...empowering women since 1922 | | |
Present Professional Programs &
Make Meetings Memorable, Part II
Barb Duran and Linda Kevorkian
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We hope you are all staying snuggled inside with some warm cocoa, tea or your favorite hot beverage, and that your Thanksgiving holiday was filled with fun, food, family and friendships!
As we move into the busy holiday season, know that your AAUW of Michigan board is hard at work through the end of 2022 and into 2023, to make AAUW more attractive and value-added to all of our members and prospective members too!
In September we shared our 3 goals for the Programs Team this coming year. One of those was to “promote branch and state wide programs.” Below are a few of the steps we are taking to accomplish this goal:
1. We’ve put together a list of some of the great speakers and programs that have taken place across the state of Michigan over the past few years and that list has been shared with your branch program VPs (or your branch president if you don’t have a program VP). We are also happy to share it with any other branch member who would like to have the list. It’s a dynamic document, so more speakers and programs will be added as they take place around the state of Michigan at various branch meetings. Please reach out to us at barbduranaauw@gmail.com if you’d like a copy of that file.
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2. We are working with President Sheila to provide a 2-part webinar series in January and February of 2023. This webinar series will address the topic of DEI: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The details of these webinars will be shared as the plans come together so stay tuned for an email blast in the near future.
3. If your branch is looking for DEI-related items to discuss at your monthly branch meetings, I highly recommend showing this TedX Talk video that is quite eye-opening about our unconscious biases. It’s about 8 minutes long.
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International HR leader Kristen Pressner made the following admission on the TED stage: "I’m the last person I can imagine who could ever have a bias against women leaders, and yet I had to realize I have a bias against women leaders. I have a bias against myself." | |
Top 10 Places for Branches to Find Programs & Speakers:
In each newsletter we will offer up a couple of places where you can look to find informative and value-added speakers for your branch meetings, right in your own community!
Here are two more:
- Your local Chamber of Commerce
- Other local or regional business organizations (Toastmasters, BNI, etc.)
| Finally, we want to wish all of you a very Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! Be Safe and Be Kind! |
Public Policy Director's Message
Ruth Brown
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Greetings AAUW of Michigan members,
I write to you today on the heels of a truly historic Michigan election that resulted in many firsts. For the first time in 40 years, Michigan Democrats will hold control of the House, Senate, and Governor's office, with the party sweeping both legislative chambers. Democrats won the House with a 56-54 majority and won the Senate with a 20-18 majority. Democrats will have control of the state House for the first time since 2010 after outperforming Republicans in several battleground districts and, for the first time since 1984, Democrats will control the Michigan Senate. All three ballot proposals passed as well. It seems clear that Proposal 3 really helped Democrats have an unexpected big night. We now enter the lame duck session where these results point to a shut down of anything remotely controversial.
| Thank you to AAUW of Michigan members who tirelessly worked to advocate for get out the vote and signing of petitions. While AAUW does not endorse candidates or political parties, this changed political climate in Michigan presents a new opportunity to educate and advocate for AAUW priority issues such as economic security, education, and civil rights. For instance, did you know that there are two more Equal Pay Days this year: November 30 is the Equal Pay Day for Native American women, who are paid on average 50 cents on the dollar what their white male counterparts earn, and December 8 is designated Equal Pay Day for Latina Women, who are paid 49 cents on the dollar what white men are paid. | |
The main focus for the coming year for AAUW will be the Paycheck Fairness Act and Paid Family Leave. To achieve economic security for all women, AAUW advocates for pay equity and fairness in compensation and benefits. The gender pay gap compounds and widens over time, reducing women's Social Security and retirement savings, especially at a time when costs for most everything, including food, prescriptions, health care, gas, and essentials is increasing because of inflation. There are several reports, some by state, that have been written regarding the economic security of older women that provide a snapshot of women compared to men in retirement in areas such as their living arrangements, caregiving status, and rates of disability -- factors that can impact a woman's ability to meet their needs with the resources they have after most have spent their lifetimes working a career and caring for their families.
