Bylaws, policies, and procedures all play a role in governing organizations, but they serve different purposes: Each of these elements plays a crucial role in maintaining structure, consistency, and accountability within an organization.

• Bylaws: These are the foundational rules that define how an organization operates. They typically cover governance structure, board responsibilities, membership rules, voting procedures, and amendment processes. Bylaws are often legally required and must be formally adopted and amended.
• Policies: These are guidelines that help an organization make consistent decisions. Policies address areas like financial management, employee conduct, conflict resolution, and operational standards. Unlike bylaws, policies can be updated more easily by leadership without requiring formal approval from members.
• Procedures: These are step-by-step instructions on how to carry out specific tasks within an organization. Procedures ensure consistency in operations, such as how financial transactions are processed and how meetings are conducted.

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

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/

We are inviting passionate members of the BPW Federation to consider taking on leadership roles. Our mission is to empower women and make a significant impact through our collective efforts. By joining forces with the chairs of other committees, we aim to showcase the impact of our Federation and its mission.

Leadership comes with its challenges, but building a strong team rooted in our mission will ensure the smooth functioning of the Federation. We are looking forward with great enthusiasm to having a selection of candidates from around the country.

Which of these offices will have your name placed in nomination?

• For the Office of President?

• For the Office of Vice President-Membership?

• For the Office of Vice President-Advocacy?

• For the Office of Secretary?

• For the Office of Treasurer?

• For the Office of Young BPW?

The nominating committee will confirm that all candidates meet the qualifications as outlined in Article X, Section 7 of the bylaws.

It is not too early to begin the process!

Angie Jackson-Wilson
NFBPWC Nominations Chair
2024-2026

Dear Members, I do not tend to write articles for the magazine, as I usually stay behind the scenes. Since we do not have a club in the State of Maine, I thought some of you might be interested to know that Maine has declared March 25th National Equal Pay Day. Yay, Maine!

Here is the Press Release I received from the Maine Department of Labor.

For Immediate Release: March 25, 2025

Governor Mills Proclaims March 25 National Equal Pay Day in Maine

According to the United States Census Bureau, the difference between median earnings for men and women in Maine who worked full-time, year-round in 2023 was nearly $9,000.

MAINE - Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed March 25, 2025 National Equal Pay Day in Maine, symbolizing how far into the year women in the United States must have worked to earn what men had earned by December 31, 2024. Nationally, women aged 16 and

over who are working full-time, year-round are on average paid just 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. The wage gap is even more pronounced for women of color. Nationally in 2023, African American women made 65 cents on the dollar, and Hispanic or Latina women just 58 cents on the dollar compared to white, non-Hispanic men.

“Maine people know an honest day’s work deserves an honest day’s pay,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I’ve proclaimed today as National Equal Pay Day in Maine to remind us all there’s more to do to ensure Maine women receive equal pay for equal work.”

Requirements regarding equal pay have been a part of Maine law since 1949, but wage inequality persists. To promote pay equality, Governor Mills signed legislation in 2019 to discourage employers from basing wages on an employee's salary history.

“The wage gap remains a reality we must contend with. Data shows that men who worked full-time, year- round earned nearly $9,000 more than women—and the gap is even wider for women of color,” said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “Ensuring equal pay and access to good-paying jobs is not just about fairness - it strengthens families, reduces poverty, and drives economic growth. Maine is committed to raising aspirations and opening doors to high-wage careers. Programs like our pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship initiatives in construction are creating clear pathways for women to enter and thrive in these industries, ensuring that anyone with the skills and drive to succeed has the opportunity to do so.”

According to the United States Census Bureau, the difference between median earnings for men and women in Maine who worked full-time, year-round in 2023 was $8,900. Men earned a median of $61,300, while women earned $52,400.

Nationally in 2023, the average differences in median earnings between white, non-Hispanic or Latino men and women of color are $30,100 for American Indian and Alaska Native women, $25,200 for Black or African American women, and $1,600 for Asian women.

According to the 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates, the five occupational groups in Maine with the largest wage gaps are legal occupations; health diagnosing and treating practitioners; sales and related occupations; production occupations; and building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations.

