The year has certainly gone fast. Everyone keeps telling me we have accomplished so much yet I feel like I was just getting started. Never enough time to accomplish what you really wanted. I have learned so much this year. I have spent time learning what each chapter does and realize you all do so much for each other and the community. Now is the time we are changing from the best kept secret to the best known organization. We will be working to let the entire state know we are out here and what each chapter is doing.

I’m looking forward to shouting across the state what you are accomplishing as we start to implement our marketing plan.

I also really want to encourage everyone to take on a leadership role. Its an invaluable experience. I want to encourage all our “seasoned” members to take on a mentor/teacher role as so many of our past BPW/NYSW members did for you. Even if you take just one new member and mentor them, guide them, and encourage them to become a member of a committee and take on a leadership role. When I first joined this organization I never thought of anything other than being a member. With the encouragement and guidance of the BNC members I slowly got more involved. They were always there to encourage me to do more and answer questions I had. For example Sue F is always there whispering “you need a motion” or letting me know when Im not following Roberts rules. This is the type of mentorship you all can provide to the new members. They are the future of the organization.

As a thank you there is a green or blue bad at everyone's seat. Each item in the bags on the table has a meaning. The payday candy bar represents equal pay that we are working hard to obtain but are not there yet. The crayons are a reminder of the carefree days of our youth. Where nothing mattered but having fun. The coloring sheets are to use during those stressful days. They are a great stress relief. Makes you refocus on just staying in the lines and the rest of the world problems are gone. Each sheet has a great saying on it. Most of you have Blue/Green notebooks to represent the NYSW colors. Unfortunately I bought the store out so there are a few red/organize ones. These symbolize learning. Take good notes and learn from other members and chapters. Every day you should be learning something. Life is continuous educational journey. You are never too old to learn something. Wear the pins proudly at events. Let people ask you what is NYSW. Then proudly talk about why you are part of the organization.

Each member was asked to color a flower and put what NYSW means to them.