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Advancing gender equity for women and girls
through research, education & advocacy
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Morgan Hill Branch Awarded Five-Stars
by AAUW National!
After our incredible All Member Meetup on Thursday, August 28, we were informed that for the third year in a row, we have been honored with a Five-Star recognition!
| | | Many thanks to Suman Ganapathy for her diligence in recording our many accomplishments. Watch future emails for more news about this great recognition. | |
- Upcoming Events
- President's Message
- Branch Business
- Here's what Happened
- Connecting with Our Members
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- Giving Back
- Other AAUW News
- Branch Links
- Our Advertisers
| | | Look at the bottom of this email. If this message appears, be sure to click where it says "View entire message" so you don't miss important information! | | |
These events are coming up - please read the Sunday Email Blast for more information.
Tuesday, September 23, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Morgan Hill Library, "Emergency 911 - Managing Unexpected Events". Panel includes Suzie Nguyen and Molly Fittro, Certified Trainers in First Aid and CPR for the City of Morgan Hill and the Aquatic Center, and Cheri Brown, Licensed Insurance Agent and AAUW Branch Member.
| | Tuesday, October 28, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Britton Student Union, "US Constitution 101" | | | | |
President’s Message
School is back in session, and fall is upon us! I hope everyone found a little time to recharge this summer—self-care is so important.
Read the full message HERE.
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2025-2026 Allocations
The Allocations committee has created a plan for dispersing funds raised from this year's Wildflower Run.
This year, thanks to the generosity of our members and corporate sponsors, combined with runner registrations, we were able to allocate $75,500.
Details of where these funds will be going are available HERE.
Review all the individuals and programs we supported this past year HERE.
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Branch Budget for 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
The Branch Budget for the FY2025–2026 was approved by the Board on August 7, 2025. View it HERE.
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The recent dues increase has been instrumental in allowing us to continue our mission and activities in the coming year while staying on budget.
The Board would also like to better understand the true cost of running our branch activities. Many members cover expenses as donations; in order to plan more effectively for the future, we want to keep track of these in-kind contributions. If you’ve paid for anything on behalf of the branch, please email Karen George at cfo@aauwmh.org.
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Bylaws/Governance Committee
2024-2025 Year-End Report
The Bylaws/Governance Committee had another productive year. After the reorganization of board structure in 2024, it was necessary to create job descriptions for several new positions. We updated Policies & Procedures and developed a new Dues Assistance policy.
| | | We said good-bye to Joan Ensign, who served on the committee since 2002, and to Suman Ganapathy but welcomed JoAnne Markowska, who is taking over as chair from Carol O’Hare. Want to know more? Go HERE. | | |
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Wildflower Fund Member Donation Campaign
Help Wanted
In 2025 members contributed almost $20,000 to the annual Wildflower Fund Member Donation Campaign to support local scholarships, grants, and national AAUW priorities.
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Now we need someone to coordinate the next campaign, collaborating with team members to make 2026 equally successful.
Also needed is a member to manage the spreadsheet of contributions and send thank-you emails to donors.
Work from home on your own schedule. The campaign goes from December to April.
For details about these important jobs, contact Janet Wright, donations@aauwmh.org
Read more HERE.
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Wildflower Run 2026 Moves to April 12
AAUW sponsors the Wildflower Run to raise money for scholarships and grants. The new date is Sunday, April 12, 2026.
We are looking for chairs and co-chairs for the following teams: Muscle in the Morning(MIM), Finish Fest.
Email Carol Ferri at wfr@aauwmh.org if you would like to volunteer.
Our first meeting for WFR 2026 is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 7pm.
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Reviewing accomplishments, setting goals
Thirteen members attended the Board Retreat on June 28. The group reviewed 2025 goals and accomplishments, discussed key findings from the recent Member Survey, and continued conversations around potential board restructuring.
Each committee chair or co-chair shared highlights from 2024-2025, outlined their goals for 2025-2026, and identified the support needed to achieve them. Productive dialogue and collaboration set a strong foundation for the year ahead.
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Celebrating Independence Day
Our branch proudly joined the Morgan Hill 4th of July Parade with a vibrantly decorated Wildflower Run-themed trailer. Tech Trek campers, Young Women Leaders, scholarship recipients, and members marched together.
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Special thanks to Beau Goldie for building the trailer, Julie and Matt Griffoul for towing it, and the Gilroy AAUW members for marching with us. Together, we brought visibility to our mission and had a joyful time connecting with the community!