"The gender wage gap is not about individuals, it's about systems: 'women's work' (traditional roles such as care and caregiving) pays less, and women earn less over a lifetime because of their unpaid caregiving roles,” said Destie Hohman Sprague, Executive Director of the Maine Women's Lobby. “Systems are solved with policies, and Maine policymakers have an opportunity to address this gap once by supporting bills that address pay transparency and workforce segregation. They also must continue to build the caregiving structures, such as paid family and medical leave, childcare, and direct care, which supports pay equity over the long term."

"Equal Pay Day is an important marker of how far into each new year the average woman must work in order for her earnings to catch up to what the average man

had earned by the end of the previous year. At the same time, it's important to remember that the pay gap for women varies by demographic, so for moms Equal Pay Day is May 6, for African women it’s on July 10, for Latina women it’s October 8 and for Native American women it's all the way to November 18," said Cynthia Phinney, President of the AFL-CIO. " Paying attention to these numbers and these gaps matters in the work to build an economy that allows everyone to flourish by removing barriers to economic security. The best way to close the pay gap and fight wage discrimination is with a union contract, so on Equal Pay Day we also affirm our resolve to ensure all women regardless of race or national origin have the right to join a union, free from coercion and intimidation.”

"Women of every race and background work hard to keep Maine families, businesses, and services running. Their work has equal value, but women, especially Latina, Black, and Indigenous women, aren't compensated at rates equal to men," said Ariel Ricci, Executive Director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations. "Everyone does better when women of all races and ethnicities get paid what their work is truly worth."

"Equal Pay Day highlights the ongoing struggle to appropriately value and support the work of Maine women - and the full Equal Pay Day calendar shows how the burden of the wage gap falls disproportionately on mothers, women of color, disabled women, and the LGBTQ+ community," said Elinor Higgins, Executive Director of Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (MePCSW). "But Equal Pay Day also shows the path forward toward a stronger economic future for Maine: by closing the wage gap, we can improve economic security for Maine women and their families."

In 2024, MePCSW released a report on Maine women's labor, employment, and economic security which illustrates how the wage gap drives financial disparities across the lifespan, with part-time, low- wage work and lacking care infrastructure leading to higher rates of financial hardship among women in Maine.

Maine's Equal Pay Law requires that employees be paid the same wages as employees of the opposite sex for work that is of a comparable nature in skill, effort, and responsibility.

MDOL's Bureau of Labor Standards, who enforces the Equal Pay Law in Maine, has a poster available for employers free of charge that outlines the basics of the law:

• An employer may not discriminate between employees in the same establishment on the basis of sex by paying wages to any employee at a rate less than the rate at which the employer pays any employee of the opposite sex for comparable work on jobs that have comparable requirements relating to skill, effort and responsibility.
• An employer may not prohibit employees from discussing their wages with coworkers.

Anyone who believes they are not being paid the same wages as an employee of the opposite sex for comparable work, should file an equal pay complaint. The Maine Department of Labor has a printable equal pay complaint form here: https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/publication s/epcomplaintform.pdf

A mailed or emailed complaint form can be requested by contacting the Wage and Hour Division at 207-623- 7900 or mdol@maine.gov.

Michele Guarino
Magazine Editor
(2017-2026)

Is your committee or affiliate in need of funding for a special event?

Email me at legacyfundchair@nfbpwc.org and tell me what your needs are. The committee looks forward to supporting BPW activities.

The Legacy Fund Committee is a standing committee available to handle all incoming funds from heritage clubs. Members are Deb Fischer (chair), Barbara Bozeman, Ashley Maria, Jo Naylor, and Sandy Thompson.

Current Value of Investment Portfolio is $289,803.28 as of February 28, 2025.

Interested members who would like to serve on the committee, please send an email to Deb Fischer, legacyfundchair@nfbpwc.org indicating contributions you can make to this committee.

May love and friendship keep your days bright!

Deb Fischer
NFBPWC Legacy Fund Chair
2024-2026
(720) 280-3513

Bridging the Global Divide: A Call to Action for BPW Sisters

In an era when political divisions and distancing at the highest levels of governance increasingly leave us on the periphery of global decision-making, the responsibility to shape the future of international collaboration falls squarely on our shoulders. As BPW sisters around the world, we possess a unique power: the ability to foster a culture of soft diplomacy where business and global cooperation transcend partisan politics.

