Most of us want to make a difference – to believe that the world, the universe and the galaxy will be better places because we lived.  I know that is a core value for me.  The overall theme for our NAWBO Chapter is: “NAWBO Creates Connections …” and my theme for this year is “Create Connections to Make a Difference.”
 
It’s easy to see how we make a difference when we volunteer for a women’s shelter or a childcare center, but it's often not as easy to see how participating in NAWBO makes a difference.  This year, I’m going to focus my attention on how participation in NAWBO makes a difference, and I invite you to do the same.
 
Here are some of the ways in which I believe that NAWBO and its members “Create Connections to Make a Difference”:
 
·          We are role models for girls who don’t yet believe they can own and operate their own companies.
·          We help to eliminate poverty and raise standards of living by growing our companies and creating jobs.
·          We provide capital, through our Micro Lending Program, to help our members’ companies grow.
·          We contribute to the growth of the world economy by
                 - Connecting with corporations that want to buy from and sell to us, through our Corporate Partner      
                    Program, and 
                 - Lobbying for legislation that benefits small and women-owned businesses, through our Public Policy   
                    Program.
·          We help to create wealth, which makes it possible for our members and their companies to make monetary
           contributions to their favorite charities - to help make the world a better place.
·          We mentor other women to help them grow their companies.
·          Our chapter committees are an excellent training ground for developing leadership skills that we can use in
           our businesses and communities.
·          Our education programs help our members’ companies survive and thrive.
·          We build feelings of self-worth when we recognize and give awards to our members.
·          We network with each other to provide support and advice.  (It can be lonely at the top.)
·          We are a “good old girls” network -- we buy from each other and refer prospective clients to each other to 
           help our businesses grow.
 
So, however you want to make a difference - to make the world a better place because you were here - you can find a way to do it through NAWBO.  All you need to do is join, sign up for a committee and get involved.  Help NAWBO “Create Connections to Make a Difference.”