The Status of Women Council membership is comprised of representatives from women’s organizations throughout the Southern Tier and surrounding counties area. It is a non-competitive group who came together in 1973 to provide a network of “women helping women”. One basic common goal of the council and its organizations, by its strength in numbers and dignity in its policy, is to create a positive influence in promoting responsible people in policy making and advisory capacities in the community. “The fact that these people happen to be women would be the ultimate step in “promoting the status of women in Broome County to its highest possible level of achievement,” as quoted from the Council’s mission statement. The council provides a network system to facilitate ideas for women, by women, and about women, not on an individual basis; but in the sense that the Status is moving information from one organization to another. Currently, the organization is made up of some 14 women’s clubs, we help create the information necessary for the groups to then act on an individual’s behalf if necessary. Women’s organizations may become a member for a fee of only $25 a year; and individual women may join for a fee of $10 a year. Everyone benefits from the activities of the Status of Women Council, not just women. It is important for the general public to know that the Council works for the betterment of the community, not just women. Each year, the Status of Women Council holds an annual Women of Achievement luncheon, to honor women who have made some significant contribution to the community. This luncheon is held in the month of March, which has been celebrated in recent years, as Women’s History Month. March 1st of each year, the Status of Women Council also holds an annual Women's History Month flag raising, downtown Binghamton, NY in front of the Mayor's office. The flag will wave throughout the whole month of March in recognition of Women's History Month and also to reflect on women's contributions throughout history. In September, we hold our annual President’s Tea where representatives and members of our member groups meet and each group gives a short summary of their recent and future activities. At the onset of the Luncheon program, it was decided that the Status would honor three women from the community and one from each member organization. Realizing there is great potential for young women in this community, for the last few years, the Status has been awarding a scholarship to a “Young Woman of Achievement” who shows the enthusiasm for the future. This luncheon is the most visible part of the Status of Women Council to getting the word out pertaining to these women who have done so much for their community in their contributions. We also give an award to a deserving GED graduate.
