creating laws and rules to ban transgender folks from participating in sports, getting gender affirming surgery (especially in teenagers) and bathroom bills.  One of the reasons this is happening, as with the other important political issues mentioned in this section is because it seems as if these laws were put in place to make a dare to take the law to the Supreme Court so that (hopefully in their eyes) it can be ruled to be a “states rights” issue so specific human rights can be stripped away by these governments.    

Here are a few examples to highlight what’s going on: 

• Republicans look to reverse new transgender student protections -https://t.ly/Yw4aX 

• Biden protections for LGBT students blocked in six more states -https://t.ly/OUEf4 

• House Republicans pass bill banning Pride flags & allowing anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination - https://t.ly/_HyZ7 

• How the trans culture wars came to New York -https://t.ly/6pX23 

Along with being Rapid Response chair, I have also been the LGBTQ+ liaison and sharing information about various aspects of the community.  (Please refer to this month’s article in that section).  I am also currently a facilitator for a local support group called Scrambled Eggs, which is a Transgender/Trans Ally group that gets together once a week sharing personal stories, answering questions or more.  Through these activities, I have learned a lot more about the issues than ever before and learned a lot about myself too.   

Hopefully with some sources below and the call to action, you can be inspired to do the same and be a strong ally for your family, friends, and greater community. 

Sources:  

• How to Signal You are an Ally in Hostile Environment -https://rb.gy/i0tcjy   

• 20+ LGBTQ+ Organizations You Can Support Right Now - https://www.realsimple.com/worklife/lgbtq-organizations-to-donate 

So, what can you do to make sure reproductive rights can be protected for all?? 

1. Educate yourself and others about LGBTQ+ issues and share this knowledge. 

2. Volunteer for organizations that educate about LGBTQ+ rights such as PFLAG, The Trevor Project, and local organizations in your cities and states.  Also join ally trainings. 

3. Let the community know you are an ally by creating a safe space of support. 

4. Write to your representative and senator (state and nationally) 

5. Write a letter to the editor concerning your opinions about ant-transgender legislation and other LGBTQ+ issues of importance. 

6. Post and share any information you come across on your social media platforms. 

7. Host presentations and webinars in your local/affiliate BPW clubs educating the public about the community for being better allies. 

Please connect with Sue Oser at rapidresponse@nfbpwc.org or the new chair when appointed after General Assembly for your thoughts, opinions, etc. and how the Rapid Response chair can do better.

By: Manjul Batra
NFBPWC Nominations Chair 

The following Nominations have been received for the 2024-2026 NFBPWC offices. 

President	Barbara Bozeman
	Kathy Kelly
First Vice-President of Membership	Maria DeSousa
Second Vice President of Advocacy	Emily VanVleck
	Susan Oser
Secretary	Nermin K. Ahmad
Treasurer	Jo C Naylor
Young BPW Representative	Doris Byrne Norris

Candidates for President  

ELEVATE WOMAN IN ACTION

Vote Kathy Kelly For NFBPWC President

With a degree in Religious / Women’s Studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Kathy’s passion has always been to advocate for women and girls.  She has served in many BPW positions, including president in her home state of Colorado and currently serving at the national level as vice president of membership.  At the international level, Kathy has served as the BPW delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status on Women (2013- present) and completed a three-year term on the Women for Water Partnership International 

Steering Committee (www.womenforwater.org).  She continues her involvement 

with capacity-building projects for women and girls with the NGO www.Afghans4Tomorrow.org 2009-present. 

Kathy splits her time between Personnel Profiles, volunteer work, her two grown children and four grandchildren. She enjoys skiing, hiking, Bronco games and concerts at Colorado's beautiful Red Rocks amphitheater. 

BARBARA J. BOZEMAN 

Focused on amplifying opportunities for our members. 

Dedicated to fostering growth through innovative programs and strategic partnerships. 

Committed to empowering members by bridging local and international connections, enabling them to thrive in all aspects of their lives. 

