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MAY 2023 NEWSLETTER
edited by Dottie Burk, Jeanne Lese, Cherie Sorokin and
Leslie Zimring
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AAUW Advances Equity for Women and Girls! | |
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Expand Your History and Diversity Horizons with AAUW Webinars
AAUW regularly offers great webinars, usually hosted by our CEO Gloria Blackwell, pictured above, that highlight the work of women scholars, activists and leaders and offer great insights into history as well as current events. If you haven't yet discovered these webinars, check out the AAUW.org website for the complete list. The latest one was on the amazing courage and strength of women who took a chance at escaping slavery. Very little has ever been written about this part of our national history. Karen Cook Bell, an AAUW American Fellowships alumna has remedied this with her book Running from Bondage: Enslaved Women and Their Remarkable Fight for Freedom in Revolutionary America.
Oral History Project
You may have already received a small yellow postcard from AAUW's Katrina Breese (of the sort you might easily discard without taking time to read) and/or an email asking you to call a number to update your contact info and share stories of your participation in AAUW. Hope you will take the time to respond. The purpose of the project, in addition to updating contact information, is to collect stories from AAUW members about their participation in AAUW and their perceptions on how the organization has evolved over the years. Publication will be in 2024, but information gathering will be ongoing for a number of months in 2023. Participation is purely voluntary.
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AAUW Marin Spring 2023 AAUW
Greatest
Needs Campaign
Please join us in supporting AAUW’s efforts to ensure that everyone gets the same opportunity to “learn, earn and lead”.
The Greatest Needs Fund allows AAUW to respond to the most critical and emerging issues affecting women. As a leader in advancing equity for girls and women, AAUW’s CEO is one of a group of leaders who meets with White House staff weekly on women’s issues. Your donation will be doubled by your AAUW Marin board of directors and Marin branch angels until our $4,500 Marin Matching Challenge is fulfilled. Don’t miss this opportunity to double your impact. To donate: Go to AAUW National Website or BY MAIL – Mail your check made to “AAUW Fund” to Lisa Allanson Campaign Chair, 23 La Crescenta Way, San Rafael, CA. 94901.
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AAUW California News
Vote for the New PPP!
What is the PPP, you ask? PPP is short for AAUW California's Public Policy Priorities. After receiving input from members last Fall, the Public Policy Committee has released an updated PPP for 2023 - 2025. These policy directives inform our legislative priorities, serve our mission, and are consistent with our values. AAUW California advocates for policies that promote, enhance and ensure: economic security for all women, equal access to quality public education for all students, social and racial justice for all members of society, and increased representation of women in leadership roles. Read the full list HERE.
To vote to approve the PPP and to elect new members of the AAUW-CA board of directors, look for an email dated 4/22 from siteadmin@aauw-ca.org. Subject: 2023 AAUW California Election Ballot. Voting ends on May 13.
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Lights, Camera, Action!
AAUW California rolled out the red carpet for its blockbuster Annual Event on April 22nd. The virtual Academy AAUWards featured red carpet interviews with the directors of AAUW California, impressive speakers, and the suspenseful opening of secret envelopes to reveal the winner(s) of the Equity Champion award, the State Named Gift Honoree, and the Branch Activity of the Year awards. Videos of the interviews, screenings of the Speech Trek finalists, the winning Gov Trek campaign simulation, trailers for the Tech Trek program, and more can be seen HERE.
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President's Message
Have you ever mentioned AAUW in conversation and have someone say, “Oh, my mother used to belong” or “I have a neighbor who is a member”. Or, when you say AAUW you receive a blank stare and a “What’s that”?
The Board realizes that there are many people who aren’t familiar with AAUW and/or don’t know what it is we do. In order to change that, we are looking for ways to reach out and make us more visible to the community at large. One way would be to connect with our local elected officials. This could be with them either personally or with their assistant. After this connection is made we would keep them apprised of programs, both locally and nationally. They are always welcome to join our events.
So, if you already have a connection with an official in Marin, be it county or town, please let us know so we can compile a list of contacts. Dianne Sheridan
Dianne
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Spring has Sprung and It's Time for Brunch! | |
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Saturday, May 20 from 10 - noon at The Club at McInnis Park
This is our annual Spring brunch and our branch's annual meeting at which we thank our outgoing officers and elect our new board. Nominated candidates for the elected board positions to be filled at this meeting are:
Leslie Zimring, President
Sue Torres, Treasurer
Sarah Pruden, Secretary
Lisa Allanson, AAUW Fund Chair
Carol Lorenz, Interest Group Chair
Chris O'Neill, Membership Chair
Cherie Sorokin, Program Chair
Laura O'Malley, Scholarship Chair
Nancy Lubamersky, AAUW Scholarship Fund President
(ex-officio member)
Appointed officers for next year will be announced later. We look forward to many volunteers who will support our Marin AAUW efforts to meet our mission.
