...empowering women since 1922 | |
Call to AAUWMI Annual Meeting via Zoom
April 29, 2023, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET
9:15 a.m. Registration
| |
|
Kay Calley-Martin, AAUWMI Co-Secretary
| |
|
Mark your calendars to join us in the comfort of your own home as we vote on Bylaws Amendments, elect officers, discuss resolutions, and receive reports of officers and committee chairs.
Each branch is entitled to a vote at the annual meeting from the President or President’s designee and each branch is also entitled to one voting delegate per 25 members or major fraction thereof. The total number of approved branch delegates is based on the February 1st membership records of AAUW National and the branch members as listed in the Community Hub. Student Affiliate Members and community partners/members of local branches are not eligible to be voting delegates.
| |
|
Please appoint your voting delegates at an upcoming board or branch meeting. Since this is a zoom meeting, all delegates will need to have their own email and computer to vote.
New this year, all correspondence will be by email. If you have any questions please email, Kay Calley-Martin, Co-Secretary AAUWMI,
aauwmi.calley-martin@gmail.com or text/call Kay at 269-209-7992.
Kay looks forward to your response before April 1st, 2023.
| |
|
|
In addition to the branch delegates to the annual meeting, states representatives are also part of the voting body. State Representatives include the following:
• The members of the AAUWMI Board of Directors, including chairs of all standing committees
• Past presidents of AAUWMI
• Chairs of the Nominating and Resolutions Committees
• Representatives of College/University Members
• AAUWMI members serving as national officers or on National AAUW committees
If you fall into any of these categories, please mark your calendar for our AAUWMI Annual Meeting via Zoom on April 29, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon EST. Registration will begin online at 9:15 a.m. You will receive correspondence soon and we ask that you return your response before April 1st.
| |
Update from AAUWMI co-VPs for Programs
Barb Duran and Linda Kevorkian
| |
|
It’s so exciting that our branches continue to share their programs across the state with all AAUW of Michigan members. We attended the two-part DEI series in January and February, hosted by the Wyandotte-Downriver branch. These two workshops were important because they align with AAUW's strategic plan, which places great importance on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The first session, "The Building Blocks of Belonging,” discussed the difference between race and ethnicity and equity vs. equality and discussed important issues to AAUW members such as ageism, sexism, and how intersectionality is an integral part of our mission and vision as an organization. Part 2 of the series, titled “Unpacking Unconscious Bias,” showed us that bias isn’t always overt. Oftentimes, it’s the subtle, hidden thoughts and attitudes that we hold as individuals and branch members that can be harmful and negatively impact our branch as we look to recruit new members and partners within our communities.
Other branches that shared their programs state-wide during the months of January and February were Birmingham, Midland, Northville-Novi, and Traverse City. We thank these branches for their hospitality! Please let us know if your branch has a virtual program you would like to share with statewide members.
| |
|
|
Another goal we had for this year was to create a 30 minute video on how to achieve Five Star Recognition. The recording is located on the AAUW of Michigan YouTube channel here.
Our guests were the President and Finance VP from the AAUW of Dearborn branch. Their branch successfully completed requirements to earn all five Stars for the 2021-22 year. This would be a great video to show at one of your upcoming branch meetings.
You can find all the details about the Five Star Program on the AAUW website.
| |
|
We are excited to bring back the Regional Leadership Conferences in 2023. There will be four sessions held: two on Saturday, March 25th and two on Saturday, April 1st (note that we made some changes to the original schedule). All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. The agenda is being finalized and will be distributed to all AAUWMI branch members. You should have received an email (see thumbnail image) announcing registration. These sessions are open to ALL branch members, but we particularly encourage branch leaders, current and future, to attend, as you will get valuable resources and information to help you strengthen your branch in areas of succession planning, fundraising, recruiting, maintaining current members, and attracting younger members. Please plan to attend the designated session for your branch, or, if you cannot attend on that date, please choose another session to attend.
| |
|
Also, don’t forget that March is Women’s History Month. We are kicking off a Social Media Project to recognize women across the state of Michigan and promote all of our branches by providing social media posts featuring a woman of current or historical significance in your branch, town or community. We would like EVERY branch to participate. Branch leaders should have received an email with details of the project. It isn't too late for your branch to participate, but get your submission in soon to make sure we are able to schedule your post during the month of March. Here is a link to the email so that every branch has the opportunity to participate: https://conta.cc/3XRzCcr .
Lastly, we offer up a few more places where your branch can look to find informative and value-added speakers for your monthly meetings, right in your own community:
◦ Educators from your local high school, college or university
◦ Service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Soroptimists, etc.)
We look forward to seeing you at the Regional Leadership Conferences later this month!
