Advancing Gender Equity for Women and Girls | | |
MAY 2026 NEWSLETTER
edited by Cherie Sorokin, Dottie Burk, and Ann Vercoutere
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Here are ten reasons that come to mind. Any others you would add?
1. Mission! We advance equity for women and girls and we’re not done yet!
2. Fellowships! We invest millions annually in women who go on to change the world!
3. Advocacy and Lobbying! We push for women’s rights and elimination of barriers.
4. Research! We’re noted for research on the pay gap and student debt and other issues related to women’s rights and equality.
5. Programs! We offer education, info, and training on issues of importance to women.
6. Collaboration! We magnify our efforts by collaboration with other women's groups.
7. Local Scholarships! Our branches offer scholarships for undergraduate women and cash awards for women and teen girls who excel in school.
8. STEM! We have camps and programs encouraging teen girls interested in STEM fields.
9. Networking! We’re diverse women who exemplify our mission, support and learn from each other, and work together to break down barriers holding us back.
10. Friendships and Fun! We build friendships and have fun together while advocating for equity for women!
Don’t forget to renew your membership!
And
Please answer our AAUW Fund Chair Nancy Finston’s request to
DONATE to AAUW .
Donations are great anytime, but if you can donate
now and before the end of National’s fiscal year
on June 30, even better!
(You can easily add a donation when you renew or do a separate donation by clicking on the donation button on the AAUW.org homepage.)
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AAUW CA is co-sponsoring two bills in the California Legislature this year, both related to education on Human Trafficking--AB 1766 addresses the need for age-appropriate education on this issue for children in elementary school and AB 1845 expands Title IX implementation at the college level to specifically include information on human trafficking in campus training and protocols. We are also supporting AB 1876 which seeks to incorporate anti-discrimination language currently in the Affordable Care Act into state law. You can track the progress of these three bills using the AAUW-CA Bill Tracker link AAUW California Bill Tracking Report 2026 - Google Sheets
Representatives from AAUW Marin and AAUW Petaluma met with Assemblyman Damon Connolly and his legislative aide Johana Jaimes on April 3, 2026 and with Senator Mike McGuire's District Representative Rhett Acosta on April 8 to explain the bills and ask for their support. Both were good meetings and it seems likely that both Connolly and McGuire will support the proposed pieces of legislation.
| | Pictured L-R are Joanna Rooney (Petaluma), Kathleen Clark (Marin), Damon Connolly, Cherie Sorokin (Marin), Patricia Souza (Petaluma), Jean Read (Petaluma) and Nancy Major (Marin). | | Pictured in the selfie with Rhett Acosta are Barbara Strong (Marin), Patricia Souza (Petaluma), Leslie Zimring (Marin), Dottie Burk (Marin), and Cherie Sorokin (Marin). | | Please respond promptly to the program invitation sent on April 28. | | Nominees for 2026-27 Branch Board Officers | | |
Members present at the May Annual Meeting will vote to elect the following slate of candidates to take office July 1, 2026.
President - Kathleen Clark
President-Elect - Judy Kramer
Secretary - Sarah Pruden
Treasurer - Jessie Powell
Interest Group Chair - Amy Anderson
Membership Chair - Mardi Diamond
Program Co-Chairs - Paula Nichols and Gail Anderson
Public Policy Chair - Cherie Sorokin
Scholarship Chair - Ericka Johnston
Special thanks go to this year's Nominating Committee: Leslie Zimring, Cherie Sorokin and Mary Mossteller.
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More Ongoing Advocacy in Marin
Cherie Sorokin and Barbara Strong have begun organizing our outreach to members of the Board of Supervisors to make sure they know about AAUW Marin and our mission of advancing equity for women and girls, and our interest in making sure that the County Supervisors and County administrators are aware of issues affecting women and girls in Marin, including issues affecting women who work directly for the County.
Cherie and Barbara attended all five meetings with individual supervisors. They were joined by the following branch members living in their individual supervisor's district as well: Dottie Burk, Mardi Diamond, Nancy Major, Chris O'Neill, and Dianne Sheridan. Meetings will be scheduled with Mayors or other civic officials in all the towns in Marin over the summer and into the fall. Contact Barbara Strong if you'd like to be included in any of these meetings.
