Advancing Gender Equity for Women and Girls | | |
APRIL 2025 NEWSLETTER
edited by Dottie Burk, Jeanne Lese, Cherie Sorokin and Ann Vercoutere
| | CRAZY TIMES, BUT YOU CAN HELP! | | |
Two New AAUW Funds Address the Current Times
Donations to AAUW are welcome and appreciated any time of year, but the spring is when our branch asks members to show their support for our mission by donating to AAUW at the national level. We are standing strong against actions being taken to roll back rights we have long fought for. Your financial support helps make this possible!
You recently received an email letter from Nancy Finston asking for donations to AAUW's Greatest Needs Fund as part of our spring fundraising for national. Hoping many of you have already answered that call! But if you haven't yet made a donation, here are two new possibilities to consider that are specifically tied to AAUW's efforts to defend higher education and to advocate on public policy issues affecting women and girls. AAUW created these two new funds for contributions from members and other donors especially interested in these two areas of our work and who want their contributions to specifically fund this work:
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The Defend Higher Education Fund will enable AAUW to elevate the critical higher education issues impacting women, mobilize advocates across the country, provide strategic resources to students, staff and faculty on campus, and fuel investments in the infrastructure and technology necessary to move our mission forward.
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The Public Policy Fund supports the advancement of AAUW's Public Policy Principles and Priorities. AAUW is focused on increasing the impact of our Action Network through growing the number of advocates across the country and providing timely, accurate, and actionable information about our key issues.
Contributions to the AAUW Greatest Needs fund are also great, because they provide maximum flexibility as new issues arise, but these two new funds are directly aligned with work we know is vital in the current environment.
Here is the LINK to use for donations to any of these three funds. Or send a check to AAUW FUND, 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC, 20005. Note on the memo line that you are making a donation to The Greatest Needs Fund, The Defend Higher Education Fund, or The Public Policy Fund, and you that you are a member of the Marin County, CA Branch.
Wondering What Else You Can Do?
Check out this recent AAUW Webinar: Defending Equity Standing Strong Against Attacks on Higher Education. You can find it on the AAUW YouTube Channel, or by using this link! Don't think the attacks affect local activities? Hear how one AAUW organization was denied the use of a military color guard for their state gathering after the Executive Order on "illegal" DEI. Consider what steps we each can take individually and as a branch when our rights are challenged.
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Lobby Days: AAUW CA is conducting Lobby Days on April 8 and 9 and several of our branch members are planning to participate: Nancy Major, Nancy Lubamersky, Cherie Sorokin, Dianne Sheridan, Dottie Burk, Kathleen Clark, Audrey Zavell, Jacqueline Janssen, and Leslie Zimring. We will be advocating for a bill that seeks to protect access to healthcare for adults and children who may currently be denied rights or care because of race or gender identity issues. We will be advocating against a bill that limits options for children based on the assumption that parental denial of gender affirming care is not harmful. We will also be advocating for a bill clarifying that social media platforms can be held liable if its algorithms or AI abet individual users engaging in unlawful intimidation of others.
Aside from the focus on these three particular bills, these in-person and Zoom visits with legislators provide an opportunity for us to educate our representatives on AAUW and our mission of supporting equity for women and girls. In the current environment it's more important than ever that we let those involved in government at all levels know about our history and our work!
AAUW CA Annual Zoom Gathering: April 26th, starting at 10 a.m. In addition to recognition of members and branches, and updates on activities, the April 26 program will focus on social change and how we can pivot to ensure AAUW branches not only survive but remain vital.
A State Dues Increase? AAUW CA has not raised dues in over 10 years. The state board is considering an increase of $10 effective July 1, 2025. Stay tuned for more info via an email to each AAUW CA member.
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Chat with Leslie
Dear all,
I know you get a lot of mail from AAUW and I appreciate the time and intention it takes to read it. Please note this info you received Monday on the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R. 22). Two things to consider: Federal law already makes it illegal for noncitizens to vote in all federal elections – so this bill is unnecessary. Married women who have changed their name to their husband’s would not be able to present their birth certificate as proof of citizenship for voting – so making life harder for women again.
The House is expected to vote on the SAVE Act this week. Please write your representative and urge them to oppose the bill. Your AAUW email marked URGENT provides a super easy form.
As we look for ways to separate the wheat from the chaff, here is another great resource posted by AAUW-CA: Challenges of Russia in 2025 by Steven Pifer, the former US Ambassador to Ukraine, a current member of the Stanford Center for International Security and a member of the Brookings Institute. This presentation provides insight on Ukraine and Russia.
