Advancing Gender Equity for Women and Girls | |
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SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER
edited by Dottie Burk, Jeanne Lese, Cherie Sorokin, and Ann Vercoutere
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Hey, There's an Election Coming Up! | |
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Check out AAUW's voter issue guide for a deeper understanding of all the issues at stake for women in this election and beyond!
While we don't endorse specific candidates, we can arm ourselves with the knowledge needed to bring issues of gender equity into conversations with candidates and with voters still deciding for whom they will vote or who may not understand the implications from a gender equity perspective of a choice they tell you they have already made.
Our Voter Issue Guide is particularly helpful in suggesting specific questions to ask candidates. But many of the same questions can be used with friends or family members or students or anyone in "the younger generation" to get them thinking about key issues that support gender equity. The guide is also available in Spanish if you have Spanish-speaking friends or are working to help Spanish-speaking individuals register and understand the issues.
At some point this fall before the election, the AAUW Action Fund will also publish our Congressional Voting Record which provides information on how federal legislators have voted on our priority issues. We're lucky in Marin that our federal representatives almost always support AAUW priorities. But you may have friends in other parts of California or in other states who would appreciate receiving a copy once it is published. It will be available in digital form for easy emailing.
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AAUW-CA has a new President. Charmen Goehring took on this leadership role as of July 1. Charmen will be making diversity, equity and inclusion a major focus of her tenure and sees outreach to and inclusion of diverse members and potential members as critical to the future of AAUW.
Public policy and advocacy are major priority areas for AAUW CA. On September 23 at 7:00 pm the state Public Policy Committee will host a webinar on GOTV (getting out the vote) tools and activities for the upcoming election. The webinar will also touch on how to handle difficult conversations with others on political topics. You can register HERE.
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Chat with Leslie
Dear all,
The August Board to Board publication from AAUW CA included a wonderful article called ‘Reducing Polarization through Language’ by Melissa Maceyko, a director of AAUW-CA. I would encourage everyone to read THIS GUIDE. It defines and illustrates clear steps to take to increase good conversations about important issues, where everyone feels heard. Many of us are focused on our national election in November and are familiar with the effects of polarization. Polarization will not end in November. As AAUW members, we are dedicated to building good conversations around equity. So, let us consider how the language we use can establish commonalities, reduce misunderstandings, and create opportunities for more good conversations. The Guide for Combating Polarization with Communicative Tools and 5 Focus Areas is a way forward.
2024-2025 has some amazing programs in place. First up - I am looking forward to seeing you all on September 14 as we celebrate our Tech Trekkers, NCCWSL leaders, and our scholarship winners. Check out more branch programs planned in the newsletter below and on our website.
See you soon!
Leslie
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Tech Trek 2024 Was a Hit! | |
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This summer’s Tech Trek camp at Sonoma State University “was amazing as expected” according to Tech Trek Coordinator Angela Nuckles. Read more about the camp HERE.
The Marin branch sponsored six girls this year and all were grateful for the experience. Even a camper’s mom Connie Chen wrote a nice thank you letter and decided to join our branch! For a list of all campers and alumnae visit the Tech Trek page of our website HERE.
Particularly impressive this year was Marin’s contribution to camp staffing. Members Cindy Demchuk and Robin Liffman, taught core classes in Forensics and Natural Science. Amy Anderson presented an origami workshop. Four Tech Trek alumnae and Angela served as dorm monitors. A Dominican University senior Camrin Dotario was the camp nurse. And three branch members served as class monitors. An extra special thank you to Angela for also taking on the challenging role of camp treasurer.
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Campers and Staff (red lanyards) at 2024 Tech at Sonoma State. | |
Branch members Cindy Demchuk, left, and Robin Liffman, right, taught core classes at Tech Trek | |
September Branch Program
Meet the next generation of STEM women!
