Printable Version

A Tremendous Year for Federally Employed Women

 “It may be difficult, but it can be done.  That much faith is a prerequisite of any undertaking.”  – Margo Jones

What a tremendous year this has been.  We just completed National and Regional election of officers and most Chapters have elected new officers.  Change is continuous and brings many opportunities for us and for our organization to continue to grow and learn together.  Congratulations and special thanks to all who have stepped up to serve as leaders at all levels in Federally Employed Women (FEW)!

This issue focuses on FEW’s Focus area of Compliance.  As a reminder, FEW’s National Policy and Procedures Manual (NPPM) states that FEW’s policy is to “provide guidance on compliance issues to FEW members who request assistance.  Guidance will consist of counseling, advising and/or interceding on the member's behalf, except in formal discrimination complaints.”

FEW has a close working relationship with federal departments, agencies and other partners.  FEW regularly meets with agencies to discuss partnering and how we may work together for the benefit of our organization and membership and their employees.  FEW has several partnership agreements in place with agencies, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Guard Bureau and the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  We are partnering to reach mutual goals in working for the advancement of women in government.  I encourage you to visit the website Partners & Sponsors page at http://www.few.org/partners.asp for additional information and to view a copy of these agreements.

As a reminder, FEW members and non-members who feel they have experienced discrimination may contact FEW’s Vice President for Compliance, currently, Michelle Crockett.  Members are encouraged to visit the Members-Only section of FEW’s website www.few.org for information on our partnership with Shaw, Bransford, and Roth, PC, for consultations.  Members are entitled to two free 30-minute telephone consultations with this partner.  This is a valuable membership benefit.  Often you may be in a situation where you just do not know where to turn!  The area of Compliance for FEW is an area that is often confusing for our members and for others that we work with in FEW.  Our Vice President for Compliance and other National Officers are available to visit Regions and Chapters to provide information to assist in clarifying FEW’s role in this important focus area.

Previously, I have shared information on our efforts in the area of strategic planning in order to focus on the future of FEW.  The initiatives we have been looking at include partnerships, leadership development, fiscal security and membership.  Each initiative will help us to assure a solid foundation for the organization as we work toward a successful future to meet the ever-changing demands of agencies and especially our members.  We continue to emphasize the importance and efforts on our focus areas of Compliance, Diversity, Legislation and Training. 

The Strategic Planning efforts are continuing with the very active Think Tank.  Most of the Think Tank sub-teams were required to provide a final report and action plan to the National Board, who held their last meeting as a full board in February 2010.  This was the final meeting for this body prior to the new administration.  The Think Tank has the action of forward thinking for several years.  Kim Foster, President of the Southern California Gold Coast Chapter, is leading this effort.  A session will be held at the NTP on Wednesday, July 14, Course #3110, Strategic Planning for FEW.  Plan to attend to learn more about the process and where FEW is headed.  The work these individuals and teams are doing will ensure that FEW remains the Organization of Choice for Leadership, Equity and the Advancement of Women!

June brings us ever so close to our premiere training event, and this year we will be holding our 41st National Training Program, “Jazz Up Your Career” which will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 12-16, The NTP training team has been working tirelessly to ensure a high quality-training program for attendees once again this year.  Have you registered for the National Training Program (NTP) yet? .  We have many exciting activities planned for the week including continuing agency forums on Monday.  I encourage you to participate in your agency’s forum to gain valuable insight into what is going on in your agency.  We will be celebrating with the presentation of checks totaling more than our goal of $10,000 to two local schools because of our year-long “adopt a school” outreach effort.  Representatives from McDonogh #35 College Preparatory Senior High School and Mary Bethune Elementary Literature/Technology School will be with us for the presentation of the checks that have resulted from your generous donations.  Your donation will make a difference in the lives of many children.  I hope you are planning to join me for this outstanding training program.

At this year’s NTP, we will hold a special Legislative Luncheon where we will provide an update on the Equal Rights Amendment.  In addition, at this luncheon, to be held on Tuesday, which is our Military Appreciation Day, we will hold a special tribute to Fallen Military members.  It is fitting that we take a few minutes to pay tribute to these true heroes.  The week includes a Career Fair and exhibit fair and, of course, outstanding training courses designed to ensure you gain information and valuable skills which will bring you closer to achieving the personal and professional goals you have established for yourself.

Along with the outstanding training workshops and other special events, FEW leaders at all levels will be wearing business attire with a touch of Mardi Gras color (purple, green or gold) during the opening ceremony on Monday morning and throughout the week. But, be on the lookout for FEW Friday because it will be a special treat for our members.

FEW’s Annual Membership Meeting will include an update from FEW’s National Officers from this past two years, including a report of the efforts of the Federal Women’s Program Task Force.  This event will also include installation of new officers for the new administration (2010-2012).  Following this, as FEW members, you are exclusively invited to join us for FEW Friday, a special event for members only.  Our special guest speaker for the program will be Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Deputy Director, Christine Griffin.  She will give us an update on OPM’s recent efforts regarding preparation of a diversity strategic plan for the federal government and what this means to the Federal Women’s Program.  We will also continue to celebrate our philosophy of “Each One, Teach One” focus on stories from several of our own FEW members who will share personal FEW experiences.  It will be a wonderful program.  On FEW Friday, we will wear red, white and/or blue in support of women’s heart health and in support of our men and women in the armed forces.  All attendees are encouraged to participate as well in the Mardi Gras colors and FEW Friday colors.  I guarantee that it will be a week full of information, networking and fun!  Do not miss out, as I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!

”We all have ability.  The difference is how we use it.”  – Stevie Wonder

[ Next ]