As noted in the email invitation which you should have received last Friday, in addition to taking care of business, we'll be looking back over the last 12 months of activities, and hearing from the dynamic duo of Lisa Allanson, our AAUW Fund Chair, and Cherie Sorokin, our Program Chair and a member of the national board, on AAUW's continuing efforts in support of women and girls in these crazy times! And, who knows. perhaps some surprises too!
Cost for the brunch is $30 by check or $32 if paying via PayPal. The PayPal link is HERE and was also in the invitation that was sent on Friday.
If paying by check, please make it payable to AAUW Marin and mail to Sue Torres, 256 Marinda Dr., Fairfax, 94930.
Check writers, please also RSVP to the email invitation. For those paying via PayPal, your online payment is your RSVP. In any event, please RSVP no later than May 15 so we can give McInnis an accurate count.
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SAVE THE DATE FOR A SPECIAL JUNE ZOOM PROGRAM
We don't usually meet in June, but this year we will have a bonus presentation Wednesday evening June 14, 2023, at 6:00 pm. via ZOOM. Retired attorney and now Supreme Court watcher Barbara Creed will join forces with Stacy Cross, CEO of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, for a program on living with the reality of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe Vs. Wade. You won't want to miss it.
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Stories Make a Difference
In April, Anita Gail Jones spoke to a small but engaged group of members about the art of storytelling and her many year journey in writing a novel inspired by her family's story. The Peach Seed will be published this summer and Anita will be interviewed on the book at Book Passage on
August 5.
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS AND DUES
Effective April 1, National raised its dues by $5. The total annual dues are now $112 (National $72, California $20 and Marin $20). Neither California nor Marin has raised dues. Effective July 1, 2022, new members who joined AAUW will have their dues cover a year from when they joined. Previously, everyone’s dues expired on June 30. This is no longer the case. For most of our members, June 30 will continue to be the expiration date. It is just those who joined after July 1 last year who will have a different expiration date. Members with a June 30 expiration date will receive an email from National after June 1 about dues renewal. You will also receive an email from the branch explaining your options on renewing. Wait until after June 1 and you receive the National and branch emails before renewing. Ignore any letter you might receive in the mail from National before then about renewing. We value your membership and want to make renewing as easy as possible.
You know that AAUW's mission to empower women and girls can change the world. AAUW Marin is a wonderful organization, so why not invite a friend, neighbor, or colleague to attend an event or meeting? Many people want to find a community of women such as AAUW. Often all that is needed is an invitation to join us. Contact Membership Chair Chris O'Neill if you have questions or would like her to contact a prospective member.
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HELLO GLORIA RASHTI
Member Barbara Otto told Gloria Rashti about AAUW and she thought 'this is the organization for me!' Gloria is a retired hospital laboratory technIcian. In her free time, she volunteers at SF Marin Food Bank and with the Marin Parkinson's group. She enjoys the opera, movies, theater and staying up to date on world affairs. Like many of our members, she loves to travel and has done it extensively. She has visited all seven continents, traveled around the world for 15 months when she was in her 20s and fulfilled a bucket list item by recently going to Utah for her first rappelling adventure. She would like to visit the Middle East and is looking forward to meeting new members who share her interests. Welcome Gloria!
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WELCOME MARY COTTON
Mary Cotton, a Marin native, recently moved back to Marin from Auburn, where she was a member of the Auburn branch. Based on her experience in Auburn, she knew she would meet friendly, like-minded women if she joined AAUW Marin, Mary has had several careers, including accounting, as a paralegal, and in customer service. She is now pursuing a long-held dream and is attending cosmetology school. She has two grown sons and when not busy attending school, she volunteers with AARP, Salvation Army and Vivalon. She enjoys hiking and is interested in checking out many of our interest groups. Mary has offered to help out with branch administration and we certainly plan to take her up on that offer. Thanks, Mary, and we are so happy to have you as a member. Welcome!
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In Memoriam
With deep regret we report the unexpected and untimely death of Judy Cooper, longtime branch member and leader of our branch's "What Are You Reading?" interest group, in addition to being a member or head of multiple other book groups in Marin. A celebration of life is scheduled for 2-4 pm on June 9 at the Marin Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley.
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Ready to join a new interest group? All groups welcome new members. Just contact the group leader for information or to be added to the group email list. For a list of all Marin branch interest groups with leader contact information, click HERE.
Note: Interest Groups are just for members of AAUW Marin, but guests who may be thinking of joining are welcome to visit an interest group twice before being asked join.
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Art Tour - Mark your calendars for June tour of the Asian Art Museum
Contact Gerrie Young (please include your cell number) or call 415-497-1247 for more information or check your June newsletter.
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Non-fiction Reading Group
The Nonfiction Reading Group is meeting Monday, May 22, at 1:00 on Zoom to discuss Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
If you would like to be on the group’s email list and join us, please email either co-leader for the Zoom link: Phyllis Kuehn or Olivia Ruel. The nonfiction reading group meets on the 4th Monday at 1:00 via Zoom and discusses nonfiction books selected by the group members.
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Behind the Headlines
The Behind the Headlines will meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:00 on Zoom as usual and begin planning for next year's programs. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact group leader Cherie Sorokin.
