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MARCH 2023 NEWSLETTER
edited by Dottie Burk, Jeanne Lese, Cherie Sorokin and
Leslie Zimring
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AAUW Advances Equity for Women and Girls! | |
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Our Mission Marches On!
March could be renamed AAUW Mission Month! For starters, March is Women's History Month and AAUW has a long history of advancing equity for women and girls--including our early research debunking the idea that going to college would render a woman sterile.
March 8 is International Women's Day, a celebration with somewhat controversial political roots, now championed by the United Nations. AAUW has special representative status at the UN and works with women globally on programs that encourage women of all economic levels and of all colors to achieve their full potential.
March 14 is Equal Pay Day, the symbolic date denoting how far into the current year the mythical average women must work to achieve the amount men were paid in the prior year. AAUW not only is a tireless advocate for equal pay but has developed programs and tools to help women learn how to better negotiate their salaries.
Through research, education and advocacy AAUW is committed to ensuring that women and girls have the opportunity to learn, earn and lead. Our programs are created to support and move women forward and we fight for polices that further this mission and goal.
What AAUW Does Is Important
Lisa Allanson, AAUW Fund Chair
AAUW’s work to advance gender equity is as relevant and necessary today as it has ever been. This past year millions of women, especially women of color, continued to struggle with economic insecurity and women’s health and fundamental rights came under siege. AAUW responded to these and other challenges with a powerful voice. Our messages reached millions through national and social media channels and supporters sent tens of thousands of emails to lawmakers demanding action. We supported numerous gender discrimination lawsuits and empowered thousands of women to advocate for themselves through workshops and online training. We granted more fellowships than ever!
In the third year of the pandemic AAUW continued to grow its online programs hosting more than 58 webinars. AAUW’s Start Smart and Work Smart salary negotiation trainings continued to be AAUW’s most sought after programs, reaching more than 4,000 participants in 2022, and over 190,000 to date.
We also continued our work with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority-serving institutions. A total of eight HBCUs, seven women’s colleges and two minority-serving institutions now offer AAUW’s Start Smart training, bringing the number of colleges and universities currently hosting the program to 77.
The National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL), AAUW's leadership program will be back in person this Spring. This program offers young women nationwide the opportunity to network, attend workshops, learn from one another and from noted women leaders.
To learn more, check out AAUW's Year in Review. We can be proud of AAUW's work, especially since our contributions help make this work possible. In April, May and June this year we will again invite you to support AAUW's work nationally, including an opportunity to participate in a matching gift campaign for the AAUW Greatest Needs Fund.
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Something Else to Think About
Excerpt from an article by Melissa Maceyko,
Member AAUW California Public Policy Committee
"Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people. It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces.
"We understand how women’s history tells the story of misogyny, which is the systemic mistreatment of women, girls, and feminine peoples through forms of physical and structural violence. But we rarely consider how it is linked to transmisogyny, which focuses on the complex intersections between transphobia and misogyny that are faced by trans women and girls, as well as transfeminine and gender non-conforming peoples. It is a term that attempts to capture multiple layers of gender-based marginalization and systemic mistreatment. If misogyny and transmisogyny are not combated together, the root of the problem will never be eradicated.
"Although the past decade has seen a more vocal public push for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives around gender, the current sociopolitical climate in the United States is not supportive of, and is often openly hostile to, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Under this sphere of increased hostility is the explicit targeting of trans women and girls and transfeminine peoples with words, actions, and legislation. It is particularly important for women’s organizations who seek to combat gender-based forms of oppression to build coalitions and take a stand against misogyny and transmisogyny in all forms. They both describe gender-based oppression that results from the prioritization of masculinity alongside the degradation of femininity."
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President's Message -- Ask Dianne
Do YOU want to be involved with the AAUW Marin Branch on a whole new level? Consider joining the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for Board of Directors positions. If you are interested in stepping up, having a voice and making a difference, contact me at traciinmarin@sbcglobal.net. YES! You can nominate yourself! Hope to hear from you soon.
Dianne
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Murals as Art and Political Statements
March 25th, 10:00 am
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Noted local muralist Fred Alvarado will join us to talk about his own art and the role of murals in our culture both as art and as political statements. Fred has been involved in many notable mural projects in the Bay Area.
This will be an in-person continental breakfast at the Creekside Room on the Dominican Campus. Please remember to RSVP to the separate invitation that will be sent next week. Meanwhile, please send a check made out to AAUW Marin for $30 to Sue Torres, 256 Marinda Dr., Fairfax, CA 94930 or or pay $31 online through PayPal. Payment must be received by March 20 so we can confirm our count with the caterer. To pay with PayPal, click HERE.
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Two great programs planned for April
Women Run for Office. Co-sponsored by AAUW Marin, The Women's Commission and Dominican University. Wednesday, April 12, 2023 5:30 -7:00 pm on the Dominican Campus
Stories Make a Difference. AAUW Marin program with Anita Jones, storyteller, novelist and artist. Saturday, April 15, 2023, 10:00 am to noon. Anita's first novel, a fictionalized version of her family's history from slavery on through the Jim Crow era and beyond, will be published in August.
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A Great Time at the Tri-Branch!
Photos by Felecia Gaston, Ann Thomas and Dottie Burk
Over 60 members of AAUW Marin, AAUW Novato, and AAUW Petaluma branches attended the annual Tri-Branch Brunch at the Key Room at Homeward Bound on February 25th. Felecia Gaston was the speaker and she provided a terrific overview of the history of Marin City and the discrimination faced by Blacks and other people of color who moved to Marin to work in the shipbuilding effort during World War II.
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Speaker Felecia Gaston with Cherie Sorokin; Ann Thomas snaps Sarah Pruden and Barbara Otto; new member Kathleen Clark (R) with Pat Ernsberger, Lorraine Voskanian and Liz Clark; Mardi Leland buys Wagster dog treats made by Homeward Bound; new member Marianne Pearson (R) with Dottie Burk and Barbara Thomas: Nancy Finston, Sondy Walczak and Ann Ocheltree in the buffet line | | |
All You Have to Do Is Ask
You know that AAUW's mission to empower women and girls can change the world. AAUW Marin is a wonderful organization so why not invite a friend, neighbor, or colleague to attend an event or meeting? Many people want to find a community of women such as AAUW. Often all that is needed is an invitation to join us. Contact Membership Chair Chris O'Neill if you have questions or would like her to contact a prospective member.
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This month's spotlight is on new member Marianne Pearson, a Marin native who joined after a nudge from her mother-in-law, an active Napa branch member. Marianne lives in Sausalito and has two children graduating from college this year. She is a retired elementary school teacher, who volunteers with the Audubon Society, works part time as a bookkeeper for a fiduciary, and enjoys weaving. Several of you had a chance to meet her at the Tri-Branch brunch. Welcome to Marin AAUW Marianne! We're so glad you joined us. | |
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Membership Chair Chris O'Neill represented AAUW Marin at the College of Marin Spring 2023 Club Fest on February 13th. Club Fest is a two-day event where clubs, departments, and organizations at COM can gain new members and promote their services. Always working to recruit new members, Chris interacted with both students and faculty and spread the word about all that AAUW does. We are pleased that COM is an AAUW college/university member. | |
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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. For general info or to suggest a new group, contact Interest Group Chair, Vicki Samo.
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Art, Art, Art!
Sargent and Spain, March 22, Legion of Honor - Art inspired by John Singer Sargent's immersion in Spanish culture. Please let us know if you can join us to visit this exhibit by contacting Julia Geist or Patricia Ernsberger. Want to carpool? Meet near WestAmerica Bank parking lot south of Strawberry shopping center by 9:30. Don't forget to get your reservation for this Legion of Honor exhibit for 3/22. We meet at the museum around 10:15-10:30.
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Non-fiction Reading Group
We are meeting March 27 at 1:00 on Zoom to discuss The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration, by Isabel Wilkerson. If you would like to be on the group’s email list and join us, please email either co-leader for the Zoom link: Phyllis Kuehn or Olivia Ruel. The nonfiction reading group meets on the 4th Monday at 1:00 via Zoom and discusses nonfiction books selected by the group members.
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Behind the Headlines
Behind the Headlines meeting on March 9 at 6:00 pm on Zoom will focus on the work of the Canal Alliance in supporting women and girls in the Canal area of San Rafael. If you are not already on the Behind the Headlines email list and wish to be notified of future meetings, contact group leader Cherie Sorokin.
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New Yorker Reading Group
Next meeting: March 13 @1pm on Zoom. Some of the articles for discussion are Murdaugh murder and corruption, 3D printing and the housing crisis, a wealth manager's confession, why man are falling behind, Hildegard of Bingen and the real housewives of Chaucer's England. Interested? Contact leaders Phyllis Kuehn or Olivia Ruel for the links. Articles are also available on line free through the library.
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LitWits Reading Group
Chronicle in Stone, the last of the trio of novels by Ismail Kadere, a story of Albania's occupation during WW2 recounted by a young boy. If you'd like to join us, contact group leader Ann Thomas. LitWits meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month (3/15). April -June, we will read and discuss 3 novels by English playwright/screenwriter/novelist W. Somerset Maugham.
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What Are You Reading?
We meet on the third Tuesday of the month (3/21) at 10am to share comments and thoughts on books that individual members are reading. Contact Cherie Sorokin if you are interested in joining. The group is seeking new members.
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Reading Arts Group
On Thursday, March 16 1PM - We'll discuss The Postmistress of Paris by Meg Waite Clayton. The novel was inspired by the real life of Chicago heiress Mary Jayne Gold. If you would like to join the group, contact group leader Ann Jessup.
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Happy Hour Group
Next Happy Hour is Thursday, March 2 @ 4:30 at Flores restaurant in the Corte Madera Town Center. Join us for conversation and libations. RSVP to Dottie Burk.
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Meet me at the Movies!
Hidden Letters at the Lark, One Fine Morning, and Tar are the last 3 movies that we saw and discussed. Want to join us? Contact Mary Mossteller and/or Freddie Greene
Handcraft Circle:
What is your talent/passion? Meeting monthly in members' homes, we knit, crochet, quilt, scrapbook, make jewelry, etc. Join us! Contact Mary Mossteller
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Play Mah Jongg?
Join our Mah Jongg Group. We play every Wednesday, 1:00-3:00 PM, in members’ homes or online using Myjongg.net. Contact Chris O’Neill for more information or if you would like the name of a teacher Chris found.
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Homeward Bound Fresh Starts Chef Events
The Chef Event Dinner Group has restarted. They have some very exciting local chefs lined up. If you make a reservation for one of the Chef Events let Dianne Sheridan know. If there is more then one of you, she can ask that you be seated together.
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Let's Hike! (starting in the fall)
One of our new members, Ann Vercoutere, would like to meet with other members to explore Marin. Interested? Contact Ann.vercourtere@gmail.com. An initial planning meeting will discuss frequency, difficulty, length, etc.
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So Much to Do, So Little Time | |
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Here are a few more AAUW mission-related things to consider attending, virtually or otherwise, in March. Some are offered by AAUW, some by other organizations, but related to topics near and dear to AAUW hearts.
State of the Uterus: The Fight for
Reproductive Freedom
Marin County Women Lawyers and the North Bay Leadership Council are offering a free webinar on the fight for reproductive freedom in a post-Roe world. March 6, 2023 at 12:00-1:00 on Zoom. Register here.
Closing the Gender Gap in Technology
Scientific Adventures for Girls will host Women Who Lead: Closing the Gender Gap in Technology on March 15, 4:00 pm - 5 pm on Zoom. Speakers are high powered women from Oracle, Pixar, SAP and Cisco. It's a pricey seminar but there is an option to just pay what you wish. To register click here
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The Marin Women's Hall of Fame
Did you know that AAUW Marin was one of the founders of the Marin Women's Hall of Fame?
The annual Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony is coming up on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Peacock Gap. Five extraordinary women will be inducted this year.
For Event Details and Registration click HERE.
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AAUW Petaluma Luna Fest
AAUW Petaluma is excited to present the LUNAFEST film festival on Sunday March 19, 3:00 - 5:00p,m. at the Ellis Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College Petaluma Campus. LUNAFEST has been elevating the work of women filmmakers for over twenty years with a traveling film festival. Seven short films by and about women will be shown followed by discussion. Proceeds benefit the AAUW Petaluma Scholarships Program. Info and tickets online at AAUWPETALUMA.COM
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Gov Trek Finale
Join AAUW California for the final session of the Gov Trek program on Saturday, March 25, 10 am – 12:30 pm. For those not attending our in-person branch program, here's a chance to watch via Zoom the final competition between teams of smart, talented young women who are exploring careers in public service. They have spent four Saturdays crafting a realistic campaign simulation for this competition. Who will win? Who has the best stump speech, the best campaign flyers, the best voter outreach plan? Register here.
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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.
Tell your friends what AAUW is doing. Word of mouth is the best way to recruit new members!
Why Join? AAUW offers you 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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