Stop Discounting Women

The Paycheck Fairness Act would deter wage discrimination by closing loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and barring retaliation against workers who disclose their wages to coworkers. Time is running out — the House already has passed the bill and when the Senate returns it must do the same.

In this tough economy, more and more families are counting on women’s earnings. Unfair pay practices make things even harder, especially for those families who rely solely on female earnings.

Please take a moment to forward this e-mail to your friends, family, and co-workers and invite them to tell their Senators to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Please also share our action on Facebook or post this link http://bit.ly/cuC115 to Twitter or any other networks you belong to.

Calinfornia's Women's Conference

I receive the O Newsletter and I discovered that yesterday was the first day of the Women's Conference in California. You can get a live stream of the conference at http://www.livestream.com/twc2010 . The conference schedule:

A Day of Health, Wellness and Transformation
Monday, October 25
11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ET/8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. PT

It’s Time...to Take Action
World-class experts lead interactive sessions packed with practical tips, tools and takeaways on how to transform yourself personally and professionally. Speakers include Maria Shriver, Deepak Chopra, Sally Field, Martha Beck and many more.

The Main Event and Grand Finale featuring the Minerva Awards
Tuesday, October 26
11 a.m. -10 p.m. ET/8 a.m. - 7 p.m. PT

It’s Time...to be an Architect of Change
The world’s most authentic and influential voices participate in once-in-a-lifetime conversations on the issues that really matter to women’s lives. Speakers include first lady Michelle Obama, second lady Jill Biden, the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Diane Sawyer, Brian Williams, former first lady Laura Bush, Gayle King, Billie Jean King and many more.

The 2010 Minerva Awards, honoring Remarkable Women, Remarkable Legacies, features five winners, including Oprah Winfrey and the Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor. The evening includes remarks by Mary J. Blige and a musical performance by Sarah McLachlan.

For more on other women's programs from Oprah:
http://www.oprah.com/spirit/The-California-Womens-Conference-2010-Oprahcom

Interim Board

Interim Board information is now on Wild Apricot and in the October issue of the Illinois Bulletin. Lynette Jones has put together a great weekend of networking, business, and wine. Yes, Wine!!! Hopefully we will see you November 13th.

Election News

Check out this site www.changeil.org/home which has posted a series of
20 questions for all candidates for office in IL and their answers for easy
comparison. This group is not for any one party and is a collaboration group
of entities who want IL government to get CLEAN! They ask the same
questions of all candidates and while they may not be what we would ask of
them, it does shed some light on how the candidates think and may help
them make up their minds on who to vote for in the upcoming election.

Events This Week

Here are some of the events going on throughout Illinois during the Illinois Business Woman's Week.

In Mt. Vernon:

We start IL Business Women’s Week tomorrow. We have entered into the “Harvest Fest Parade” with two vehicles. Some of the ladies are attending church with me on Sunday; I am serving brunch at my house following worship service. We have an activity planned for everyday through Friday. One of our fun things is Thursday evening when we members model and do a style show for an assisted living facility treating the residents to some fun and fashion.

In Fairview Heights Area:

The Southwestern LO is having fundraisers at Olgah's at the St. Clair Mall on Tuesday, October 19th between 12:00 noon and 8:00 pm and at Applebees on Green Mount Road on Wednesday between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

Stay Tuned for more events.

Illinois Business Woman's Week

To start off the Illinois Business Woman's Week, I wanted to share this story from the Today Show on how far women have come in the wage gap, but how far we still need to go.

We Are Women, Embrace It

Lynette Jone, IFPBW President, just emailed me this article from Forbes.com. It pretty much sums up what our organization is all about. Helping women in business without destroying what all those before us have worked for.

Check it out.

What A Celebration!

Well, the conference is now over and the excitement is of next year is starting. If you were not able to attend, you missed a great weekend of learning, collaboration, and fun.

We had 115 attendees from all over the United States. We started off the weekend with greetings from the O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce and a ribbon cutting. Then a fun evening of snacks and a fashion show sponsored by Dillard's. There were 10 models who showed off the latest fashions in casual ware, business attire, and formal ware.