I look forward to seeing you all on April 12th when the distinguished author Jasmin Darznik, an Iranian-born bestselling author and the chair of the MFA Program in Writing at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco, will join us at the Key Room. Look for your invite or email Katherine Brinnier now - Wednesday is the last day to RSVP!
Courage,
Leslie O. Zimring
‘Real change, enduring change happens one step at a time.’
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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Join us for tea and scones, and a talk by local author Jasmin Darznik. Jasmin will focus on her most recent book The Bohemians, a novel about the photographer Dorothea Lange, and her years living in San Francisco. Interesting local history to be sure.
Please RSVP to the program invitation that was emailed to you yesterday, March 31. The deadline to respond is tomorrow, April 2.
| | March Meeting with Suzanne Ford | | Our March 15 branch meeting featured Suzanne Ford, Executive Director of SF Pride. She gave a touching and inspiring talk about her life's journey as a trans woman and spoke about the challenges faced by SF Pride and the LGBTQ community at this point in time. Members present at the event are shown gathered around Suzanne in support. | | Tech Trek Alums Enjoy a Field Trip | | |
By Judy Kramer, TTAG Coordinator
Our Marin & Novato TTAGers (Tech Trek Alumnae Group members) recently spent a sunny Sunday at the Indian Valley Preserve (Novato) examining the ecosystem of tadpoles, salamanders and butterflies with Marin County Parks naturalist Shannon Burke. We will never look at water in a ditch or pond the same way! We also chanced to see hawks flying in their mating dance. Ms. Burke used to work at Hawk Hill and filled us in on many of the raptors' habits. She also shared her career path, from a girl with many pets to biology major to naturalist. The TTAG board arranged all aspects of this outing. We especially want to recognize TTAGer Divya for organizing our time with Shannon.
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Reading Groups Compile a DEIA Book List
How Many Have You Read?
By Deb Learner
The Mission of AAUW is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. AAUW promotes DEIA - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, factors that are key in accomplishing our mission.
The attached list of 23 books came from the many suggestions made by our book groups and reviewed by our DEIA committee. It is intended to encourage branch members to explore and increase our collective awareness and understanding of the principles and value of DEIA that AAUW works to realize. The suggested books, which include fiction, non-fiction and autobiographies, illuminate the concepts of DEIA through a wide range of life experiences.
Read the list HERE.
| | Members Celebrate the Marin Women's Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees | | |
Did you know that AAUW Marin was a cofounder of the Marin Women's Hall of Fame with the YWCA and the Marin Women's Commission way back in 1987? The program is currently managed by the YWCA. Read more about it on their website HERE.
Pictured above are some of our members who attended the 2025 induction ceremony on March 4 at the Embassy Suites Hotel. We are proud that four Marin branch members have been previously inducted into the Hall of Fame. They are Cherie Sorkin and Afaf Meleis (pictured lower right with silver scars), Denise Lucy, and Joan Brown.
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Be on the Lookout for Your Renewal Email!
For all of you who joined AAUW prior to July 1, 2022, your membership will expire June 30, 2025. You will be receiving renewal emails from National in April, May and June. Please respond to one of them and follow the link to renew. Effective April 1 (no joke!) National has raised their annual dues by $2.
Questions? Contact Chris O'Neill, membership chair.
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Kimberley Aalfs
Kimberley was told about us by a friend in the Healdsburg chapter. She has a degree in Environmental Biology from U of Colorado at Boulder. She ended up working as a cell biologist and concentrating mostly on medical and cancer research. She been retired for a long time now and has 2 grown daughters. She has taught app coding and is interested in Mah Jongg, hiking, kayaking and piano.
Angela Olmanson
Angela heard about us at the College of Marin and, indeed, is the college's AAUW representative. She has a degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Sonoma State and an MBA from Western Governors' University. She is presently the allied health administrator at COM.
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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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Bocce Group
Bocce is on a roll! We will play again on April 8, the second Tuesday of April. You don't need to know how to play. Just come and have fun. We do split the cost of the court amongst the players- it's usually about $15-20. If interested, contact Ann Vercoutere
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Hiking Group
Our next hike is planned for April 1, weather permitting. We will be heading to Mt Burdell. The poppies should still be there! Contact Ann Vercoutere if you are interested in joining us.
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What Are You Reading?
