In 1967 Executive Order (E.O.) 11375 was established with the purpose of adding "sex" to the other forms of discrimination prohibited within the federal government and by federal contractors outlined in E.O. 11246. A few months after the issuance of Executive Order (E.O.) 11375, a group of federal women from all over the United States met in Washington, D.C. at the third three-day "Seminar for Executive Women" sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mention of the Federal Women's Program by the few participants who were familiar with it brought forth a suggestion that they meet at a later date to explore the possibility of organizing a group to deal with questions raised at the seminar.
Although these women believed that a significant step had been taken in the issuance of E.O. 11375, they all knew what would happen if the Civil Service Commission and the indivdual agencies did not put forth vigorous efforts during the implementation stages ofthe program. So in 1968, a group of these women met to form a private organization to make sure E.O. 11375 was given the effort it deserved. This women's organization name was chosen to be Federally Employed Women (FEW). [Website of National FEW, 2006. www.few.org]
The FEW mission and purpose statement was revised to recognize that the mission of an organization is its driving force, and its mission needed to be consistent with the needs of federal women today on into the 21st century. Federally Employed Women organization is three-tiered and consists of National, Regional, and Chapter levels. All three tiers work together to fulfill the goals of FEW's four major program areas:
- Legislative,
- Training,
- Compliance, and
- Diversity.
A newsletter, FEW's News and Views, is published electronically on a bi-monthly basis.
Federally Employed Women (FEW) is a membership organization working for the elimination of sexual harassment and the advancement of women in government. This will be accomplished by:
- Encouraging diversity and equity in the workplace
- Enhancing career opportunities for women
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with organizations to advocate the fair application of EEO and personnel laws, policies, procedures, and practices
- Improving the quality of life for women by influencing Congressional and Administration actions
- Committing to achieve and maintain a unified and diverse membership; and
- Providing opportunities for professional growth through leadership development, education, mentoring and networking.
What FEW is not
FEW Is not a labor organization, and therefore does not "represent" employees. However, FEW officers can meet with management officials to discuss matters that fall within their field of interest. Managers and EEO officials may join FEW, and hold local or national office. There is no conflict between being an employee of the FWP and joining FEW. In fact, persons officially charged with FWP responsibilities often work with FEW officers and members to develop goals and objectives for agency programs designed to meet the agency's needs and to ensure the equality of opportunity for women in the Federal workforce.
