Summer Updates from Berks VP, Traci Parker

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well and that you’re having a relaxing and revitalizing summer, even amid what we know are challenging times for many in our profession and beyond. I’m writing to share a brief update and express my sincere appreciation for the vibrant and diverse community that sustains this organization.

Since our Little Berks meeting in Evanston, IL, this past May, we have seen a groundswell of energy and commitment from members working diligently to strengthen the Berkshire Conference of Women Historians and to ensure it remains responsive to the evolving needs of our field and the broader historical profession. Several committees have been actively meeting to shape the organization’s future. These working groups are focused on key initiatives: revising our Mission and Vision Statements to better reflect our current commitments and aspirations; drafting a Code of Ethics and Conduct that outlines guiding principles to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone; updating our By-Laws to reflect both the volunteer nature of officer roles and the changing realities of academic institutions and their faculties, while aligning with best practices in nonprofit governance; creating a Policy and Operations Handbook to serve as a clear, centralized guide for officers and members, outlining the Berks’ policies, procedures, and leadership responsibilities; developing a Social Media Policy to guide our public engagement with care and consistency; and launching a Capital Campaign to improve the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Berks’ internal infrastructure, promote equity, accountability, and transparency, and support the ongoing vitality and relevance of our community. As part of this renewal, we’re also updating the Berks website—so please stay tuned this fall for a new look and enhanced functionality that reflects the energy and vision of this moment.

Thank you for being part of the Berks. Your scholarship, teaching, activism, and mentorship continue to shape the future of our field—and the organization is stronger because of it.

In solidarity,

Dr. Traci Parker