From the President
Wednesday, March 09 2011 08:04 | 
Written by Kelly Sowers | 
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This past year our goals were to:
- increase website traffic,
- revise the by-laws,
- enter the Anna Howard Shaw Award contest,
- and award a scholarship.
These goals were accomplished and more! The group also:
- reached out to previous members in a letter campaign,
- created a finance budget,
- and submitted to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame to induct Harriet A. Myer
It was my honor to serve the group in this capacity. My most favorite part was updating this website every month. It forced me to find material for the "From The President" section which in turn caused me to search and think. Hmm. Not a bad concept. Thanks to anyone who read these letters and endured the content.
I look forward to serving at the pleasure of our next President Melissa Woodhurst.
New Officer Installation May 24 Steve's RanchThursday, May 03 2012 19:17 | Written by Kelly Sowers | | |
Keynote Speaker Phil Myer, nephew of our name sake Harriet A Myer Who was Harriet A Myer and what did she do that was so memorable and important to name our group after her? Why induct her into the MI Women's Hall of Fame? Phil will share his recollection of the life and times of Aunt Harriet. She was a remarkable women who made a mark in our community that endures to this day. Also, come to bear witness to the Installation Ceremony for new officers. The event is more special than a business meeting and you will be glad you attended. New Officers are:
Outgoing officers are thanked for their stellar work and enthusiasm in which they did so. They are:
April 2012 From the PresidentThursday, May 03 2012 07:19 | Written by Kelly Sowers | | |
Unintended Pregnancies and the Economy you recall, Dr. Overton-Adkins explained the significance of women in today's economy. Unintended pregnancies were my first thoughts of how women affect our economy (although clearly men are involved too). This is especially important when Presidential candidates pledge to “get rid” of Planned Parenthood funding in order to reduce the federal deficit. Is this expense a luxury that should be cut, has this funding been effective? In 2006, publicly funded family planning services (Medicaid, Title X, and state funds) helped women avoid 1.94 million unintended pregnancies. The (birth control not abortion) services provided at publicly funded clinics the federal and state governments an estimated $5.1 billion in 2008 in short term medical costs. Nationally, every $1.00 invested in helping women avoid unintended pregnancy saved $3.74 in Medicaid expenditures that otherwise would have been needed. We also know that women facing unintended pregnancies risk not completing high school and/or forgoing higher education. As a result, they have fewer employment opportunities and are more susceptible to perpetuating cycles of poverty where they find themselves dependent on taxpayer-funded welfare programs. This seems like good economical and social policy, so why are candidates espousing to ‘get rid’ of Planned Parenthood expenses as a way to reduce the deficit?
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Group Learns Parli ProThursday, May 03 2012 08:14 | Written by Kelly Sowers | | |
Harriet A Myer members attending the April 2012 meeting learned Parliamentary Procedures from a professional. We became aware of how meetings can run more smoothly and to gain more satisfaction. Shirley Zeller, Michigan BPW Parliamentarian and long time member of the Jackson BPW, made a few points of order during her presentation. She reminded us of some key words and phrases to use to succinctly operate meetings including a rule that we often forget. The chair should recognize members wishing to speak during a discussion rather than a free for all. Oops. Maybe Melissa can do this better next year! Welcome New Member Ula RutanSaturday, March 24 2012 07:52 | Written by Kelly Sowers | | |
Welcome Ula! |
Invited by Melissa Woodhurst, Ula Rutan became our newest Harriet A. Myer Business and Professional Women's group member. She was inducted into membership by President Kelly Sowers at the March 22, 2012 meeting. We are looking forward to her input and point of view at monthly meetings and also her time and talents with our activities.