Saturday September 14 (10 am - noon) at the Marin Bocce Rose Garden
Meet & Mingle with:
- 2024 Tech Trek campers from AAUW Marin & Novato
- 2024 COM AAUW STEM award recipients
- Tech Trek Alumnae
- Tech Trek Camp instructors & camp staff
LOOK for the invitation coming soon and please respond if you plan to attend.
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More Programs....
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September 10, 1:00 pm. AAUW Member Virtual Gathering. A special member gathering where AAUW National will recognize supporters and branches and share updates on policy, programs, membership and more. Cherie Sorokin, who is now the AAUW National board chair, will be speaking at the beginning of this webinar. Register using this link.
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October 5, 10:00 - Noon at the Corte Madera Town Center - Dottie Le Mieux, a local attorney, will address women's issues and policies.
For a list of all upcoming AAUW Marin branch programs visit our website HERE To find the list anytime, just google "AAUW Marin website" and it will take you right there!
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College of Marin Liaison Update
By Deb Learner
We are happy to report that the College of Marin has renewed its AAUW affiliate membership!
Recently, Nancy Major and I had a productive meeting with AAUW College of Marin (COM) representative (and longtime AAUW member) Dr. Stormy Miller, outlining our outreach goals for 2024-2025. Our overall goal is to connect with students and administrators to promote general awareness of AAUW and our mission, and to generate student interest in applying for scholarships and awards and AAUW student/ faculty membership.
Upcoming activities include:
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Tabling at the Resource Fair 9/4, and Club Fest, 9/11, with AAUW info and Voter Registration materials and introducing ourselves to the many Learning Communities at COM and connecting with the Transfer Career and Counseling Center.
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Collaborating with COM for our January branch program which will feature Dr. Stormy Miller addressing the AAUW mission of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
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Working with MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement) coordinator, Nicole McIntyre, to set up a presentation during Women's History Month in March. The presentation may include AAUW members, COM faculty, as well as representation from companies that provide student internships.
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Exploring scheduling a Work Smart or Start Smart session for faculty and students for Equal Pay Day (April 7, 2025).
We welcome members to join our outreach team. Our activities on campus will give branch members opportunities to meet COM students, staff and faculty. Please contact me at Dlearner45@gmail.com to join in.
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Speaking of Voter Registration
The League of Women Voters and SEAP (Student Elections Ambassador Program through the Registrar of Voters) will be hosting Voter Registration drives at the College of Marin this Fall. We will also have a Voter Registration table at COM’s Resource Fair on 9/4 and Club Fest on 9/11. Other dates in September and October are planned for Voter Registration drives in the Canal and at Dominican University.
Students and young people represent the highest number of unregistered voters. We hope that many of you will volunteer at a table for a few hours. The 5-minute training is very simple and can take place on site. We will not be discussing candidates or other ballot issues.
Please call Nancy Major at 415-898-8433 if you can help register students to vote on 9/4, 9/11 or 9/17*
* must be a member of the League of Women voters. .
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Nancy Major (3rd from left) registering COM students to vote on 8/26/24 with the Canal Alliance and the League of Women Voters | |
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Visit Us at the Marin Senior Fair
The Marin Senior Fair, with the theme Flower Power, will be in the exhibit hall at the Marin Civic Center on Wednesday, September 18, 9:00-3:00. It is free with entertainment, food, and raffle prizes. 140 exhibit booths are presenting valuable information and resources for seniors and, for the second year, AAUW Marin will have a booth. Put on your bell bottoms and tie dye shirt and come by and say hello at Booth 163. Tell your friends to stop by to check us out and perhaps join AAUW. If you'd like to help contact Marianne Pearson
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Interested in Public Policy?
AAUW uses lobbying and grassroots efforts to push forward policies that break through educational and economic barriers for women. Examples include pay equity, paid family leave, Title IX, student debt, and sexual harassment. For a complete description of AAUW's public policy priorities, visit https://www.aauw.org/act/policy-center/
Branch Public Policy Chair Nancy Major, who also serves on the State Public Policy Committee, would like to have at least 2 more members join her team. Committee members could choose one of several interests, thereby limiting their time commitment.
