Advancing Gender Equity for Women and Girls | | |
DECEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER
edited by Cherie Sorokin, Dottie Burk, and Ann Vercoutere
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AAUW is one of the many things we can be thankful for, even in these uncertain times. To borrow from Elizabeth Barret Browning, let us count the ways:
- AAUW has been fighting for the rights of women to education and equity since 1881.
- Since our first research report debunking the idea that higher education would reduce a woman's fertility, we've produced cutting edge, original research highlighting both the fact and the consequences of gender discrimination against women.
- We continue to be one of the largest funders of women's graduate education and local projects supporting women and girls through our fellowships and grants programs.
- We offer training in salary negotiation and personal finance and provide educational webinars on a variety of topics, many of them showcasing the work of our fellows.
- We are strong and effective advocates for federal, state and local laws and policies to ensure equity and end discrimination.
- We are an active coalition partner with other organizations supporting women's rights.
- We have an organizational structure that is built on a branch system, bringing together women in local communities across the country to advocate and champion women's rights, to serve as role models for younger women and girls, and to support and bond with each other in friendship as well as leadership and advocacy.
Thank you, AAUW.
And thank you AAUW Marin members for all you do to support women and girls and each other!
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What Else Have You Got to Do in 2026?
Looking for something new and different? AAUW California' is seeking applicants for board positions for terms commencing July of 2026. Four directors are needed for two-year terms and one for a one-year term. There is also a board secretary position to be filled. Applications are now open and can be found on the AAUW CA website using this link.
The AAUW California board focuses on helping branches remain vital and active, works on developing and then overseeing state-wide programs, publicizes AAUW's work through posts on social media, oversees the organization's public policy work, manages the organization's finances, and works on long-range strategy issues.
It's a hands-on board, so all candidates should be prepared to roll-up their sleeves! But it's challenging and fun and a great way to put your leadership experience to work. Board meetings are mostly via Zoom, so no travel is required. The same link above provides more specific information on what is expected of AAUW California directors.
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Our Fall Fundraising Campaign Wraps Up Soon!
Hope you got a treasure or two in our online auction or direct buy sale at the Holiday Luncheon. Preliminary results suggest we are well on our way to reaching this year's fundraising target of $26,600 to support scholarships and awards at Dominican University and College of Marin, Tech Trek sponsorships, sponsorships for two 2 women to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL), and to provide funds for our Tech Trek Alumnae Group (TTAG).
This year's auction and direct buy sale beat previous records thanks to the efforts of many members. Let's start with this year's auction committee: Leslie Zimring and Dottie Burk (co-chairs), Amy Anderson, Nancy Lubamersky, Mary Mossteller, Pauline Nacamuli, Jessie Powell, Dianne Sheridan, and Ann Thomas. What a great team! The committee was ably assisted at the Holiday Lunch direct buy sale by Gail Anderson, Suzanne Bales, Mardi Diamond, Erika Johnston, Carolyn Jones, Janet Lynn and Paula Nichols.
We admire and appreciate members brave enough to solicit merchants for donations and we thank merchants who donated items to the auction. Look for an updated list of merchant donors on our website soon and please patronize them. Thanks also to members and interest groups who donated items and experiences this year. It made for a wide variety of auction and direct buy items. Something for everyone. And, finally, we thank everyone who bid on items or bought items and encouraged friends and relatives to do the same. It all helped!
If you haven't had a chance to donate to the Scholarship Fund this year, it's not too late. Scholarship Chair Laura O'Malley will resend her appeal letter soon.
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Speaking of Scholarships...
Dominican Scholarship Winners Announced
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Dominican University recently announced the recipients of the AAUW Marin Ann Ruane Lubamersky Scholarship for 2025-26. This scholarship supports non-traditional or re-entry women selected by Dominican.
Denisa Adair Jemelkova (left), a senior from Larkspur, is majoring in nursing. Jennie Bicknell (right), a member of the Class of 2029, is a psychology major from San Anselmo.
Congratulations to Denisa and Jennie who will share the $6,000 scholarship!
| | Another Chance to Benefit the Scholarship Fund | | You are invited to a Tea Party on Thursday, January 22 at 1:00 p.m. at Sara Goerke’s home in San Rafael. Come enjoy all the delights of an English High Tea made by members of the Mah Jonng group. To claim your ticket, send a $35.00 check payable to AAUW Marin Scholarship fund to Amy Anderson, 726 Fawn Dr, San Anselmo, CA 94960. Only 11 tickets left. | |
January Branch Meeting
Save the Date!