Be Safe and Be Kind!
| |
Public Policy Director's Message
Ruth Brown
| |
Lately I've been thinking about Lilly Ledbetter. Most long-time AAUW members know Lilly's story and might even have met Lilly, who was the keynote speaker at an AAUW National Convention that I attended. You may have read her book "Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond."
Lilly rose from humble beginnings to becoming an activist and plaintiff in the United States Supreme Court case Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. regarding employment discrimination. In ruling against Lilly, the Supreme Court decided Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not allow employers to be sued for pay discrimination more than 180 days after an employee's first paycheck. To remedy the issue, the United States Congress passed "The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act," which became the first piece of legislation signed into law by President Obama in 2009.
| |
|
Lilly Ledbetter attending an AAUW national conference. | |
By 2011, over 350 cases had cited the Ledbetter decision in the two years since the law was signed in 2009. Ledbetter said, "I'll be happy if the last thing they say about me after I die is that I made a difference." On September 4, 2012, Ledbetter spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. She said, "This cause, which bears my name, is bigger than me. It's as big as all of you. This fight, which began as my own, is now our fight -- a fight for the fundamental American values that make our country great." She declared that, "what we lose can't just be measured in dollars." | |
Spring, the season of renewal and new growth, is also the season when AAUW branches typically collect dues for the next program year. If you find yourself thinking about how dues have gone up, along with everything else, think about Lilly Ledbetter. It's ironic that Lilly has "better" in her name because she literally has made life better for thousands of women and their families because, instead of letting it go and moving on, she recognized a higher calling, bigger than herself, and she fought back. | |
Lilly persevered even when the United States Supreme Court ruled against her. AAUW of Illinois was persistent in their advocacy for a fair pay act at the time when I was serving as Great Lakes Regional Director. Several members of AAUW of Illinois were present in the White House in Washington, DC, and can be seen in photos standing behind President Obama as he was signing this key piece of legislation into law. | |
|
President Obama signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Photo from the Obama White House Archives.
| |
|
Historic High Turnout Brings Blue Wave To Michigan
Mary Pollock, Government Relations Coordinator
| |
The first weeks of the Re-elected Governor Whitmer and the 102nd Michigan Legislature have been pretty hectic! The Dems are newly in the majority with pent-up demand to direct government policy and budget in new directions. My report covers the Governor’s Executive Budget Presentation, and legislative updates on the bills moving among the 101 bills we are already tracking. Among the items seeing action are tax relief, the 3rd grade reading bill, firearms bills, LGBT rights, abortion ban repeal, and presidential primary moved to February 27, 2024. Easy methods to contact your legislators are provided. And join the AAUWMI Virtual Lobby Corps on March 16 at 7 p.m. via Zoom or phone to hear House Elections Committee Chair Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou report on the current and future activities of her Committee. | |
|
NCWSSL Update
Amy Shamroe
College/University Director
| |
We know many of our branches send students from their areas to NCCWSL (National Conference for College Women Student Leaders). In the past, AAUW of Michigan has helped facilitate transportation at a central location in the state where students could meet up and take a bus together. This was explored by us again this year as the Conference will be in-person again. Unfortunately, the cost for a bus with driver was nearly $1000 per student. For this reason, we will not be offering a statewide travel option.
If branches want to reach out to connect students to carpool to airports, etc., please feel free to do so. Also, let me know if you are arranging something with your branch and want to invite others to join. I will be happy to assist with information sharing through our C/U partners and branch leadership.
| |
Membership Playbook
Leah Monger
Membership Vice President
| |
The Membership Committee is working hard on two projects. One subcommittee has compiled a draft document we are calling a “Branch Membership Playbook.” This document and supplemental materials we plan to collect will provide branches with tools, ideas, and examples to help recruit and retain members. Two principles are guiding creation of this document. First, recruiting and retaining members is a collaborative, team effort and not solely the job of the Membership VP. Second, the Playbook needs to be scalable for branches of every size. Stay tuned for the Playbook's debut later this Spring.
A second subcommittee has been considering options for either an online branch or an enhanced level of AAUWMI membership for national members who are not branch members. We will be finalizing our recommendations soon.
| |
Bylaws Briefings
Jan Van Gasse, AAUWMI Bylaws Director
| | |
|
Please remember that any branches that are planning to vote at their annual meeting on proposed amendments to their branch bylaws must send them to the AAUWMI Bylaws Committee for approval before the call of the branch vote. They should be sent to Jan Van Gasse, Bylaws Chair. Branch bylaws are to be amended at a branch meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting provided written notice has been sent to the branch members at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. Amended branch bylaws are to be sent to the AAUWMI Bylaws Director within 90 days of amendment. | |
|
Please also remember to submit to me your current bylaws, either electronically or via mail. AAUWMI policies indicate that the Bylaws Committee will maintain a file of current branch bylaws. The copies that I have seem to be extremely dated or, perhaps, some branches need to look at amending their bylaws! I have received copies from quite a few branches. However, I would like the most recent bylaws from every branch. Please indicate when you submit them if you would like me to suggest revisions.
| |
Fiscal Matters
Sally Doty, AAUWMI Finance Vice President
| | |
|
|
It’s time to start looking at the present budget. Was it realistic? Would you make changes? Will you have a new program next year that requires funding? If so, do you have an idea for funding it?