If you are interested or want more information, contact Nancy Major.
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Fall Fundraising for the AAUW Marin Scholarship Fund
Autumn is here! This is the time of year our branch raises funds to support our local programs -- scholarships and awards for women at Dominican University and College of Marin, sponsorships for 7th grade Marin girls to attend Tech Trek, and sponsorships for college women to attend AAUW’s leadership conference NCCWSL.
A major fundraiser for us is our online Silent Auction and Direct Buy Sale in conjunction with our Holiday Luncheon on December 7. The auction committee is gearing up to start collecting items for the auction, so put on your thinking caps. Popular items include restaurant gift certificates, tickets, gift baskets, handmade items, wine, and “experiences.”
Be on the lookout for an email announcement with details on how you can help.
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Gail Sexton Anderson
Gail is the retired CEO of Donor Concierge, a third party fertility counseling service. She has numerous interests including hiking, cycling, swimming, cooking, embroidery and travel.
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Cindy Demchuk
Cindy is both the President and Tech Trek coordinator for the Novato branch. She is joining us as a dual member. She is a 4th grade teacher in Novato.
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Mardi Diamond
Mardi is a retired computer software professional. She volunteers at Marin Villages, 10,000 Degrees and Marin Humane Society. She enjoys knitting and reading.
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Brodie Hilp
Brodie is a dual member and active in the Danville and San Ramon branches. She is President of the San Ramon Valley Democratic Club, attending school board meetings to counter those who, essentially, try to ban books in schools. She also is a member of Contra Costa MoveOn, to keep money out of politics. She goes to the gym, dances and does Zumba. And never sleeps!
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Abbey Kletz
Abbey is joining us after first being a teacher, then going back to school and getting her degree in Landscape Architecture. She was "Landscapes by Abbey Kletz" both designing and building for 20 years. She now volunteers at WildCare and Hospice, teaches chair yoga and is an artist- acrylic paint.
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Barbara Armington is Turning 100!!!!
1924 must have been a very good year! (Jean Marchant hit this milestone last month.)
Barbara's been a member since 1974.
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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.
There has been some interest in starting a bocce group- likely to meet on a Tuesday each month. Please contact Ann Vercoutere if interested. And Ukulele is restarting. See below!
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Art Tours
As of now, Art Tours will not be meeting in September. Stay tuned.
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Hiking Group
The group is planning to start up again on September 3- heading to the shade on Mt Tam. It will be about 5 1/2 miles. Contact Ann Vercoutere if interested. We might be doing a second event later in the month.
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LitWits Reading Group
Following a special summer meeting to discuss The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and James, the group embarks on a fall schedule of more famous banned books: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley on September 18, Animal Farm by George Orwell on October 16, and The Handmaid'sTale by Margaret Atwood November 20. Meetings are 10 AM on 3rd Wednesday mornings - so first meeting is September 18. New members always welcome.
For info contact Ann Thomas,or 415-924-9559.
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Book Lovers
Book Lovers will be reading and discussing This Is Happiness by Niall Williams on September 24 and The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride on October 22. Both meetings begin at 1:00pm in the homes of our members.
Contact Carol Hoffman with questions.
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What Are You Reading?
What Are You Reading book group will meet on Monday, September 9 from 10-11 on Zoom. Members share what they are reading. You always come away with a list of great books to read! Contact Cherie Sorokin or 415 730-0204 if you wish to join the group.
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Reading Arts Group
Reading Arts meets on Thursday, September 19th to discuss The Women by Kristin Hannah. Interested in joining us? Please contact group leader Ann Jessup for more information.
