A popular bumper sticker affixed to many cars reads "A Woman's Place is in the House … and Senate." But despite efforts to gain parity with their fellow male legislators, only 90 of the 535 members of Congress are women.

IBEW Human Services Department Director Carolyn Williams is trying to change that.

"If we have women that are like us in office — starting with a school board, city council, wherever we can run — we start getting our issues out there and building up the middle class," says Williams.

Williams will join nearly 300 of her fellow IBEW sisters August 27-30 at the Sixth IBEW International Women's Conference in Washington, D.C., where items on the agenda include how to get more women involved in the political process, combatting voter suppression and empowering women to become leaders.

Past participants say the conference offers a unique opportunity to build solidarity with fellow women in the trades.

"It is very energizing and positive to see so many woman tradespeople," says Vancouver, British Columbia, Local 258 member Michelle Laurie, who attended the conference in 2010. "I've been a journeyman since the '80s, and I've never seen so many female journeymen all together. It's just so empowering. It was also great to see so many young working women there. They are the future of the IBEW."

"This is a great opportunity to talk about what's at stake in the upcoming elections and how to get the vote out," says IBEW International Representative Juanita Luiz.

Adds Williams, "The conference agenda is designed to benefit all who attend, regardless of branch or job classification."

Local unions may register delegates for the conference online through "Local Connections" at http://secure.ibew.org. Conference registration is $75. For questions or additional information, call the Human Services Departments at (202) 728-6204 or HumanServices@ibew.org.

You work hard to keep this country running. You're passionate about the outdoors and passing on our hunting and fishing heritage to the next generation. That's why the producers of Brotherhood Outdoors, a union-dedicated TV series of the Union Sportsmen's Alliance, want you.

We're not looking for expert hunters and anglers; we're seeking everyday workers for extraordinary hunting and fishing adventures across North America. Upcoming trips include Colorado elk, Illinois Asian Carp (bowfishing), California hog, Michigan salmon, Texas exotics/whitetail, and Vancouver Island black bear.

To apply, download an application from www.brotherhoodoutdoors.tv or e-mail katec@unionsportsmen.org with your name/phone/email/ union/local and explain why one of the trips listed above would be the fulfillment of a dream or describe your own hunting/fishing dream trip.