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.

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.

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.

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.

Coming Soon

Coming soon is the Summer version of the OBW which should be arriving in your mailboxes soon. Also, the Insider will be out in August. Please provide as many articles as you would like. We had a lot of positive input last time and would like to keep the momentum going.

Coming soon is the National Conference in Atlanta. A few McArthur members, myself and some northerners will all be heading south in support of our YC and ID contestants. Lily Ledbetter will be there!! I participated in a conference call where Lily Ledbetter spoke the other day on Voinovich's new version of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act which did not pass in the last session of Congress due to Senate voting rules.

Coming soon PPD will be providing some information soon on the Voinovich Bill (it is a compromise position which is not acceptable to me and other women's organizations that I have heard speak).

Coming soon is the August State Meeting. This is going to be a historical day for BPW/Ohio. I can email the registration form if you like. I really hope you will attend.

August State Meeting Announcement

The August State Meeting will be held at Lakeside Ohio on August 2, 2008. Registration forms are available by emailing trecia@attorneykimes-brown.com. There will be more details in the OBW which should be out soon. Please make your hotel reservations NOW. There are two facilities on the Lakeside property. You can stay at either the Hotel Lakeside or the Fountain Inn. The meeting will be held at Hotel Lakeside. The hotels are old and no two rooms are exactly alike so be sure that you make reservations for the rooms with the amenities that you desire including air conditioning. This is going to be a great event for members. Suffrage and long range planning will be our theme. Period attire welcome but not required. Board members are required to attend. We will be having a suffragettes tea luncheon with professional reenactors portraying two of our famous suffragettes including Alice Paul. I hope to see you there.

Where Will You Be Standing?

On June 17, 2008, I donned the most 1914 looking white outfit I could find in my closet and made my way with 2 other suffragettes to the Ohio State House. Of course, we had modern amenities along the way but it was like reliving a brief moment in time that occurred over 90 years ago.

On June 17, 2008, the Ladies' Gallery at the Ohio State House formally opened its doors. Prior to the grand opening celebration, suffragettes, dressed in white, along with some male supporters lined the State House steps just as they did in 1914. The 88 County Flags were flying in the wind under a beautiful blue sky.

One of the press releases describes the event. It states, "today's dedication took place 89 years to the week after Ohio was the sixth state to ratify the 19th Amendment on June 16, 1919, giving women the right to vote. Ohio's General Assembly ratified the amendment only 12 days after the proposal was sent to the states by Congress. The amendment passed the Ohio House 76 – 6 and the Ohio Senate 27 – 3. The Ladies' Gallery is a place of honor and learning in the Ohio Statehouse. The room pays tribute to Ohio's first six women legislators who paved the way for women in government. The room also honors all women who have served in the Ohio General Assembly. ... Prior to the dedication, hundreds of men and women gathered on the front steps of the Statehouse to celebrate the dedication of the Ladies' Gallery and Ohio's ratification of the 19th Amendment. The moment was captured with a contemporary photograph that aimed to re-enact the historic Women's Suffrage rally held on these same Statehouse steps 94 years earlier in 1914 when 5,000 Ohio women and men marched for suffrage. Many of the participants wore white just as they did in the original 1914 suffragette gathering. Each of Ohio's 88 counties was represented with their county flag. The photo will become part of the permanent display in the Ladies' Gallery." Some photos can be found at http://www.ohiochannel.org/your_state/ohio_statehouse/multimedia/photo_galleries/search_02.cfm?collection_id=107849&search_mode=Browse.

So, for a brief moment in time, I was able to pretend that I was a suffragette standing on the steps of the State House amongst many others united for the Cause. It is somewhat odd to realize that you never know when you will become a part of history. It is somewhat more overwhelming to realize that you can change history. The suffragettes changed history. BPW changed history.

BPW was at the forefront of “Women Helping Women”. BPW was established by a grant from the U.S. War Department. When the United States of America mobilized for World War I in early 1917, the government found that women were organized into religious or cultural and fraternal groups, but not as an overall business and professional group. Therefore, the War Work Council was established by the War Department to further the war effort of women; it was guided principally by executives of the YWCA and financed through an allocation of $65,000, from the government war funds.

