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

President’s Message
This is FEW:

Women Who Advocate For Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion!

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on.” (William Shakespeare)
“We are the champions, my friends…” (Queen)

If you are familiar with the 2024 theme for National Women’s History Month, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion”, you’ll understand why FEW and its efforts belong at center stage. Since 1968, FEW has been instrumental in moving the needle toward equity for women and marginalized groups in federal work. Our tagline, “working for the advancement of women in the government” only scratches the surface of our deep commitment to grassroots efforts and creating change in the federal workspace.

Happy Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8). “Collectively, we can all #investinwomen and accelerate progress.” Below is a summary recap of the dedicated work we do every day in advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Thanks to each of you for making this possible.

I want to extend an extra special welcome to our two new National Officers: Shannon Carroll, Vice President for Compliance and Special Assistant to the President for Federal Women’s Program and Lauren Golubski, Vice President for Diversity and Special Assistant to the President for People with Disabilities.

Our Four Focus areas:

Diversity
Federally Employed Women (FEW) recognizes that Diversity transcends race and gender, affirmative action, and equal employment opportunity. This means respecting and valuing differences, whether based on age, class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion, language, or other differences.
No organization rivals FEW’s special diversity observances each month. We provide stellar guest speakers, thought-provoking interviews, and awareness initiatives to spark real change. Visit our webinar page to access recordings of previously scheduled sessions.

Legislative
FEW supports federal pay increases for civilian workers as well as military personnel. We have been champions of Equal Pay since our inception. FEW supports H.R. 17, and S. 728, The Paycheck Fairness Act, which updates and strengthens existing laws and prohibits retaliation against workers who voluntarily discuss or disclose their wages and support data collection and research.
FEW also supports the final passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. While women have made great strides, there is still a long way to go. Among the real problems still facing women: the glass ceiling, wage gap, occupation gap and sexual harass-ment. Further, nine out of ten Americans support equal rights for women and men. This Amendment simply establishes a legal requirement that women be treated the same as men. There is no legitimate argument against this provision. Women deserve to be treated fairly and equally in the workplace, as well as in all other parts of our economy and society.
Now is the time to show the voting public that we are completely equal!

Compliance
Federally Employed Women’s (FEW) Compliance Program monitors the progress made by the federal government in achieving equal employment opportunity evidenced by its adherence with statutory civil rights protections including: the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Civil Rights Act of 1991, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA).
Many chapters have engaged with their agency leadership by accessing its MD-715 and providing strategies or ideas for improvement. This is an area where FEW can shine brighter and brighter through increased collaboration with your EEO offices and Federal Women’s Program Managers.

Training
FEW offers ongoing monthly training in addition to annual training at the regional and national levels. Regional Training Programs (RTP) are constantly evolving to better meet the needs of the local communities in which we reside. Training on all tiers of the FEW organization is geared to meet individual’s career goals and provide advantages to meet industry trends.
As a reminder, the 2024 National Training Program (NTP) is scheduled for August 4-8 in the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois. Our host hotel, the Hilton Chicago has rolled out the red carpet and Mayor Johnson sends FEW warm greetings. If you thought Columbus was an affair to remember, Chicago will take our breath away. Get ready to bring back the Roaring Twenties, lively networking, and effective training.
FEW’s training programs have three primary functions:

• To increase participant knowledge of the Federal system, rules, and regulations
• To help participants acquire knowledge for career development and planning techniques
• To enhance participants’ effectiveness and awareness of the broader issues that impact women.

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

“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)

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)

(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

(FEW offices are closed until January 3, 2024)

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

“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.

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   14^th 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