Happy New Year, Federally Employed Women and associates! Get ready to Level Up For Success, as we plan our 54th National Training Program (NTP). All roads lead to Ohio: we will see you at the Hilton Downtown Columbus Hotel from July 10-14, 2023. Early bird registration for members begins in February and runs through March 14. Registration opens to the general public in April. We plan to shower the Great Lakes Region with our presence in NTP colors of black, white, and accents of fuchsia or hot pink. Our theme for NTP is, “Leveling Up for Success: Ready, Set, Grow!”
We are working closely with our friends at “Experience Columbus” to bring you the best Ohio has to offer. We cannot wait for you to experience a taste of the “Discovery City,” which is known for its vibrant and youthful arts scene, its rich technology industry, a firm commitment to social justice causes including socio-economic advancement for underrepresented groups, and a visible plan to establish equity. Columbus has a strong Women’s Commission and LGBTQ Pride Office within its Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is housed in Columbus with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Cleveland. The city of Columbus has rolled out the red carpet for FEW and we want to cultivate this budding partnership by being their best guests to date.
Mark your calendars and request training funds now. Many agencies are concerned about a lack of physical interaction in this semi-post pandemic reality; include this point in your training justification requests, along with a firm commitment to sharing what you learned with your business unit once the training is complete. In addition, your agency and bureau executives are invited to our Agency Forums, where leaders will come together to discuss equity, compliance, hiring and recruiting, and training during our Agency Forums. If your agency or bureau considers itself ground-breaking and trendsetting, invite them to the 2023 Agency Forums during July 10-14, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. Contact ntpchair@few.org for more information.
Key EARLY registration dates for the National Training Program:
- February 28, 2023 – Diamond Lifetime Members
- March 7, 2023 – Lifetime Members
- March 14, 2023 – All Members
FEW’s Weekend of Service:
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., let’s come together and practice acts of service to make our communities better from January 14-16, 2023. Whether you volunteer at a local food pantry, pick up trash in your neighborhood, or help a friend in need, we can all make a difference. Regions and Chapters may use this as a time to connect with your members in-person if you are able. Let’s remember Dr. King’s words of wisdom, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” I hope each of you will do something to participate in this great occasion.
Send in photos from your service activities with a description to communications@few.org. FEW will compile them into a special feature in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and our “Weekend of Service”. If you post pics and videos on social media, tag Federally Employed Women, so we can all share in the joy of your efforts.
Black History Month Flagship Program
Be on the lookout for information regarding our flagship program for Black History Month. The 2023 theme, “Black Resistance,” seeks to chronicle ways African Americans have countered hundreds of years of racial oppression in American communities. While hatred and suffering continue, our program will shed positive light on the many ways the Black community has overcome trying and traumatic circumstances.
Women’s History Month
FEW is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” along with diverse voices throughout the world during Women’s History Month (WHM) in March. Regions and Chapters, coordinate with your leaders and send in your flyers or announcements early. We all want to support one another’s programs together. Look for a “Save-the-Date” email from FEW about our special celebration and featured keynote speaker.
The FEW Mentoring Program
January is National Mentoring Month. FEW offers mento- ring opportunities to advance professional development and senior- level leadership skills through the year. The new 2023 cohort for FEW’s Mentoring Program will open in April. Stay tuned for more information. Also, check out our new blog stories about recent mentees and their program experiences.
Welcome and Thanks
I want to offer a warm welcome to our newly installed News & Views Editor, Grace Bridges, and our new Vice President for Compliance and Special Assistant to the President for Federal Women’s Program, Georgette Hagans. I also want to say a special word of thanks to each of you who contributed to making this edition memorable.
Yours in Service,
Pamela H. Richards National President Federally Employed Women