As we take a brief respite to spend the holidays with our families and friends, I wish you a restful and relaxing period of reflection and hope that you will recharge as we
prepare for the New Year 2023 and the fresh opportunities that it poses for us to advocate for AAUW Public Policy.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to AAUW and for keeping a focus on Public Policy matters. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you or your branch needs assistance or has questions.
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Historic High Turnout Brings Blue Wave To Michigan
Mary Pollock, Government Relations Coordinator
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AAUW of Michigan’s Government Relations Coordinator Mary Pollock provides an in-depth look at Michigan’s historic midterm election results and highlights some national results with an emphasis on the many “firsts.” She suggests there is hope that some of our national AAUW Public Policy Priorities such as pay equity might be in reached with this more receptive group of lawmakers.
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Bylaws Briefings
Jan Van Gasse, AAUWMI Bylaws Director
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As promised in the Summer/Fall newsletter, this article is about policies and what should be in them versus the bylaws. A good rule of thumb is to keep the bylaws lean and put the details into the policies.
Bylaws take priority over policies and can only be changed at a meeting of the members. Usually this is at the annual general meeting but can also mean a special meeting of the members. This protects the bylaws from being changed without the knowledge of the members. Bylaws are the top set of rules that can only be changed with the membership’s input.
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Put everything else into your governing policies so the board has the flexibility to make changes based on immediate need. Because the board’s governing policies can be changed any time the board has a meeting where they have quorum (the minimum number of board members in attendance to make the meeting valid), this gives the board a lot of flexibility to make changes to the way they govern the organization without needing to wait for a meeting of the members.
Confusion happens when items get added to the wrong set of rules. This happened to many branches and affiliates when they tried to hold virtual annual meetings during COVID restrictions. If their bylaws said that voting at the annual meeting must be in-person, they learned that they could not just change their bylaws to run their annual meeting virtually.
Here are a few more examples to help guide you:
- Where the bylaws would list the types of members of the organization, the governing policies would describe the cost of each membership type, giving the board the flexibility to adjust that cost as needed.
- Where the bylaws describe the minimum number of times the board must meet during the fiscal year, the governing policies would describe the governing style the board will use at those meetings.
- Another example to voting at the annual general meeting would be the method of voting. Instead of having the bylaws state that voting will be by voice vote, the bylaws could state that voting at the annual meeting will use a method to be determined by the current board of directors. If this was in your bylaws, you would have been well prepared to go into a virtual annual meeting using a voting method other than by voice vote.
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I suggest reviewing your policies on an annual basis. Policies provide valuable orientation and training for the Board and are a way to understand some of the bottom lines for the organization. It is important for new Board members to know the policies and also is a good review for returning Board members. Policies might also need to be updated or deleted. Bylaws should also be reviewed on a regular schedule.
As previously stated, Bylaws are prescriptive and consist of things you absolutely want your members to approve as structure for the organization. Policies can be changed by the Board as your organization changes, while bylaws are more set in stone. Other examples of policies are:
- Board job descriptions. You may want to change these as your organization grows or shrinks.
- Role descriptions for any key players on the Board (e.g., President, Financial Officer, Secretary and other board members)
- Policies that explain key board responsibilities such as financial governance policies, including the budget process and calendar
- Operating guidelines for board and staff
- Regulatory compliance: travel and expense reimbursements, access to bank accounts, etc.
- Budget process and calendar
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On another note, AAUW of Michigan policies indicate that the Bylaws Committee will maintain a file of current branch bylaws. As mentioned before, the copies that I have seem to be extremely dated or, perhaps, some branches need to look at amending their bylaws! Thank you to those branches that have submitted their bylaws to me. To those that have not, I would ask that each branch’s Bylaws Director or president, if your branch has no Bylaws Director position, submit to me your current bylaws, either electronically or via mail.
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Fiscal Matters
Sally Doty, AAUWMI Finance Vice President
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As we are nearing the end of the first 6 months of our fiscal year, it’s time to look back and reflect on the journey. The rollout of the new AAUW Community Hub has been a challenge to all of us. Thankfully, we had the help of the “Office Hours” staff to help us move forward.
