Happy Women’s Equality Day!

In honor and celebration of the 19th Amendment and a woman’s right to vote, FEW looks back at the American suffrage movement, applauding all efforts toward equality we have made so far. As a non-partisan organization, FEW encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote. 

“I never doubted that equal rights was the right direction. Most reforms, most problems are complicated. But to me there is nothing complicated about ordinary equality.” – Alice Paul

#vote #equality #equity #diversity #inclusion #FEW #FederallyEmployedWomen

FEW’s 55th National Training Program

FEW members and friends:

This year’s National Training Program (NTP) intersects with the month we mindfully honor Women’s Equality. We are part of a long history of women and allies fighting for our rights and protecting female wage-earners in the United States of America and in the federal workplace. Recognizing this, we are committed to individually and collectively doing our part to continue advancing women in the workplace. Training is a fundamental tenet and focus area of this great organization, allowing FEW members to expand their knowledge base and grow new skills.

As we embark on our 55th NTP, we will Unleash our Full Potential: Learn, Recall, Apply, and Reinforce. During this exceptional week of education and networking, we will have our fill of a “Taste of Chicago”. Yes, the Windy City awaits us! I have always been impressed with the professionalism, array of career development options, expertise of the instructors, and opportunities for expanding one’s network each time I attend a FEW NTP. 2024 will bring the best NTP ever and each one of you who choose to participate will make all the difference.

Joe Cote and the team at Southern New Hampshire University remind us of the importance of assessing your own career position and creating a roadmap for advancement. “Have good self-awareness”, “take action to build and improve your qualifications”, and “have a network and know how to leverage it” are just a few recommendations you can implement during #FEWNTP2024 at the Hilton Chicago.

According to the Federal Managers Association (FMA), navigating various types of workplace scenarios, including remote work and balancing a return to the office, is critical to our professional and upward mobility.

In collaboration with the Partnership for Public Service, FMA offers resources for topics you may explore in preparation for our upcoming NTP. The categories cited below are concepts to keep in mind as you move along in your career journey.

  • Emotional intelligence
  • Active listening
  • Core competencies
  • Wellbeing and social engagement
  • Team dynamics

The FEW NTP is designed to address each of these topics and more. The coursework is appropriate for all federal occupations at varying levels of service. Each training session aligns with the Office of Personnel Management’s Senior Executive Service Executive Core Qualifications (Leading Change, Leading People, Results Driven, Business Acumen and Building Coalitions) and the underlying fundamental core competencies. Our Vice President for Training and 2024 NTP Chair, Khadejah Brown, has expanded the coursework to include sessions on Leadership and Culture, Professional Development, Office Technology and Administration, and Employee Experience. Our Vice President for Compliance, Shannon Carroll, has orchestrated a phenomenal luncheon for you on the last day of NTP. Together, we will explore the Compliance focus area and discuss “Removing Barriers to Unleash Your Full Potential”.

I cannot wait to see you there. Yes, the Windy City awaits!

Yours in Service,
Pamela H. Richards
National President
Federally Employed Women

Pride for FEW’s Veterans and LGBTQ+ Members

Pride is a word often heard in both the military and LGBTQ+ circles. FEW is an organization that supports both. How does the notion of Pride impact each of these groups and how can we better serve our members in both communities?

The word Pride has several helpful definitions. According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, one such meaning is, “consciousness of one’s own dignity.” Merriam Webster adds a different emphasis with, “pleasure that comes from some relationship, association, achievement, or possession that is seen as a source of honor, respect, etc.”

As a woman in the military and now in federal civilian service, I personally and professionally relate to both definitions of Pride. Overcoming barriers (such as gender stereotypes) women expect to experience in the armed forces, I am aware of my own dignity as I pushed through every display of discrimination and every injustice. Pride in myself and what I knew I could accomplish allowed me to patiently earn the trust of my U.S. Army platoon. I am proud of my military service and achievements, as I am proud of each of you who has served your country in this capacity.

For those of you in the LGBTQ+ community, you know too well your own experiences of injustice, discrimination, and displays of hatred in and out of the workplace. And yet, each of you continue to rise with a zest for life and a tenacious spirit. You remind us of the continual need for advocacy; the colorful rainbow flag gives us a clear picture of the diversity we all aim for. I am proud of each of you for understanding your own worth and challenging the status quo.

We have learned that our allyship makes us stronger, as we work to eliminate inequity in the federal workplace. Let’s continue to amplify all our unique voices. During May, we lift up the work and service of our active duty and veteran members. In June, we honor the lives and legacies of our LGBTQ+ colleagues. None of us are alone as we continue with the bold grassroots efforts of FEW. While we place a special emphasis during these months, we know the fight for equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging continues every day, all year long.

