While there will be discussion of current advocacy opportunities, it will be a largely agenda-less meeting and a good opportunity for new people to learn about our organization in a social, low-pressure setting.

From your Program Chair Deb Kennedy:

Beginning on a personal note—sincere thanks for your support the past 6 months as I recover from three left hip surgeries! I appreciate all your cards/texts etc. but especially your good vibes & prayers. Hoping I’ll be seeing you all this summer!

2023 summer programs were so popular we’re offering 2024 events! See information about the first event above.

At our May “Immovable Feast” I shared (via Zoom!) some proposed programs for the coming year. I also requested ideas & help! Thank you to two members (so far) that shared great ideas!

In mid-August, “Cocktails & Convos” will return on the topic of Advocacy featuring Tess Gawrylowicz, an organizer for Reproductive Freedom For All. Dee Van Horn knows Tess from church and thought she would be a terrific speaker for our group. Tess has attended Supreme Court sessions and met with Governor Whitmer.

Kathi Parker suggested “Swifties”, the Taylor Swift fans, as a presentation topic at the 2025 Festival of the Arts. This billionaire has an incredible story of her art, business practices, and global popularity. We are looking at a panel discussing the advocacy and feminist aspects of her work. Our culture, both young & old, has responded both positive & negative —so it’s a great topic for discussion!

September brings the start of school and the beginning of another AAUW year of lifelong learning through programs with our traditional “Welcome Picnic at the Park” in early September. What do you think of having a food truck for lunch?! Remember to call/text 734-552-7149 or email aauwkennedy@gmail.com with any & all program ideas.

Wishing you a fun, safe & memorable summer!

Deb

P. S. Last year we took a “field trip” to the little Schoolhouse. Any interest in a 2024 adventure? Idlewild Historic & Cultural Center & Mt. Pleasant’s Ziibiwing Center have been suggested.

Attendees at the 2024 AAUW of Michigan Convention and Annual Meeting voted in favor of increasing state dues to $15/year starting July 1, 2024. State level dues had been flat for ten years until now. If your current membership expires soon, you will be charged the old rate of $12/year if your renewal is processed in the Community Hub prior to July 1. Renew now before the increased rate goes into effect!

Many of us were disappointed to find out that the vote to eliminate the degree requirement for AAUW membership failed this spring. Here are some statistics that State Bylaws Director Jan Van Gasse has shared about this latest effort to open membership to everyone who supports the AAUW mission regardless of degree status.

"Nationally, there were 41,109 eligible voters. 15,004 votes were cast representing 36.5% of eligible voters. There were a total of 9,250 "yes" votes (65.1% affirmative). 

Michigan had 1565 AAUWMI branch members eligible to vote and 706 voted or 45.1%. Of those 706 votes, 226 voted no to open membership, 456 voted affirmatively, and 24 abstained. Therefore, 67% of AAUWMI members voted yes. We have 357 National members only (not members of a branch or AAUWMI) and 46 voted or 12.9%. Of those 46 votes, 10 voted no, 31 voted affirmatively, and 5 abstained. Therefore, 76% of National members residing in Michigan voted yes. Therefore. there were 1922 AAUW members eligible to vote and 752 voted or 39.1%. Of those 752 votes, 236 voted no to open membership, 487 voted affirmatively, and 29 abstained. Therefore, 67% of AAUW members in Michigan voted yes to open membership."

Within our branch, Jan reports: "16 out of 27 branch members voted or 41%. Of those 16 votes, 16 voted affirmatively. In other words, 100% voted affirmatively." 

Branch annual reports were due on June 1. The annual report is a good time to review our accomplishments over the past year and reflect on what went well and what we might do differently in future. See the report Leah submitted with input from the Board.

AAUW-Big Rapids | AAUWBigRapids@gmail.com