BPW/MI Monday Minute September 26^th, 2005

I send you this email on the morning I am preparing to leave to head to Kentucky to say good-bye to my son as he prepares to deploy to Iraq for the 2^nd time.  During his last tour the support from fellow BPW members was immense and so comforting.  It seemed that at the lowest times there was a card, a call or a visit.  Email messages came from all over the world including Canada, Germany and the Ukraine.  This time is especially hard because we know what is there and our minds take us on paths that cause us great discomfort.   

Having said that, BPW/USA has a Membership Outreach Initiative that will be launched in October 2005 to support military women exiting all branches of the US Armed Forces, National Guard, and Coast Guard.  The goal of this initiative is to demonstrate support and gratitude to women veterans and to facilitate successful career transitions into the civilian workforce.  As an added bonus is the attached appendix of this initiative.  It is the resolution entitled Resolution in Support of Women in the Military and Military Families, July 2003 which the Michigan Federation submitted to the National Conference body for approval.  We as members of BPW/MI should be very proud to have taken the first step that is being built on by BPW/USA in support of military personnel.  I for one have a daughter that cannot join BPW now because she is currently serving in the National Guard.  That is why this initiative is so important.  As active military, they are not allowed to join BPW.  So let’s invite them in when they are exiting the service and support them like they have done for us in their service to our country.  It is women helping women ladies, let’s show them what WE are made of. 

Additionally, our Fall Board Meeting is October 28-30^th in Big Rapids.  You should have received your call to Board in the newsletter and online registrations are available at bpw-michigan.org.  If you’ve never been, come.  If you’ve been, bring a friend.  If you’ve aren’t sure, contact someone who has been and tag along.  I hope to see you there and remember there were questions submitted and I’ve yet to receive any answers.   

I can only say check the website so many times and then I think my lips will all off.  So help me keep my lips and CHECK IT OUT!  You never what is available until you look. 

Gwen Hoople

VP Finance/Treasurer