The current geopolitical climate has led to a widening gap between decision-makers and the global community. While our traditional diplomatic channels may seem to have retreated into insular, nationalistic confines, the need for an alternative, inclusive approach has never been greater. The BPW network stands as a beacon of progressive leadership, one that values collaboration over division, and innovation over stagnation. By stepping into this leadership void, we are not merely filling a gap—we are redefining the very framework of global engagement.

The core of our mission is to ensure that business remains a realm where the focus is on progress, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Global commerce must be viewed as an arena where the best ideas flourish irrespective of political affiliation. In practical terms, this means advocating for policies and practices that prioritize economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. It also requires us to challenge the notion that political differences should hinder our pursuit of mutually beneficial partnerships.

By consistently demonstrating that collaboration and cooperation are not only possible but essential, BPW can establish new paradigms in international business relations. Our collective experience and influence enable us to act as neutral intermediaries— facilitators who can connect leaders, industries, and communities across borders, inspiring a global dialogue that transcends political ideologies.

Inaction in the face of growing political polarization is not a neutral stance—it is complicity. To allow decisions to be made for us without our active participation is to forfeit the opportunity to steer the course of history. We must acknowledge that our silence can inadvertently endorse the status quo, one where vital policies and partnerships are shaped in closed rooms without our input. Instead, by asserting our voice and presence, we can help guide international efforts toward outcomes that benefit not just a few, but the global community at large.

Charting a Path Forward

To reclaim our role as stewards of global progress, it is crucial that we:

• Embrace Active Engagement: Proactively seek partnerships and dialogues that encourage transparency and mutual respect among nations.
• Champion Non-Partisan Collaboration: Lead by example in demonstrating that business and global initiatives can thrive when decisions are based on shared interests rather than political agendas.
• Invest in Soft Diplomacy: Leverage our networks to create forums and initiatives that bring together diverse voices, fostering an environment where ideas are exchanged freely and without bias.
• Advocate for Women's Rights: Commit to the promotion and protection of women's rights at all levels—nationally, internationally, and within every significant multilateral organization— ensuring that women's voices are central to shaping policies and decisions for a progressive future.

Meaningful Twinning Between BPW Clubs

A particularly potent strategy lies in the deliberate and impactful twinning of BPW clubs across borders. By pairing clubs and fostering close relationships, we can:

• Collaborate on Projects: Work together on initiatives that accelerate opportunities for women in business, ensuring that underserved women have access to the resources and networks necessary to succeed.
• Drive Policy Change: Develop joint advocacy strategies to promote policies that empower women to found, foster, and lead businesses into the future.
• Support At-Risk Sisters: Extend solidarity and tangible support to our sisters facing geopolitical strife. This includes those in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Africa, and even in the most developed nations where recent political trends have eroded rights, liberties, and freedoms. By aligning our efforts, we can ensure that their voices are amplified and their perspectives are recognized as integral to the global narrative.
• Exchange Best Practices: Share strategies and lessons learned that can help clubs navigate challenges unique to their regions while contributing to a global repository of knowledge and innovation.

In creating these meaningful twinning partnerships, BPW clubs become more than isolated entities; they transform into a cohesive, agile network capable of spearheading a movement that transcends borders and political divides. This dynamic collaboration not only bridges current gaps in international leadership but also sets a sustainable model for how global business can be both inclusive and progressive.

The call to action is clear: it is time for BPW sisters to rise to the challenge. As global leaders, we must take up the mantle of bridging divides and shaping a future where global business and diplomacy are defined by unity, rather than fragmentation. Our collective influence is a formidable tool—one that can usher in an era of renewed international engagement, driven by the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation. The choice is ours: to lead or to be led. In this critical moment, let us choose to lead.

Larisa B. Miller NFBPWC International Relations Chair 2024-2026 BPW Galway, Ireland international@nfbpwc.org

Our health committee meetings are held on the 3rd Mondays of the month unless there is a conflict or a holiday. Our next meeting with be April 21, 2025 at 8pm ET. We are going to start thinking about a special Health Fair/Panel for this year. Please stay tuned for more information.

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.organd 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.

Notes from the Chair:

April is my birthday month which is why I am happy to share my Lipedema story with you. In addition, there are tons of facts and information for you to educate yourself on various health related topics and articles. Please feel free to email me any interesting information you think should be shared for this section.