It’s also time to remind all members that renewal starts soon for the bulk of traditional members. AAUW will be sending out renewal notices after April 1st. The maintenance of your branch members’ information in the Community Hub is imperative to ensure that all members are included. I would encourage members to renew online. This would simplify your job and also require the member to actually login to the site at least once. Perhaps, if the member sees the information available at AAUW.org, they would be more likely to become engaged with it. There are all sorts of materials, programs, research, etc. to participate in online.
| |
|
Take a moment to download your branch roster from the “Manage Roster” tab in the Hub. Be sure that the information is current and correct. You can make corrections at the site. Also check to see if any of your members are eligible for Honorary Status – joined 50+ years ago. This will have to be reported to Angie Cooper for investigation. If you have time to participate in the HUB Office Hours on Tuesday or Thursday, this a great time to give Angie the information.
There will be Regional Workshops discussed in other parts of this newsletter. Try to participate if you are able.
As always, if I can help you, text me at 248-909-4583 or email at sallyaauw@gmail.com.
| |
|
Report from Meeting of Branch Funds Chairs
Ruth Briggs, AAUW Funds Director
| |
At a recent Zoom meeting for Branch Funds Chairs, we discussed various ways branches make money for National. There were the usual used book sales; one branch does an annual play with members making their own costumes. Another branch does a luncheon with a fashion show with Michigan women designers showing their own fashions. A branch does home visitations; another sells flower bulbs. One has a trivia night. One sends letters to women who have broken the glass ceiling -- doctors, lawyers, CEO's, women who own their own business -- asking for donations. Another has a giving tree at a luncheon where members hang envelopes with their donations. All of these were interesting and good ideas. | |
|
|
The Joy of Different
N’Kenge Gonzalez, AAUWMI DEI Director
| | |
|
|
Dimensions of diversity can be likened to seasons, there are multiple seasons but, depending upon your geographic location, you may not be privy to them all.
It doesn’t mean they don’t exist; it just means that when some encounter more seasons than what they have gone through, it may come as a shock. Therefore, experiences that come from continual exposure teach a person the preparation needed to thrive in the various elements that each season holds much like diversity.
Seasons present us with Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring. In each of these seasons, there are different temperature ranges, climate conditions and weather patterns or anomalies.
| |
|
Diversity presents us with a multitude of dimensions which include but are not limited to: gender, religious beliefs, race, marital status, ethnicity, parental status, age, education, physical and mental ability, income, sexual orientation, occupation, language, geographic location. Again, depending upon geographic location, one may only encounter a couple or the full spectrum.
Exposure is the key to understanding and tolerance. The more we are exposed to situations, environments, and people, the better equipped we are to handle and/or navigate them.
| |
To learn more about the different types of diversity and how to gain more exposure, please go to AAUW National website to the DEI section. | |
|
|
State Services Update
Leah Monger, State Services Manager
| | |
|
|
AAUW has released new branch and state affiliate logos in the red and navy colors that the national logo has been sporting for the past year. Use of the new logos is optional, and it's fine to continue using the blue and green versions. I'll be updating AAUW of Michigan publications to incorporate the new colors in our branding. This is the first newsletter designed in the new colors.
You can download your branch's new logo image from the State & Branch Tools page on the AAUW website. Scroll down to "What do you want to do?" and click "Download AAUW Logos and Branding Materials." On the next page, choose "State and Branch Logos." On the next page, click "Final logos." The next page has a list of states. Click on "Michigan." Select your branch on the next page.
| |
Women's History Month Sale at the
AAUWMI Online Store
| | |
|
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. For Women's History Month only: Book is only $15. That's more than a 50% discount. Order yours today! 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!
| |
|
AAUW of Michigan
Important Dates 2022-2023
| |
|
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**
Saturday, March 25 –
-
9:00 a.m.-12 noon ET – Regional Leadership Conference #1. Register here.
-
1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. ET – Regional Leadership Conference #2. Register here.
Wednesday, March 29 –
- 7:00 p.m. ET – Branch Presidents’ Quarterly Zoom Meeting
April 2023
Saturday, April 1 –
- Deadline to receive names of Annual Meeting delegates
-
9:00 a.m.-12 noon ET – Regional Leadership Conference #3. Register here.
-
1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. ET – Regional Leadership Conference #4. Register here.
| |
|
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.
| |
AAUW of Michigan Leadership Team 2022-2023 | | |
Elected Officers/Executive Committee | |
AAUWMI Administrative Staff | | | | |