 

Candidate for First Vice-President of Membership 

Maria Cecilia DeSousa came to the United States of America in 1979. She began her college education at University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire and later received her Bachelor’s in Science degree in Biological Science (Medical Technology) with a minor in chemistry from California State University Sacramento and is a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist. Maria has a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration (MPA) from University of San Francisco. Maria is admitted into California State Bar and is licensed to practice law.

Maria is the immediate Past President for California Federation of Business and Professional Women and currently serves as the President for Berkeley Club of Business and Professional Women. She is on the Board of Directors and is the current co-President for the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Northern California.  

Candidates for Second Vice-President of Advocacy 

By: Sandra Thompson
NFBPWC’s Immediate Past President  

This is my swan song article.  As my time on the NFBPWC Executive Committee comes to a close, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you.  Serving on this EC over the past ten (10) years has been a profoundly rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an extraordinary teams. 

I am deeply appreciative of the support, camaraderie, and collaboration that have characterized our work together.  The insights, expertise, and diverse perspectives each of you brought to the table have been invaluable.  I have learned so much from you all, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have 

worked alongside such a talented and committed group of individuals. 

As I step down from the EC, I am confident that NFBPWC will continue to thrive and achieve great things under your capable leadership.  I look forward to staying connected and supporting the organization in any way I can. 

Thank you once again for the privilege of serving on the NFBPWC EC.  I cherish the memories we have created and the impact we have made together. 

By: Email sent on Friday, June 14^th by Megan Shellman-Rickard
President of NFBPWC 

In accordance with our bylaws, attached please find a copy of the proposed Bylaws amendments, proposed 

Policies and Procedures amendments, and Bylaws Chair editorial changes to the Bylaws and Policies and Procedures. Please note that the editorial changes will automatically be integrated and will not be up for vote or discussion, as they are merely editorial. 

Proposed Bylaws Amendments 06.09.2024.pdf 

Policies and Procedures Proposed Amendments 06.09.2024.pdf 

Bylaws Chair Editorial Changes 06.09.2024.pdf 

Please review all of these documents prior to the Biennial Conference July 19-21, 2024. Direct any questions or concerns to the Bylaws Chair, Trudy Waldroop, bylaws@nfbpwc.org. 

An enormous thank you to the Bylaws Committee for their incredible work that has been done to bring our operating documents up to date. We appreciate your detailed efforts. 

Only members who are registered to attend the Biennial Conference are eligible to vote on the proposed Bylaws Amendments. Proposed Policies and Procedures Amendments will be addressed at the Board of Directors meeting preceding the General Assembly. If you have not yet registered for the conference, here is a link for both the virtual and in-person registration options: 

2024 NFBPWC Biennial Conference: Equality Has No Deadline! 

We are hopeful that we will be able to efficiently address all of the proposed amendments in a timely and effective manner. As a reminder, our ability to move through the business of voting on amendments does hinge on whether or not members review these documents in advance of the Biennial Conference. Thank you to the membership for taking the responsibility of this to heart. 

Together we are stronger! 

By: Trudy Waldroop
Bylaws & Resolutions Chair, NFBPWC 2022-2024 (Email: ILoveBPW@yahoo.com) Bylaws@NFBPWC.org  

For the past 6+ months the NFBPWC Bylaws/Resolutions Committee has been very busy comparing The 

National Federation’s Bylaws with the Policies and Procedures (P&P) Manual to see if the two are congruent.  After many e-mails and zoom meetings, we found that they are not.  Therefore, there will be several proposed bylaws and P&P amendments to make the two documents agree with each other to be voted upon at the General Assembly in July.  We also found many editorial changes:  which are mandatory corrections but need not be voted upon. 

On June 14 National Federation President Megan forwarded these three documents to all members via e-mail.  (See NFBPWC Proposed Bylaws Amendments and Policies and Procedures below) 

This chair thanks the hard-working and dedicated Bylaws/Resolutions Committee: NF Parliamentarian Sandy Thompson and Virtual Club President, who wears many other hats, Barbara Bozeman.   

