Federally Employed Women’s (FEW) National Training Program (NTP) 2016 is just weeks away. You can save $200 by registering now before the early registration ends on June 15. FEW’s NTP provides extensive opportunities to refresh and renew your skills. See www.few.org for a complete listing of courses and activities.

In addition to the amazing workshops being offered, FEW is again offering the week-long training program for Special Emphasis Program Managers (SEPM’s). It is critical that SEPM’s receive the most up-to-date information and to share ideas. The number of spaces is limited so you must register NOW if you want to attend this training.

FEW is proud to announce that once again we will be hosting several agency forums and have secured outstanding speakers for the NTP special events that are always a highlight! Keep reading to learn more about this phenomenal week.

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Sunday, July 10, 2:00-7:30 p.m. and 8:00-10:00 p.m.: Registration/Check-In

The Registration/Check-In Desk will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday and will close at noon on Thursday.

Sunday, July 10, 4:00-6:00 p.m.: FEW’s Annual Membership Meeting

Hear the highlights of FEW’s activities for the past year and the accomplishments of FEW’s National and Regional leaders. Dress: Business

Sunday, July 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m.: Welcome Reception and Newcomers’ Orientation

“In the Spirit of Excellence” begins here. Renew old friendships and make new friends as the exciting week begins. Dress: Business Casual

Monday, July 11, 8:00-9:30 a.m.: Opening Session

Dr. Vikki Johnson will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Johnson is an inspiring, thought provoking author, speaker and thought leader with an enormous passion for women’s empowerment and transformation. Vikki’s communication style is authentic, powerful, engaging, full of humor, and plants seeds of possibilities that often sprout into great work, great people, and great impact. Join us as we start our week of training “In the Spirit of Excellence”. Dress: Business

Monday, July 11, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Agency Forums

As of May 26, 2016, two agency forums are scheduled. Look for an update soon as more are scheduled.

Monday, July 11, – Wednesday, July 13: Exhibit Hall

Monday, 12:10 p.m. Ribbon Cutting; 12:10 p.m.-6:00 p.m. through Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Greet the supporters of FEW. Join us for great deals and sound information shared from our sponsors in the Exhibit Hall. FEW anticipates 30 sponsors, along with vendors, FEW National and Regional representatives, supporters of FEW, FEW Foundation for Education and Training, along with many others in the Exhibit Hall. Plan to visit as often as your schedule permits.

Tuesday, July 12, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: FEW Awards Program

Recognition of “…In the Spirit of Excellence” as FEW presents awards to Chapters and individuals who have achieved great successes this past year. Dress: Business

Tuesday, July 12: Health Fair

“Wear Red Tuesday”- We have asked everyone to wear something red all day. The focus on this day is on women’s health and we have a great day planned for you. Join us in the Exhibit Hall.
Dress: Business – Anything Red

Wednesday, July 13, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.: FEW’s Regional Meetings

Plan to attend your Regional meeting and get to know others from your area. Meeting rooms to be announced. Dress: Business

Thursday, July 14, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Past Presidents Forum

Meet FEW’s Past Presidents and learn more about FEW’s history and significant accomplishments from the individuals who have made it happen. Dress: Business

Thursday, July 14, 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Diversity Luncheon Program

Linda Valdez Thompson is the speaker for the Diversity Luncheon. The theme for the luncheon is “Diversity in the Workplace – Time for a Change”. Linda Valdez Thompson is the Executive Vice President of Administration and Diversity at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport. Since joining DFW Airport in 2001, Linda has provided strategic leadership for Human Resources, Procurement and Materials Management, Risk Management, Business Diversity and Development, and Internal Communications. Linda will provide her insight into how we can move forward in our challenge to create diverse and inclusive workplaces. Dress: Business

Thursday, July 14, 4:00-6:30 p.m.: National Board of Directors Meeting

FEW’s National Board of Directors will begin their annual meeting on Thursday afternoon and will continue on Friday, July 15, until all business is completed. Dress: Business

We look forward to seeing you in Dallas!!

Memorial Day isn’t just about honoring veterans, its honoring those who lost their lives.  It’s a day to honor America’s bravest sons and daughters.  Veterans had the fortune of coming home. For all of us, this is a reminder of when vets come home, they still have the honor to serve as we work along side them in federal service.  For every American, Memorial Day will always be a reminder of service and sacrifice of others that honors our country and those who fell defending it.