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College Students to Attend NCCWSL
Dominican University and College of Marin have each selected a student leader to attend NCCWSL May 27-30 at University of Maryland. Through engaging workshops and hands-on activities, the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders challenges and inspires attendees to make meaningful impacts on their campuses and communities long after the conference ends. Registration and other expenses for Tatyana Robles and Anh Mai Thao Nguyen will be paid by our AAUW Marin Scholarship Fund. We look forward to reports from them upon their return.
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Tech Trek Camps are Looking for Volunteers!
Angela Nuckles, Tech Trek Coordinator, and Judy Kramer, TTAG Coordinator, report that this summer's camps are in good shape on staff. They have selected their counselors, teachers, most dorm monitors, and camp nurse. NOW is the time they start looking for day volunteers.
CAMP FRANKLIN at Sonoma State University – June 21 – 27
Directors are looking for 2 additional Dorm Monitors. This is a one-week commitment but very rewarding. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to Judy Kramer or Angela Nuckles. They have been dorm monitors in the past, loved it, and will be again this year. Day volunteers are always welcome; this is a great way to see the camp in action. Volunteer to be a core class monitor one morning, to monitor a field trip, to monitor an afternoon workshop, or work a booth at the Bite of Reality workshop. If you are interested, sign up here.
CAMP HOPPER at Santa Clara University – July 5 - 11
Directors are looking for a backup Dorm Monitor, just in case. They also need day volunteers to sign up to be classroom monitors during the morning when the girls are in their core classes. If you might be interested, look at the details and the sign-up list here. Soon the directors will send out a list of other volunteer needs (yes, we think we will have Mad City Money, but we don't know exactly which day yet).
Save Those NEWSPAPERS!
Please save newspapers for the camp Build-It Night activity (pictured below). Let Judy or Angela know if you will be saving newspapers so they can arrange a good time and place to pick them up.
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REMINDER: Opinions wanted!
The AAUW Marin branch leadership would like your input as it plans programs and the direction of the branch for the coming year. If you haven't already responded, please answer the brief on-line survey emailed to you on April 23 or via this link.
AAUW Marin Member Survey
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In Case You Missed It...
April Authors' Tea
| | Saturday April 11 brought us back to the Key Room at Homeward Bound for a tasty tea party and a chance to hear three recently published member authors discuss their book writing and publishing journeys. | | Jennifer Omholt presented her book "Just Diagnosed, A Survivor's Guide to Navigating Cancer." (See her at Book Passage on May 9, 1 pm} | |  | Dr. Shari Shamsavari shared the book she is writing about her mother "The Street My Mother Lived On." | | | Paula Nichols read from her book "Picking Raspberries, Flash Memoirs of a Minnesota Girlhood." | | | Audrey Zavell introduced each author and moderated the Q and A session. | | | |
Member News
Do you know about a member who has done something notable that should be included in the next newsletter? Published a book? Received an award? Reached a milestone birthday like 100? Please let us know!
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Concern
Are you aware of a member who is ill or grieving or in need of our support and best wishes. If so, please contact board secretary Sarah Pruden. Sarah and member Gerrie Young have kindly offered to send cards on behalf of the branch.
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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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Art Farther Afield
The group will not meet this month and will be on hiatus during the summer. Plans are to resume in September.
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Bocce
The next big event will be held May12 at the Albert Park Courts in San Rafael at 10 AM. You don't need to know how to play! Come for the fun. Contact Ann Vercoutere if interested. We do pay for the court.
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Hiking Group
The hiking group is heading to Big Trees on May 5. The hike will be about 5.5 miles. Judy Kramer will lead the way. Contact Ann Vercoutere if interested.
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LitWits Reading Group
LitWits meets next on Wednesday, May 20 to review and discuss Digging to America, Ann Tyler's novel about about two very different families’ experiences with adoption and their relationships with each other; one family is Iranian, the other American. LitWits meets in members' homes, 3rd Wednesday at 10 AM. New members or guests are always welcome.Info: Ann Thomas, or 415-924-9559.
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What Are You Reading?
What Are You Reading book group meets at 10 AM on the second Monday of the month on Zoom. Members share what they are reading. You always come away with a list of great books to read. What could be better than a referral from an erudite woman friend! Contact Cherie Sorokin or 415 730-0204 if you wish to join the group.