Saturday morning was the exciting auction. Because we received so many items for auction, the items were split into two actions. A silent auction as well as a live auction. Some of the items that were up for bid are on the WPEA website. There was a lot of fun trying to outbid each other on the more popular items like a beautiful quilt and the Nike Statues.

The first speaker of the day was Martha Rohlfing from the Illinois State Treasurers office. She gave us some interesting information on the new Credit Card laws that went into affect earlier this year. I know that when I was trying to pay off my credit cards I had a balance on a 0% interest for 1 year. I accidentally charged an item on that credit card. Well my payment went toward the 0% balance so I was charged extra for the higher interest balance. With the new laws, the credit card companies have to pay off the higher interest balance first.

3 Ladies that are members of the Enterprising and Professional Women - USA spoke about BPW International. It is amazing how many countries participate in this organization. The first EPW-USA conference will be held in Las Vegas September 26 - 27, 2010. Early bird discount registration end on August 16th, hurry and register and book your hotel now.

The Speaker Series Spotlight gave us an opportunity to listen to the great speeches from the speak-offs held in each state. There were some dynamic speeches on many topics this organization is passionate about.

Then there was the Honorable Susan Tungate who is always good for a laugh and gave some great information to help each State, Region, and Local organization reach their full potential. She is the kind of speaker that you can't get the full impact of her message unless you were there.

Susan Solovic has a great program to help women to start and grow their own business into a billion dollar corporation. She is a member of Women Impacting Public Policy, who are inline with IFBPW views on pushing legislation that improve woman's rights. She also has a TV show that helps women in small business.

A Panel Discussion was held to discuss the future of each State organization and how we can help each other move forward. Next years conference will be held in Minnesota - Twin City area. I hope that we see all of you there.

The Dinner Speaker and the last speaker of the day was Susan Sablan. She was an officer in the Navy when very few women were in the military. She talked about the history of women in the military and some of her own experiences. It is interesting that women were only allowed to fill supportive rolls in the military until the late 1980's. I do remember when that was a big deal and in the news for months. I was really upset that if I had only stayed in the Navy for a couple more years I would have been able to fill positions that I wanted but I was not allow to be in because they were considered combat positions.

There was a short presentation by SOY that is helping support our youth in discipline and growing their talents through music. To learn more about SOY contact Johna Whitener at 618.772.5214

We finished off the weekend with a party that lasted well into the late hours.

The official photographer for the weekend was Share The Image. To view some wonderful pictures of the weekend go to www.sharettheimage.com and click on Event Gallery. You may also purchase some of the pictures for your scrapbook.

I want to thank all of those who worked hard to put on the programs and keep everything running smoothly.

WPEA T-Shirts

Here is the first look at the back of the T-Shirts that are available for the low low price of $20.00. If you have not done so, you can still order by contacting Tina at fmetshirt@gmail.com.

For better look at the t-shirts go to www.fullmoonenterprise.com.

Auction Items and Vendors

Just thought that I would spread the news. Some really nice auction item pictures have been posted to the WPEA website. I have also posted information on the new vendors. Take a peak at all the good shopping you can do in a couple of weeks.

Advertising at the WPEA Conference

Would you like to maximize your advertising dollars with very little effort? Include a product, coupon, brochure, etc. in the goodie bags that will be given to each attendee (approximately 200 people) at the WPEA conference.

For more information go to www.wpealliance.com and go to the Vendor section.

Updated Information ont he Summer Conference (WPEA)

The long awaited agenda has now been posted on the website ( www.wpealliance.org ).

A list of the keynote speakers are:

• Kelly Lamm, Talk Show Host (Invited)
• Martha Rolfing, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office
• The Honorable Judge Susan Tungate
• MG Michelle Johnson, USTRANSCOM (Invited)
• Barbara Kasoff, WIPP (Invited)
• National Panel Discussion Collective Way Ahead

A fashion show will be held Friday evening to start off the event. Saturday morning will be the Auction. Ending the weekend with a New Year's Party on Saturday evening.

