We live electronically it seems. Generally, we complain about all the email forwarding, the spam, the junk, etc., and we are tempted to skip over things or save them for later. Well, this week, if you missed or skipped any emails, you may be out of the loop.
For example, BPW/Ohio Lobby Day has been postponed. I sent the following email in regards to it. It said, "it is with much disappointment that I send this email. Before further plans are made and expenses incurred, I wanted to let you know that the Policy and Action Day for BPW/Ohio to be held in Columbus on March 10, 2009 will be postponed. I say postponed but in all likelihood it will not be rescheduled during this BPW calendar year i.e. prior to July 1, 2009.
After making many plans including flight arrangements, dinner plans, hotel plans, etc., Lilly Ledbetter advised us that she would not be attending as she was receiving an award in Rome Italy. She would not return to the US until the 9th and felt that coming to OHio on the 10th would be too much. Please be aware negotiations started to bring her to Ohio in August of 2008. You should also be aware that her attendance was confirmed directly with her. We were not working through third parties so there was no communication errors. Please note that she did not contact us to cancel. It was only when Penny called her to give her the flight confirmation numbers and information last week that she disclosed that she would not be available.
After overcoming the initial shock, Penny and I have discussed many options, advised the Executive Committe of the situation and determined that it would be in the organizations best interests to delay the event. I would also note that it currently appears that BPW/Ohio will incur no loss of revenue or expenses as a result of this decision as most had not been inccured yet and others were refunded. All reservations will be returned to the members with a letter of explanation.
As a result, the following email was sent, "It is with much disappointment that I send this email. Before further plans are made and expenses incurred, I wanted to let you know that the Policy and Action Day for BPW/Ohio to be held in Columbus on March 10, 2009 will be postponed. I say postponed but in all likelihood it will not be rescheduled during this BPW calendar year i.e. prior to July 1, 2009. The Ohio State budget is currently on the front burner, important legislation that we have been following has not yet been reintroduced therefore likely diminishing our advocacy opportunities, etc. Many considerations have gone into this decision including the fact that some members have already dedicated themselves to the event and missing work. While I regret cancelling or delaying an event, I regret more wasting valuable time. Therefore, I think our mission and efforts better served by cancelling the event on March 10 and looking for other opportunities to establish an advocacy presence in Columbus. I sincerely regret any inconvenience and unmet expectations. Should you have any questions oor concerns, please contact me directly. Thank you for your understanding in advance. "
If you have not logged on, you probably also missed the BPW/USA emails about our future. There were several but this one summarizes, "As most of you know, during a meeting by webinar this past Tuesday, February 17, the BPW/USA Board of Directors voted in favor of a motion that BPW/USA merge with the BPW Foundation effective July 1, 2009, and authorized the Executive Committee to negotiate a merger plan for adoption by the Board of Directors and the members of BPW/USA.The BPW/USA State and Local Organization Transition Issues (SLOTI) Task Force has been formed to assist the states and locals with the transition process that will be necessary due to the fact that many services, not the least of which is dues processing, will need to be performed by the states and/or locals when there is no longer a national membership organization. The members of the Task Force are:Susan Parsons Reed, Chair - BPW/NJ and BPW/PAKathy Beals - BPW/ILDiane Davis - BPW/ORCorvette Kowalski - BPW/LADebbie McCaffrey - BPW/VA and BPW/PAJudy Mechura - BPW/AZ and BPW/MNHolly Morey - BPW/MN.
I am in the process of composing an electronic letter to the Board, etc. as there are many questions. BPW/Ohio has been in the long range planning process mode for over a year. Do not panic. The above actions DO NOT in any way impact the current goings on of BPW/Ohio or its locals. It does not in any way affect the April Leadership training, YC/ID competitions or Conference. Once the letter is composed, it will be distributed and posted here. Your patience is appreciated.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
History First ...
History is made every day but today it is somewhat sweeter. For the second time in our history, a women has been nominated for Vice President of the United States of America. Irregardless on what particular issue, concern, talking point or idea, you agree or disagree, you should revel in this moment in TIME. The next two months will make some of the best history in politics in our country. I am excited.
I watched the entire Palin speech and the Rudy speech and Thompson and Clinton 1, and on and on. I have watched incessantly two and three and sometimes four channels each evening. Sometimes, I have only been able to watch for a few minutes but I try to check in to see the news of the day everyday. I watched 2 hours of Saddleback from a hotel on a Saturday night. I negotiated with my six year old to assume the Sirius radio for an entire drive home from Equality Day so that I could hear Hillary's speech at the DNC. I listened to Obama's speech (unfortunately on the radio - I really wanted to see it on TV) from the car on the way to the Dayton event. Political junkie - some would say. But, I have been there for it all. I have participated. I have watched history from a good seat.
