In this issue...
President's Message
Featured Program
- Advocacy Discussion - January 18th
State News:
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Take Action Locally: Voting Rights in New Jersey
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NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking workshop - January 11th
- AAUW NJ State Board openings
National News:
- Take Action Nationally: Reproductive Rights
- AAUW Public Policy Priorities
News & Other Events:
- Book Talk by local author - January 11th
- Save the Date: AAUW NJ Spring Convention - March 19th
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Research
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Education
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Advocacy
Equity
for all
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Happy New Year! (a wish that will take some work to make it come true)
Does anyone else do housework when they’re procrastinating? I cleaned bathrooms, vacuumed and even dusted (my least favorite chore) - this message was really hard for me to write.
The end of 2021 turned out to be much harder than we expected last summer. Medical care workers have gotten no relief. Teachers have additional problems they were never expected to deal with before, and less support than ever for their “normal” job. Families struggle to cope with routine caregiving for children and elders, and everyone is struggling to cope with the stress of not having a normal routine.
I think we are just starting to come to grips with the fact that there will be no return to the old normal – just like after 9-11 there was no return to what life was before. This is a time when so much about the future is unknowable and it’s hard to know what is still in our control.
So, how can we find a silver lining in this time of exhaustion and uncertainty (besides having a cleaner house)? I think one way to stay positive is to think that society is at a tipping point, not a breaking point, and maybe all we need to do is create a nudge to tip us in the direction of a more just society. As AAUW members I hope we can find a focus to support each other and enlarge the community of people who are trying to nudge the new normal into something better for women, which we believe will be better for everyone, of course.
Hopefully, the holiday break gave you a chance to rest, reflect on your priorities, and recover a bit from the strains of 2021. Can you make one of your new year’s resolutions to help AAUW NJ to make a difference in 2022?
We’re staying flexible as our world stays chaotic - so check out the changes of program plans below. Let’s make a better 2022 together.
Karen Brown, President
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In response to the interests expressed at the December 9th unConference we’ve changed our plans to make our January program a discussion of which issues we should address now and how to advocate effectively for legislation to protect women’s rights.
Advocacy Discussion
Tuesday, January 18th
@ 7pm via Zoom
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Take Action Locally: Voting Rights in New Jersey
According to the League of Women Voters NJ, it is important that New Jersey take steps to modernize voter registration now -- well ahead of the next big election so that election officials and poll workers have ample time to adapt to the changes.
The same-day voter registration bill (A4548/S2824) changes registration deadlines to allow for speedy and secure same-day registration, including on Election Day. Email your legislators today and demand they take action to strengthen our election system and pass same day voter registration during this legislative session.
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KNOWING THE SIGNS AND THE STORY
Premiering LIVE on Facebook and YouTube
January 11, 2022
at 6:00pm
Learn about the different forms human trafficking can take and the legislation that has been passed.
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Join Us on the
State Board!
Are you looking to make a broader impact in 2022? Consider joining the AAUW NJ state leadership team!
Over the next few months the Nominating Committee will be looking for good women to step up and take the reins. We have many positions that will be transitioning in June, see which one is right for you.
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Take Action Nationally: Reproductive Rights
On September 24, 2021, the House of Representatives passed the Women's Health Protection Act of 2021. The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate — take action below to urge your Senators to support vital protections for reproductive health for all!
The Supreme Court of the United States has repeatedly confirmed the constitutional right to access and provide abortion care since the foundational Roe vs. Wade court decision in 1973. Nearly 50 years later, access to this fundamental right is inconsistent.
In the first six months of 2021, state legislators introduced 561 anti-abortion provisions in 47 states; 97 new restrictions are already in effect.
Tell your Senators to support abortion access for people everywhere in the United States!
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To guarantee equality, individual rights, and social justice for a diverse and inclusive society, AAUW advocates:
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Vigorous enforcement of and full access to civil and constitutional rights, including affirmative action and expanding voting rights.
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Complete, accurate and timely collection of data, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and gender identity to inform policy decisions and the apportionment of political representation.
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Self-determination of one’s reproductive health decisions
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Universal access to quality, affordable health care, including insurance, and comprehensive family planning services, including expansion of patients’ rights.
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Freedom from violence and fear of violence, including hate crimes, in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
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Support for U.N. programs that address human rights and women’s and girls’ concerns.
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Freedom in the definition of self and family, including protection from discrimination and a guarantee of civil rights for all family structures.
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Passage and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.
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Book Talk by Local Author:
The Turncoat's Wife
Tuesday, January 11, 7:00 p.m.
AAUW Somerset Hills invites you to hear Local Author Mally Becker talk about her debut novel. A fictional, romance-tinged story about a female spy for George Washington who travels from Morristown to New York City to uncover a plot that threatens the new nation’s future
This will be a hybrid meeting - come in person or attend on Zoom!
AAUW members meet at the Bernards Township Library, 32 South Maple Ave., Basking Ridge at 6:30 pm.
Or, register to attend on Zoom:
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Save the Date
AAUW NJ Spring Convention
March 19, 2021
The Executive Committee has come to the difficult decision that our spring convention must be virtual in the interest of member health and wellbeing, given the current state of Covid infections in the state. We hope that this will encourage even greater participation as it eliminates complications due to distance, logistics and costs. See you then!
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If your branch is forwarding the AAUW mission in some way, please share your activities with aauwnj@gmail.com. We want to celebrate you!
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See what's happening on our social sites |
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