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New Yorker Reading Group
The New Yorker Reading Group is meeting Monday, May 8, at 1:00 on Zoom. We have an interesting selection of articles covering topics including: the use of Ozempic, machine knowledge, how Christian is Christian nationalism, how animals use deception, the near-impossible investigation of a Mexican journalist’s assassination. All are welcome to join us. You can read The New Yorker on line free through the library, and we will also send you links to the articles. If you would like to be on our email list and receive the list of articles and Zoom link each month, contact leader Phyllis Kuehn .
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LitWits Reading Group
At our May (May 17) meeting we will discuss Cakes and Ale, 2nd in the trilogy of novels by 20th Century English writer Somerset Maugham. This satire on social snobbery was the author's favorite work. LitWits reads literary fiction by writers from any era or country and in June will select its list for next year. Meeting: 3rd Wednesday, 10AM, in person and on Zoom, and guests are welcome. Inf: Ann Thomas, 415-924-9559 or athomas1@pacbell.net.
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What Are You Reading?
We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 10am to share comments and thoughts on books that individual members are reading. Contact Cherie Sorokin if you are interested in joining. The group is seeking new members.
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Reading Arts Group
For our last meeting until September, the Reading Arts group will gather on Thursday, May 18 at 1PM to discuss Thank You, Mr. Nixon by Gish Gen. Please contact group leader Ann Jessup for more information.
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Happy Hour Group
Next Happy Hour is Thursday, May 4 @ 4:30 at Boca Pizzeria in The Village, Corte Madera. RSVP to Dottie Burk.
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Meet me at the Movies!
Hidden Letters at the Lark, One Fine Morning, and Tar are the some of the recent movies that we have seen and discussed. Want to join us? Contact Mary Mossteller and/or Freddie Greene
Handcraft Circle:
What is your talent/passion? Meeting monthly in members' homes, we knit, crochet, quilt, scrapbook, make jewelry, etc. Join us! Contact Mary Mossteller
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Play Mah Jongg?
Join our Mah Jongg Group. We play every Wednesday, 1:00-3:00 PM, in members’ homes or online using Myjongg.net. Contact Chris O’Neill for more information or if you would like the name of a teacher Chris found.
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Homeward Bound Fresh Starts Chef Events
The Chef Event Dinner Group has restarted. They have some very exciting local chefs lined up. If you make a reservation for one of the Chef Events let Dianne Sheridan know. If there is more then one of you, she can ask that you be seated together.
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Hiking
The new hiking group took a hike on Saturday and here's the mini super Bloom (is that a thing?) we saw. Thanks to Nancy Van Horn for this picture. We hiked Dawn Falls and Carson Falls in April. Our next hike is May 2. We will meet at 10:00. Distance and destination to be determined by the hikers. We plan hikes on the first Tuesday and the 3rd weekend of each month. Please contact Ann Vercoutere if you are interested in joining us.
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So Much to Do, So Little Time | |
Experience Corps
Are you interested in helping a primary grade student improve on reading skills? Experience Corps has an excellent program placing volunteers in several schools in Marin. The program screens, trains, schedules, and makes placements to help volunteers make the most of their experience.
To find out more before the end of this school year, you can shadow a volunteer to see first-hand how your time will benefit students or tour a school with a site coordinator. If you would like to learn more about the opportunity to move ahead with the process this summer, contact Laura Phipps or call/text 415-250-0101.
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SAVE THE DATE 6/14
Living with the Reality of the Dobbs Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade
June 14, 2023 at 6:00 pm
New Branch Meeting on Zoom
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Become a Two-Minute Activist! | |
Even if you aren't currently in Congress, heading the World Trade Organization, inventing the Hubble Telescope or leading a campaign against discrimination, you can make a difference by advocating for issues important to women, girls and families as an AAUW Two-Minute Activist. AAUW makes it easy! You receive all the tools you need to call or send messages to your Congress persons or state legislators. You can use the language provided by AAUW or add your own thoughts, and at the press of a button your message will be on the way. Last year Two-Minute Activists sent over 200,000 messages, which helped ensure lawmakers knew how we felt on issues either under consideration or missing from legislative agendas. If you aren't already a Two-Minute Activist you can become one HERE. | |
Know Someone Who'd Like to Join AAUW? | |
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AAUW women make an impact on women and girls.
Tell your friends what AAUW is doing. Word of mouth is the best way to recruit new members!
Why Join? AAUW offers you multiple ways to stay engaged with our mission of advancing equity for women and girls, as well as to develop friendship with others who understand that the fight for equality is still critical! Excellent national webinars! Engaging monthly branch programs! A wide variety of interest group meetings! Energetic, intellectually curious friends! A mission that is more important than ever! CONTACT Chris O'Neill for membership information.
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© 2019 AAUW
AAUW is a top-rated 501(c)(3) charity. Donations are tax deductible.
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PLEASE NOTE IF YOU HIT THE UNSUBSCRIBE BUTTON BELOW YOU WILL NO LONGER RECEIVE AAUW MARIN NEWSLETTERS. | | | | |