By March 1919 the National Business Women’s Committee was ready to call for a meeting of delegates from the states at a national convention, with the objective of founding a permanent national organization. By the third and final day of the Convention, the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs was formed and adopted a constitution. The new Federation came out of its first convention with a solid record of accomplishment. It had:
1. urged the opening of all Civil Service examinations to women as well as to men
2. asked that official rank be given to all nurses who had served in the World War
3. endorsed the principles of both a Federal and a State Employment Service
4. and, recommended that the Federation tabulate all possible information regarding working conditions for women.

What will we do? Although, we struggle with higher prices, ecomonic down turns, single incomes, less time, more work, our resources are so much vaster than in 1914 or 1919. But, what are we doing to take our permanent place in history? I do believe it is ours to take. Where will you be standing? Go, go go.

Dumping on a Holiday Weekend

We are making a concerted effort to try to get legislative issues and action steps out to the members as fast as possible. While it is summer and some groups are not meeting and there is not a tremendous amount going on at the time, we need to be consistent and watchful. There is a lot of talk on the television about "dumps". For example, the most recent one I recall is the hundreds of pages of medical reports on John McCain just before the Memorial Day weekend when apparently we were all supposed to be gearing up for our picnics. This is just one example and this is not a new phenomeon and in fairness, its not just Senator McCain. But it is an important illustration of why we should not sleep even on holiday weekends. As a result, PPD is working very hard to try to get out as much information as possible and as timely as possible. In the political arena, if we are sleeping, we have missed our call - perhaps even the one that will change history.

Legislation versus Advocacy

As a part of our long range planning process, I think an underlying element that everyone seems to be considering in molding our "image" is to be more user friendly in terms of technology, advocacy, etc. So, how would you suggest that we make our advocacy efforts more user friendly? Do the members like lobbying through what I will call the canned packets i.e. a brief sketch of information is provided about a topic or a proposed law and then a form letter in support or opposition is also provided for the member to use? Do the members want to lobby in a face to face office setting at the State House? Do the members like lobbying electronically via email campaigns?

Do you prefer the title Legislation or Advocacy? Are you more likely to check out a website link called Advocacy or Legislation? What does advocacy mean to you?

It has been recently brought to my intention in sort of an inadvertent way that our organization has what larger entities are looking for. We have the ability to mobilize a grass roots campaign in large and small communities across the enire state in a relatively short period of time touching all ages, all sectors of the community from government to public to schools on issues that are conducive to the mission of BPW. Are you interested in doing this? Do you think we can be a pioneer, as was suggested to me?

The Travels Have Begun

On Saturday, State Recording Secretary LG and myself travelled to Hudson, for the Region 3 Summer Meeting. We were joined by State Treasurer MC, State Parliamentarian KW and IPSP BK, all from Region 3. PE SC also attended. It was a great meeting hosted by Mary Kay Fenton. Mary Kay did a fabulous job from the ice breaker to lunch. Region 3 was very welcoming and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. We even hope to go back for their social event later in the summer.

I had two goals at their meeting. First, I wanted to distribute the information from LM, Issues Mgt. Chair; PR, Membership Chair; and PPD, Legislation Chair. The outlines that those three ladies have put together should be a great catalyst for 08-09 BPW/Ohio programs.

Second, I wanted to complete the next phase of TIME, the long range planning process. Our first step of the process (ie membership survey) is complete and the results have been compiled. I will try to attach them as an element of this blog in the future. Our second step is to attend every region meeting over the summer to gather thoughts and responses to TIME. TIME stands for Technology, Image, Money and Evolution. These are the four areas that the committee identifies as being critical. If you would like to provide commentary on any of these elements, please feel free to do so on this blog.

The meeting was successful from my perspective in obtaining good feedback and a lot of discussion was generated. This conversation is imperative to our journey. I hope to hear your ideas.

School is Out

I have not blogged in a few days. I have been busy with BPW and other things. Last night, SB's kindergarten class came over for what was supposed to be a lawn party. Due to the rain, the kids were mostly inside. 14 children and their parents. They had a great time and suggested I have a back to school party. In any event, I spent the weekend cleaning our yard for the party that did not happen in the yard.