For more information and detailed schedule, please visit www.wpealliance.org.

Travel information can also be found on the website on the Home page.

Register Now. Registration fee will increase from $90.00 to $100.00 starting July 1.

PSSSSS.... There is a rumor that there may be a scavenger hunt with the winning prize a secret to be revealed Saturday evening.

I hope to see you at the end of July!!!

Mailing Checks

I know that most of you are still trying to get use to the new way of paying member's dues. I am still working on a system for my LO.

Since all checks are being mailed to the bank, please make sure that you mail paperwork or some kind of note saying what the check is for. The bank forwards all paperwork to the Treasurer along with a deposit slip. The bank does not forward copies of the check, just the paperwork received with the check. If you send a check without paperwork, then the Treasurer will no know what the money is for or who sent the check.

To make sure that members get credit for payment, please make sure all paperwork is mailed with the check. It would be great if you included the check number somewhere on the paperwork as well. This way if there is a question regarding payment, the Treasurer can contact the person submitting the check.

IFBPW State Convention

For those who were not able to attend, you missed a really good weekend. We discussed and debated and were able conduct a lot of business, but we also partied hard Saturday Night.

I don't want to give to much away, but there were a lot of decisions made over the weekend.

• We will be signing the National Foundation licensing fee
• We have updated the Bylaws and will have those out soon
• And We have updated the Legislative Platform

More information on these items and more will be sent in emails, updated on the IFBPW website and in the next issue of the Illinois Bulletin.

We also had a great time at the Workshops. It was amazing how many people increased their activity level while participating in the Active For Life program. One person even lost a significant amount of weight. For more information on this free program that can be formatted for a Church organization, business, or other kind of organizations go to Active For Life.

I also taught how to create a Google account. There is instructions on how to link your calendar with friend's calendars or organization calendars. For organizations like IFBPW, you can set up email to automatically send members a reminder for upcoming events or when reports are due. An instructors manual is on the IFBPW Region4 in the members only section. Email me if you are not able to access the manual at ilfederation.bpw@gmail.com.

One thing I did forget in the manual is that in order to set up an email account you need to use an existing email in the form. Then you have to verify the gmail account from your existing account before you can log into the gmail account. I have it on my list to update, but I may not get to it for a couple of weeks.

As soon as I receive pictures from those who attended, I will put them out on the IFBPW FaceBook page. I know we have some good pictures of all the fun.

Make sure you check out t he websites and read the emails to keep up with all the new information.

Happy International Women's Day

This is a little late, but I thought that I would post it anyway. This is an article that I received from Benjamin Bankes. Benjamin Banks is a program that helps you become financially fit. Below is the article from Monday, March 8th.

Today is International Women's Day, an annual celebration that highlights economic, political and social achievements of women. 2009 marked the first year that half of all the U.S. workers are women. Nearly four in ten mothers are primary breadwinners and bring home a majority of the family's income. Additionally, women are more likely than men to graduate from college, although they still typically earn less than men.

Women are also more likely than men to care for children or elderly or disabled family members. These periods of caretaking can provide gaps in a woman's career which can have a huge impact on the amount of retirement funds collected over time. A 2008 report showed that elderly women over 75 are far more likely to be poor than elderly men.

It's important for all women to think about their future and retirement. There are ways to begin now, such as investing in a tax-deferred retirement savings plan at work. These plans can help accumulate funds over time. Other options may include a IRA, such as a Roth IRA which is funded by after-tax contributions. If invested early enough, these accounts can continue to accumulate interest during a gap in a woman's career, whether for caretaking purposes or any other reason.

For more information for women, check out our Section for Women that features articles, calculators, and frequently asked questions. Visit www.feedthepig.org for more money-saving tips.

Share this tip with your friends.

Women still earn less across the glob than men

According to MSNBC a new study shows that women still earn one third less than men. Women with children earn even less and are less likely to be promoted.

"The persistent imbalance in household chores can hurt women's careers, the study of the International Trade Union Confederation concluded. Women with kids earn on average 68 percent of what men make, and overall, women make 74 percent of what men bring in, according to the report."

