Amy Shamroe, AAUWMI President

aauwamy@gmail.com

517-930-9999 (Cell)

If you are like me, you were surprised to look up and see it is already December. AAUW of Michigan is only half way through our fiscal year, but the end of the calendar year still brings reflection. 



As you look to the year ahead, both branch members and leaders, think of the change coming in the new year both in your circles and nationwide. As an organization, we are committed to empowering women and girls. We must always ask ourselves if we are honoring our mission as effectively as possible. As AAUWMI President, I start by asking this to all of you. We are always striving to meet the needs of members at the state level. We have worked to empower our leaders around the state with playbooks for your roles. We check in to set Public Policy objectives biannually to fight where we know we can make the most impact. We know we are stronger together as a state. 

Look at your own branch as you reflect as well. For your local branch, you are likely starting to look at potential new leaders with various positions up for a vote this spring. Does your board have new faces sprinkled in, or if you are honest, does it look more like musical chairs with positions? If it is the latter, brainstorm ways to shake it up, and reach out to us at state if you need inspiration. The other question to ask as you think about your branch is who are we welcoming? Are you planning around our current members, or are you thinking about how best to welcome new people? Ideally, you can think of outreach initiatives that meet both needs and offer a blend.

Change is coming to AAUW of Michigan, too. 

As we look ahead to 2025, we first have the retirement of our lobbyist and public policy stalwart, Mary Pollock. Mary has been a great resource for AAUWMI for a decade now, and we are so grateful for her hard work. Enjoy this photo collage of Mary at work as our representative in Lansing over the years.

With Mary’s retirement, the board has created a committee to work on an app for AAUWMI. The program will alert members in a timely way of legislation that meets or directly opposes our Public Policy goals and make it easy to send a message to elected representatives in your districts. More to come on that in the new year! 

Clockwise from top left: AAUWMI member Amanda Phillips, State Senator Coleman Young, and Mary at the Capitol, Sep. 2015; AAUWMI member Karen Linnell and Mary attend a House hearing, Oct. 2015; Mary participates in Day of Action at the Capitol, Oct. 2017; Mary and current AAUWMI Public Policy Director Ruth Brown attend Women in Politics reception at the Governor's Residence, Sep. 2019; Mary attends Equal Pay Day rally at the Capitol, Apr. 2018

We’ll also talk about branch sales tax obligations. This could impact you even as a non-profit!

Another important and far-reaching subject important to most branches includes the new rules about working with colleges and universities to disseminate scholarships.

A topic that every branch can use a refresher on is understanding fundraising law compliance. 

Finally, we will talk about the rules/laws for 501(c)4 branches and 501(c)3s.

As usual, I will ensure there is time for questions as well. So, please register today!

Looking forward to working with you all!

Sheila

The deadline for submitting proposed bylaws amendments is January 31, 2025. 

1. The state may adopt and amend bylaws related to state affairs, but such bylaws shall not conflict with AAUW BYLAWS.
2. A phrase, a sentence or a whole article may be amended.
3. Reasons should be stated to explain why the recommendation is being made.

Procedure for Adoption (AAUWMI Bylaws, Article XIX)

The provisions of these bylaws not governed by the AAUW BYLAWS may be amended at the state annual meeting by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting, or by electronic or mail ballot, provided written notice shall have been sent to the members at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. 

An amendment to the bylaws at the state annual meeting shall become effective and binding on all AAUWMI affiliates.

Use the AAUWMI Bylaws Amendments Form to submit proposed amendments to the AAUWMI Bylaws, using a separate form for each proposed amendment.

Jan Van Gasse

AAUWMI Bylaws Director

W5745 River Meadows Lane

Norway, MI 49870

(906) 396-2747

janicevangasse@gmail.com 

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: January 31, 2025 

AAUW operates at both the national and local branch levels, each with distinct roles and responsibilities.

AAUW National

• Policy Advocacy: Focuses on national issues affecting women and girls, such as education equity, pay equity, and reproductive rights.

