‘We Are Branches’

By Luanna K. Leisure, National Membership Development Chair

Have you ever wondered why NLAPW has branches instead of clubs? I have, and I have not found any documentation as to why. I’m sure this was decided long ago, and I can understand the reason.

A healthy tree will have deep roots and a sturdy trunk with strong limbs and branches. Each branch is unique and different. Depending on the variety of the tree, the branches will yield a diversity of beautiful flowers, fruits, and foliage.

This is how we are in the NLAPW. Each NLAPW branch is unique and has unique members. Our flowers, fruit, and foliage are our talented and gifted ladies in letters, music, and art.

Think of the roots and trunk of a tree as our charter members who dug in deep with their heels, refusing to give up, determined to grow and endure the struggles they faced for equal rights. Because of their tenacity, we can enjoy being the branches of their tree.

We need to remember how Pen Women came to be. We are the strong limbs with beautiful fruit, flowers, and foliage. Let’s keep growing