Healthy Thinking for the Month:

It’s Spring, which means it’s time for Spring cleaning. This is a great time to look at the things you’ve gathered, not used or don’t need anymore. You can donate, sell, or whatever you are comfortable with, old things. It’s a great way to release weighted energy and free yourself symbolically of burdens.

Health Awareness Dates:

April is –

Alcohol Awareness Month; Amateur Radio Month; Child Abuse Prevention Month; (International) Cesarean Awareness Month; Defeat Diabetes Month; Fresh Florida Tomatoes Month; Medical Cannabis Education and Awareness Month; Move More in April; National 9-1-1 Education Month; National African American Women's Fitness Month; National Cancer Control Month; National Child Abuse Prevention Month; National Exchange Club - Child Abuse Prevention Month; National Donate Life Month; National Occupational Therapy Month; Nationally Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Month; National Youth Sports Safety Month; Oral Cancer Awareness Month; Pharmacists War on Diabetes Month; Pet First Aid Awareness Month; Physical Wellness Month; Rosacea Awareness Month; Soy Foods Month; Testicular Cancer Awareness Month; Women's Eye Health & Safety Month; Workplace Conflict Awareness Month.

Autism Acceptance Month - https://www.govinfo.gov/features/autism-acceptance-month

Autism Awareness Month Link -

https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-month

Health Awareness Dates:

April is –

Alcohol Awareness Month; Amateur Radio Month; Child Abuse Prevention Month; (International) Cesarean Awareness Month; Defeat Diabetes Month; Fresh Florida Tomatoes Month; Medical Cannabis Education and Awareness Month; Move More in April; National 9-1-1 Education Month; National African American Women's Fitness Month; National Cancer Control Month; National Child Abuse Prevention Month; National Exchange Club - Child Abuse Prevention Month; National Donate Life Month; National Occupational Therapy Month; Nationally Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Month; National Youth Sports Safety Month; Oral Cancer Awareness Month; Pharmacists War on Diabetes Month; Pet First Aid Awareness Month; Physical Wellness Month; Rosacea Awareness Month; Soy Foods Month; Testicular Cancer Awareness Month; Women's Eye Health & Safety Month; Workplace Conflict Awareness Month.

Autism Acceptance Month - https://www.govinfo.gov/features/autism-acceptance-month

Autism Awareness Month Link -

https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-month

National Parkinson's Awareness Month https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month

National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month - http://nationalsarcoidosisfriends.org.tripod.com/index.html

National Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month (SAAM) - https://www.nsvrc.org/

National Toddler Immunization Month - https://www.nfid.org/national-immunization-awareness-month-resource-round-up/

Prevent Lyme in Dogs Month - https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2008-04-15/april-prevent-lyme-dogs-month

Sjogren's Awareness Month - https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-news/sjogrens-awareness-month/

Stress Awareness Month - https://stressawarenessmonth.com/

World Autism Awareness Month -

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/acceptance-and-awareness/world-autism-acceptance-month

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.

Healthy Recipes –

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 Chair Susan E. Oser

What is Lymphedema and How it Affects Me

In June of 2024, I was finally able to go to see a doctor, not only to get a physical, but also to figure out what else was going on with my body. Of course I was overdue for a physical, but I had other things going on with me that I needed to get a diagnosis for. My legs were swollen, it was difficult to walk sometimes, and my energy was low.

When I went for my visit to talk to my doctor, he did my blood tests and other assessments, and it was determined I do indeed have Lymphedema.

What is Lymphedema?

This is the Mayo Clinic’s Definition: “Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when the lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph fluid, typically affecting an arm or leg. Common causes include cancer, where tumors may block lymph vessels, leading to swelling. Treatment often involves a combination of physical therapy, compression garments, and bandaging to help move fluid from affected areas. It's important to manage lymphedema to prevent complications such as skin infections. While there is no cure, decongestive therapy can help control the condition.”

In my case, I’m at about a stage 2 and compared to other stories I’ve heard, I’ve been lucky to have caught it so early and take care of it. I first started physical therapy with a specialist in this area twice a week, started wearing bandages and did exercises to help with the swelling. To say that this wore me out was an understatement, but I have been lucky enough to graduate to compression socks (which are still a bit of a hassle sometimes).