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Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Monday, January 26, 2026, 10 - Noon
We will be given a tour of the Center plus two female scientists will speak to us about their research. Member Afaf Meleis, a Buck board member, will be our host. It should be a fascinating program. Plan to have lunch following the program at a local restaurant.
Look for an announcement in January.
| | November 22nd at Book Passage | | Our ever-popular annual program at Book Passage. Owner Elaine Petrocelli and staff shared their picks for the current season. Later the same day member Janet Quin Harkin, AKA Rhys Bowen, (right) presented her latest book. | |
December 6th Holiday Lunch at McInnis
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We had great fun at our December 6 luncheon at McInnis. Door prizes (top picture) tempted members to venture into the direct buy area where many goodies awaited them. Later we were challenged to a multiple-choice question test about the Scholarship Fund created by Katherine.
Who's in the pictures? Look for Katherine, Becky, Nancy, Kim, Gail, Suzanne, Erika, Pauline, Amy, and Cherie and Chris (in matching tops).
| | Celebrating Our New Members | | Lynn Sieben is our newest member. She got her BA and MBA from DePaul University in Chicago and worked in financial services as a VP at Dean Witter. She now volunteers as a moderator for a discussion group on the Economist Magazine. She enjoys quilting, reading, hiking and pickleball. | |
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 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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GO MARINERS. GO PENGUINS.
Come out and join together to support our local college women
Are you interested in getting together to watch the women's basketball teams from College of Marin and/or Dominican University as they start their 2025/26 seasons? This is a good way to support our local college teams and to spend an exciting time on a cold and dreary winter day. (There are several afternoon games, so no need to drive at night.) A group is planning to attend a game at Dominican at noon on December 18. If you would like to join us then or for a schedule of upcoming games, contact Dianne Sheridan.
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Art Farther Afield
The group will take a break for December, but resume in January, on the 23rd. Mark your calendars for a visit to Stanford's Cantor Museum. Details next month. Contact Diana Lyster if you are interested in joining.
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Bocce
The next big event will be held December 9 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.
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Hiking Group
The next hike will be December 2. We are heading into Tiburon from Blackie's Pasture. It's about 6 miles round trip. Contact Ann Vercoutere if interested.
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LitWits Reading Group
LitWits does not meet in December. The group meets next on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, to discuss A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1943) the first of three books by Betty Smith that the group will read in early 2026. LitWits meets in members' homes, 3rd Wednesday at 10 AM September through June. New members or guests 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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Reading Arts Group
The Reading Arts group is reading Fire Exit by Morgan Talty this month. We meet on Thursday, Dec. 11th at 1 PM to chat and discuss the book. Like to join us? Please contact Ann Jessup for information.
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Booklovers
Booklovers will not meet in December. Contact Carol Hoffman if you want to join a later get together.
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Nonfiction Reading Group
The AAUW Marin Nonfiction Reading Group met Monday, December 8, 1 PM on Zoom to discuss The Doctor Who Fooled the World: Science, Deception, and the War on Vaccines by Brian Deer. 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 does not meet in December. Normally the group meets at 6 PM the second Wednesday of the month for discussion of current issues, generally tied to AAUW's mission. October through March meetings are on Zoom. April through September meetings are in person at the home of Cherie Sorokin in Tiburon. Contact Cherie Sorokin or 415 730-0204 if you are interested in attending or joining the group.
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Happy Hour Group
The next meeting of the group is Thursday, January 8, 2026. Happy New Year! Location TBD. Contact Dottie Burk if you would like to join the group in the new year.
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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. Chefs for the next five months are set and there are tickets available. Contact Dianne Sheridan if interested. or for a schedule of upcoming events..
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Meet Me at the Movies!
We saw an Iranian film, a nominee for best foreign film, It Was Just an Accident, at our November gathering, and the good-sized group attending had a lively 2-hour discussion over a Thai dinner. We rated the movie a 4.5 on a 5 scale. Our next movie will be on December 9. Contact either Mary Mossteller or Freddie Green if you would like information about or would like to join the group.
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French Conversation
La dernière heure de conversation en français pour cette année sera mercredi le 17 décembre chez Peacock Point clubhouse (un changement de chez Rulli).
