Welcome to the Start of the AAUW-FL 2023-24 Season
Message from Bea Holt, President, AAUW-FL
With the advent of the era of communications via Zoom, there is hardly a break in the National, State and Branch activities for and about AAUW members. Certainly, this year the ‘season’ is already well underway.
The State Board met in August and I’m eager to share four major programs for 2023-24 that are being rolled out and that you’ll be hearing more about in the weeks to come.
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Leadership Development Project is a new Committee of the Board charged with creating an innovative statewide project consisting of a series of instructive Video Modules, beginning with the topics of Governance and Finance. The series, Pathways to Successful Leadership, is being developed to allow AAUW members interested in becoming future leaders and office holders within the AAUW organization to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.
- AAUW at the State and Branch level is an all volunteer organization and home-grown leaders are its future. Future Modules will address Membership Matters, Program Creation, Leadership Skills, Public Policy Initiatives and Community Outreach.
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Branch Presidents will be consulted about Module content, identifying participants and moving forward. The Committee is seeking a competitive quote from an experience, independent videographer. Contact Bea Holt; aauwflbholt@gmail.com if you know a candidate.
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Close to Home Convention Gatherings will be held during 2024 in lieu of a traditional State-wide Convention previously held in even-numbered years. Much like last year’s Regional Workshops, members will be invited to attend one-day gatherings of mutual interest close to home. The mini-convention format will be identical in each region and the theme and more specific details will be forthcoming.
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The Public Policy Issues Forum is a series developed by the the AAUW-FL Public Policy Committee and announced recently. Details on the dates and topics are outlined in this monthly Update. Registration has begun…. so be sure to read more about the Public Policy Issues Forum and sign-up to participate.
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Lobby Days held each year in Tallahassee during the Legislative Session is scheduled for January 16, 17, 2024. This is an in-person opportunity to see the legislative process up-close and personal along with fellow AAUW members who know the ropes. See more below.
I know your Branch leaders are hard at work planning your Branch activities for the 2023-24 season. Members will have many choices to grow, learn and contribute to the AAUW Mission as the season gets underway.
I wish you a pleasant and productive year ahead.
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AAUW Florida Public Policy Forums
Reproductive Rights
Be sure to register for first of our AAUW Florida Public Policy Forums on key issues in our state!
On Sept 14 ,Moné Holder from Florida Rising will join us to share information about the work of Floridians Protecting Freedom-- a statewide campaign of allied organizations and concerned citizens working together to protect Floridians’ access to abortion as reproductive health care and defend the right to bodily autonomy.
This session will be on Zoom at 6pm-- details below and RSVP required!
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Below is the schedule for the Public Policy Issue Forums for this year. Please put them on your calendar! |
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The AAUW Florida Public Policy Issue Forums
Wouldn’t you like more in-depth information on the important issues facing Florida from a nonpartisan but equity-focused viewpoint? Would you like to be able to ask your own questions of experts regarding these issues? Then be sure to attend as many AAUW Florida Issue Forums this year as you can. All sessions will start at 6:00 PM and last for an hour. The series is open to AAUW members and guests.
Reproductive Rights
Sept. 14, 2023
Moné Holder, Florida Rising
Title IX and Dress Codes in Schools
Title IX and Dress Codes in Schools
Oct. 5, 2023
Nancy Tray, Change the Dress Code Movement, St Johns County
Gender Studies and DEI Initiatives at Colleges
Nov. 2 2023
Dr. Elizabeth Brown, Past President of the United Faculty of Florida, University of North Florida
Florida 2024 Legislative Preview
Nov.16, 2023
Dr. Pat DeWitt, AAUW Co-Public Policy Director and Public Policy Committee Members
Public Education and Book Bans
Jan. 11, 2024
Dr. Marvin Dunn, Professor Emeritus at Florida International University and Miami Center for Racial Justice
Gender Pay Gap and Economic Security
March 7, 2024
Dr. Mary Gatta, AAUW FL Co- Public Policy Director and Director of Research and Public Policy, National Association of Colleges and Employers
Voting Rights
April 18, 2024
Debbie Chandler, Co-President, League of Women’s Voters. Florida
You will need to RSVP for each session individually. Once you RSVP you will receive a Zoom link for the session. If you have any questions, contact Mary Gatta, Co-Public Policy Director, AAUW Florida at gatta.mary@gmail.com
To download and register for sessions, click HERE:
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Lobby Days will be held in person in Tallahassee Tuesday and Wednesday, January 16-17, 2024 with arrival and last-minute briefing the evening of January 15.
As soon as we find out when the committee-meeting weeks will be held, we will plan and announce a Lobby Week at Home for branches when their legislators are in district. On November 16 at 6 PM (part of the Zoom Forums) we will hold a legislative preview.
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Project Grants
Funding for Branch Programs and Projects
Does your branch have an idea for an AAUW mission-based program or project that requires funding to carry it to fruition? Apply for an AAUW FL Project Grant! These grants will provide applicants with funds in the amount of $100 to $500 to advance the AAUW-FL mission and/or provide opportunities for women and girls to achieve their full potential. Any AAUW-FL branch may submit a proposal that has direct community impact and follows the stated purposes.
Any two branches who choose to work together on a larger project may apply for up to $1500. Applications may be submitted to meet one of three deadlines: October 1, December 15, March 1. Time will be needed to review the applications prior to final approval at the Board meetings that follow these deadlines.
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Call for Candidates
Have you ever wanted to learn about and be a part of decision-making at the state level?
YOUR skills and talents are needed to contribute to our future!
The Nominating Committee is looking for candidates to fill two positions on the Board of Directors for 2024-26:
- Director of Communications - to promote the visibility of AAUW Florida's mission and programs
- Director for Membership - to assume responsibility for developing and maintaining membership
For complete job descriptions and to have your questions answered, please contact Diana Sells, Chair of the Nominating Committee: aauwflsells@gmail.com
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The AAUW Legacy Circle program recognizes individuals who make lasting contributions to AAUW through planned giving, which totals approximately $1 million each year. By engaging in planned giving, individuals can create a lasting impact and support our work to advance equity and empower women and girls.
To foster stewardship and recruitment, the National Legacy Circle Team collaborates with the National Office to organize educational and unique events such as the Legacy and Impact Series.
Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 16-22, and you can work with your Liaison to create content or activities to support AAUW's Planned Giving Program.
For immediate questions or to be connected with a Liaison for your state, contact the National Planned Giving Office at planned-giving@aauw.org. or contact the Florida Liason Patricia Ross paross@aol.com.
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AAUW advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. |
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