Since there is no cure, I have been doing the best I can by keeping it at bay by being more active (as much as I am able), wear some kind of compression to keep the lymphatic system going, dietary changes, and also connecting with a couple of Facebook groups and a free online Zoom webinar once a month through the Lymphapress company. There is also a pump that I am in the process of trying to acquire that has been recommended by my physical therapist and other patients who use it.

The sad thing is that besides having no cure, this disease is sometimes seen as an overweight woman’s disease along with a few other stigmas surrounding it. A lot of doctors need education in this area as other parts of the body can also be affected by this if left untreated, both internally and externally.

Dealing with this has been pretty trial and error as far as what works and what doesn’t for me. However, I’m glad I have a name for what I’m going through now and I hope there is a cure.

Additional information on Lymphedema

National Lympehedema Network - https://nlnmembership.com/#!form/Contact

National Commission on Lymphatic Diseases - https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/advisory-and-peer-review-committees/national-commission-lymphatic-diseases

EvonniaDominguezLymphedemaStory-https://www.mediusa.com/evonnia-dominguez-lymphedema-story/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYmjgYHkJmyS-lNz6sg5d24nJ0_7te6U028O26vQ4Be9i7-wpZy14KleYk_aem_IExqsjVmkK785W9nDCjFIg

Health Article FYI

Trump administration considering closing HIV preventionagency:reports- https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/03/20/trump-administration-constidering-closing-hiv-prevention-agency-reports/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=560e391b-df39-4a57-8dfa-8c3d0b7c83d3

Interested in learning about Heart Health and other information from Houston Methodist? - https://watch.houstonmethodist.org/

How Often Should You Clean Your House? Room By Room Tips - https://chachingqueen.com/how-often-should-you-be-cleaning-your-home/

Is soy healthy or unhealthy for you? Setting the record straight - https://naturalwomanhood.org/is-soy-healthy-or-unhealthy-for-you/?mc_cid=292ed8fa0f&mc_eid=05040fd20b

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 3rd or 4th Monday of the month unless there are any conflicts or holiday forthcoming.

With regret and understanding, we have accepted the resignation of our friend and digital mentor, Teresa Gehrke.

We can all agree she has done a wonderful job during her tenure as the Digital Training Chair, providing us with valuable tools and guidance.

We wish her every good fortune as she moves forward. Please be sure to express your gratitude to her for a job well done! She has worked hard on our behalf.

The Bylaws are the rules and regulations enacted by NFBPWC to provide a framework for its operation and management. Here is the link to the current bylaws: 2024-2026 NATIONAL BYLAWS AMENDED 20 JULY 2024

Changes to the National Bylaws can only be made at the General Assembly. The next meeting of the General Assembly is scheduled for July 2026. Amendments may be proposed by any Federation or Affiliate Club, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, or an Affiliate Member.

Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Bylaws Committee 60 Days prior to the Biennial General Assembly. Thirty days prior to the General Assembly the proposed amendments will be distributed to the members for their consideration.

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

Beginning May 1st, we will begin the CSW program series for 2025/2026.

NFBPWC & CSW: Expanding Our Impact Over the next 10 months, NFBPWC is embarking on an exciting initiative to educate and empower our members to engage with the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. This is an incredible opportunity for you to experience strengthening global advocacy efforts and making a lasting impact on gender equality.

Why Get Involved?  NFBPWC and BPW International share a powerful voice, and through these collaborations, we can amplify that voice on the global stage. By participating in CSW, members will:

• Gain knowledge about international advocacy and UN processes

• Connect with like-minded professionals and organizations

• Contribute to shaping policies that impact women worldwide

• Showcase NFBPWC and BPW International work and leadership at a global level

Our Goal: To present three programs either by or in collaboration with collaboration with NFBPWC members at CSW70 in March of 2026.

Through education, mentorship, and strategic engagement, we will guide members in preparing impactful programs that align with CSW’s themes and objectives. \

How to Get Involved: Build and prepare a program to present, learn about and share information about the CSW process. Whether you are new to CSW or BPW, there is plenty you can do to learn about and participate in one of the greatest global ventures at your fingertips.

Looking forward to hearing from you.president@nfbpwc.org