Normally we would feel relatively sure that all of our data and other information is complete and up to date; however, this year has presented us with some challenges. I believe that in the long run, we will be better off and find our jobs more streamlined than before. It is no secret that I agreed to serve as the AAUW Michigan Finance Officer because I was hopeful that a new voice would be heard to carry us forward. The job of Finance Officer is not difficult. We are “University Women.” We surely can handle a job such as this. If you can manage an excel worksheet and logging into the national website and the bank website, you have the skills to manage this job. With our present bank the job is quite easy. They will pay bills for us and keep track of our expenditures and other financial services.
Finance officer was the first job that I had on the AAUW Michigan board many years ago. I have also served as secretary and president. The finance position gives you the widest opportunity to see if we are focusing on our mission and how we can make our organization more relevant to old and new members.
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In conclusion, I am asking you to consider serving in this position. The nomination report is due in January. Give it some thought. You would be working with a phenomenal group of women. You would be making a difference. You can’t ask for more than that.
Text me if you have questions (248-909-4583).
Sally Doty
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What I Learned about Taking Minutes, Part 2
Kay Calley-Martin, AAUWMI Co-Secretary
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Review of minutes
Meeting minutes are important because they provide legal protection of decisions made by your branch.
What not to include:
Remember that with your official minutes, only actions are recorded in the record.
In particular:
- Avoid directly quoting individuals
- Don’t include subjective information or opinions
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CONFIDENTIAL MEETINGS [If minutes are confidential (i.e., the meeting is closed), mark them as such and limit circulation only to members of the committee and any selected others who have authorization to view them as part of their duties and responsibilities]
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Motions
- Identify individuals engaged in making decisions
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Summarize the main points raised, then take action…It was moved, seconded and carried that… (see suggested list to the right from Sheila Blair, AAUWMI President.)
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- Clearly identify each motion presented and discussed. If required, consult with the President on any issues that require clarification.
- When there is many decisions to make, I suggest to record or ask for more clarification on the wording of the motion. Remembering it is a legal document of your branch/organization.
Any questions or additions or suggestions, which work well for you and your branch, please contact:
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AAUW's 2022 Match for Equity
Ruth Briggs, AAUW Funds Director
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Donations to national AAUW will be matched during the month of December. When donating to AAUW be sure to donate to the Greatest Needs Fund. This allows AAUW to use the money where it needs it the most. Some examples are: supporting updates to research; filling gaps in programs like NCCWSL or Work Smart/Start Smart; advocating for AAUW's values; supporting our infrastructure; supporting our branches and states. Branch participation in fundraising for Greatest Needs supports AAUW's mission on a national level and helps build awareness of AAUW's long-standing history as a champion for women and girls.
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Would You Rather be a Snowbird or a Bear?
Can We be Both?
N’Kenge Gonzalez, AAUWMI DEI Director
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It’s funny, this time of year, the echoing words of being a snowbird resonates within me while simultaneously being engulfed in a ray of light, as bits of a conversation with one of my grandparents comes forth like the whispers from the cold winds. Then reality sets in, I’m still here, in a place that is cold wishing to be a bear that yearns to be a snowbird.
The dictionary defines a snowbird as a person who vacations in or moves to a warmer climate during cold weather. But I also mentioned bear, not so readily explained by the dictionary, but my interpretation, is a person who implores an adaptive strategy of hibernation to survive extreme temperatures.
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Both are thoughts to get me through this time of year, they’re coping mechanisms to help me endure and navigate the rigors of erratic temperatures coupled at times with inhospitable climates then combined with the recklessness of some people. Yet as a person who is a woman, let’s say a woman who is a person of color, these everyday rigors at times become too much. Although Diversity has grown beyond skin color, it is still important to include. Because just like gender and those who identify as non-binary, we are judged by first impression, that what is seen, that is our difference(S). What thoughts can help us cope with those types of hostilities?
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Office of Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Programs offers this strategy: Focus within, Learn about others, Engage in Dialogue, eXpand the options.
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I have and continue to be privileged to receive the wisdom of multiple elders, not all from the same background, geographic location, or even morality. But all had pride, ethics, integrity, wisdom, strength, love, and compassion they willingly and eagerly shared with me in our encounters. Times have changed from yesteryear, we’re a more inclusive society, mostly because laws prohibit discrimination, and some because people are realizing that others that don’t look like them are humans with value and grand contributors of society. We are still working to achieve equity on a wider scale.