Salut! Janet Lynn or 415/755-8486
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Spanish Conversation--Drop In for Friendly, Casual Conversation
Normalmente, nos reunimos a las 12:30 por una hora, la segunda y cuarta semana de cada mes. We meet at Gotts in the Bon Air Shopping Center. 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, and join the conversation. Lo importante es charlar! Preguntas? NOTA, en Diciembe, un cambio. We are meeting this month only on the 16th at 12:30 at BOCA in Corte Madera. Please contact one of the organizers for specifics on the December schedule change. Nancy Finston, Vicki Samo, Cherie Sorokin, or Leslie Zimring.
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Handcraft Circle
We finished up our tree ornaments for the silent auction at the last meeting. Our December meeting is a special festive potluck at Amy Anderson’s home with soup as the central dish and members bringing the complementary dishes, and with crafting after. We will meet starting at noon on December 16 and Amy will send out more information as we get closer. Contact Mary Mossteller if you would like more information or would like to join the group.
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Play Mah Jongg?
Join us for our weekly games on Wednesdays in members' homes 1:30 to 3:30 PM. We will continue to meet in December, except Dec 24 and 31. 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. If you would like to learn, contact Chris and she will give you a list of teachers.
We play for 25 cents per game, and, in 2025, those contributions added up to $470 for the AAUW Scholarship Fund!
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Marin Women's Hall of Fame Induction Reception
The Marin Women’s Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Induction Reception will be held January 28, 2026, 4:30 - 7:00 PM. at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon.
Established in 1987, the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes Marin women of distinction, preserves their stories, educates the public on women’s contributions, and inspires future generations of women and girls. The Marin Women’s Hall of Fame was cofounded by the YWCA, AAUW, and the Marin Women’s Commission.
Buy tickets at: Marin Women's Hall of Fame - YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley. Ask to sit with AAUW.
| | So Much to Do, So Little Time | | |
Keep Educated!
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Register now for Silicon Valley's annual Step Out for Pro Choice presentation. This Zoom presentation will be January 22 at 1 PM pm and feature Professor Leah Litman of the University of Michigan Law School. Professor Litman in the author of the NYT's best seller Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories and Bad Vibes.
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Register now for AAUW CA's Zoom School Board Project Symposium on January 31, 2026 from 9-12:30 PM. Learn how restrictive federal laws are impacting California's protective laws and how to advocate for AAUW's values with local school board members. Here is the link to register.
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Read AAUW's Letter and send it on to Jared Huffman under your own signature. The letter urges Congress to preserve the Childcare Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) program which funds child care on campuses. Lack of childcare disproportionately impacts women! Here is the link to the letter.
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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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Write our Senators and Congressman about the impact of dismantling of the Department of Education. AAUW's Two Minute Activist has suggested language. Not yet a Two Minute Activist? Join using this link.
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Practice Listening to Someone Who Thinks Differently than You. Keep practicing "tell me more" openings into deeper conversation with folks whose perspective differs. Read up on things you may not be aware of that lead to such differences, e.g, "Paper Girl, by Beth Macy, a writer who went home to Urbana, Ohio with a willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations and to investigate what factors have created our current divide.
Take Time Out for Some Free Holiday Fun!
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Visit the Holiday Light Spectacular at the Civic Center and Fairgrounds. From 4 - 9 PM through January 4th enjoy dazzling light displays, twinkling pathways, engaging photo ops, and even some surprises. Drive through only at the Civic Center, but indoors at the fairgrounds. Free.
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Attend the Community Hannukah Celebration from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm on December 13 at the Bartolini Gallery at the Marin Center, hosted by Congregation Rodef Shalom. Free.
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January 22, 2026 (Thursday)1 PM by Zoom, Step Out for Pro Choice presentation with Professor Leah Litman (see registration link above).
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January 26, 2026 (Monday) 10:00 - Noon, in person, Presentation and Tour of the Buck Center.
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January 31, 2026 (Saturday), 9 -12:30 PM by Zoom, School Board Project Symposium, Defending the Frontline of Democracy.
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February 21 (Saturday) 10:00 – Noon Bi-Branch Brunch at the Key Room at Homeward Bound (Petaluma and Marin Branches). Speaker TBD.
For more AAUW Marin branch meeting dates, check our branch website HERE.
| | AARP is looking for friendly and service-oriented people to join their volunteer Tax-Aide team. Counselors work directly with taxpayers by filling out tax forms. Client facilitators welcome taxpayers, organize their paperwork and manage the overall flow of service. No experience necessary. Here's a flyer. Member Angela Nuckles has volunteered for seven years and can tell you all about it. Contact her at Angela Nuckles or (415) 686-8394 if interested. | | 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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© 2019 AAUW
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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