• We coordinate our Public Policy Committees, participate in coalition work and partner with other prominent National organizations to raise awareness about our policy priorities (such as the YWCA for our Gen Z Town Hall in Philadelphia).
• AAUW National provides monthly opportunities for cross-state collaboration and information sharing between our public policy chairs. We’ve been sharing training resources on voter engagement this summer & fall, and will be providing peer-to-peer capacity-building trainings for members who want to get more engaged in legislative advocacy (after the election!).
• In addition to supporting the work branches and states are doing in-state, the national policy team will also be sharing state-by-state data on the pay gap and providing targeted actions that our members can take to support federal solutions.

• Subject Matter Expertise: We have historically produced in-depth studies on topics like the gender pay gap and women in leadership roles.



• While we haven't produced reports recently due to limited funding - we have done high level analysis of pay gap data recently released. We are frequently asked to comment on topics related to pay equity, student loan debt and other issues related to gender equity. You can see our recently updated page on Latinas and the pay gap for example here: https://www.aauw.org/resources/article/latinas-and-the-pay-gap

• We have tens of thousands of social media followers across all platforms and have well over 1million website viewers - ensuring that our brand remains prominent and relevant. Gloria has been invited to White House events on at least three occasions recently.
• On a Global level – CEO Gloria Blackwell is AAUW's representative to the UN - and our work in this capacity provides great reputational value related to global gender equity work.

• Salary Negotiation and Financial Literacy Training: Offers training and resources for women to develop skills to be financially empowered.



• In particular our Work Smart, Start Smart and Money Smart trainings provide valuable resources and tools for women to become economically empowered. Nationally we work with organizations such as the HBCU Career Center, Tri Delta, Coca Cola Foundation, Finra Foundation, SAGE and others to bring these trainings to thousands of women across the country. These trainings were developed and are updated and managed by the National office. They have been independently evaluated by two separate entitles and continually receive very high ratings from participants.

• Fellowships & Grants: We award and administer over $6M in fellowships and grants each year to hundreds of women in the US and Internationally. 
• We also connect our members and branches to these awardees and alumnae and have an Alumnae Relations team charged with growing and maintaining relationships with our thousands of distinguished Alumnae.

• Membership Services: Provides support and resources for local branches and members, including access to national networks and events.
• We host all aauw.net websites, process dues, support 990 filings, and maintain our history and globally recognized brand. Without AAUW National - AAUW branches would instead be independently organized entities who would not be networked with one another or have the ability to utilize the AAUW name. 

In essence, while AAUW National sets the strategic direction and focuses on broader issues, local branches implement programs and initiatives that directly benefit their local communities. Together, our aim is to work towards the common goal of advancing gender equity!

AAUWMI Membership Update

Eva Habib

As the year comes to a close and we prepare for a fresh start, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible members who make AAUW of Michigan a vibrant and successful community. Your commitment and involvement continue to inspire me, and I am eager to embark on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in 2025.

This past year has been one of growth and preparation. Thanks to the dedicated work of the MI Membership Committee and the Capitol Area Branch Committee, we’ve made tremendous strides. I am thrilled to announce the launch of our newest branches: Adrian/Irish Hills and Capitol Area. Both have received their “Go” letters from AAUW National, officially marking their beginnings. Like “infants,” these branches will need care and attention, and our committee is ready to guide them as they grow toward independence.

Looking forward, we are updating the 2023 Membership Playbook to better support branches in achieving their goals and effectively engaging members. This updated resource will address common challenges such as recruiting board members, succession planning, creating meaningful member experiences, and engaging new members in branch activities.

The new year brings endless possibilities and invites us to take risks and welcome challenges. Let’s experiment with fresh approaches and strengthen our branch identity. Together, we will stand tall and build an even stronger AAUW MI community.

On a personal note, I had the pleasure of connecting with the Dearborn Branch and meeting some truly remarkable women. In the coming months, I plan to continue building relationships with other branches. Please reach out to me to arrange a time for us to connect. Understanding the needs of your branches is vital to leading effectively and collaboratively.

You can contact me anytime via email at evahabib@comcast.net or text at 313-418-9085.

Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Eva Habib

AAUWMI Membership VP

I want to thank everyone for their patience as we have been evaluating how to proceed with our efforts to have the ERA published as the 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I’ll be honest, given the outcome of the election, all paths forward in the near-term have challenges, yet we will continue to push.

AAUW is committed to an all-of-the-above strategy regarding pushing for publication. You will see a series of action alerts calling on our members to contact the White House and 118th Congress.

This week’s ask is for President Biden is to do everything in his power to get the ERA published. This is an intentionally nuanced ask (versus only calling on him to instruct the archivist to publish).

The situation right now is complicated. There is a lack of consensus among allies and varying assessments of the political landscape. In addition, it is almost certain that the Amendment will be challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court after publication and there are differing legal opinions regarding potential outcomes (in part because there are several potential legal questions that could be reviewed).

While we are at a critical junction, regardless of what happens between now and January 20th, we will continue to fight!

Pattie Rayl, AAUW Jackson branch member, participated in Project Sentinel in Washington, D.C. during September. The Project paid homage to the Silent Sentinels who picketed the White House in support of the 19th Amendment during 1917-1919. We are delighted that she has shared some photos from her experience!

Silent Sentinels organized by Alice Paul picketing in front of the White House to support the 19th Amendment.

Pattie has also shared a flyer from ERA-Ohio explaining the U.S. Constitution Amendment Process and action you can take to help get the ERA published. Click on the image below to download the full flyer.

Action and Advocacy

Ruth Brown, AAUWMI Public Policy Director

Dear AAUWMI members,

The focus of this article is the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment). Thank you for reading the letter above written by Meghan Kissell from AAUW National in Washington, D.C.

Pattie Rayl, AAUW Jackson branch member and AAUWMI State Public Policy committee member, marched in support of the ERA in Washington, D.C. in September as part of Project Sentinel. She shared pictures and a flyer from ERA-Ohio (see earlier in this newsletter) explaining the amendment process and how all of us can advocate to move the amendment forward. Pattie recommends that we all text President Biden at (302) 404-0880 to ask him to have the Archivist of the United States publish the Amendment. Thank you to Pattie for her time, dedication, and passion for the ERA.

Since the election, I have been receiving e-mails from State Public Policy Chairs throughout the U.S. Some are very discouraged, disappointed, dispirited, exhausted, and emotionally drained. Losing is hard to take. I have fought for things and lost before too, including losing an election by 30 votes. It hurts. But, like you, when I'm down I fight the hardest to get back up and keep fighting. Never give up, and never stop advocating for women's rights because if we don't, no one else will.

AAUWMI's Public Policy Priorities in Lansing

Mary Pollock, Government Relations Coordinator

The presidential election year brought surprises galore in battleground state Michigan. Former President Trump, a Republican, won our electoral college votes (and the national popular vote) while Michigan also elected a Democrat to its open U.S. Senate seat. The Michigan House will have a new majority come January 2025 ending the Democratic trifecta. The 102nd Legislature passed many bills addressing issues consistent with AAUW’s Public Policy Priorities during its two-year stint. Lame duck session may produce more. Read all about these and other matters in my latest (and last) Capitol Report. 

I am stepping down from my role as your Government Relations Coordinator and registered lobbyist agent that I have held since August 2015. I will still be in Lansing following women’s rights issues and maintaining my AAUW of Michigan membership. I’ve enjoyed my nine years representing you and cherish the friendships and associations developed. Let’s keep in touch!

Recap of Recent Programs

Co-VPs/Programs Linda Kevorkian and Sharon McKenna

LIsa Maatz, former AAUW VP of Governmental Relations and Advocacy, presented a program on the 2024 election.

There are two main stages to any election:

1. Persuasion-convincing voters to take action on issues
2. Mobilization- getting out and vote early, 30 days before the election if possible. An informed voter chases her ballot, confirms absentee ballots, or goes to the polls with a sample ballot.

Strategies include being aware of polling locations and knowing that those locations can change, canvassing, manning phone banks, bringing a friend to vote, or assisting with child cars issues on election day.

All the members on the call said the information was valuable and many indicated that they would share the information with others.