Happy Memorial Day!

If there is any doubt that women have a significant place in history through our contributions then the announcement by the US Treasury Secretary, Jacob J. Lew yesterday ended all speculation.  Harriet Tubman will be the face on the front of the next release of the $20 dollar bill.  Tubman will be the first woman  and African American to grace the front of a paper note.  President Jackson will stay on the back of the note alongside the White House.

FEW congratulations to the American people for this profound decision of diversity and inclusion.  It is a celebration of how the strength of a woman can lead a nation to freedom.  Harriet Tubman’s life serves as an example of triumph over adversity and perseverance in service to others and her country.

Congratulations, America!

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It’s time again to take the most basic action in a democratic society. It’s time to vote.  It wasn’t too long ago that women had no voice and thus no right to vote.   It is important to not take this opportunity to define the direction of this country.  So, why should I vote?    You should vote because voting it is a fundamental process and right of yours to decide of who best represents you.  Voting keeps our system of  democracy and leadership working on our behalf.  Through the elections process, you have the ability to decide on what is important to you in this country and FEW.

FEW’s National election process is going on now.  Every member of FEW has a right to vote in this election.  You have a choice to determine the direction of FEW and who will represent you.  FEW is only as strong as our membership voice.  Show your confidence and speak up.  Let your voice and vote be heard  by casting  a ballot for the nominee’s that best represent you.

As National President, I don’t take this process lightly.  It was just two years ago that you elected me into office.  So, I know how important it is to make informed decision.  You have the right to email any candidate with questions that will help you make the right decision for FEW.  I congratulate the candidates for wanting to share their talents and wanting to represent you.  This is your time to make a choice that benefits FEW and you.

Equally as important is the national election happening this year in the United States of America.  As federal employees, we know how important this decision is.  There are several legislative actions that have negatively impacted federal workers benefits, retirement, pay and employment.  Reading up on the issues, the candidates, and researching the ballot is also the responsibility of the citizen voter and a responsibility that should not be taken lightly, because it is your voice, with the many others, in unison, that can change the direction of a community, state, nation, and even the world.  Do your homework and help the candidate that helps you.

On Election Day, you will not only be able to select your representatives in government for the next term, but, they often have the ability to decide on measures that impact you; like bond issues that grant the government permission to borrow money for keeping the government open. And, you can cast your ballot on social issues such as allowing same-sex marriage or neighborhood assistance programs that help libraries and provide resources to the needy.

With a government elected by its citizens and that effects every aspect of our lives from schools to health care to homeland security, voting is an important right in our society. By voting, you are making your voice heard and registering your opinion on how you think the government should operate. Enough voices in unison can elect someone to office, reaffirm or even change the course of our government and FEW.

Ballots for FEW’s National Election will be distributed via electronic ballot soon and our National, State and local elections are this November.  You have a right to let your voice be heard, remember to VOTE.

This Women’s History Month we honor women in public service and government.  FEW want to take this time to mobilize, inspire, and honor women from all cultures and generations by remembering the trailblazers of the past and the future leader.  We honor their legacies by carrying forward the valuable lessons learned from the powerful examples they set.

First, we honor one of our own, first president, Ms. Allie Latimer.  Ms. Latimer along with a group of insightful women dared to transcend preconceived expectations and prove that women are capable of doing all that a man could do and more.  They formed a more perfect union with strength and integrity in leadership.  I invite you to enjoy a video of Allie speaking on how and why FEW was founded.  Click here to view our “FEW Video Archives.”

Second, we recognize the National Women’s History Project (NWHP) who has the forthright to acknowledge the many women who have shaped America’s history and its future through their public service and government leadership. FEW is honored to recognized this valuable organization for it work and dedication in recognizing women who are often overlooked and undervalued.   We believe that collectively there is strength in numbers and we are proud of the women recognized for their dramatic influence on public policy and the building of viable institutions and organizations. Click here to view all of the 2016 National Women’s Month Honoree’s.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we remember the many advances made, discoveries revealed, barriers broken, and progress triumphed.  And, as National President of FEW, I am committed to work towards our mission of “working to end sex and gender discrimination,  to encourage diversity for inclusion and equity in the workplace, and for the advancement and professional growth of women in the federal service.”

