Advancing Gender Equity for Women and Girls | |
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MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER
edited by Dottie Burk, Jeanne Lese, Cherie Sorokin and Ann Vercoutere
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Let's make some history this month!
While it's always great to take time in March to honor the past achievements of women, in 2025, the present and the future of women are surely on every AAUW member's mind! We have always championed the rights of women, but it's pretty clear we need to up the ante more than ever or risk the undoing of so much we have fought for since 1881.
Get Political--But, Not Partisan. Take a stand and make your voice heard. It's the political process and give and take that determines our public policy. Use AAUW's Public Policy Priorities as a guide for your efforts but also educate yourself about what other groups are doing. It's important to collaborate and share ideas! PS--If you want to go beyond political to partisan, just remember not to do so in the name of AAUW.
As AAUW members, focus on these important issues.
- The value of our higher ed system which is foundational to women achieving greater economic security and assuming high-level leadership roles.
- The need to continue to reduce and eliminate barriers that hold women back.
Both are being threatened as never before. Both are at the heart of AAUW's mission.
Here are some simple steps to get started on these issues.
At the National Level
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Sign up to be an AAUW Two-Minute Activist and get your friends to sign up too. You don't have to be an AAUW member to use our Two-Minute Activist program.
- Actually respond when the call comes to send a note via our Two-Minute Activist program and personalize your introduction.
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Write to Jared Huffman, our Congressional Representative, and Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, our Senators, thanking them for their support of higher education, diversity and women's rights. Use this link to get contact info if you are writing separately from our Two-Minute Activist Program of want to call their offices.
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Support AAUW's Greatest Needs Fund to help us increase our public policy and advocacy work. Use this link to donate.
At the State level
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Email, write or call Assemblymember Damon Connolly and State Senator Mike McGuire. Tell them we are counting on them to build and maintain safeguards into CA law in support of women's rights. Use this link to get their contact information.
- Call your college or university alumni association or the president's office to find out how that institution is responding to Executive Orders and what you can do to support your alma mater in these difficult times. Emphasize the importance of graduate level programs and fellowships for women.
Locally
- Tell everyone you know how important it is to keep Title IX protections for women on campus, and to continue diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
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Intentionally include folks whose perspective you may not agree with in your conversations. You can find out more on how to manage difficult conversations with those who might not agree with us here.
- Write an op ed or letter to the editor in the IJ, or post on Facebook or LinkedIn or Instagram about our values and how they are being threatened.
- Support local nonprofits, including AAUW Marin, with your talent and time, to help keep them working in this chaotic environment.
Let's raise our collective voices!
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AAUW CA is collecting gift cards on behalf of LA Fire (LAF) victims for distribution to those members identified as having been affected. Members in the Pasadena, Alhambra-San Gabriel, San Fernando and Glendale branches were greatly affected. Gift cards are very helpful in assisting fire victims because they can be used for clothing, supplies, food and other items victims may need after losing or being displaced from their homes. Visa and Mastercard gift cards have the broadest reach, but cards for gas stations, grocery stores, and drug stores are also helpful. Send your cards to
AAUW CA,
Attn: LAF,
PO Box 160067,
Sacramento, CA 95816-0067
NOTE: The envelope should be marked ATTN: LAF.
For more information, check the AAUW-CA website.
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Chat with Leslie
Good morning!
Last week I was feeling over-whelmed with the chaos in our country, so I spent time working in the garden. Feeling renewed and resilient by Saturday, I joined the community of over 80 AAUW members and guests at the tri-branch brunch. There was a substantial discussion with California Assembly member Damon Connolly about our own local issues, as well as the necessary work to ensure our country will endure and reflect the values we cherish. What does that work look like? Please reread the clarion call that Cherie Sorokin has posted above - how to be political, but not partisan. She lays out clear options to direct our focus and efforts. So, I encourage you to work in your gardens, take a walk, spend time with family and friends, but also write the letter, make the call, sign the petition, join the movement, make noise, and write a check. Now is the time to support our national organization! Last year 52 members of our branch donated to The Greatest Need fund. This year let’s all donate – big or little as a tangible expression of our belief in the AAUW mission!
