Brookhaven Federally Employed Women

BRIEF HISTORY OF FEW:

In 1967, Executive Order (E.O.) 11375 was established with the purpose of adding "sex" to the other forms of discrimination prohibited within the federal government and by federal contractors outlined in E.O. 11246. A few months after the issuance of E.O. 11375, a group of federal women from all over the U.S. met in Washington, DC, at the third three-day Seminar for Executive Women sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Participants in this seminar suggested they meet at a later date to explore the possibility of organizing a group to deal with questions raised at the seminar.  Although these women believed that a significant step had been taken in the issuance of E.O. 11375, they recognized  what would happen if the Civil Service Commission and the individual agencies did not put forth vigorous  efforts during the implementation stages of the program. So in 1968, a group of these women met to form

a private organization to ensure E.O. 11375 was given the effort it deserved. The organization's name was chosen  to be Federally Employed Women (FEW).

Through the years, FEW has undergone many changes including the establishment of 11 regions with chapters throughout the United States and overseas (currently 100 chapters). The first chapter was established in Cincinnati, OH, and the first National Training Program (NTP) was held in 1970. Since that time, National Training Programs have been held every year in cities throughout the country. FEW has supported efforts to help women including the ERA, parental leave, passage of the Pay Equity Act, and just testified before the U.S. House Sub-Committee on Social Security in support of the repeal of the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision. FEW has led voter registration drives across the United States, participated in numerous special observances and events, formed coalitions with organizations sharing its goals, worked with industry partners, and held its first Chapter President Leadership Forum in 2004, with plans well underway to hold the second Leadership Forum in early 2007. FEW members and leaders continue to devote their time, energy, and expertise to further the goals of the organization.

WHAT FEW IS

FEW is a private, non-partisan, not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1968 shortly after government issued Executive Order 11375, which added sex-discrimination to the list of prohibited discrimination within the Federal Government. The Federal Women's Program (FWP) was established, and the early organizers of FEW realized that the government could dismantle the FWP. They wanted to ensure that there would always be an organization dedicated to promoting equality for women and addressing concerns of women in the Federal workforce. Additionally, because the FWP is a government function, it is limited in its political scope, and cannot lobby Congress. As a private organization, FEW is not restricted in this area as long as Federal employees are in compliance with the Hatch Act.

FEW works as an advocacy organization to improve the status of women employed by the Federal government. This includes contact with Congress to encourage progressive legislation, contact with management officials at all levels of Federal agencies to demonstrate support of the FWP, to determine the status of women in their respective agencies, and to encourage officials to support FEW’s training programs.

WHAT FEW IS NOT

FEW is not a labor organization, and therefore does not represent employees. However, FEW officers can meet with management officials to discuss matters that fall within their field of interest. Managers and EEO officials may join FEW and hold local or national office. There is no conflict between being an employee of the federal government and FWP Manager and joining FEW. In fact, persons officially charged with FWP responsibilities often work with FEW officers and members to develop goals and objectives for agency programs designed to meet the agency's needs and to ensure the equality of opportunity for women in the Federal workforce. Many find membership in professional organizations like FEW to be a career-enhancing affiliation.