April ALERT Public Programs Notice

 

Volume 3 | Issue 9

Programs

Julia Venetis, VP Programs

Raising Awareness of Diversity and Inclusion


Thursday, April 20th

7 p.m.

via Zoom 



Deanie Brown, presenter, is an attorney and the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Illinois Supreme Court in Springfield. She has been an associate chancellor, chief of staff, and director of HR and internal relations at universities in Illinois, California, and New Orleans, and serves on several boards supporting equity, education, the community, and the arts. A member of AAUW Springfield, Deanie was honored as the 2022 AAUW Agent of Change at the AAUW Illinois State Conference. 


In addition to speaking about raising awareness, Deanie will explore the concept of “allyship”: how to become an ally and developing the skills for responding to a situation that requires a “Stand Up, Speak Out” response.   


Deanie will also highlight the harms that persist when we don't prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and opportunity. 


This Zoom event is co-sponsored by the Downers Grove Area AAUW, the Elmhurst Area AAUW, the Naperville Area AAUW, and the Jane Addams AAUW Statewide Branch.


Please plan to participate in this important program. Register below to receive the Zoom link.

Register to receive the Zoom link for the April Program
 
 
 

Membership

Marianne Hunnicutt, VP Membership

I hope you enjoyed the March 30 presentation of “The A-List of Absolutely Admirable Local Ladies” at the Woodridge Public Library.


Don’t forget to register for the 7:00 P.M. April 20 Zoom presentation: “Raising Awareness of Diversity and Inclusion”. The event is sponsored by AAUW Elmhurst Area, AAUW Naperville Area, AAUW Downers Grove Area and the statewide AAUW Jane Addams branches. The focus is on non-profit civic organizations.


Did you know AAUW…?

The purpose of AAUW is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education,

philanthropy, and research.


Did you know AAUW produces research reports? 

The Research and Data link on the national AAUW Website (www.aauw.org/research) allows the reader to explore reports on a variety of downloadable reports including:


If one of these areas interest you, I encourage you to click on the link and read about the topic. 


Photo from the March program "The A-List of Absolutely Admirable Local Ladies - The Additional Edition"


Pictured are four of the many dozens of Laudable Ladies both living and departed, who had their accomplishments and notable qualities shared in a program that included a mix of facts, poetry, and humor. 



JOIN THE DOWNERS GROVE AREA BRANCH!


Download this PDF for our membership application and mail to us with a check.


Membership includes access to Interest Groups, leadership roles on the board and committees, planning and production of monthly public programs. Join now to be a part of determining the future of our scholarship fundraising effort.

PLUS receive State and National informational emails and opportunities!


 

Interest Groups

See below for books and activities our Interest Groups are reading and doing in March.

 

Public Policy

Emily Owens, Appointed Officer

Books Are for Everyone - OPINION


What is lost by limiting a person's natural curiosity? How can a anyone learn to discern the difference between rumor and truth? Shouldn't we be preparing children to make their own decisions? If a child in our care has chosen a book we think is questionable, wouldn't it be better to have a conversation with the child about the book? Maybe both the parent and the child could read it and discuss it. Those of us who have experienced parenting a teenager know that sometimes forbidding something makes it very attractive.


Schools and libraries have procedures in place for parents and patrons to register concerns about any book they find objectionable. Many books are upsetting but still have great value for learning about the experiences and feelings of others. Sometimes a book opens a door to a different part of the world, to a different time, or to a different culture. Reading only about people like ourselves would be so boring!


It makes more sense to participate in our own child's choices rather than laying down restrictions on everyone's right to choose. In addition, any attempt to restrict what adults may read should not be allowed.

 
 

Communications

Kim Venzon, VP Communications

Editor's Note


The Public Programs Notice is released monthly on around the 5th of the month 

The exception is July and August which share a Summer issue that could be released at any time during those months.


Previous editions of the Notice can be accessed on our website.


Blue underlined text, red buttons, and many images are hotlinks that will connect to additional content.

 

Area AAUW Programs

 

2022-2023 BRANCH BOARD

* CO- PRESIDENTS Deb Harris, Cindy Heckler, Sue Stealey * VICE-PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP Marianne Hunnicutt * VICE-PRESIDENT PROGRAMS Julia Venetis * VICE-PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS Kim Venzon * SECRETARY Mary Vercellino * TREASURER Coleen Walter

2022-2023 APPOINTED OFFICERS

** AAUW FUNDS INFORMATION & FUNDRAISING Harriett Lindstrom ** AAUW FUNDS EDUCATIONAL FUNDING & AWARDS Coleen Walter ** PUBLIC POLICY Emily Owens ** DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION (DEI) Susan Becker

 
 
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State Website
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Planned Giving

Charitable gift annuities, often called CGAs, can be a wonderful way to help AAUW provide for the next generation of women. In addition to the benefits of making a gift to the organization, you will receive fixed payments for the rest of your life.

Read More

AAUW Greatest Needs Fund

This fund allows AAUW to respond rapidly to critical issues affecting women as they emerge allowing us to pivot as the national dialogue shifts.


Greatest Needs is also what fuels our groundbreaking research and effective advocacy.

Read More

Downers Grove Grade School District 58


In early April, the Board will send out a survey for all stakeholders to provide input on 5 Key Areas of Focus.


We highly encourage you to complete the survey when it is sent out as your input is important and will be used to help shape the direction of the District for the next five years.


In addition to the survey, there will be a feedback session with our strategic planning partner, Dr. Robert Madonia, to gather input on the Key Areas of Focus on Thurs., April 6 - 6 p.m. at O’Neill M.S. (Professional Development Center) RSVP below


The District will also host two planning sessions in May at O’Neill Middle School (Monday, May 15, and Tuesday, May 16, 6:00-9:30 p.m. each evening) to write action plans for the Key Areas of Focus. If you are not a member of a District committee or council and would like to be considered to participate in the May planning sessions, please fill out the interest form linked below. We hope to accommodate as many individuals as possible and final selections for the planning session will take place in early May.


Submitted by Kim Venzon

Strategic Planning Feedback Session RSVP, April 6, 2023 - Community

RSVP for the feedback session with our strategic planning partner, Dr. Robert Madonia, to gather input on the Key Areas of Focus to be held at 6 p.m. at O’Neill M.S. (Professional Development Center)

RSVP HERE

Strategic Planning Session Interest Form, May 15 & May 16

If you are not a member of a District committee or council and would like to be considered to participate in the May planning sessions, please fill out this interest form.

Apply for Planning Sessions HERE

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