ACT TODAY!
NOMINATE A WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE
Save $100 by registering before July 1st with the Early Bird Registration Rate!
Elected women are eligible to apply for Travel & Lodging Scholarships. Complete your conference registration HERE to apply for a scholarship today!
Women in the News
Washington Post Names “The 40 Most Interesting Women in Politics” & NFWL Members Make the List!
The Washington Post announced The Fix’s annual list of the “40 Most Interesting Women in Politics”. The list recognized women from the federal, state, and local levels of government and was put together using input from various women’s groups, social media, and suggestions from political professionals.
Among those recognized were a few familiar faces of some actively involved NFWL members.
Congratulations to all of the amazing women honored, and a special shout out to SC Senator Katrina Shealy, an NFWL State Director, and NJ Assemblywoman Maria Rodriguez-Gregg, who has participated in multiple NFWL events & programs.
Click Here for the full list of The Washington Post’s “40 Most Interesting Women in Politics”.
Congratulations to NFWL Board Member, Florida Representative Gayle Harrell, who was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Florida League of Cities. She was presented the award by the Florida League of Cities President Scott Dudley. Representative Harrell is the Chair of the NFWL International Outreach Committee and has been a member of our Board of Directors for eight years.
Click Here to read more about Representative Gayle Harrell
A Dollop of Daisies
Last month, New Jersey Freeholder Aimee Belgard spent an afternoon with the Chesterfield Daisies, Troop 23034.
The girls learned what it means to be a freeholder and the importance and function of local governments. After answering questions, she explained the duties of being an elected woman. Freeholder Belgard closed the afternoon by helping the girls write letters to elected officials.
What a wonderful way to get girls interested in politics from a young age!
Click Here to learn more about Freeholder Belgard.
Have you made headlines recently? Each month, we want to dedicate our “Women in the News” section to recognizing the accomplishments of our members.
Send any and all relevant articles to allison@womenlegislators.org so that we can feature you in our next newsletter
2015 Conference: What’s New?
A Night Out at Remington Park
The Chickasaw Nation invites NFWL conference attendees to the world-renowned Remington Park for dinner and entertainment. Join us Saturday, September 12th, for a lively evening to experience Chickasaw traditions & culture.
Program Spotlight
Women Veterans on the Long Journey Home: Empowering Our Community Response
As the longest war in our nation’s history continues, the number of women veterans who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq is now approximately 280,000. The population of male veterans in the U.S. is declining while the number of female veterans is increasing and their roles are expanding.
The changing face of the military requires that we, too, adapt and change our response to our service members, veterans and their families.
But the question remains how?
Join us for an informative and empowering session with DAV’s National Legislative Director, Joy Ilem & Journey to Normal: Women of War Come Home documentary director, Julie Hera DeStephano. We will:
–Discuss DAV’s unprecedented special report Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home
–Screen a 20-minute short of Journey to Normal: Women of War Come Home
–Hear directly from women veterans featured in the film.
Click Here to review the Disabled American Veterans’ report, Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home, which documents the current gaps in federal programs & services and spurring policy changes to fill them.
Click Here to view the trailer for Journey to Normal: Women of War Come Home, and explore the psychological and social dynamics of women’s service and follow them as they return home and experience the challenging reintegration into “normal” civilian life back in the U.S.
The Elected Women of Excellence Award was created in 2013 to identify and honor the accomplishments of women who have worked tirelessly, often breaking down barriers & overcoming obstacles that once seemed insurmountable, to serve their communities.
We need your help in nominating this year’s potential honorees.
NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, and 2013 Elected Women of Excellence Honoree states, “There was not a national recognition like this until the NFWL created this award. I am certain it will become a premiere public service award in the years ahead…I encourage everyone to nominate the deserving women throughout this great nation who have earned this kind of recognition.”
Click Here to nominate a deserving woman for this year’s award.
Wisconsin Spring Symposium
A “Spring” in Their Step!
Last week, NFWL and WI State Director Representative Kathy Bernier hosted a “Spring Symposium for Women Policy Makers” in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Attendees had the chance to:
Connect with other women leaders and expand their leadership networks. Hear NFWL Board Member Minnesota Senator Carrie Ruud speak about the opportunities NFWL has to offer. Meet Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, President of Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation, former first lady Sue Ann Thompson, and Wisconsin Public Defender Kelli Thompson.
Be empowered. “What Does Your Communication Style Say about You?” with Alice O’Connor of Alice O’Connor Speaks! Women were provided tools for powerful and effective communication.
Be Inspired. “Staying Positive in a Negative World,” a presentation that prepared attendees to boost morale for themselves and others.
Learn more about the world we live in. Energy 101 and Retail 101 provided behind-the-scenes perspectives of the industries that drive the economy and society.
NFWL Board Member and Minnesota Senator Carrie Ruud alongside NFWL State Director and Wisconsin Representative Kathy Bernier.
Wisconsin Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch & Minnesota Senator Carrie Ruud
Women Policy Makers Leadership Panel facilitated by Representative Kathy Bernier and U of Wisconsin Extension.
Leadership Development
Are You Interested in a Leadership Position with NFWL?
We are looking for excited and passionate elected women to serve as State Directors, Board Members, and on NFWL Committees!
“If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman!” -Margaret Thatcher
We need State Directors in every state to host Dome Tours and help us to spread the word about the opportunities NFWL has to offer elected women.
Interested in working with other elected women on policy recommendations, international outreach, or nominating women for recognition and positions within NFWL? Join an NFWL Committee!
Click Here to fill out your Willingness to Serve Form Today!
***Anyone interested in serving on the NFWL Board of Directors should submit their Willingness to Serve Form NO LATER THAN June 30th in order to be considered for the 2016 slate***
Women Empowering Women across the Globe!
Cheverly Town Councilwoman Laila Riazi joined NFWL staff to welcome a group of influential women from Europe & Eurasia on June 3 whom were visiting the D.C. area as part of the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
These women are in the civic, economic, and/or media sectors of their respective countries. The goal of the visit was to examine the U.S. political system and explore the different ways in which women participate in politics and gain an insight into the realm of women’s role and acceptance within the “political pipeline.”
During their visit with Councilwoman Riazi, the visitors discussed how organizations such as NFWL encourage the building of coalitions between women of different sectors and political affiliations. Women’s participation is an important aspect of the political process and is not always as established across the globe.
Riazi, inspired by the visit, believes that, “together elected women have a responsibility to publicly further the progress of women; to be each other’s best allies; to seek out and support women’s voices in leadership and decision making – even those different from our own.”
Across the globe women can use each other as dynamic and determined leaders who are transforming their own communities by using their voices and each other. This is just one example of how women can use each other as resources to develop strategies to enter the political field.
Don’t Forget!
UPCOMING DEADLINES
Extended Deadline! Submit your NFWL/NRA Student Scholarship Application by FRIDAY, JUNE 19th
2016 Board of Directors Considerations: Submit your Willingness to Serve Form by TUESDAY, JUNE 30th
EARLY BIRD RATE: Receive $100 off when you complete your Conference Registration by TUESDAY, JUNE 30th
Follow Us on Social Media:
