December 2025/January 2026

President's Message

Together we are stronger! Together we can make a difference!

Dear AAUW Florida Members,

As the joyful season of December comes to an end and we prepare to welcome a brand-new year in January, I want to extend my warmest greetings to each of you. This time of year, invites reflection, gratitude, and renewed hope— and I am inspired continually by the dedication, passion, and resilience of our AAUW Florida community.

December saw many holidays celebrated across cultures and traditions. I hope this season has offered you moments of peace, connection, and joy with family, friends, and loved ones. Whether you celebrated Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply the close of another year, may your days be filled with warmth and appreciation for all that we have accomplished together.

As we turn the calendar to January and welcome the New Year, we also embrace new possibilities. The coming year offers us fresh opportunities to advance AAUW’s mission of equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, research and philanthropy. Our collective voice continues to matter, and our work remains as vital as ever.

I am deeply grateful for your continued membership, engagement, and commitment to AAUW Florida. Your support strengthens our branches and amplifies our impact across the state.

As we begin the New Year, I encourage you to take action:

• Renew your AAUW membership and help us grow by inviting a friend, colleague, or community member to join.
• Get involved by serving on a branch or state committee—your talents and leadership are needed.
• Support Tech Trek Florida through donations, volunteering, or advocacy to help expand STEM opportunities for middle school girls.
• Participate in AAUW Florida Lobby Days in January and lend your voice to advocate for policies that advance equity for women and girls.
• Attend one of the 3 planned AAUW Florida Regional Leadership Conferences and add to your leadership toolbox as well as share your best practices.
• Save the date for our AAUW Florida Annual Meeting and Town Hall on Thursday, 21 May 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

On behalf of the AAUW Florida Board, I wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and a New Year filled with purpose, progress, and promise.

With gratitude and best wishes,

K. Lee-Smith, Ph.D.

AAUW Florida President

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

Leaping from 2025 into a Bright 2026!

As the year ends, many of us revisit the goals we set—some proudly achieved, others left behind. Was it time, motivation, or shifting priorities? Maybe. But focusing only on what didn’t happen can overshadow what truly mattered: the quiet wins, the moments of peace, and the joy that carried us through.

Growth often hides in the small, unseen choices—the ones that shaped your calm and happiness. There’s no single “right” answer, only the promise of becoming a better version of yourself.

Your next step:

• Take 10 minutes this week to reflect on what truly brought you joy and peace in 2025.
• Write down three things you want to keep and three things you’re ready to let go.
• These simple lists can become the foundation for your 2026 goals—goals that feel authentic, achievable, and deeply personal.

A Legacy of Equity

Your Gift Today Grows a Harvest of Equity for Tomorrow

Your Voice Matters. Join Us at Lobby Days 2026

January 26-28, 2025

Urgent Message from AAUW Florida Public Policy Director

AAUW Florida Public Policy invites YOU to make an impact at Lobby Days 2026 in Tallahassee! The Florida Legislative Session starts early this year, and we need a strong AAUW presence to advocate for the policies that matter most.

We’ve reserved 10 hotel rooms for January 26 and 27, but as of today, only two have been claimed. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this powerful event—reservations must be made by January 15!

Act now: Contact Alexys Lynn at Alexys.lynn@arkhospitality.com or 850-544-2875 to reserve your room. If you’re sharing a room, only one person needs to call. Once booked, email me at aauwfldewitt@gmail.com so we can confirm your spot.

This is your opportunity to connect with legislators, champion AAUW’s public policy priorities, and make a real difference. Don’t wait—secure your room today and join us in Tallahassee!

Questions? Contact Patricia DeWitt, Ph.D. (she/her), Director for Public Policy at aauwfldewitt@gmail.com.

Virtual Economic Empowerment Webinars

Empowering Women with Skills for Financial Independence

AAUW 2026 Atlantic States Regional Conference

September 25-27 2026

Get ready for an unforgettable experience! Join your AAUW friends and colleagues from 13 states for the Regional Conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania—a city rich in history, charm, and vibrant culture.



The room block for the AAUW Atlantic Regional Conference 2026 is now open! Reserve your space today: Click Here!



Stay tuned for more details on transportation and conference highlights—but start planning now for an inspiring event you won’t want to miss!

https://aauw-fl.aauw.net/2026-atlantic-states-regional-conference/

Key Florida Laws

Effective January 1, 2026

Starting January 1, several important laws will impact Floridians. New health insurance provisions will eliminate out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams for state employees. Healthcare providers must refund patient overpayments within 30 days or face penalties. Animal welfare protections expand with a statewide cruelty database under “Dexter’s Law,” and new standards for pet insurance aim to improve transparency. Local governments will streamline approvals for certified sober homes, and SNAP benefit restrictions will limit purchases of soda, candy, and similar items.

Stay informed—these changes affect healthcare, consumer rights, and community well-being across the state. (Resource Fox 13, Tampa, https://www.fox13news.com/news/new-florida-laws-take-effect-january-1-2026-heres-what-know)

AAUW National

Updates

5-Star Program Advancement & Governance Criteria Changes

• We’re pleased to announce important updates to the AAUW Five Star Program that give branches more flexibility while strengthening our alignment with national priorities. 

Advancement Star Update

• Branches may now count contributions not only to the Greatest Needs Fund, but also to the Defend Higher Education Fund or the Public Policy Fund toward their Advancement criteria.
• This change opens more meaningful ways for branches and members to support the areas they’re passionate about—while still fulfilling star-earning goals.

Governance & Sustainability Star Update

• Branches are required to update their bylaws by June 30, 2026 to reflect the changes approved by AAUW membership in 2023.
• By doing so, branches will fulfill one of the new criteria for the Governance and Sustainability Star.

Public Policy Fund Support

• We encourage branches and members to direct Public Policy contributions to the newly designated fund #4514, rather than the former fund #4337.
• This new fund fuels advocacy initiatives across key issues such as pay equity, student debt, Title IX, and increased mobilization of our Action Network. 

Affiliate Dues and Donations to AAUW

• Online Contributions: Donations to the Greatest Needs Fund on behalf of members can be made using the Renewals and Donations app in the Community Hub if you have received a donation by check.
• Mail-in Contributions- Send checks to:

AAUW Development Department

P.O. Box 98045, Washington, DC 20090-8045

*Tracking numbers are needed to search for uncashed checks.

Community Hub Spotlight: Student Membership Renewals

• To retain a student membership type (Student Associate or Graduate Student) or to change from a student to a national membership, follow these steps:

1. On the Personal Snapshot page
2. Click the button next to the branch name and select Manage Roster
3. On the Company Roster page, click Join Individuals
4. Select the student from the dropdown and follow the remaining instructions

Live Customer Support at Your Service

📞 Call 800.326.2289, Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM ET

💻 Join Office Hours via Zoom:

• Tuesdays at 3:00 PM ET
• Thursdays at 3:30 PM ET
• Email: connect@aauw.org
• 🚫 Do not email memberinfo@aauw.org or infosf@aauw.org — these inboxes are unmonitored.

Affiliate Website Support

• If your state or branch has an AAUW National-hosted website and needs assistance, support is available at no cost.
• Email: site-resources@aauw.org for help.

For information contact: 



K. Lee-Smith, Ph.D. - AAUW Florida President

Rose Llanos - AAUW Florida President Elect

D. Rostick-Owens, Ed.D. - AAUW Florida and Tampa Director of Communications

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