In the Spirit of Excellence,

Michelle A. Crockett

To celebrate Black History Month in February—and the rich tradition of African American poetry, read the famous poem by an unknown author, “A World Without Black People”.  Enjoy

A World Without Black People

This is a story of a little boy name Theo, who woke up one morning and asked his mother, “Mom, what if there were no Black people in the world?” Well, his mother thought about that for a moment, and then said, “Son, follow me around today and let’s just see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world.” Mom said, “Now go get dressed, and we will get started.”

Theo ran to his room to put on his clothes and shoes. His mother took one look at him and said, “Theo, where are your shoes? And those clothes are all wrinkled, son. I must iron them.” However, when she reached for the ironing board, it was no longer there.

You see Sarah Boone, a black woman, invented the ironing board, and Jan E. Matzelinger, a black man, invented the shoe lasting machine.

“Oh well,” she said, “please go and do something to your hair.” Theo ran in his room to comb his hair, but the comb was not there. You see, Walter Sammons, a black man, invented the comb.

Theo decided to just brush his hair, but the brush was gone. You see Lydia O. Newman, a black female, invented the brush.

Well, this was a sight: no shoes, wrinkled clothes, hair a mess. Even Mom’s hair, without the hair care inventions of Madam C. Walker, well, you get the picture.

Mom told Theo, “Let’s do our chores around the house and then take a trip to the grocery store.” Theo’s job was to sweep the floor. He swept and swept and swept. When he reached for the dustpan, it was not there. You see, Lloyd P. Ray, a black man, invented the dustpan.

So he swept his pile of dirt over in the corner and left it there. He then decided to mop the floor, but the mop was gone. You see, Thomas W. Stewart, a black man, invented the mop. Theo yelled to his Mom, “Mom, I’m not having any luck.”

“Well, son,” she said, “Let me finish washing these clothes, and we will prepare a list for the grocery store.” When the wash finished, she went to place the clothes in the dryer, but it was not there. You see, George T. Samon, a black man, invented the clothes dryer.

Mom asked Theo to go get a pencil and some paper to prepare their list for the market. So, Theo ran for the paper and pencil but noticed the pencil lead was broken. Well, he was out of luck because John Love, a black man, invented the pencil sharpener.

Mom reached for a pen, but it was not there because William Purvis, a black man, invented the fountain pen.

As a matter of fact, Lee Burridge invented the typewriting machine and W. A. Lovette the advanced printing press. Theo and his mother decided just to head out to the market.

Well, when Theo opened the door, he noticed the grass was as high as he was tall. You see, John Burr, a black man, invented the lawn mower. They made their way over to the car and found that it just wouldn’t go. You see, Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gearshift, and Joseph Gammel invented the supercharge system for internal combustion engines. They also noticed that the few cars that were moving were running into each other and having wrecks because there were no traffic signals. You see, Garrett A. Morgan, a black man invented the traffic light.

Well, it was getting late, so they walked to the market, got their groceries, and returned home. Just when they were about to put away the milk, eggs, and butter, they noticed the refrigerator was gone. You see John Standard, a black man, invented the refrigerator. So, they just left the food on the counter.

By this time, Theo noticed he was getting mighty cold. Mom went to turn up the heat, and what do you know? Alice Parker, a black female, invented the heating furnace. Even in the summertime, they would have been out of luck because Frederick Jones, a black man, invented the air conditioner.

It was almost time for Theo’s father to arrive home. He usually takes the bus, but there was no bus, because its precursor was the electric trolley, invented by another black man, Elbert R. Robinson.

He usually takes the elevator from his office on the 20th floor, but there was no elevator because Alexander Miles, a black man, invented the elevator.

He also usually dropped off the office mail at a near by mailbox, but it was no longer there because Philip Downing, a black man, invented the letter drop mailbox, and William Barry invented the postmarking and canceling machine.

Theo and his mother sat at the kitchen table with their heads in their hands. When the father arrived, he asked, “Why are you sitting in the dark?” Why? Because Lewis Howard Latimer, a black man, invented the filament within the light bulb.

Theo quickly learned more about what it would be like if there were no black people in the world, especially if he were ever sick and needed blood. Dr. Charles Drew, a black scientist, found a way to preserve and store blood, which led to his starting the world’s first blood bank.

Well, what if a family member had to have heart surgery? This would not have been possible without Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a black doctor, who performed the first open-heart surgery.

So, if you ever wonder, like Theo, where would we be without black people? Well, it’s pretty plain to see. We would still be in the DARK!