The holiday season is traditionally a time of giving and reflecting on the charities we have supported during the previous year. As a Trustee of the BPW Foundation, I have been asked to share a little information about some of the Foundation’s many efforts called “Women Helping Women Initiatives.”  As you know the BPW Foundation is the charitable part of BPW/USA similar to the relationship between our own Michigan BPW Foundation and BPW/MI.  

When you mention the BPW Foundation, most members think of scholarships.  Indeed, scholarships are an integral part of what we do.  Our Career Advancement Scholarship Program is something we are most proud of.  After all, our record of success is reflected in the workingwomen whose lives have been changed forever.   

The WOMENomics program is an exciting initiative created and produced by the Foundation and used by the BPW/USA grassroots across the country to conduct community conversations on issues of importance to workingwomen and their families.  Designed as a renewal effort for state and local organizations, WOMENomnics is a powerful tool. Updated WOMENomics guides are almost finished (they should also be available on the website in December). 

The Workingwomen’s Survey was released on Labor Day 2004.  This was a collaborative effort.  The BPW Foundation developed the overall project and constructed the survey.  BPW/USA members assisted with the implementation of the survey. The survey received extensive national and international coverage.  This was an important survey, first because of the number of women who took the survey, second because of the implications the survey results had on the then impending presidential election, and because of the substantial information gleaned from the survey.  State and Local Organizations can use these vital survey results to launch programs and initiatives to address the concerns identified by workingwomen nationwide. 

The BPW Foundation publication,”101 Facts on the Status of Working Women” is updated and is available on the web and in hard copy for your use.  The BPW Foundation is proud of this publication.  It is utilized by the press, by BPW members, members of other organizations, and the general public.  Keeping it current is fundamental to being sure this document maintains its place as a cutting edge resource.  The latest version contains statistics from our own Workingwomen’s Survey! 

This year the BPW Foundation committed financial resources to fund all workshops being offered at the BPW/USA National In addition, funds were contributed to support Camp BPW.  Camp BPW was conceptualized by the Young Careerists in 2002 to provide a camp for girls, ages 12 to 16.  The purpose of the Camp is to impart a sense of community service and leadership to at-risk youth in the city where the BPW/USA National Conference is hosted each year. 

The Workplaces and Workforces in Transition National Employer Summit on December 15^th in Washington DC will bring together employers and researchers striving to create practices, policies, and research on workplace equity and work-life balance that hold the potential for national and international impact. A select group of employers and researchers identified by the BPW Foundation are being invited to the event. Participants will forecast the issues and trends impacting workforces and workplaces in the 21st Century and formulate recommendations to government, employers, and resource providers on policies, practices, or resources that they can provide to support employers as they strive to create successful workplaces.  

There will be special events at both Policy and Action and national Conference to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the BPW Foundation. Staff is working on the Foundation 50th anniversary history for release in February. 

Your contribution to the BPW Foundation comes back to Michigan and your Local Organization through all of the programs and initiatives offered by the BPW Foundation. 

Please consider making a generous gift to the BPW Foundation today and help us expand and increase our programs and our support of worthwhile endeavors.  YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW AND LONG INTO THE FUTURE. 

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Barbara Henton, BPW/USA Vice President