I always chuckle when folks ask me when our 'busy season' is here in the Florida Keys.
Because it depends, depending on what business we're in. If our work revolves around snowbirds, we're probably up in the mountains right now. If we work with kids, July might not be too busy. Me and everyone else working in tourism have our busy seasons around school vacations; fall, year-end, spring break … and now!
As BPW, we’re also gearing up for a busy and exciting season with events to meet candidates running for local office, organized by our Public Policy Committee.
We host these programs every two years, during every election cycle since the 1980s.
Whether you're new to the community or have been here your whole life -- or anything in between -- this is your chance to learn more, ask questions and make educated voting decisions based on the issues that matter to you as a working woman. (The Upper Keys BPW does not endorse or oppose any candidate or organization in connection with this or any other political campaign or election season.)
It’s a privilege for BPW to host these events again in 2022, beginning with our July 20 luncheon featuring Upper Keys League of Women Voters president Ginette Hughes. See below for Save the Date information and mark your calendars now to join us.
On a personal note, I want to acknowledge that the recent Supreme Court decision regarding reproductive rights for women stirred strong and diverse reactions among us.
During last month’s Upper Keys BPW board meeting and Coffee Chat, we took time to share our thoughts and feelings with each other.
In both discussions, there were a diversity of views about the decision. Women spoke about their own reactions and those of their daughters or other young women in their lives. We talked about our own health experiences. We wondered what this means in our community, in our state and other states.
But most importantly, we listened to each other, felt heard, and perhaps came away with a little more understanding of others.
Beyond the Keys, our state organization BPW/Florida has a Public Policy Platform to guide its work toward respect, justice, and equality for working women. Health care is among 6 items specifically targeted for policy and legislation, with special emphasis on heart disease, stroke, lung and breast cancer, as well as reproductive choice and full access to all reproductive health education and services. Click here to stay informed about state Public Policy news.
In the meantime -- no matter how busy we are --- let’s continue to connect and encourage each other to listen more, learn more (including at our upcoming election season events!) and always, always to vote!
Warm regards,
Jill
Jill Kuehnert
Upper Keys BPW President
(305) 767-3928
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