Strategic Planning Update
Sue Webster, National President
As the Organization of Choice for Leadership, Equity and the
Advancement of Women, Federally Employed Women (FEW) offers
training opportunities at all levels of the organization. The
following provides a brief update of FEW’s Strategic Planning
efforts and food for thought as we focus in this edition of News
& Views on the topic of Training.
I have shared information on our efforts in the area of
strategic planning in order to focus on the future of FEW. It
is through specific initiatives such as our partnerships,
leadership development, fiscal security and membership that
allows us to ensure FEW is the Organization of Choice for
Leadership, Equity and the Advancement of Women, as we continue
our emphasis on our Focus areas of Compliance, Diversity,
Legislation and Training.
To date, I’ve discussed the Partnerships and Fiscal Security
areas and shared my goals with you. In this issue, we will look
at the area of Leadership. National goals include:
* Promote development at Chapter, Regional and National levels
* Hold Regional Managers and Chapter Presidents accountable
* Provide necessary tools and resources
* Offer outstanding training programs
* Watch for and share best practices
* Mentor! Each One, Teach One
In the last issue, you learned about our Strategic Planning
effort and the team that has been chartered to validate the
goals that I have established and to offer additional ideas for
the direction of FEW. An update on those efforts is included in
this issue. In the next issue of News & Views, I will discuss
the final area of Membership. We will roll out our Strategic
Plan during the Chapter Presidents’ Leadership Forum, which will
be held in Orlando, Florida, on July 19, 2009.
The Chapter President’s Leadership Forum and other training
offers a tremendous opportunity to exercise the principle of
Each One, Teach One. Our National Vice President for Training,
Arlena Fitch-Gordon, reminds us often “training is an investment
that never loses interest. It only pays dividends.” With the
challenges presented with the economy today, the mentoring
process offers the most promising opportunities to provide
transference of skills, knowledge and abilities with minimal
cost.
I encourage you to participate in your local Chapter and
Regional events, and of course, plan now to attend FEW’s 40th
National Training Program (NTP), Keys to Success, which will be
held in Orlando, July 20-24, 2009. Training truly is an
investment. Consider how this training will improve your
on-the-job skills and talk with your supervisor to communicate
the value attendance would bring to your career and ask for
support. If your agency is not able to support your attendance,
talk with your local FEW leaders on how you may be able to find
resourceful ways to make this investment and be with us in
Orlando. I am excited about the training tracks that FEW is
offering this year. These tracks include Executive Leadership,
Project Management, Administrative Professional, Military
Connection, Science and Technology and the Federal Women’s
Program. While our training is not limited to these tracks, it
offers a point of reference for those interested in a particular
area of need or relevance. This year we will be celebrating our
Focus Area of Compliance. In honor of Compliance, a special
luncheon bringing together a diverse group of individuals will
be held. Don’t miss out!
FEW’s first National President Allie Latimer, stated at last
year’s NTP “attending an NTP should be a requirement for all FEW
members.” In addition to the outstanding training that you will
receive, you will receive information on what FEW has
accomplished through the years and, if you are not careful, I
guarantee you will leave renewed and reenergized!
I read recently an online article about Nola Ochs of Kansas.
Nola, the world’s oldest college graduate at age 95, is a
great-grandmother and is now pursuing a master’s degree. With
the brand new year just under way, allow me to share her timely
tips.
Nola offers the following tips:
1. Set a date to begin.
We talk about things, but we don't do them.
2. Let people help you.
They really do want to help! (FEW offers an entire network of
individuals available to assist – many have been there! If you
do not yet have a mentor, find one or be a mentor to someone.)
3. Search your inner being for what you like to do.
Everyone has something that they didn't think there is time for,
but it's possible, if you begin.
"Overall my
enthusiasm comes from believing that what I do is helping the
college and helping our state," says Nola. "Just knowing that I
am encouraging people, that's what gives me all my energy."
Nola truly is an inspiration for so many (including myself).
For more information,
check out the website at
http://www.guidepostsmag.com/personal-change/positive-people-archive/?i=2636
I know that our
organization is full of Nola-type individuals who are continuing
life-long learning and, more importantly in my mind, sharing
that information with those they encounter in their lives.
Please allow others to benefit from your experiences by allowing
me to share your stories in upcoming issues of News & Views. I
would be happy to share your stories of encouragement, so just
send them to me. Thank you for all you do!
Remember that, “you are what you are and where you are because
of what has gone into your mind. You can change what you are
and where you are by changing what goes into your mind.” Zig
Ziglar
I look forward to the
year ahead that is full of opportunities for learning and
sharing information. Together we will ensure that FEW is the
Organization of Choice for Leadership, Equity, and the
Advancement of Women.
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