The report continues with findings that some women are required to take a pregnancy test before being hired.

"The study was based on reports from over 40 nations across the world.

The ITUC represents 176 million workers from 155 countries."

This is the reason this organization was formed. This study proves that we still have a lot of work ahead of us.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -- Gandhi, Mahatma

Message from Membership

MEMBERSHIP PROSPECTS LOOK BRIGHT:
Lots of Silver Linings

We are very pleased to be serving the Illinois Federation this year as Co-chairs of the State Membership Committee. We have lots of exciting things planned for this landmark year. We
are sad to be severing ties with BPW/USA, but energized about the wonderful opportunity we have to grow State membership and redefine ourselves to better fit the needs of today’s working
women.

What to do with the $60 you won’t be paying in National Dues?

We can’t think of a better use for these dollars than for each of us to make an investment in our organization’s future by taking that “found money” to pay the first year’s dues for a new
or lapsed member. Every local knows someone who couldn’t or wouldn’t pay over $100 in dues these past couple of years. No, we don’t care how many years they haven’t paid dues. Just get
them back! With just $60, you can either pay state and local dues for one member or state dues for two members. Let’s face it, increasing membership is the only way for us to grow our organization and sustain our activities. New members are truly the gift that keeps on giving. And, let’s make a big push this summer to get the ball rolling.

And here’s what we mean by “sustain our activities”. Unlike National which was satisfied with e-members who never participated in LO meetings or events, we believe the real value to be gotten from BPW comes from being an active and engaged member. This includes networking to make personal and professional connections with other business and professional women, mentoring and being mentored, attending interesting and educational programs, taking on leadership positions from which you learn invaluable skills like how to plan a program, how to conduct a meeting, how to prepare an agenda or minutes or a treasurer’s report or a budget. And, most importantly, building lasting friendships with the most incredible women in Illinois. We just need to let the world know just how special we are.

Please be sure to tell these new (or old) members that IFBPW is stronger than ever and that we are getting back to basics and rededicating ourselves to advancing the mission of women
helping women. They should also be glad to learn that their dues the following year and thereafter will be closer to $50, depending on the amount of dues their LO charges. This is less than half of what dues have been the past couple of years.

Take advantage of the $5 discount we are offering on next year’s State Convention Registration

To encourage every member to work on recruiting new members, we are offering a $5.00
discount off next year’s convention registration fee to every member who recruits at least one
new member starting now. Yes ladies, these dollars will be coming right out of our pockets,
and we would like nothing more than to contribute $500 or more to the Federation next April because 100 or more convention goers successfully recruited at least one new member. Imagine:
nearly a 25% increase in membership and a little bonus for you. Sorry, but we can only offer one
$5 discount per member, regardless of the number of members you are able to recruit. But
don’t let that limit your efforts.

Our goal is to form new LO’s throughout the State

While we leave it to you to recruit new members locally, we will be working with our hardworking Committee, and any one else who can offer their assistance, to form new LO’s through out Illinois. At the present time, we have prospects in Bloomington-Normal, Peoria and
Springfield and are hoping to form Samothrace Clubs for college age women at the SIU campuses in Carbondale and Edwardsville. If you know anyone who lives or works in these communities, please pass along their names, phone numbers and email addresses.

Every member is on the Membership Committee

Finally, don’t forget that every single one of you is a member of the Membership Committee.
We also want to recognize those members who have stepped up and given us their commitment
to help us get the new LO’s going. They are Laura Balson, Kathy Beals, Paula Feigenbaum and
Tasha Roedl. If you want to help, too, just send one of us an email. Please email Anna Harkins
at anna.harkins@dupageco.org or Barb Yong at Blyong@golanchristie.com.

--Barbara L. Yong and Anna Harkins
State Membership Co-Chairs

Speak Off Topics

For some reason there still seems to be a question on what the Speak Off topics are for the competition.


1. Which workplace issues do you believe affect women the most and what changes would you like to see on these issues?

2. What instances of discrimination against women in the workforce have you experienced or witnessed, and how do you think such discrimination can be attacked?