Let's not forget to celebrate all the amazing women in our lives! We have a full table of AAUW members including our own Hall of Fame honorees – Cherie Sorokin, Afaf Meleis, Joan Brown, and Denise Lucy– celebrating the 2025 Marin Women’s Hall of Fame inductees this week. And due to your generosity, our Tech Trek and TTAG leaders are hard at work crafting experiences and opportunities for local girls and young women - our future leaders.
Community during stressful times is important. I look forward to seeing you all at the Corte Madera center to meet Suzanne Ford on Saturday, March 15.
Leslie O. Zimring
“The best protection any woman can have is courage.”
— Elizabeth Cady Stanton
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LGBTQ+ and other under-represented communities are especially at risk in the current environment. On March 15th, you have a unique opportunity to hear from Suzanne Ford, the Executive Director of San Francisco Pride. She will speak more deeply about issues affecting these communities and what we can do to support them. Please RSVP to the program invitation coming soon. | |
February Tri-Branch Meeting with Damon Connolly Draws a Full House | |
On February 23 members AAUW Petaluma, Novato and Marin branches met at Homeward Bound for our annual Tri-Branch Brunch. Here are some pictures from the well-attended event. | |
Damon Connolly, State District 12 Assemblymember, gave an update on the current legislative session including issues related to AAUW priorities and other concerns relevant to North Bay constituents and graciously answered questions from the audience. | |
Pictured L-R at the 'head table' are Patsy Knight, co-president of AAUW Petaluma, Leslie Zimring, president of AAUW Marin, Nancy Lubamersky, who introduced Damon Connolly, Cindy Demchuk, president of AAUW Novato, and Stefanie Capps, co-president of AAUW Petaluma | |
Cherie Sorokin, Chair of the AAUW Board of Directors, reviewed AAUW's priorities in light of the current environment. Read her message at the top of this newsletter. | |
Members of the Marin, Novato and Petaluma branches enjoyed a buffet brunch and fellowship at the Key Room at Homeward Bound. This year's Tri-Branch meeting was coordinated by the Marin branch. | |
Bank of Marin Grant Supports Tech Trek
Again this year, Bank of Marin has awarded a grant to the AAUW Marin Scholarship Fund to support sending a Marin girl to AAUW of California's Tech Trek residential summer STEM camp. Branch Scholarship Chair Laura O'Malley (R above) received a $1,500 check from Tamara Ressler, Market Manager and Vice President of Bank of Marin. We are so grateful for Bank of Marin's continued support of Tech Trek.
Our branch Tech Trek committee is currently in the process selecting 10 girls to attend Tech Trek this summer. Seventh grade girls are nominated by teachers at Marin middle schools and must submit an application. The committee will conduct personal interviews with the applicants this month. Look for an update in next month's newsletter.
Read more about Tech Trek HERE.
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Erica Dias
Erica loves AAUW and has met many like-minded women who inspire her. So, while she lives in Sacramento, she has joined our branch, as well as a few others. She has an MBA with an emphasis on ethical leadership. She is completing a doctorate in Transformational Leadership and is on the State AAUW Public Policy Committee. She has worked in finance with an emphasis on DEI. We hope she will attend one of our programs in the future.
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In Remembrance of Lillian Donald | |
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50-year member Lillian Donald passed away recently. Lillian joined AAUW in 1969. We remember her for her many contributions to the branch including serving as president in 2005-2006 when she was instrumental in facilitating the merger between the Southern Marin and Marin branches. We received the following nice note from Lillian's son:
"My mother, Lillian Donald, passed away on January 24, 2025. We are mourning her loss but cherishing the memories of the great life she lived. She was a proud member of AAUW Marin and was a 50-year honorary member and supported the Marin Branch’s programs with both time and donations.
Please accept my gratitude for the contribution the AAUW made to Lillian’s wonderful life." -- Brian Donald
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AAUW Marin Members Reflect on Love
Three Marin branch members had their six-word stories about what love means to them published in the February 25, 2025, edition of the Marin IJ. We thought you might want to hear them.
Love like a glove holding you. - Olivia Ruel, San Rafael
Love is loyal, encircling and constant. – Joy Phoenix, San Rafael
Hearts can expand! Invite others in! – Nancy Greenfield, Larkspur
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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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To all you sports fans out there:
Are you interested in getting together with like minded fans to watch the women's sports team from College of Marin and Dominican? Dianne Sheridan hopes to get a group going. Contact her if interested.