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Book Lovers
Booklovers will be meeting on Tuesday, May 5th at 1:00 p.m. to discuss When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka. Contact Carol Hoffman if interested.
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Reading Arts Group
The Reading Arts group is reading The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamala this month. We meet on Thursday, May 21, at 1PM to chat and discuss the book. This is our last meeting until late September. Please contact Ann Jessup for information.
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Nonfiction Reading Group
The AAUW Marin Nonfiction Reading Group is meeting Monday, May 11, 1:00 pm on Zoom to discuss A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage. If you would like to be on the group’s email list and join us, please email Phyllis Kuehn for the reading list and Zoom link. We always welcome new members! The AAUW Marin Nonfiction Reading Group meets the second Monday of the month at 1 PM on Zoom.
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Behind the Headlines
Behind the Headlines meets at 6 PM the second Wednesday of the month for discussion of current issues, generally tied to AAUW's mission. March through September our meetings are in person at the home of Cherie Sorokin in Tiburon and start with a light potluck supper. Contact Cherie Sorokin or 415 730-0204 if you are interested in attending or joining the group. The May meeting will focus on housing and our speaker will be Jenny Silva, Executive Director of Call Marin Home, a coalition designed to unite Marin's leading organizations around systemic solutions to our housing crisis.
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Happy Hour Group
The next gathering of the group is Thursday, May 14, 4 - 6 PM, at Pacific Catch in the Corte Madera Town Center. Contact Dottie Burk if you would like to join the group this month.
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Homeward Bound Chef Events
Join members of AAUW Marin for an evening of culinary demonstrations and delicious food. Homeward Bound is focused on solutions to homelessness with a range of long-term supportive housing programs for families and adults. Local, renowned chefs are featured and always guarantee a well-spent evening out and the opportunity to support this worthy cause. Contact Dianne Sheridan if interested or for a schedule of upcoming events.
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Meet Me at the Movies!
The Meet Me At the Movies group meets on the second Tuesday of the month for a matinee followed by dinner at a local restaurant. In April we saw Fantasy Life at the Rafael Theater followed by a delicious dinner and lively discussion at Il Davide restaurant. Our next meeting will be on May 12th. We usually meet between three and five p.m. depending on the movie we are seeing. Anyone interested in joining the group should
contact Mary Mossteller or Freddie Greene and we will add you to the group.
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French Conversation
Bonjour! Notre heure de conversation en français pour le mois de mai sera mercredi le 13 a 1:30 chez Rulli, Larkspur. A bientot, Janet Lynn or 415 755 8486
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Spanish Conversation--Drop In for Friendly, Casual Conversation
Vengan a charlar! Dos veces al mes 12:30 PM hasta la una y media. We meet at Gott's in the Bon Air Shopping Center every second and fourth Tuesday. Pick up lunch or a cup of coffee, look for our group of intrepid Spanish speakers at one of the long tables to the right of the bar in the back, or if the weather is nice, just outside at the picnic tables, and join the conversation. Lo importante es charlar! Preguntas? Please contact one of the organizers if you have questions. Nancy Finston, Vicki Samo, Cherie Sorokin, or Leslie Zimring.
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Handcraft Circle
We meet next on Tuesday May 19 at Elaine Isner’s home from 1-4. If anyone would like to know more about the group, try us out, or join, please contact Mary Mossteller . All you need to participate is a craft/project you can bring to work on in a group while chatting with other members.
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Play Mah Jongg
Spring has sprung and I hope you are ready to start playing the new card and spring into our great Mah Jongg games, held Wednesdays in members' homes 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. 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. You play when available. If you would like to learn, contact Chris and she will give you a list of teachers. We play for a quarter per game which we donate to AAUW Marin Scholarship Fund. Join us!
| | Interest Group Picture of the Month | | |
The Spanish Conversation group meets monthly at Gott's for lunch and conversation en español.
L - R Vicki Samo, Janice Chan, Nancy Finston, Barbara Otto, Cherie Sorokin, Diana Lyster.
| | So Much to Do, So Little Time | | |
Keep Educated!