If you have never been to a major political event, you should attend. Many, many are free. Many, many more will be in your backyard as this election only gets hotter and the days grow shorter. Me and my brother have travelled miles, day and night to go to events. We have seen two presidential funerals, one inauguration, visited our senators and representatives in washington dc, ran for office, seen Presidents Bush 1 and 2, Clinton speak, etc. These events are inspiring and intriguing. As I watched on tv, Obama introduce Biden in Illinois two weeks ago, I wished I were there. I emailed my brother and asked why we did not go? He was not sure. Thus, when McCain came to Dayton - we were there. And, it was historical. Bear in mind that we were inside the stadium for 2 hours without news so everyone was getting the news from their phones, friends, etc. When the serious possibility of a female veep rippled through the crowd, people knew that we would witness history. A woman behind me said I am just so nervous. It was inspring and intriguing.
These events are created for me and you. These events are created for me and you to get to know the candidate, the campaign, the issues, and unfortunately sometimes the talking points. Without you, these events are meaningless. I would highly recommend that you go. You have 60 days left to change history. Both parties have changed and will change history. You must be a part of it. Be a part. Contribute to the campaign of your choice. Plant yard signs for the candidate of your choice. Go see the candidates when they visit your neighborhood. Make phone calls for the candidate of your choice. Knock on a few doors and on and on. Vote, vote, vote. Otherwise, the iron jawed angels' trials are meaningless.
I watched the entire Palin speech and the Rudy speech and Thompson and Clinton 1, and on and on. I have watched incessantly two and three and sometimes four channels each evening. Sometimes, I have only been able to watch for a few minutes but I try to check in to see the news of the day everyday. I watched 2 hours of Saddleback from a hotel on a Saturday night. I negotiated with my six year old to assume the Sirius radio for an entire drive home from Equality Day so that I could hear Hillary's speech at the DNC. I listened to Obama's speech (unfortunately on the radio - I really wanted to see it on TV) from the car on the way to the Dayton event. Political junkie - some would say. But, I have been there for it all. I have participated. I have watched history from a good seat.
If you have never been to a major political event, you should attend. Many, many are free. Many, many more will be in your backyard as this election only gets hotter and the days grow shorter. Me and my brother have travelled miles, day and night to go to events. We have seen two presidential funerals, one inauguration, visited our senators and representatives in washington dc, ran for office, seen Presidents Bush 1 and 2, Clinton speak, etc. These events are inspiring and intriguing. As I watched on tv, Obama introduce Biden in Illinois two weeks ago, I wished I were there. I emailed my brother and asked why we did not go? He was not sure. Thus, when McCain came to Dayton - we were there. And, it was historical. Bear in mind that we were inside the stadium for 2 hours without news so everyone was getting the news from their phones, friends, etc. When the serious possibility of a female veep rippled through the crowd, people knew that we would witness history. A woman behind me said I am just so nervous. It was inspring and intriguing.
These events are created for me and you. These events are created for me and you to get to know the candidate, the campaign, the issues, and unfortunately sometimes the talking points. Without you, these events are meaningless. I would highly recommend that you go. You have 60 days left to change history. Both parties have changed and will change history. You must be a part of it. Be a part. Contribute to the campaign of your choice. Plant yard signs for the candidate of your choice. Go see the candidates when they visit your neighborhood. Make phone calls for the candidate of your choice. Knock on a few doors and on and on. Vote, vote, vote. Otherwise, the iron jawed angels' trials are meaningless.
Friday, August 22, 2008
McKinley Grand
Hotel arrangements for the November meeting can be made at the The McKinley Grand, Canton, Ohio, at anytime. Be sure to indicate that you are making reservations as The Ohio Federation of Business and Professional Women. The website is http://www.mckinleygrandhotel.com/. The information is General Information and Reservations (877) 454-5008. This is a very nice hotel with car museum in bottom of hotel, indoor swimming pool, etc. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Canton on Market Avenue South, adjacent to the Huntington Bank building and across from a covered parking garage. Conveniently located 11 miles south of the Akron/Canton Airport (CAK). We are also 61 miles south of Cleveland, 90 Miles west of Pittsburgh, PA and 2 1/2 hours north of the state capitol, Columbus.
The First Ladies Museum is across the street. Its website is firstladies.org. Admission is Adults $7.00; Seniors $6.00; Children under age 18. $5.00 National Park Passes $2.00 off regular admission. The National First Ladies' Library is housed in two buildings. One is the Ida Saxton McKinley Historic Home and the other building, just a block north, is the Education & Research Center where the museum is housed.
Guided Tours: Tour both the Education & Research Center and the Saxton McKinley House for 1 admission price. Tours begin at the Education & Research Center.