Happy Military Appreciation Month! • Happy Pride Month!

Yours in Service,
Pamela H. Richards
National President
Federally Employed Women

Happy Presidents’ Day, FEW!

“Like Independence Day, Presidents’ Day is traditionally viewed as a time of patriotic celebration and remembrance.” (History: A & E Television Network)

As we celebrate the Presidents of the United States of America, FEW also applauds the leader in each of you. You operate with integrity and excellence, considering not just yourselves but your broader community. You curiously try new things and do not allow yourself to become discouraged when you fail. You have a vision for your future and are creating plans to accomplish them.

Take some time to learn about the Presidents in our history.

Find joy in starting or continuing your leadership journey.

Take a virtual trip to Mt. Vernon and test your leadership skills. “Step into the boots of George Washington as you confront the very challenges that he faced during the Revolutionary War and as our first President.” (Be Washington: It’s Your Turn to Lead virtual game)

Happy Birthday, Dr. King!

Dear FEW Members,

“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”

– Audre Lorde

Federally Employed Women: May our actions and words honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today and every day.

Happy Birthday, Dr. King!

Ways to promote equity and peace In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

  • Learn more about the history of non-violence.
  • Join a conflict resolution or mediation program.
  • Host a book club or discussion group in honor of Dr. King.
  • Participate in a community outreach service project.
  • Attend a poetry, music, art, or performance event.
  • Write letters to promote equity and social justice.

Resources:

15 MLK Jr. Day Activities (Family Education)

Empowering Humankind (Albert Einstein Institution)

Glossary of Non-Violence (The King Center)

The Non-Violence Wheel (Metropolitan Police Department)

Happy New Year, FEW

(FEW offices will reopen tomorrow, January 3, 2023)

Unleash Your Full Potential in 2024!

We resolve in 2024 to embrace our personal and professional best. We will UNLEASH our full potential by participating in life-giving and life-enhancing activities—whether we choose to volunteer in the community, create space for self-care, nominate ourselves for leadership roles, sign-up career development opportunities (such as the FEW Mentoring Program), register and attend the 55th National Training Program in Chicago, tune-into a FEW webinar or podcast, or care for family and friends. We affirm the best in ourselves and each other.

Yours in Service,
Pamela H. Richards National President Federally Employed Women

Happy Thanksgiving

This holiday season, before we sit down to a meal with family and friends, I encourage all of us to learn about the Indigenous land on which we are breaking bread. Acknowledging the land and its Indigenous Peoples shows respect and moves one step closer to our goal of facilitating belonging. 

Select this interactive map to show which Indigenous land you live on. 

As always, I am grateful to YOU. Whether you are a member, partner, sponsor, volunteer, leader, or contractor, FEW is thankful for your support. We thank you for your positive energy, your dedication, your creative spirit, your teamwork, and your excellence.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Leveling Up For Success

Pamela H. Richards
National President
Federally Employed Women

Working for the Advancement of Women in the Government

Happy Veterans Day!!!

“Women veterans have served in the United States Armed Forces in every war since the American Revolution.” – American Women

While women have been serving in the military throughout American history, there is still plenty of room to break glass ceilings and celebrate female “firsts”. On Thursday, November 2, 2023 we celebrated our first female head of the Navy. Federally Employed Women cheered with colleagues across the globe when we heard the news of Admiral Lisa Franchetti’s Senate confirmation as Chief of Naval Operations.

Lisa Franchetti, 33rd Chief of Naval Operations

In honor of Veterans’ Day, we salute the brave women and men serving at every level of the military. This is our opportunity to pause and appreciate all who sacrifice their own personal comfort for patriotism and the common good. There are many different ways we can celebrate and honor veterans, from the Wounded Warrior Project to Wreaths Across America

To all our members who are veterans or currently serving in the U.S. armed forces, FEW thanks YOU for your service.

Take a moment to recognize several “firsts” for women in the U.S. military:

Admiral Linda L. Fagan

o   Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard

o   First woman to lead any U.S. military branch

General Laura Richardson

o   First female deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command

o   First female deputy commanding general of a maneuver division

General Lori J. Robinson

o   Commander, United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command

o   First woman to lead a unified combatant command

General Jacqueline D. Van Ovost

o   14th Commander – U.S. Air Force Transportation Command

o   Second woman to lead a unified combatant command

Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations

o   First woman to lead the Navy

o   Confirmed by the Senate, November 2, 2023

Leveling Up For Success

Pamela H. Richards
National President
Federally Employed Women

Working for the Advancement of Women in the Government