If you've never been to an NTP, read Marsha Strackney's article to learn more about one member's experience.

To learn about another member's experience and the benefits of attending the NTP, read Dawn Nester's article.

And, to read more about another member's experience at the Chicago NTP, read Mary Wilson's article.

If it's been a while since you attended your last NTP, check out the training topics for the 2004 NTP in the Training Prospectus. If you are planning to submit a proposal to present training remember the deadline to submit proposals is September 1, 2003. If you know any trainers or speakers who might be interested in conducting a workshop at the 2004 NTP, please share this prospectus with them.

One new feature of the 2003 NTP was FEW FRIDAY, a day devoted to honoring and educating our members. This inaugural event exceeded all of our initial estimates. Over 500 members registered to participate in the morning Member's Brunch. What excitement seeing more than 500 of FEW's shining stars all in one room. Members, Regional and Chapter officers and National Board of Directors rededicated themselves to the organization as they learned about current events and enjoyed each other's company.

The 2003 Member's Brunch featured

• A Welcome by National President Patricia Wolfe
• Marion Stevens, VP for Membership and Chapter Organization on "Getting the Most from Your FEW Membership"
• Arlena Fitch-Gordon, VP for Diversity on "Diversity Challenges for the Future"
• Keynote speaker Ilona Nickels, on "The Way Congress Really Works"
• Ann Bley, VP for Congressional & Governmental Relations and Janet Kopenhaver, Eye on Washington on "FEW's Legislative Agenda"
• Presentation of National Chapter and Regional Awards, emceed by National Awards Chair Iris Seals
• Recognition of FEW NTP Scholarship winners, Jeanette Hite, National Scholarship Chair

Over 100 attended the Member's Forum which featured a sharing of FEW's Strategic Planning Initiative facilitated by Sally Sparhawk and Sue Webster, National Vice President for Policy and Planning, and reports from the Strategic Planning Team. The team is comprised of members of the National Executive Committee, Regional Managers/Representatives, Chapter Presidents, members, as well as a non-member. Several Strategic Objectives for the organization have been identified. A subcommittee was identified for each Strategic Objective. The objectives include:

• Membership
• Membership Services
• Legislation & Compliance
• Training, Mentoring, NTP
• Marketing & Visibility
• Best Practices & Other Revenue Sources

The forum offered training, idea sharing, networking opportunities and a forum for discussing issues of importance to the respective groups. The 2003 Member's Forum was a first for FEW and afforded members the opportunity to learn about the plan, provide feedback in an effort to create winning solutions.

To read more about FEW Friday, click A Special Day for Members.

If you are not yet a member, click here for information on becoming one today!

• Schedule of Events -A matrix table showing the NTP dates and events. (updated Feb 12, 2003)
• Event Descriptions - A narrative explanation of all of the NTP events. (posted 10/1/02)