New Member Orientation Training

1. New Member Orientation Training Everything You Need to Know to Get Started! June 2013

2. New Member Orientation Training • Welcome! Thank you for joining Federally Employed Women (FEW)! • To get the most from your membership, the following slides will provide a background about: • FEW’s History • FEW’s Structure • FEW’s Four Focus Areas • Compliance • Diversity • Legislation • Training

3. New Member Orientation Training • Additional Focus Areas: • Federal Women’s Program • Military Women • People with Disabilities • Benefits of Membership • Participate, Participate, Participate! • Conclusion

4. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • A FEW Highlights • Thirteen women joined together in establishing “TOO FEW—the Organization of Federally Employed Women,” and then simplified the name to FEW.  • FEW sent a telegram to President Nixon seeking his continued commitment against sex discrimination in Equal Employment Opportunity policy.

5. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • FEW published its first newsletter— FEW Facts —which later became FEW’s News & Views. • FEW’s first 12 Chapters were formed, beginning with the Central Cincinnati Chapter and Fort Monmouth Chapter. • The first Annual Training Conference was held in Washington, DC in 1969.

6. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • FEW held an ERA rally on the 50th anniversary of women winning the vote, proclaiming August 26 Federal Women’s Day. • FEW testified on the Health Services Act of 1974 seeking a National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape. • First Lady Betty Ford accepted an Honorary FEW membership, and Alan Alda earned the Distinguished Service Award.

7. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • FEW succeeded in pushing the FBI to drop its minimum height requirement of 5’7”. • Title IX of The Education Amendments of 1972 went into effect barring sex discrimination in federally-assisted programs that serve federal employees.

8. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • FEW testified on Civil Service Commission Reforms, urging modifications to ensure equity for women. • FEW goals included an extension for ERA ratification and Veteran’s Preference Act modifications.

9. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • FEW set up a Compliance Network on all levels to monitor Federal Agencies’ EEO and Affirmative Action Programs. • FEW sponsored a First Ladies Reception to raise funds for ERA. • Betty Friedan provided the banquet keynote address at the 12th NTP, “Racing to the Top”, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

10. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • Marylouise Uhlig became the first FEW President to make an official visit to a foreign country. • FEW wrote a letter of support for a Congressional bill to study child care options for federally employed parents. • President De Burton was appointed to head OPM’s Women’s Executive Leadership Program.

11. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • FEW President Marie Argana and other officers met with then OPM Director Donald Devine to discuss issues of concern to all federally employed women. • FEW supported introduction of the Economic Equity Act.

12. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • The first of a successful series of Legislative Breakfasts was held on the Hill featured Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD). • OPM Director Constance B. Newman met with FEW’s Executive Committee and signed a relationship agreement between OPM and FEW.

13. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • FEW led coalition efforts to monitor a General Accounting Office study designed to identify sex- and race-based discrimination in the General Schedule pay and classification system and develop comprehensive pay equity legislation for workers in the public and private sectors.

14. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • FEW’s President testified on “Diversity in the Senior Executive Service.” • FEW participated in the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women Act.

15. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • FEW partnered with Shaw, Bransford, Veilleux & Roth, PC to offer member benefits in the legal arena. (This benefit is still available to FEW members.) • President Rhonda Trent testified a second time before Congress on the SES Diversity Assurance Act in the Senate and the House.

16. New Member Orientation Training • History of FEW • President Sue Webster was invited to participate in the Office of Personnel Management’s “wolf pack.” • These are literally just a few highlights from each of FEW’s forty decades! You have joined an active organization. • For more highlights, visit www.few.org and click on FEW History.

17. New Member Orientation Training • Federally Employed Women is based on a three-tier structure • National Board of Directors • Regions • Chapters

18. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Four Compliance Areas • Many people ask, “What is compliance?” Compliance is a noun, meaning: 1.the act of conforming, acquiescing, or yielding. 2.a tendency to yield readily to others, especially in weak and subservient way. 3.conformity; accordance: in compliance with orders. 4. cooperation or obedience: Compliance with the law is expected of all.

19. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Focus Area • Compliance (cont.) • For FEW’s purposes, compliance best fits “cooperation or obedience: Compliance with the law is expected of all.” • The Vice President for Compliance may be reached at ComplianceVP@few.org.

20. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Focus Area • Compliance (cont.) • FEW entered into an agreement with Shaw, Bransford, Veilleux & Roth for the benefit of members • FEW recently entered into an agreement with Tulley & Rinckney, another law firm, to provide legal counsel for FEW members.

21. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Four Focus Areas • Diversity • FEW develops strategies to identify and eliminate barriers and increase diversity within the Federal Government. FEW examines the demographics of the workforce according to age, race, sex, ethnic background, religious affiliation, disability, and sexual orientation. • The Vice President for Diversity may be reached at DiversityVP@few.org.

22. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Four Focus Areas • Legislative • The Vice President for Congressional Relations can be reached at CongressionalRelationsVP@few.org • FEW has a paid lobbyist on Capitol Hill to advance FEW’s legislative agenda. Her name is Janet Kopenhaver. She can be reached at janetk@eyeonwashington.com

23. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Focus Area • Legislative (cont.) • FEW’s legislative agenda is structured into three tiers. The three tiers are: • Tier I issues are considered of utmost importance to female federal workers today • Examples: equal employment opportunity, family member care, retirement

24. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Focus Area • Legislative (cont.) • Tier II have an impact on all federal employees, regardless of gender • Examples: compensation, employee benefits, Hatch Act reform

25. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Focus Areas • Legislative (cont.) • Tier III issues affect women as a class and include economic empowerment, health care, and violence against women • Examples: The Equal Rights Amendment, voter education and registration activities

26. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Four Focus Areas • Training • FEW's Training program has three major functions • increase members' knowledge of the Federal system, rules and regulations under which they work; • help members acquire knowledge of career development and planning techniques; • enhance members' personal effectiveness and awareness of the broader issues that impact women.

27. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Focus Area • Training (cont.) • FEW conducts training programs geared to the needs of the specific level of the organization -- national, regional, or Chapter/local. • FEW’s regions conduct at least one Regional Training Program (RTP) annually, as well. By staying active within your chapter and region, you will receive information about any upcoming training available in your area.

28. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Focus Area • Training (cont.) • Local training through participation in programs and participation as an officer or committee chair may be the most beneficial in building your skills through FEW.

29. New Member Orientation Training • Additional Focus Areas • Federal Women’s Program • The Federal Women’s Program (FWP) Chair is often asked about the difference between FEW and the FWP. A few differences include: • FEW lobbies Congress; FWP cannot lobby Congress. • Agencies appoint FWP Managers; Members join FEW voluntarily and pay dues. • FEW and FWP often partner to bring meaningful programs to agencies in celebration of Women’s History Month and Women’s Equality Day.

30. New Member Orientation Training • Additional Focus Areas • Federal Women’s Program • FEW adopted a resolution in 2009 to ensure agency compliance with standing FWP requirements. • If you are a Federal Women’s Program Manager, visit the FEW website to share your contact information as FEW develops a database of FWP Managers nationwide.

31. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Additional Focus Areas • Women in the Military • The Special Assistant for Military Women can be reached at military@few.org. • FEW recognizes the special education and experience women in the military service represents, and honors their selfless dedication to the defense of our nation.

32. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Additional Focus Areas • Women in the Military (cont.) • A fairly comprehensive overview of VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) called Federal job hunt made easier for outgoing military members is on the FEW website.  Check out the entire VOW Act at www.opm.gov.

33. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Additional Focus Areas • People with Disabilities • The People with Disabilities Special Assistant can be reached at Disabilities@few.org. • FEW has a continuing commitment to provide equal opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in FEW-sponsored official functions. • Visit the FEW website for access to comprehensive resources for persons with disabilities.

34. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Additional Focus Areas • Outreach programs • The following programs come under her guidance. She Outreach Chair can be reached at Outreach@few.org. • Mentoring Subcommittee. If you are interested in serving as a mentor or looking for a mentor, contact Marsha Strackany at Mentoring@few.org.

35. New Member Orientation Training • FEW’s Additional Focus Areas • Outreach programs • The Youth Subcommittee Chair can be reached at PastPresident@few.org. • The Women’s Health Issues Subcommittee can be reached at WomensHealth@few.org.

36. New Member Orientation Training • Your key to success is participate, participate, participate! • The best way to maximize your experience in FEW is to get involved. Share your passion with your Chapter President to find a committee that will engage your passion.

37. New Member Orientation Training • Member Benefits – What’s in it for Me? • So far, we’ve talked about being kept informed through the monthly newsletter, having a voice before Congress and active ability to contact your elected officials through Capwiz.com/few, partnerships with law firms and private companies that provide special benefits, and representation before the branches of government and the White House through your National Board of Directors. Want more?

38. New Member Orientation Training • Member Benefits – What’s in it for Me? (cont.) • Okay…there’s more! • With active membership, you have a hands-on opportunity to develop your leadership skills, project management from concept to implementation, communication (written and oral), technical skills through training, and interpersonal skills.

39. New Member Orientation Training • Member Benefits – What’s in it for Me? (cont.) • But wait…there’s still more! • Are you interested in furthering your career through education? You’ve joined the right organization! • Nowhere else can you get all of this for $45 a year!

40. New Member Orientation Training • Participate, participate, participate! • There are many opportunities in FEW to explore your passions for volunteerism, stretch your existing skills, and give you a safe environment for learning new skills. • Visit the FEW website, log in to the Members Only area, and click on FEW Member Documents to open a copy of the National Policy and Procedures Manual in .pdf format.

41. New Member Orientation Training • Inspiration from our National President Michelle Crockett: “Always be in the spirit of excellence!”

42. New Member Orientation Training • Conclusion • This is a brief overview of Federally Employed Women. • To learn more, get to know the members of your chapter, talk to the officers, participate in chapter and region training programs and events, and increase your network all while you learn more about the active organization you’ve joined! Again, welcome to FEW! We’re glad you joined!