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AAUW Booth at MH National Night Out
Many thanks to all our members who helped with our booth during National Night Out on August 5! It was a great success with many visitors— including Tech Trek alums and people who recognized us from the 4th of July parade and wanted to learn more about AAUW.
By joining in community events like this, we raise awareness of our mission—strengthening our ability to advance equity and education for all women and girls.
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Tech Trek 2025 A Success!
We had a successful week at Camp Carson on the campus of UC Santa Cruz with our campers. All 10 of our scholarship recipients represented Morgan Hill impeccably.
Thanks to the following AAUW Morgan Hill branch members for their volunteer time: Carol Holzgrafe, Jill Irwin, Marian Sacco, Krisse Boursier, and Susan Parodi.
Hopefully, next year we will have more volunteers. It was fun for all.
| | | CONNECTING WITH OUR MEMBERS | | | | |
Long Time Member Sandy Stoob
It’s the quiet ones who can be a surprise. Meet Sandy Stoob, a longtime branch member who knows the value of friendship.
She's a major AAUW supporter with a whiz-bang, international past. Who knew? Read all about her story HERE.
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Milestone Birthdays
Wishing a very happy 60th birthday to branch member Gautam Ganapathy, husband of member Suman Ganapathy, and proof that life (and AAUW) only gets better with age.
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Susan Brazelton commemorated her 80th birthday in August with a month-long celebration.
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Welcome Jackson
Vicky Reader has become a grandmother for the first time. Following the loss of her husband Joseph last year, she embraced the circle of life by spending a month in Bend, Oregon, visiting family and getting to know her new grandson, Jackson Reader.
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Flowers - A Photographic Exhibit
Member Shellee Fisher delighted visitors with her beautiful floral photography exhibit at the Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center in June. Her expressive images transformed flowers into works of art, eliciting appreciation and praise from all who attended.
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Martin Murphy Middle School
Computer Lab Upgrade
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Community Action Grants Applications Open!
Applications for the 2025-2026 Community Action Grants program open September 1 and close November 3. Last year, we supported 10 amazing local, non-profit organizations with grants up to $1,000 each.
Please reach out to the great organizations you know and encourage them to apply!
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Class Project Unveiling!
Leadership Morgan Hill Class 2025 is nearly complete and invites you to the unveiling of the restored “Loki Owl,” at 11 am Thursday, September 11, at Little Llagas Creek Trail, Centennial Recreation Center, 171 W. Edmundson Ave.
This will be followed by Native Garden Reception from noon to 1 pm at Villa Mira Monte House.
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Apply for a Scholarship to Leadership Morgan Hill 2026
AAUW Morgan Hill proudly sponsors one outstanding local woman each year to attend the Leadership Morgan Hill program. Applicants need not be members - this program is an impactful way to strengthen community ties while supporting women’s leadership development.
The extended 2026 scholarship deadline is September 30. Please complete the AAUW scholarship application BEFORE the Leadership Morgan Hill application.
Read more HERE.
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YOU are who we're missing!
Please sign up for these Leadership Openings.
Our branch shines because of members like YOU! Step in with your creativity, talents, and enthusiasm. From organizing to connecting people, there’s a role that fits you.
Explore our volunteer & leadership openings—just fill out the interest form below and we’ll connect with you. No pressure, only possibilities!
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Special Thanks to
Interbranch Special Projects Foundation (ISPF)
ISPF is the non-profit 501c (3) charity that permits donations to AAUW programs like Tech Trek and local scholarships to be tax-deductible.
Special BIG THANK YOU to our Peggy Martin, serving six years as president of the ISPF. She led the Board of Officers and members from five Bay Area Branches.
Virginia Turner, Los Gatos-Saratoga Branch, serves as treasurer of ISPF in her 13th year! Virginia will be getting accounting help this year but will remain on the Board.
THANK YOU BOTH!
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AAUW 2026-2027
Fellowship & Grant Applications Now Available
Applications are open for AAUW’s 2025–2026 Fellowships and Grants. Each year, AAUW National provides millions of dollars in funding to support women pursuing academic, research, and professional opportunities that advance equity for women and girls.
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From graduate education to community-based projects, awards empower change makers at every level.
Applications close September 30, so encourage eligible students, scholars, and community leaders to apply today.
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Public Policy
Should AAUW members be out on the streets protesting? Absolutely, says AAUW California.
Read more HERE.
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Online Program on Title IX
Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, including athletics.
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AAUW Washington will present an online program on Title IX, focusing on the history, current landscape and future implications of the 1972 legislation, from 5:30-7:30 pm September 17.
Pre-register HERE. This will take you to a Google Form. Complete it and then 48 hours before the presentation you will receive the Zoom link.
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