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Interested in Housing in Marin? Housing is an issue that affects us all, but what does affordable housing mean and what really is the current state of housing in Marin? Jenny Siliva, Executive Director of Call Marin Home, who is also presenting to our Behind the Headlines group on May 13, will speak on the topic of housing and affordable development at the Marin Coalition's next meeting: Thursday, May 7 at 1:00 pm at the Marin Rod & Gun Club, 2675 Francisco Blvd. East in San Rafael. Cost is $12 if you register in advance. Or contact Cherie Sorokin if you want to hear Jenny speak on the same topic at our AAUW Marin Behind the Headlines meeting for free!
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Read: The Heritage Foundation 2026 Report. Remember the Project 2025 Report from the Heritage Foundation which helped shape policies of the current administration? Well, there's a new one for 2026: Saving America by Saving the Family: A Foundation for the Next 250 Years. The gist is a desire for policies that will return us to the good old days of the Leave It to Beaver era. To access this report: Use this link . For a more detailed critique, you may also want to read Missy Maceyko's excellent commentary on the report. Missy is AAUW California's public policy co-chair. Reading the commentary requires a subscription to Missy's substack posts, which is available for free using this link.
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Sign Up: AAUW Webinar on Social Security For Women at Every Age. May 7 at 11 AM Pacific Time. Register to receive the zoom link.
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Read: the AAUW 2025 Annual Report. This report highlights the collective progress made possible by our membership, advocacy, and support for AAUW. Quite a story! Here is the link.
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Check Out the AAUW Action Fund 2026 Voter Guide. This guide focuses on the key gender equity issues at stake in the 2026 election. Here is the link.
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Resubscribe: to AAUW emails and publications. Mission & Action is AAUW national's monthly newsletter. It's a great way to stay in touch with what is going on at AAUW, to receive notice of webinars, to hear about our most recent advocacy. If you aren't getting Mission & Action, you may have inadvertently unsubscribed. You can resubscribe using this link.
Be Active!
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Vote for AAUW national directors: The easiest way is to look for the email sent to you individually on April 13, 2026 from Simplyvoting.com. The subject line was AAUW Election 2026. The voting period for the AAUW national election is April 13 - May 12. We are a membership organization and hold elections for five (out of 15) directors annually and for any other business matters requiring a membership vote (none this year). There are five candidates nominated for five positions, but your vote still matters! AAUW National bylaws require a membership vote. To see the resumes of the candidates for the board, use this link. They are a great group of AAUW women!
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Speak Up: Keep our local, state and federal politicians informed. As budget cuts and other changes loom, our elected officials at all levels need to know how their actions can negatively impact women and girls. Send letters and emails or reach out personally. Contact information is easily available on the web.
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Watch the next California gubernatorial debates. Two debates will be held in May as of this writing: May 5 on CNN at 6 PM and May 6 on NBC at 7 PM.
Have Fun While You're at It!
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Today, Tomorrow, and the Next Two Days! Check out the Doclands Documentaries at the Rafael Theater which have already started but continue through May 3. There are several shows coming up highlighting tough, amazing women and their work, among them Tough Old Broads, May 1: Hellcat: The True Story of an Unreasonable Texas Woman, May 2; and Nuns vs. the Vatican, May 3. Check out the remaining program schedule here.
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Anytime! Be inspired by local artist and filmmaker Tiffany Schlain's 8-minute film We Are Here, featuring her work of art titled Dendrofemonology: A Feminist History Tree Ring. Some of you may have seen the artwork at di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art when it was on display there. It's now on its way to Seneca Falls, NY. You can access the film with this link.
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May 1- June 30--Noted Marin landscape artist Suzanne Siminger is having a retrospective of her art at the Tiburon Town Hall Gallery. You may have seen her art in many locations in Marin, but here's a chance to see many of her pieces in one place. The gallery is open 8 AM - 5 PM Mondays through Thursdays. Open to the public artist's reception 6 PM - 8 PM May 5.
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Saturday, June 27, 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Summer Fling!
| | Know Someone Who'd Like to Join AAUW? | | |
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 Mardi Diamond for membership information.
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AAUW is a top-rated 501(c)(3) charity. Donations are tax deductible.
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PLEASE NOTE IF YOU HIT THE UNSUBSCRIBE BUTTON BELOW YOU WILL NO LONGER RECEIVE AAUW MARIN NEWSLETTERS.
If you did this accidentally, contact Ann Vercoutere.
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