HELLO EVERYONE! How is your year going so far? Are you getting into the swing of things with your chapters and regions? This is an exciting time for NYS Women, Inc.! We are one hundred years old! Pass the cake!
As I think back to the great women (and men) who have helped to shape this organization and this country, I think about how important it is to stand up for what you believe in, what you believe is right, helping to create a necessary change . . . and to feel comfortable using your voice.
I don’t mean interrupting or shouting over someone. I mean using your words to get your message across, to increase understanding, to engage in a constructive discussion, and to give a voice to people who may not have the strength or confidence to use their own voice.
Our voice is a superpower! Our choice of words, our tone, our inflection . . . they are all important. Let’s use this superpower for good!
A simple word at the right time can make all the difference. Have you ever been in a bad mood and a friend stopped by just to say “Hi” and when they left, you were feeling so much better? Reversely, have you ever been in a fantastic mood and some-one said something (whether they meant it or not) and you were immediately plunged into a pit?
We can use our voice to bring awareness of issues. “If you see something, say something.”
Bullying is not just happening in the classroom. It happens at work and in meetings. Don’t let it happen in your groups.
Another issue is human trafficking. Again, it isn’t just happening in other countries and in big cities. It happens everywhere. We need to talk about it, educate people on what to be on the look-out for. Use your voice!
We can use our voice to build people up and give encouragement to a team member, colleague, friend, or family member. A woman I work with keeps referring to herself as “just an administrative assistant.” You are never “just” anything! It is my personal goal this year to break her of that habit. (Yes, you know who you are and I have my eye on you!)
We had a great Fall Board meeting in October in Chautauqua. Thank you so much to Region 8 for hosting us and making it a wonderful time! Thank you to Claire Knowles for her workshop on “The Power of Presence, Your Presence!” and for all the fantastic discussion on communication styles and preferences. I think everyone came away with at least a nugget or two!
Information will be coming our shortly for our Spring Board meeting on March 21, in New Hartford (near Utica). We’ll have a workshop or two in the morning and then the board meeting after lunch. The night before, Region 5 will be planning a fun event for those who travel up early.
Don’t forget about the monthly Zoom calls. Connection information will be in the Communicator and on Facebook. Also please post your events on the calendar on our NYS Women, Inc. website. We like to know when your chapter is holding events so we can help promote and also attend if we can! Reach out if you need anything. Anything! The executive committee and board are here for you!
Have a great holiday season and remember . . . Membership Matters!
Best,
Robin