The What Are You Reading book group will meet on April 14th 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
The Reading Arts group is reading Remarkably Bright Creatures this month. We meet on Thursday, April 17th at 1PM to discuss it. Like to join us? Please contact Ann Jessup for information.
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Book Lovers
Booklovers is meeting on Tuesday, April 1st at 1 p.m. to discuss The Women by Kristin Hannah. If you want more information, or to join, contact Carol Hoffman.
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LitWits
From April to June this group will read works by South African/Australian Nobelist John Coetzee: starting with Waiting for the Barbarians in April, Life & Times of Michael K in May, and Disgrace in June. LitWits meets the third Wednesday of the month at 10 AM in members’ homes and new members or guests are always welcome. For info contact Ann Thomas, or 415-924-9559.
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Nonfiction Reading Group
The AAUW Marin Nonfiction Reading Group is meeting Monday, April 14, 1:00 pm on Zoom to discuss Undaunted: How Women Changed American Journalism by Brooke Kroeger. If you would like to be on the group’s email list and join us, email Phyllis Kuehn for the reading list and Zoom link. We always welcome new members! The Nonfiction Reading Group meets the second Monday of the month at 1:00 pm on Zoom.
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Behind the Headlines
Behind the Headlines will meet by Zoom on April 9th at 6:00 pm. Nicola Pitchford, President of Dominican University of CA will speak on the impact on independent colleges and universities, including our own Dominican in San Rafael, of the current administration's reduction in grants and other funding for higher education. Contact Cherie Sorokin or 415 730-0204 if you are interested in attending or joining the group.
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Happy Hour Group
Our next Happy Hour is Thursday, April 3 at 4:00 pm at Boca Pizzeria at The Village Corte Madera. Contact Dottie Burk if you would like to attend and/or be added to our email list.
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Movie Group
In March, the movie group went to see the winner of the Italian Academy awards, There’s Still Tomorrow. Set in postwar Rome, a working-class woman discovers the courage to change the circumstances of her life. This stylized, black and white, feminist movie echoes still-timely concerns about violence against women and toxic masculinity in Italy. The April movie will be April 8 and members will be notified of the details closer to the movie. If you are interested in joining the group, contact either Mary Mossteller or Freddie Greene
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French Conversation
Bonjour, chères Francophiles.
Notre prochaine heure de conversation en français sera mercredi le 16 avril chez Rulli à Larkspur. Répondez s’il vous plaît. A bientôt j’espère,
Please rsvp to Janet Lynn.
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Handcraft Circle
In April the crafts group will meet at Lane Yee’s home. The meeting is on on tax day, April 15, from 1-4. Lane will send out details closer to the date. If you are interested in joining the group, contact Mary Mossteller
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Play Mah Jongg?
Join us for our weekly games on Wednesdays in members' homes, 1:30 to 3:30. If you are interested in joining or would like to get on the list, email the group leader Chris O'Neill. We play American Mah Jongg. You need the card to play and should have a basic knowledge of the game. Chris can also give you information on where to take lessons, if you'd like to learn to play.
| | So Much to Do, So Little Time | | |
VOTE in the AAUW National Election
April 14 - May 13
On the ballot this year: The election of 4 directors, minor bylaw changes, and approval of revised and more focused public policy priorities for AAUW at the national level. Watch for your individual ballot which will be emailed on or just before April 14.
VOTE in the AAUW CA Election
April 26 - May 16
On the ballot: Election of directors for the AAUW CA board and perhaps a dues increase for AAUW CA. Watch for your individual ballot which will be emailed on or just before April 26.
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READ AAUW’s Annual Report 2024: A Year of Impact
Discover how AAUW is advancing equity for women and girls nationwide. The Annual Report highlights key achievements, financials, and the impact of our programs over Fiscal Year 2024. This resource is part of a focus on our commitment to transparency and impact and serves as an excellent shareable. Read it here!
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May 10, McInnis Park, 10 - 1PM. End of the year luncheon and celebration! Election of officers and invited speaker Cynthia Boaz, PhD, Sonoma State professor of political science with expertise in nonviolent strategy, civil resistance, quality of democracy, reproductive rights.
We hope to see YOU at each and every one of our branch programs!
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Thanks to Nancy Finston and Judy Kramer our Facebook and Instagram accounts are active. Check us out!
https://www.facebook.com/AAUWMARIN
https://www.instagram.com/aauwmarin/
| | Know Someone Who'd Like to Join AAUW? | | |
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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© 2019 AAUW
AAUW is a top-rated 501(c)(3) charity. Donations are tax deductible.
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