An organizational meeting of the West Virginia Federation of Business and Professional Women was held on May 28 and 29, 1921, in Charleston. The Federation was first organized under the leadership of Lena Madesin Phillips after extensive correspondence between members of the Bluefield, Charleston, Fairmont, Huntington, Parkersburgh, and Wheeling clubs. Other first year clubs were Beckley, Clarksburg and Morgantown; however, the Beckley and Charleston clubs soon disbanded. Virginia Foulk of Huntington served as the Federation's first president from 1921-1923. At the end of its second year, the organization had 863 members. New clubs were organized throughout the State in the late 1930s and 1940s. Seven districts were formed and adopted at an Interim Board Meeting held in 1944 in Clarksburg. The Federation was later reorganized in 1989, again in Clarksburg, and the number of districts were reduced to five. Membership goals have been of utmost importance to the West Virginia Federation. During the last several decades, the Federation has undergone many changes. Although several clubs have disbanded, new growth was on the rise in the latter half of the 1970s and several clubs were chartered. A new Charleston Area club was chartered on June 30, 1986. The late 1980s and early 1990s again saw many changes. Several clubs disbanded, and a new club was chartered in Chester but later disbanded. The West Virginia Federation equalized in 1993, which promised new growth. Throughout its history, BPW/WV has stressed the importance of programs endorsed by the National Federation. During the early years, the clubs had several projects and participated with other organizations in community events. During the last 1940s and 1950s, various attempts were made by several women's organizations, to no avail, to allow women to be eligible for jury service in West Virginia. However, through the combined efforts of the AAUW, Farm Women's Club and BPW/WV, a bill allowing women to serve as jurors was presented and passed in 1955. It became law in 1957. In the early 1960s, the Federation was instrumental in getting West Virginia legislation passed requiring equal pay for equal work. This later resulted in the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in West Virginia. State Federation projects have been long-range programs, including the Governor's Highway Safety Program, Mother's Day Shrine, West Virginia Independence Hall Restoration, West Virginia Women's Commission, and "Choices: Women Helping Girls with Choices," a nationwide mentoring project in conjunction with the Girls Clubs of America. In 1988, West Virginia was selected as one of only ten pilot states in the nation to participate in a "Choices" national demonstration project. Debbie Davis served as State Chairman. Clubs signing contracts to participate in the project were Ansted, Clarksburg, Grafton, Morgantown, Moundsville, Oak Hill, Parkersburgh, Petersburg, and Weirton. In November 1978 the first Mid-Winter Board meeting was held in Grafton. A bylaw establishing it as an official annual meeting was adopted at the 1988 state convention. It is now known as the Mid-Winter Seminar. A State Scholarship Committee was established in 1985-86. The first $500 scholarship was presented in 1988, and a second one was awarded at the 1989 state convention. However, this committee was later disbanded in 1989, and remaining monies were equally distributed among the five districts for scholarships. Members make club and individual contributions to the National Foundation, as well as the state project each year. Well over $20,000 was raised by the state federation through March 1991 toward the restoration of the National Headquarters at 2012 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. In 1988-1989, the West Virginia Federation purchased a $1,000 window at National Headquarters to benefit the restoration. The window was presented in the name of the Federations first president, Virginia Foulk. A Diamond brick was purchased in honor of 1988-89 State President, Carla Uphold, and a gold brick was purchased in honor of 1991-92 State President, Elizabeth Cottilli. At the 1982 Interim Board meeting, it was decided to begin storing the Federation history at West Virginia University Library. A committee was selected to determine what material should be given for the Federation Archives. The State Federation items are housed in Colson Hall, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV. BPW/WV strived to support the national project titled Project 2012, the effort to restore the national headquarters in Washington D.C. and the effort to burn the mortgage on the building by 1994. By 1989/90 the West Virginia Federation had contributed $20, 492.71 to the project The Lewisburg Local contributed $75 per member based on its 1988 membership of 57 for a total contribution of $4,275. During the 1990s the Federation has focused efforts to concentrate on the issues that affect working women by planning programs, projects, and activities on Lifetime Economic Security, Pay Equity, Reproductive Rights, and Workforce 2000. The recession and loss of jobs for young people in some areas of the state made it impossible for some clubs to survive, however a new local was organized in 1991/92. BPW/WV made strides in the area of Women's Health Issues and emphasized the blood analysis program and the importance of mammograms. Membership retention and expansion became a theme for the 1990s. The Federation strived to spark new interest in the Individual Development Program (IDP) and the Choices Program. The Federation continues to support the West Virginia Women's Commission with donations. Also, during the 1990s, the BPW/WV has emphasized support of legislative issues focused on women's issues. BPW/WV has strived to enlighten the membership on issues that affect them, and has done so successfully. BPW/WV is looking to the 21st Century with enthusiasm. The challenge to increase membership is still before the Federation and it is certain that a strong focus will be made in this area. Many of the locals are continuing to support the Young Careerist and Choices programs. BPW/USA was the first national organization in the world created by and for business and professional women. It has always been the largest national organization in its field. BPW/USA was established on July 16, 1919 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and nonsectarian association in St. Louis. Gail Laughlin, a California attorney, was elected the first national president, the organization name chosen was The National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, and a constitution was adopted. The Federation's first office was opened in two rooms of the Flatiron Building in New York City with a staff of three. During the first year, 25 state federations were established plus a New England federation which included several states. By the time of the second national convention which was held in St. Paul in 1920, great progress was reported. The 372 delegates there adopted the Collect. The convention program emphasized better training and education for women and resulted in a plan for close cooperation with business schools of all types. BPW/USA was incorporated in the state of New York on July 18, 1921. Also In 1921, the Emblem was selected consisting of Nike, Torch, Wand, Ship of Commerce, and Scroll symbols within a Golden Circle. National Business Women's Week was first celebrated in 1928 during the third week of October to dramatize the contribution of women to the business and professional life of the country. By the 1950s BPW/USA was increasingly active in legislative affairs, and it became necessary to open a branch office in Washington, D.C. It was decided to move the National Executive Offices to Washington in 1956. BPW/USA was incorporated in the District of Columbia on September 29, 1960, and in 1961 the New York corporation was dissolved. In 1963 the Young Career Woman Program was established to honor successful young career women while introducing them to the ideals and standards of BPW/USA. Career Advancement Scholarships were established by the BPW Foundation in 1969 to provide educational assistance for mature working women who needed further training for a promotion, entry into a more promising career field, or re-entry into the job market. By Changing the word "women" to "individuals," the 1980 National Convention body in Omaha revised the National Bylaws to permit men in its membership. In 1989 a program called Choices was begun with the objective of mentoring young girls. BPW/USA continues to be active in the legislative arena today. Individuals who actively participate in BPW activities have opportunities for leadership experience, career development, constructive activity, legislative involvement, community consciousness, and countless other interests.
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