Directions to the National First Ladies' Library:
Museum/Saxton Mckinley House 331 S. Market Ave. Canton, Ohio 44702Education and
Research Center 205 S. Market Ave. Canton, Ohio 44702
From the South:
From the Marietta/New Philadelphia Area
Follow I-77 North to the Downtown/Tuscarawas Exit. Turn right onto Tuscarawas and travel to Market Street South. Turn right onto Market. Travel through two lights, immediately after 2 nd light is our gated parking on the right hand side.
From the North:
From the Cleveland Area
Follow I-77 South to Exit 105/Tuscarawas/Downtown. Turn left onto Tuscarawas Street. Go through eight traffic lights to Market Street, turn right. Go through two lights, immediately after 2nd light is our gated parking lot on the right hand side.
From the West:
From the Wooster/Columbus Area
Take I-71 North to 30 East. Exit at Downtown/Cherry Ave. Turn right off exit ramp travel to Second Street. Turn left onto Second Street and travel to Market Ave. Turn left onto Market Ave and travel 1 block. Just past light at Third Street is our gated parking lot on the right.
From the East:
From the Youngstown/Canfield Area
Take I-76 to I-77 South. Follow I-77 South to Exit 105/Tuscarawas/Downtown. Turn left onto Tuscarawas Street. Go through eight traffic lights to Market Street, turn right. Go through two lights, immediately after 2nd light is our gated parking lot on the right hand side.
The First Ladies Museum is across the street. Its website is firstladies.org. Admission is Adults $7.00; Seniors $6.00; Children under age 18. $5.00 National Park Passes $2.00 off regular admission. The National First Ladies' Library is housed in two buildings. One is the Ida Saxton McKinley Historic Home and the other building, just a block north, is the Education & Research Center where the museum is housed.
Guided Tours: Tour both the Education & Research Center and the Saxton McKinley House for 1 admission price. Tours begin at the Education & Research Center.
Directions to the National First Ladies' Library:
Museum/Saxton Mckinley House 331 S. Market Ave. Canton, Ohio 44702Education and
Research Center 205 S. Market Ave. Canton, Ohio 44702
From the South:
From the Marietta/New Philadelphia Area
Follow I-77 North to the Downtown/Tuscarawas Exit. Turn right onto Tuscarawas and travel to Market Street South. Turn right onto Market. Travel through two lights, immediately after 2 nd light is our gated parking on the right hand side.
From the North:
From the Cleveland Area
Follow I-77 South to Exit 105/Tuscarawas/Downtown. Turn left onto Tuscarawas Street. Go through eight traffic lights to Market Street, turn right. Go through two lights, immediately after 2nd light is our gated parking lot on the right hand side.
From the West:
From the Wooster/Columbus Area
Take I-71 North to 30 East. Exit at Downtown/Cherry Ave. Turn right off exit ramp travel to Second Street. Turn left onto Second Street and travel to Market Ave. Turn left onto Market Ave and travel 1 block. Just past light at Third Street is our gated parking lot on the right.
From the East:
From the Youngstown/Canfield Area
Take I-76 to I-77 South. Follow I-77 South to Exit 105/Tuscarawas/Downtown. Turn left onto Tuscarawas Street. Go through eight traffic lights to Market Street, turn right. Go through two lights, immediately after 2nd light is our gated parking lot on the right hand side.
Its TIME
Its TIME for school to start in most areas. Its TIME for the DNC and RNC to show the nation their festivities. Its TIME for most BPW locals to start again.
I have heard some of the programs that are going to happen this federation year. Several times, I have been like WOW that is so awesome. There will be a tea to thank military women for their service. Iron Jawed Angels will be shown on the big screen. There are many more that have impressed me. Your efforts are so exciting and I think it will pay off in the membership departments of growth and retention.
I am also extremely impressed by the members who are contacting me and PPD who are interested in what is going on with a particular piece of legislation. PPD is booking it to try to get facts, figures, resources back to the members. Some members are weighing a particular piece of legislation. Some members have attended Voinovich meetings to oppose his position on various issues. We are being called upon by the national organization for assistance with targeting particular items of legislation. Anyone can lobby. Anyone can advocate. Pick what is important to you and you will be a passionate lobbyist and advocate. Pick what is important and be prepared then you will be a passionate effective lobbyist and advocate. Although, we cannot always supply the passion for you, BPW/Ohio is committed to ensuring that you are prepared. Your work is important to all of us. Let us help you make a difference.
Its TIME again for the OBW. It will be coming out in the next couple of weeks. It will have all of the details for the November meeting. This is going to be a great meeting. I have confirmed that Lt. Colonel Lowery of the Ohio National Guard will be joining us to speak to you about how to Join Forces. Kathy is a wonderful speaker. She is passionate about the guard and about support of women and families. If you want to know what your local can do to support our military men, women and families, please attend this meeting. It will be educational, practical and inspiring. See you there.