This was a challenge, but we all enjoyed doing it. It was a joy for this Chair to work with these ladies. 

By: Nancy Werner
NFBPWC Advocacy Team ERA Lead 

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.  

SIGN4ERA – May I encourage you AGAIN to take the time RIGHT NOW to sign onto this link. http://www.sign4ERA.org When you visit this site, there is much information given to you from the history, to the current work and why it is so important. We now have 96,500 supporters who have signed the petition. The most signers are in California, New York and Florida.  

Please keep in touch with your Senators using the NFBPWC “One Click.”  

May I introduce you again to the Alice Paul Institute, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey? They put out a publication that I find to be very important as I cover the ERA. They track so many happenings across the US. 

They also keep tabs on who is sponsoring what bill that pertains to the ERA in the House and Senate and who has signed on to support it. It will give you a quick glance of your Congressperson or Senators stand on our ERA. 

They have a section that you can click on that is called – “What Does the ERA Mean to YOU?” Here you have the opportunity to share your thoughts and provide a photo. Just wanted you to know about it.  

https://www.alicepaul.org>programs 

By: Email sent on Wednesday, June 19^th by Daneene Monroe Rusnak,
2^nd Vice President of Advocacy, NFBPWC 2020-2024 

 

Dear NFBPWC members,  

The Advocacy Committee is pleased to provide you with this copy of the proposed 2024 - 2026 Advocacy Platform which will be reviewed and voted on by the membership at the upcoming Biennial Conference. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with its contents before the conference. Please be aware that modifications to the proposed platform will only be made at the conference in accordance with the standing rules.  

Many thanks to the California and Colorado Federations for putting forth suggestions in an effort to strengthen this document, and another HUGE thank you to the A-Team for their input, insights, and support in helping to prepare it for presentation at the Biennial Conference in July.   

Proposed 2024 - 2026 NFBPWC Advocacy Platform .pdf  

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CLUBS (NFBPWC) ADVOCACY PLATFORM 2024 - 2026 

NFBPWC will employ several education, advocacy, monitoring, and tracking strategies to meet the following priorities:  

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

Human Rights – recognition that women’s rights are human rights 

• Support   oThe Alice Paul Equal Rights Amendment. oPassage of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). 

• • Equal rights for historically marginalized groups, encompassing, but not restricted to, Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

  • Universal background checks for all firearm purchases. oThe Violence Against Women Act; especially when reauthorization is required. oFair and equal access to education, including sufficient funding for public education ranging from early childhood education to post-secondary / higher education. oPolicies and practices that promote environmental sustainability. oEmpower and enhance the well-being of military-affiliated women. 

  • Equitable treatment of any women who are arrested, detained, or incarcerated. oPrivacy rights of women, especially regarding their health, sexual and relationship history, and personal and digital data. 

• Eradicate Domestic Violence and Electronic and Physical stalking, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and discrimination. 

• Oppose human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and all forms of slavery.    

Economic Equity and Justice  

• Support the elimination of Forced Arbitration as the sole means of dispute resolution.  

• Access to  oEducation, training, and promotional opportunities. oEqual opportunities in the workplace and on corporate boards.  

• • Procurement procedures that facilitate opportunities for women-owned or women-led enterprises. 

  • Quality, affordable dependent care (child, elderly, or disabled). oFunding and capital for entrepreneurial activity. 

  • Affordable and attainable housing. 

Health Equity and Justice  

• Support for reproductive justice.   

• Access to affordable reproductive healthcare; including but not limited to; contraception, assisted reproduction techniques, and abortion care. 

• Support for paid sick, family, and medical leave.  

• Elimination of gender bias in research funding.  

• Health education funding for women’s and girl’s health issues.  

• Prevention of discrimination against pregnancy and infant care in the workplace (e.g. reasonable accommodations for breastfeeding/breast pumping and other pregnancy /maternity conditions.)  

• Ensure workplace safety.  •Expansion of mental health coverage and services.  

 

 

The NFBPWC Executive Committee is proud to announce the inception of a new biennial membership award.  