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Bocce Group
Bocce is on a roll! We will play again on the second Tuesday of March, March 11.
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- its usually about $15-20.
If interested, contact Ann Vercoutere
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Hiking Group
Our next hike is planned for March 4, weather permitting. We will be heading to Cataract Falls. The water should be amazing! Contact Ann Vercoutere if you are interested in joining us.
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What Are You Reading?
What Are You Reading book group will meet on March 10 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’s March book is a novel, This Must Be the Place by Maggie O’ Farrell. We meet on Thursday, March 20 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 afternoon, March 4th at the home Dolores Mizis to discuss The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim. If you want more information, or to join, contact Carol Hoffman.
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LitWits
LitWits concludes the reading and study of James McBride's novels March 19 with The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. LitWits meets the third Wednesday of the month at 10 AM in members’ homes and new members are always welcome. From April to June the group will read 4 works by South African Nobelist John Coetzee. For info contact Ann Thomas, or 415-924-9559.
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Nonfiction Reading Group
The Group is meeting Monday, March 10, 1:00 pm on Zoom to discuss Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora. This memoir is the story of a nine-year-old boy on his journey from a small town in El Salvador to the United States to reunite with his parents in California. If you would like to be on the group’s email list and join us, please email Phyllis Kuehn phyllisk@sonic.net for the reading list and Zoom link. We always welcome new members!
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Behind the Headlines
Behind the Headlines will meet by Zoom on March 12 at 6:00 pm. The topic will be immigration. 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, March 6 at 4:00 pm at Flores restaurant in the Corte Madera Town Center. Contact Dottie Burk if you would like to attend and/or be added to our email list.
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Movie Group
The Movie group saw "I'm Still Here" a provocative movie based on real events. The movie is nominated for best picture and the lead for best actress. Afterward we had dinner and a very lively discussion of the movie at My Thai restaurant.
Our next meeting is March 11. Contact Freddie Greene if interested.
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French Conversation
Bonjour, les Francophiles. En mars l’heure de conversation en français sera mercredi le 12 mars chez Rulli à Larkspur. Soyez les bienvenues!
Please rsvp to Janet Lynn. A bientôt!
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Handcraft Circle
On March 18th the Handcraft Circle interest will meet at Judy Kramer's home from 1-4pm. If you would like to join this interest 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.
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So Much to Do, So Little Time | |
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AAUW Petaluma Women's Film Festival
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Doors open 1:30; Showtime 2:00 pm.
Carole L. Ellis Auditorium, Petaluma Campus Santa Rosa JC
680 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma
Free Parking
Advance tickets $18, $20 at the door, cash only.
Save the date for AAUW Petaluma's third annual Women’s Film Festival. This year’s films will feature uplifting stories celebrating diversity, courage, and joy in overcoming life’s challenges. Many of the films were written by, directed and/or produced by women.
For more information and to order tickets online, visit AAUWPetaluma.com.
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March 4th Zoom with Hand-in-Hand.
Do you employ a housekeeper, gardener, handyperson, or other helper who is an immigrant? If so, consider tuning in to a Zoom program on March 4 from 7-8:30 pm presented by Hand-in-Hand, to learn how to support immigrant domestic workers and neighbors through legal know your rights training. The program will also feature practical steps to make sure your home is a fair and safe workplace. Register using this link.
Representatives from Hand-in-Hand spoke to our Behind the Headlines group last year. Hand-in-Hand is doing great work in the Bay Area.
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Currently on the AAUW Website
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!
Webinar: What Every Woman Should Know About Social Security
Curious about the future of Social Security? On March 25th at 1:00 p.m. ET, join Trisha Mentzer from the SSA as she breaks down essential benefits and programs for women, helping you make informed decisions at every life stage. Register here!
AAUW Art Contest Winners! We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 AAUW Annual Art Contest! This year’s contest showcased stunning artwork from our members. The winning pieces will be featured in our exclusive notecard collection, arriving in mailboxes this spring.
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April 12, Key Room @ Homeward Bound, 2 PM - 4 PM. Afternoon tea with Jazmin Darznik, JD, PhD, MFA, author - Women in history and literature
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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, Scholar for UNESCO program in Peace, Conflict, and Development Studies, 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 these 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/
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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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© 2019 AAUW
AAUW is a top-rated 501(c)(3) charity. Donations are tax deductible.
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