I have heard some of the programs that are going to happen this federation year. Several times, I have been like WOW that is so awesome. There will be a tea to thank military women for their service. Iron Jawed Angels will be shown on the big screen. There are many more that have impressed me. Your efforts are so exciting and I think it will pay off in the membership departments of growth and retention.
I am also extremely impressed by the members who are contacting me and PPD who are interested in what is going on with a particular piece of legislation. PPD is booking it to try to get facts, figures, resources back to the members. Some members are weighing a particular piece of legislation. Some members have attended Voinovich meetings to oppose his position on various issues. We are being called upon by the national organization for assistance with targeting particular items of legislation. Anyone can lobby. Anyone can advocate. Pick what is important to you and you will be a passionate lobbyist and advocate. Pick what is important and be prepared then you will be a passionate effective lobbyist and advocate. Although, we cannot always supply the passion for you, BPW/Ohio is committed to ensuring that you are prepared. Your work is important to all of us. Let us help you make a difference.
Its TIME again for the OBW. It will be coming out in the next couple of weeks. It will have all of the details for the November meeting. This is going to be a great meeting. I have confirmed that Lt. Colonel Lowery of the Ohio National Guard will be joining us to speak to you about how to Join Forces. Kathy is a wonderful speaker. She is passionate about the guard and about support of women and families. If you want to know what your local can do to support our military men, women and families, please attend this meeting. It will be educational, practical and inspiring. See you there.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
TIME flies ...
TIME flies. School's out. The Fourth of July has came and gone. National Conference and the first Ohio State Meeting is upon us. My vacation has also came and gone.
I read the book Mustang Sallies on my vacation which was given to me by the Conference 2008 Comm'ee in their officer's care package. It was a good book. Has anyone read it? I think it subliminally defines a real role for BPW. I will try to share more on that idea soon but I do not have time this evening. In the interim, if you have read it, post a comment (sign in with a pen name) and/or email me.
The Ledbetter issue marches on. BS from Circleville attended a meeting with a Voinovich rep this week. His new version of the bill is not supported by many women's organizations. I hope to discuss this at the August State Meeting too.
Oh, speaking of the August State Meeting, Alva just purchased the material for her dress this evening. Alva is ready but Alva's mother (the seamstress) is a bit stressed as it seems Alva was a bit of a procrastinator in picking the pattern and material. This is going to be a great meeting. I know many of you enjoyed the Chillicothe meeting (of course, I am prejudiced) but I think this one will be even better. The setting (historic Lakeside), the company, the planning for the future, the tea, the suffragists, .... I think that 80 years from now, some will look back and point to this meeting as being critical in the success and future of BPW. We have a lot of difficult decisions to make about BPW/Ohio. Please seriously consider as you sip your iced tea poolside this summer (hopefully somewhere fun like Maui) think about what you want from our organization. Its great to say lets build it for the future but right now we are the future. If we do not make the right decisions as expediently as possible, the future may be short-lived.
Ok, so enough gloom and doom, by the way I don't see it as all doom, I think its a bright future. We just have some good old fashioned work to do. Let's roll up our sleeves (even ones with 7 inch lace like Alva) and get started.
Don't forget to wish our YC and ID well. They're ready to represent us.
I read the book Mustang Sallies on my vacation which was given to me by the Conference 2008 Comm'ee in their officer's care package. It was a good book. Has anyone read it? I think it subliminally defines a real role for BPW. I will try to share more on that idea soon but I do not have time this evening. In the interim, if you have read it, post a comment (sign in with a pen name) and/or email me.
The Ledbetter issue marches on. BS from Circleville attended a meeting with a Voinovich rep this week. His new version of the bill is not supported by many women's organizations. I hope to discuss this at the August State Meeting too.
Oh, speaking of the August State Meeting, Alva just purchased the material for her dress this evening. Alva is ready but Alva's mother (the seamstress) is a bit stressed as it seems Alva was a bit of a procrastinator in picking the pattern and material. This is going to be a great meeting. I know many of you enjoyed the Chillicothe meeting (of course, I am prejudiced) but I think this one will be even better. The setting (historic Lakeside), the company, the planning for the future, the tea, the suffragists, .... I think that 80 years from now, some will look back and point to this meeting as being critical in the success and future of BPW. We have a lot of difficult decisions to make about BPW/Ohio. Please seriously consider as you sip your iced tea poolside this summer (hopefully somewhere fun like Maui) think about what you want from our organization. Its great to say lets build it for the future but right now we are the future. If we do not make the right decisions as expediently as possible, the future may be short-lived.
Ok, so enough gloom and doom, by the way I don't see it as all doom, I think its a bright future. We just have some good old fashioned work to do. Let's roll up our sleeves (even ones with 7 inch lace like Alva) and get started.
Don't forget to wish our YC and ID well. They're ready to represent us.
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