Snowbirds come in all colors and from different regions, you’ll see them in places they belong, which is anywhere. Don’t get me wrong, some will still choose to be bears because a little hibernation helps to cope with the extreme.
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Membership Matters and State Services Update
Leah Monger, AAUWMI Membership VP and State Services Manager
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I was recently asked about email communications members should be receiving from the national organization and AAUW of Michigan, and this information might be of general interest.
What emails should I be receiving from AAUW of Michigan?
AAUWMI distributes quarterly newsletters. The dates for 2022-2023 newsletters are September 1, December 1, March 1, and June 1. Additionally, AAUWMI sends out calls for board nominations, bylaws amendments, and resolutions; invitations to Zoom presentations; updates related to AAUWMI's advocacy efforts in Lansing; other news alerts, and occasional fundraising notices. Recipients of AAUWMI emails should get communications from us about 3-4 times a month.
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Several email addresses bounce each month, either because email addresses in the Community Hub (formerly the Member Services Database) are incorrect, or members have been unsubscribed from AAUWMI emails. There is a link at the bottom of each AAUWMI email to unsubscribe from future communications. If a member unsubscribes, even inadvertently, the member will have to re-subscribe to start receiving emails again. If anyone in your branch isn't receiving AAUWMI emails, I can check to see if their email address is correct in our contact list and that they haven't been unsubscribed. If someone has been unsubscribed, they can submit this form to resubscribe: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/LA4z3Yh/AAUWMI
Where does AAUWMI get its email addresses from?
I download the state roster from the Community Hub. I can edit member records in the Hub, so if an email address is incorrect, I can fix it. Individual members can edit their own records in the Hub. Branch presidents, membership VPs, and treasurers can also edit records.
What emails should members be receiving from the national AAUW organization? How do you sign up if you're not getting what you should be getting?
AAUW’s Mission and Action is a bimonthly e-newsletter and goes to every member. The AAUW Washington Update is distributed to everyone who signs up to be a Two Minute Activist. The registration form is located at the bottom of this page: https://www.aauw.org/act/two-minute-activist/ There are other emails that are distributed to branch leaders who hold specific offices, so those mailings wouldn't go to everyone. If someone is not receiving emails from AAUW, they should check the email address in their Community Hub member record to see if it is correct. It is possible to become unsubscribed from AAUW's emails just like AAUWMI emails. If you know someone who isn’t receiving emails from AAUW, please share this link to resubscribe.
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Wyandotte-Downriver Branch Celebrates 90 Years
Barb Duran, Branch Co-President
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The Wyandotte-Downriver branch held their 90th Anniversary celebration on Monday, September 12th, at the Wyandotte Boat Club. There were close to 70 in attendance. We had guests from other AAUW branches, past members who came to town for the event, potential new members, and spouses/family who joined us. We had a beautiful cake by A Serendipity Cakery, wonderful food from Carefree Foods Catering, and great drinks and service from the staff at the Wyandotte Boat Club!
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We had a few prestigious guests and speakers, including Wyandotte Mayor Rob DeSana and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who gave us signed proclamations, and Michigan AAUW President Sheila Blair, who presented long-time branch supporter Paul Haley with an honorary branch membership. We also received a State of Michigan proclamation from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Of course, one of the highlights was the recognition of our scholarship recipients, many of whom were in attendance. Our branch awarded over $25,000 in 2022 which resulted in 15 scholarships being handed out.