Introducing the Lena Madesin Phillips Distinguished Member Award 

The Lena Madesin Phillips Distinguished Member Award has been established to be the most prestigious honor bestowed upon members of our organization. This award will recognize an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact within the organization and beyond. The recipient of this award is an exemplary role model who has significantly contributed to the advancement of our mission and has made a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others.  

You now have the opportunity to be a part of history by nominating a memberto be considered for our very first Lena Madisen Phillips Distinguished Member Award; presented at our Biennial Conference. Please use the criteria below when considering your candidate. 

*Nominations must be received by 11:59pm PT on July 8, 2024*  

Nomination Criteria: 

Candidates for the LMP Distinguished Member Award:  

• must be a current member of NFBPWC for at least 2 years, in good standing;  

• has made recent meaningful contributions to NFBPWC (via programming, advocacy, outreach, and leadership); 

• has exemplified and embodied the attributes consistent with the mission statement of the organization; 

Please refrain from nominating current Executive Committee members or Affiliate, State, or Federation Presidents. 

By: Susan Oser
NFBPWC Advocacy Team LGBTQIA+ Lead 

June started the summer of Pride in the United States. However, just because June has ended does not mean that Pride has ended.  Some communities have their events through July, August, and September.  Please try to visit at least one Pride event in or near your area to connect to the community and learn the LGBTQIA+ is all about. 

Before we get to the information below, I just want to say that it has been an honor being your LGBTQ+ Liaison under the Advocacy Committee umbrella.  I’ve recently had the honor to speak to the wonderful women of NFBPWC/PA Affiliate on Title IX and LGBTQ+ issues as well as through a JDEI webinar when they recently covered the topic of inclusion.  I’ve had many compliments on my articles and how they have been educated on the issues as well as have felt comfortable enough to ask questions or talk about the subject.  That really means a lot to me. 

While I’m not sure what’s going to happen with this column after the General Assembly, I do hope it keeps going and you can be educated further on topics related to LGBTQ+ issues.  If you have any questions or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. 

LGBTQ+ Icon of the Month:  Lorraine Hansberry Why highlight?  

Lorraine Hansberry is a playwright, writer, and activist.  She is well-known for the hit Broadway play-turned-film Raisin in the Sun. She was the first black woman to have the honor of her play being performed on Broadway.  She was also very active in the civil rights movement.  While she was married, she secretly had to “hide in the closet” and wrote about these things in unpublished manuscripts as well as in a publication called The Ladder, which is a periodical for the organization The Daughters of Bilities.  Sadly, she passed away young at the age of 34 due to pancreatic cancer in 1965.  Yet her words and her play still lives on. 

Source(s) for more information: 

• The Daughters of Bilitis -https://guides.loc.gov/lgbtq-studies/before-stonewall/daughters-of-bilitis  

• Queer Portraits: Lorraine Hansberry -https://www.queerportraits.com/bio/hansberry  

• Making Gay History: The Podcast – Lorraine Hansberry - https://makinggayhistory.org/podcast/lorraine-hansberry/  Good LGBTQ+ News for July–  

• Good Reasons to Feel Proud around Pride -https://shorturl.at/j8hR2  

• These 20 LGBTQ+ news anchors & journalists are changing our worldviews - https://shorturl.at/3YE9N  

• Trans man wins $4.7 million from school district that didn’t let him use the restroom - https://shorturl.at/013aI  And now for the BAD news: 

• SPLC Designates Genspect, SEGM As Anti-LGBTQ Hate Groups -https://shorturl.at/kU3bl  

• Trans Youth Suicides Covered Up By NHS, Cass After Restrictions, Say Whistleblowers - https://shorturl.at/BENhu  

• Utah lawmakers vote to block federal protections for LGBTQ+ students under Title IX - https://t.ly/mIMVM  

If you have any news or leads on anything related to LGBTQ+ news, issues, and organizations, please contact Sue Oser at soser@nfbpwc.org or if/when a new liaison is selected after General Assembly.