On the BPW front, the first Insider is out. Hope you enjoyed the cover. I did. Kudos to CA. Its awesome. The EC is working on the appointment of the Long Range Planning Committee so that they can resume and take action. The issue management, membership and legislative plans for the upcoming year were emailed to the board today. I think the members will enjoy the ideas of the chairs. Also, I am looking for ways to partner with the Ohio National Guard. I hope to have more on this later in the summer. The OBW is under construction as well as should go out in about 4 weeks.

Have a great week!

August State Meeting Details Confirmed

BPW Travels Ohio in 2008. Look for a board meeting coming to a location near your local. Our first state meeting of the year will be held on August 2, 2008 at Lakeside, Ohio. The Lakeside Hotel is a historic hotel. This meeting is open to all members. However, there will be a board meeting (one hour) as required under our organizational structure. Thus, all board members are required to attend. However, the meeting is open to all and all are invited. After the board meeting, we will try to finish our long range planning process. This is each member's opportunity to comment directly on their vision for the future of BPW. We will also have a Suffragette's Luncheon Tea. A few of your favorite suffragettes will pay tribute to their important role in the lives of women. We will also pay tribute to the Past State Presidents for their important role in the life of BPW.

While I recognize that this will involve more travelling for some but I think you will enjoy it. I'll be posting more information on the hotel and how to make reservations in the near future.

Region Meetings are Scheduled

At this point, I think all of the region meetings are at least tentatively scheduled. I will be visiting Region 3 first next weekend. LG, Recording Secretary, will also be travelling with me. I am very excited to get to work on two things at the region level: (1) feedback regarding long range planning and (2) presentation of the 08-09 membership, legislative and issues management platforms. The membership, legislation and issues management chairs have been working very hard to put together a solid, fun, practical, platform for 08-09. I think you will enjoy receiving all of the information.

I would note that I have received very few local and region officer forms. I have maybe a half dozen local forms. The directory needs to be completed and published by the August meeting. In order to accomplish this, we need the information.

I would also ask that you forward to me the name of your local YC chair and ID chair for forwarding to the BPW/OH chairs so that they can provide important information to the local organizations.

Lastly, the BPW/OH fundraiser is a cookbook this year. Details are attached. Please help with this project as it is the one and only fundraiser that I will do this year. Proceeds go to BPW/OH and help defray our costs. I think this is going to be a fun project and I hope you will participate.

Beginning the Journey

For the past week, I have been trying to get my BPW President bearings. I could spend a good 20 hours a day on BPW. Actually, I would love to be able to do that. I am enjoying this as much as I thought I would. But before my staff and clients go on strike in front of my office, I must make some compromises regarding my TIME. I have set aside 3 hours on each Monday morning for the summer to work on BPW things. I will also be working almost daily on BPW as my schedule permits but this is the definite period I have set aside. I check my email daily unless I am in court or out of town. I try to on these days as well either from hotels or my phone but I may not have a chance to respond. Please place bpw in your email header. This will help me distinguish between work and BPW. If I do not get back to you right away, I will respond during the Monday time period. If you would like to call me regarding BPW matters, Monday morning would be a good time as well.

For the last week, LM (I will be using initials for internet purposes/feel free to do this in your posts as well) has been working diligently on rolling out an Issues Management campaign that is going to be great. Also, PR is working on a Membership campaign that will be challenging but she has faith in us.

On my front, I have already made a great contact at the Ohio National Guard. She has good comments about BPW's leadership role with the Women Joining Forces campaign. I hope to be able to collaborate with her on some other things in the next year which I will pass on as soon as more details are available. I saw a special last night on national tv on 3 sisters that have joined the Ohio National Guard - does anyone know them?

Please look for your electronic Insider soon. It will be out within the next week. If you would like to receive it and you do not, please let me know. Also, the OBW will be out in July as well.

BPW Ohio 08 Travels Back to the Future

BPW Ohio is going Back to the Future this year. We are starting with a look back at the suffrage movement. The suffrage movement will hopefully inspire us to Get Out The Vote this year. Also, as we look forward in the political arena over the next few months, I hope we will also be inspired to move the long range planning of BPW Ohio forward.