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Member displays and presentations included visual displays from all of the celebrated decades, and one very entertaining 1950’s presentation that was acted out by Sue Stoll and Melanie Orr. Bebe Hartmann, with over 50 years' membership in AAUW, also spoke on the changes and accomplishments she has seen over the decades! | |
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Members who created displays were:
1930s – Mary Sue Sickafus 1940s – Marsha Bardoni
1950s - Sue Stoll and Melanie Orr 1960s – Andrea Witkowski
1970s -- Barb Duran 1980s and 1990s – Terey DeLisle
2000s -- Ayana King 2020s – Sheila Blair
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AAUWMI Holiday Gift Ideas | |
If you are looking for holiday gifts for your branch members, we've got you covered! We have AAUWMI ornaments and other items imprinted with our 100th anniversary logo. Orders must be received by December 15 to ensure delivery by December 25. Proceeds support AAUW of Michigan programs. | |
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Don't forget that AAUW of Michigan is selling note cards featuring the work of American artist Meneese Wall. We feature a line of her notecards depicting icons of the women's and civil rights movements. The 5" x 7" notecards are printed on high-quality stock and can be purchased individually or in sets. Each card includes a colorful print of Wall's original artwork on the front and a detailed description of the depicted individual or event on the back. We also have Wall's award winning book, We Demand the Right to Vote. Proceeds support AAUW of Michigan programs. Support AAUW of Michigan by making a purchase either for yourself or as gifts! New cards are added all the time!
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Note: We will be raising the price of our notecards in January to cover increased shipping and
handling costs, so don't wait to place an order!
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More Gift Ideas from AAUW-Dearborn | |
AAUW – Dearborn is selling "Empowering Women" mugs, t-shirts, and tote bags that would be perfect gifts for all your friends who advocate for gender equity. The mugs and t-shirt are "generic," but the tote bag has the Dearborn branch name printed under the words "Empowering Women." Make sure you order is received by December 15 to ensure delivery by December 25. Proceeds fund the branch's educational programs, scholarships, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives within the branch. Please email Judy Buck if you have questions. AAUW Dearborn thanks you for your support! | |
AAUW-Dearborn is selling mugs, t-shirts, and tote bags emblazoned with the phrase "Empowering Women." | The "Empowering Women" mug | |
Dearborn branch president Judy Buck models the "Empowering Women t-shirt. | |
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AAUW of Michigan
Important Dates
2022-2023
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December 2022
Thursday, December 1 – Fall/Winter Newsletter goes out
Thursday, December 8 – Latinas’ Equal Pay Day
January 2023
Wednesday, January 4, 7:00 p.m. ET – Branch Presidents’ Quarterly Zoom Meeting
Saturday, January 14, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon ET – AAUW of Michigan Board Meeting* (via Zoom)
Thursday, January 19, 7:00 p.m. ET – Lobby Corps Meeting**
February 2023
Friday, February 3
- Board Nominees (in writing) due to the Chair of the Nominating Committee
- Deadline for Submission of Resolutions
- Deadline for submitting proposed Bylaws Amendments
Thursday, February 16, 7:00 p.m. ET – Lobby Corps Meeting**
March 2023
Wednesday, March 1 –
- Call to Annual Meeting goes out
- Winter/Spring Newsletter goes out
Thursday, March 16, 7:00 p.m. ET – Lobby Corps Meeting Meeting**
Wednesday, March 29 –
- Deadline to receive names of Annual Meeting delegates
- 7:00 p.m. ET – Branch Presidents’ Quarterly Zoom Meeting
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April 2023
Saturday, April 15, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon ET – AAUW of Michigan Board Meeting* (via Zoom)
Thursday, April 20, 7:00 p.m. ET – Lobby Corps Meeting**
Saturday, April 22 – AAUWMI Annual Report goes out
Saturday, April 29, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Annual Meeting
May 2023
Thursday, May 18, 7:00 p.m. ET – Lobby Corps Meeting**
June 2023
Thursday, June 1 –
- Spring/Summer Newsletter goes out
- Affiliate Annual Reports due
Thursday, June 15, 7:00 p.m. ET – Lobby Corps Meeting**
Wednesday, June 28, 7:00 p.m. ET - Branch Presidents’ Quarterly Zoom Meeting
*Any member of AAUW of Michigan is welcome to attend Board meetings. Please send an email to Sheila Blair, AAUWMI President, sheilablairpmp@gmail.com if you would like to attend any meeting, and she will send you the details.
**All AAUWMI members are eligible to join the AAUW of Michigan’s Virtual Lobby Corps by emailing pollockm@comcast.net to get on the mailing list for meeting reminders and late-breaking news.
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AAUW of Michigan Leadership Team 2022-2023 | | |
Elected Officers/Executive Committee | |
AAUWMI Administrative Staff | | | | |