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Nonfiction Reading Group
The AAUW Marin Nonfiction Reading Group is meeting Monday, September 9, at 1:00 pm on Zoom to discuss What an Owl Knows. A New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Bird, by Jennifer Ackerman. We welcome new members! The Nonfiction Reading Group meets the second Monday of the month at 1:00 pm on Zoom. 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 .
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Behind the Headlines
Our September meeting will be Wednesday September 11, at the home of Cherie Sorokin and will start with a light potluck supper. The group will be watching and discussing a webinar on research related to the impact on young adults of online sexual explicitness and depictions of violence against women. Behind the Headlines will not meet in October. In November we return to Zoom meetings until Spring. Our November speaker will be the fabulous Barbara Creed, who will again be focusing us on three pending Supreme Court Cases. Contact Cherie Sorokin or 415 730-0204 if you are interested in attending or joining the group.
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French Conversation Group
Our next rendezvous is on Wednesday, September 18, at 1:30 at Emporio Rulli in Larkspur, our usual place. Participants speak only French for about an hour. Contact Rebecca Allen or 941-416-6316 if you have questions.
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Happy Hour Group
Our next Happy Hour is September 5 at 4:30 at Boca Pizzeria at the Village in Corte Madera. Contact Dottie Burk if you would like to be added to our email list.
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Meet Me at the Movies!
The Movie Group will meet September 10, the movie to be selected a couple of days before that date. We are one of the few interest groups who met during the summer. One of our favorites this summer was the movie Thelma, a light-hearted comely about aging issues, something we all could relate to. The main actress was in her 90s and did a great job. We had a lively discussion after at Il Davide’s. Contact Mary Mossteller or Freddie Green if interested.
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Handcraft Circle
Handcraft Circle will meet September 17 in a member’s home after a two month hiatus for vacations. We are pleased that our group has been adding new members!
Contact Mary Mossteller if interested.
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Play Mah Jongg?
Chris O'Neill says, "Join us for our friendly Mah Jongg games on Wednesdays in members homes, 1:30 to 3:30. We play American Mah Jongg. You need the card to play and to have a basic knowledge of the game. You play when you are available." If you'd like to learn more about the game, learn to play or join the group, contact group leader Chris O'Neill.
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Ukulele
Nancy Finston and Dianne Sheridan are reviving the AAUW-Ukes, a ukulele group from the past, of which Nancy was a member. This group is for all levels, from beginner to advanced. We plan to meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 10:30 to noon at a member’s home.
If you are interested in making music and having fun please contact Dianne Sheridan
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The Art Tours Group visited the Rosie the Riveter Museum in Richmond in July. Seated between Sue and Mary, is Jeannie Gibson,one of the original “Rosies” who spoke about her personal experiences. | |
'Summer Fling' at Chris O'Neill's home in July | |
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Marin Branch officers met in August to plan the year | |
Members of the Maj Jongg and Hiking groups enjoy playing bocce in August. Thank you to Marin Bocce for the gift certificate donated to last year's auction. | |
So Much to Do, So Little Time | |
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Wild Girls, How the Outdoors Shaped Women Who Challenged a Nation--The author of this book, Dr. Tija Miles, is an AAUW Community Grant Alum. She'll be in conversation with Gloria Blackwell on September 5 at 11:00 Pacific time. Register HERE.
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Petals and Ice Exhibit--This exhibition features internationally known polar explorer, geographer and San Rafael native Louise Boyd. Though September, 2024, at the Marin History Museum, 1125 B Street, San Rafael. The museum is open 11:00-3:00 on Saturdays, 10-2:00 Wednesdays-Fridays.
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Nominate a women to the Marin Women's Hall of Fame HERE.The deadline is September 22
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Know Someone Who'd Like to Join AAUW? | |
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AAUW women make an impact on women and girls.
Word of mouth is the best way to recruit new members!
Why Join? AAUW offers 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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AAUW is a top-rated 501(c)(3) charity. Donations are tax deductible.
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