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SOME OF THE MOST ACCOMPLISHED BLACK WOMEN IN THE WORLD
Today, there are BPW Clubs in the 50 states, Washington, D. C. and Bermuda. Honorary clubs are in Africa, France, England and the Virgin islands. BPW women are busy, working women who recognize the importance of sharing their accomplishments, abilities and talents with others. They believe in doing more for the community than the community does for them. BPW members recognize that the very same strengths that have brought them personal achievement can also be powerful forces for change and process of society.

BPW...CHANGING, GROWING AS THE TIMES DEMAND

In 1975, under the OMBUDSWOMEN theme, the BPW determined to use its collective influence to act as "middlewomen" in black communities across the country. BPW members are speaking out for those who cannot speak for themselves: the deprived, uneducated, oppressed, uninformed and the handicapped. They are alert to community problems and acting as mediators, watchdogs, trouble shooters, interpreters, listeners and communicators. BPW members have the power to help make the needed changes in America's black communities. Just as the founders knew, today's BPW knows that theirs is a power too good to waste!

BPW WOMEN ARE MAKING A DIFFERENT

Everywhere, women are on the move; challenging traditional roles of women; opening corporate doors; accepting and fulfilling responsibilities. Yet, the problem of black women are far from over. BPW is committed to change for all women, but realizes that the answers for black women must be different. National President, Robin B. Owens explains, "We are not at all convined that the current women's movement truly represents the plight of black women. We are, after all, not the bored suburban housewife, looking for some form of escapism. We are the working mothers; we are the single parent families who are heads of households. We are still at the bottom of the earning ladder. Our agenda, therefore, is somewhat different. We are specifically concerned with the desire of black women to better their lives at every level."

BPW AGENDA FOR CHANGE

Women's Commissions
Revenue Sharing and the Special needs of Low Income Women
Volunteerism
Credit Problems and Solutions
Discrimination in Education
The Older Woman
Sex Role Stereotyping in Textbooks
Day Care: Who's Minding our Children
Identifying Myths about us
Women in Government
Divorce and Child Custody
Employment for Women
Sex Discrimination in Athletics
Health Priorities
Media
Women in the Arts
How to file Sex Discrimination Suits: Affirmative Action

These are just a few of the workshops, programs and activities BPW is doing something about. In practice, each BPW Club identities those services needed in their communities, while maintaining liaison with National and participating in nationwide actions for change.

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