|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
FEW
is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1968 to support
the full implementation of the Federal Women’s Program (FWP),
a government program to enhance the employment opportunities and
advancement of women. FEW is the only national organization concerned
both with furthering the potential of all women in the government
and eliminating sex discrimination in the Federal service. It is
an organization dedicated to promoting equality for women and addressing
concerns of women in the Federal workforce. As a private organization,
FEW works as a constructive pressure group to improve the status
of women employed by the Federal government. This includes contact
with Congress to encourage progressive legislation. FEW is active
in lobbying the Government on such issues as Merit Pay Reform, Pay
Equity and Federal Employee Benefits. FEW national officers meet
with management officials at all levels of agencies to demonstrate
support of the FWP, encourage officials to support the program and
to obtain insight on the effectiveness of the FWP at agency and
local levels. Most of FEW’s membership is made up of people employed by or retired from the Federal government. Federal government contractors, active or retired, or anyone who subscribes to the purposes of the organization is also eligible to become a member of FEW. As a grassroots organization, FEW’s vitality and effectiveness are directly linked to membership. FEW has a specifically-defined membership. Members must join and pay dues. It has a National governing board and local chapters around the world. Participation in FEW is not limited to women. Anyone who is concerned about discrimination based on sex and employment opportunities for women in the Federal government is welcome to attend FEW meetings. National Training Program Each year, FEW conducts a National Training Program (NTP). This year’s program, Sounds of Success, will be held July 19-23, 2004 in Nashville. Based on our commitment to improving opportunities for women in Federal employment, the training offered is targeted to provide participants with the tools required to establish and build a successful career and to deliver quality public service. The NTP attracts people from throughout the United States and the world who are striving to enhance their skills through outstanding training and networking opportunities. These people are from every sector of our society — Government, private industry, labor, non-profit organizations and other entities. Many are decision and policymakers with commitments to improving equal opportunity, career development, education and leadership. The National Training Program is designed for all public, private, and Federal employees, including military personnel in a myriad of positions and at all managerial and supervisory levels and is consistent with the U. S. Office of Personnel Management training. A variety of training formats will be utilized to deliver the optimum educational experience. Sessions will range in length from a one-half day overview session to a two-day comprehensive workshop. Training Philosophy The Federal employment environment is changing as it responds to
advances in technology, increased emphasis on results and rising
expectations of service. The Federal employee is also metamorphosing
to meet the demands of the changing environment. Federal employees
are looking for more opportunities for professional development,
becoming more diverse, and expecting more flexibility and support
in the work-place. Discussions throughout the Federal agencies indicate
an awareness of the supreme value of human capital and the challenges
associated with competency building and the need to develop the
capacity and expertise of the current workforce. As human resource management is reshaped, government agencies will
move forward to recruit, manage, and retain the best people to meet
mission critical needs. To this end, it becomes increasingly important
to ensure that their employees have the skills necessary to meet
these challenges. A refocusing of the training curriculum of the
National Training Program (NTP) allows us to provide a unique opportunity
for government employees to meet the challenges of the evolving
workplace. Training tracks will provide a new tool for participants
to develop the characteristics and competencies essential to the
new leadership culture in the Federal Government. In 2004, the NTP will offer training in areas such as Federal Human
Capital Initiatives, Human Resources Flexibility and Federal Appointing
Authorities, Mentoring and Career Development, Procurement and Contracting
Issues, Leadership Effectiveness Inventory, and Developing Leaders
for the 21st Century. Participants will have an opportunity to expand
their knowledge on the basic core competencies of effective leadership.
The curriculum will include human relations, managing and valuing
diversity to improve mission accomplishment, communicating successfully
with employees, basic team development and leadership, interpersonal
skills, effective follower and leadership dynamics and creative
problem solving. All workshops chosen for presentation at the 2004 NTP will be clearly aligned with the Leadership Competencies as defined by the Office of Personnel Management There will be offerings for participants at the novice, skilled and expert levels of development. All training will be focused on providing participants with clearly defined skills and abilities. Read our wonderful newsletter: The
NTPreview, July 2003
|