by Marion Gold, IWPA President
From the President's Desk: So We Can All Be Heard
by Marion Gold, IWPA President
“So We Can All Be Heard” is the title of the history of the Illinois Woman’s Press Association written in 1987 by Donna Duesel De La Torriente. IWPA has represented women journalists and other women in communications since May 1885. In documenting our history, Donna wrote: “Noting the accomplishments, virtues and heart which comprise the ‘being’ of IWPA since 1885, makes one feel fortunate to be a part of its organization.”
That’s how I feel today as I write my first column as President of this fine organization. Just imagine -- When newspaper writer Francis A. Conant founded IWPA, it was two years before Hollywood, California, was established as a city. The Southwest (where I first joined NFPW and Arizona Presswomen in 1995) was still the domain of the proud warrior and Native American leader Geronimo.
Our founders also were warriors and leaders. Donna wrote, “Almost without exception, all of the founding members were active in suffrage and temperance work.”
In their wisdom, the founders designed IWPA for writers in all fields, as well as illustrators, musical composers, authors and even those who wrote ‘only on occasion.’ “ Although active membership in 1885 was restricted to women who received monetary compensation for their literary efforts -- a special membership class was created for “those writing to gratify their taste, or to promote a cause, or those who donated their work.”
As IWPA grew, our membership expanded to include all women in all aspects of communications as equal members. We changed with the times (and the law) welcoming men to join our organization. We changed with technology, watching our ranks grow with the vast opportunities to women in the fields of telecommunications and the electronic media.
Not all things have changed, however, signaling that we have many challenges
ahead. Just one is that Microsoft Word’s spellcheck still wants to change “Presswomen”
to “Pressmen.”
We can meet these challenges, and more, through the strengths shared by IWPA
members:
Please join me in continuing the journey that began in 1885- and help us to grow and to prosper.
Marion’s articles on marketing, diversity, and women in the workforce appear in marketing trade journals, and national newspapers and magazines. She is author of two books: the award-winning Personal Publicity Planner: A Guide to Marketing YOU and the nationally acclaimed TOP COPS: Profiles of Women in Command. E-mail Marion at gold@speedsite.com.