On November 21, Zachary Gorchow of Gongwer News, AAUWMI Governmental Relations Coordinator Mary Pollock, and AAUW Public Policy Director Ruth Brown discussed post-election concerns in Michigan at the monthly Lobby Corps meeting.

Although Harris did better than Biden would have done, she failed to win all the voters that Biden did in 2020, and the consensus is that he should have dropped out sooner.

Education seems to have played a factor. Harris gained the vote of the college-educated, while those without any post-high school education favored Trump.

We now have a divided government in Michigan after Republicans regained control of the Michigan House of Representatives.

We are planning regional meetings in late winter and the annual Meeting via Zoom on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Stay tuned for more details.

Linda and Sharon

From the Secretary's Desk

Katie Wiese, AAUWMI Secretary 

Join Katie Wiese, AAUWM Secretary on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. ET for a Zoom Roundtable Meeting with other Branch Secretaries to discuss how to make the secretary’s job easier.

Come ready to share your questions, ideas and tips and tricks for your job easier. Registration information will be sent out at a later date.

Upcoming Changes to NCCWSL 

Barb Duran, AAUWMI College/University Director 

AAUW recently announced changes to the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL). Beginning in 2025, NCCWSL will be organized and administered by NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. 

"AAUW has been incredibly proud of the impact we have made through NCCWSL; however, we have found that the increasing cost of hosting the conference has continued to significantly exceed the income generated by registration fees, scholarship donations and sponsorships. Despite the support we have received from branches, members, and colleges and universities, ultimately the cost has become unsustainable for AAUW. 

We encourage your branch to continue to promote NCCWSL to college women in your local communities. AAUW will have a presence at the conference, as a speaker, exhibitor, presenter and promotional supporter. What will change is the administrative, financial and programmatic oversight and planning — NASPA will be responsible for the planning and execution of the conference moving forward. Registration, as an example, will be made available via NASPA’s website and registration platform rather than through AAUW. 

The decision to make this change was carefully considered and we see many benefits to this new arrangement. We are very proud of NCCWSL’s 39-year legacy and to have your branch continue your support of NCCWSL. Please visit our website for more information." 

AAUW has been holding a Women's Economic Empowerment webinar series, and many of the webinars have been targeted at college students and new professionals. There are still a couple live webinars coming up this month. Whether you're a student, working professional, or higher ed faculty, AAUW's salary negotiation and financial literacy webinars offer essential tools for every career stage. Register for a session here.

Year-End Gifts to AAUW Are Matched through December 31

Mary Jane Kearns, AAUW Funds Director

New Membership Section on AAUWMI Website

Leah Monger, State Services Manager

The AAUWMI website has a new Membership section that includes a Google map of all active Michigan branches with links to online information about each branch. At a minimum, information on joining the branch on the AAUW website is included: "Join: www.aauw.org/membership/."

If I was able to identify links to the following, these modes of electronic communication are also included for each branch:

• Website URL
• Newsletters (if branch website has a current, non-passworded newsletters page)
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Branch email address (no personal email addresses to maintain privacy)

If I missed information about your branch, please let me know. Branch websites and social media pages should have been updated in the past year for inclusion.

As always, please contact me with any AAUW or AAUWMI questions you might have. I might not have the answer, but I’ll forward your question to someone who does.

AAUW of Michigan

Important Dates

Thursday, January 16, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET – "It's in the Numbers!" Zoom presentation with AAUWMI VP of Finance Sheila Blair; register here

Saturday, January 18, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon ET – AAUW of Michigan Board Meeting* (via Zoom)

Friday, January 31 – Deadline for submitting proposed AAUWMI Bylaws Amendments; Deadline for submitting AAUWMI board nominations

Tuesday, March 11 – Winter/Spring Newsletter distributed

Saturday, April 26, 9:00 a.m. – noon ET – AAUW of Michigan Annual Meeting (via Zoom)

Wednesday, June 10 – Spring/Summer Newsletter distributed

*Any member of AAUW of Michigan is welcome to attend Board meetings. Please send an email to Amy Shamroe, President, if you would like to attend any meeting, and she will send you the details.

Elected Officers/Executive Committee

Appointed Directors

AAUWMI Administrative Staff