3. How has technology changed our methods of communication and has it changed for the better? Please give examples.

4. How can IFBPW help bridge the generation gap? Please give specific examples?

5. If you are able to lobby for any woman's issue what would it be and how would you convince me to vote in favor of it?

The contestant needs to fill out an application found on the IFBPW or Region 4 website in the members section.

Become More Active

Below is an article that was posted on a blog that I though I would share with everyone to become Active For Life!
__________________________________________

A co-worker found this article and sent it to me. (We help each other stay motivated to go to the gym, etc.) MSNBC - Your body's big enemy? You're sitting on it.

Researchers found that more and more people are getting sick from sitting on their butt. Because of all the wonderful modern technology, we spend more time sitting in front of the computer and TV than ever before. (I know that I do).

Sitting for extended periods of time, your body starts to shut down and lowers your metabolism. Which means that you have less blood flow that can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Most people spend 56 hours sitting on their butt. All this sitting can cause back and leg problems.

Working out for 30 minutes a day does not counteract the time spent sitting. A study reveals that getting up out of your chair every half hour can significantly decrease your risk of heart disease. Fidgeting can increase circulation and burn more calories.

"So if exercise alone isn't the solution, what is? Fortunately, it's easier than you think to ward off the perils of prolonged parking. Just ramp up your daily non-exercise activity thermogenesis — or NEAT. That's the energy (i.e., calories) you burn doing everything but exercise. It's having sex, folding laundry, tapping your toes, and simply standing up. And it can be the difference between wearing a sarong or flaunting your bikini on your next beach vacation.

In his groundbreaking study on NEAT, the Mayo Clinic's Levine used motion-sensing underwear (hot, huh?) to track every single step and fidget of 20 people who weren't regular exercisers (half of them were obese; half were not). After 10 days, he found that the lean participants moved an average of 150 minutes more per day than the overweight people did — enough to burn 350 calories, or about one cheeseburger."

According to the chart in the article, you burn 32 more calories standing at your desk than you do sitting on your butt. Even making out during commercials burns 32 calories. So you can burn calories, not have the impulse to buy things, and gross your kids out all at the same time.

So, now I am not only going to definitely get my butt to the gym in the morning, but I plan to move more at my desk while working. I printed out the article and stuck it up in my cubicle as a reminder to move.

Active For Life

I hope everyone has received an email with an invitation to Active For Life. What is Active For Life? It is a program associated with the American Cancer Society to help companies and organizations encourage employees and members to become more active and healthy. The best thing is, it is FREE!!!

Active for Life is a 10-week program designed to promote health awareness and physical fitness. You set a personal goal for regular physical activity -- anything from moderate activities like walking to more intense ones like running. You record your daily activity on a Life Points log for 10 weeks. You participate as part of a team, and you will receive tools and support to help you reach your goal. There are also fun prizes and events throughout the program to help keep you motivated. Active for Life encourages participants to be more active on a regular basis by combining individual and group strategies that help people change their behavior.

Susie has set up our program so that each Region is a team. Region Directors are the Team Captains.

Click on the link in the email invitation the web site will take you through a step-by-step process to setup your account and set your goals for the next 10 weeks. Then everyday you log on and enter your information. Your team captain will be sending you encouragement in emails and updates on how the team is doing.

If you did not receive an email invitation to join a team, contact your Region Director. Good luck to everyone and get moving.

Illinois Candidates

It is time to go to the voting booth again. II have put together a list of websites for you to better educate yourself on all the candidates. Primary is tomorrow!

USElections.com

Project Vote Smart

Wikipedia

evoter.com

KDSK.com

Legislative Districts for Illinois

Please check out the new site for redrawing the legislative districts in Illinois after the 2010 census info is available. As you all know, the districts have been done in a political manner for years and many are not even sensible. We could join as a partner in this effort if you deem it appropriate. This is NOT a Republican or Democrat issue; it IS a non-partisan issue. The grassroots voters of Illinois need to get involved in this and fix it. Our legislators are NOT going to do it for us; it would diminish their power.

Look forward to your responses in this issue. Visit: http://www.ilfairmap.com/