In this issue... President's Message State News:  AAUW NJ 2022-23 Save-the-Dates Branch Renewal Notice Meet our State Directors Why I Donate National News: The Community Hub; Virtual Office Hours Attention Finance Officers Other News:  Women's Equality Day - August 27th Upcoming AAUW NJ Dates

Research * Education * Advocacy Equity for all

President's Message

AAUW NJ is hitting the ground running this fall season with a strong focus on amplification through collaboration. Already, we were represented at Alice Paul Institute’s Women’s Equality Day, thanks to our dedicated board members. Next up, AAUW NJ will have a table at the NJ Conference for Women (see calendar below) on October 28, in Princeton - maybe your branch would like to send a representative to attend. The following day, the program committee is planning a highly interactive, hybrid, AAUW NJ Fall Focus at Forsgate, just 20 minutes away, so it will be easy to make this a two-day event for those coming from a distance. How is your branch collaborating with other organizations to amplify our impact? Share your events and projects in future newsletters, and don’t forget to invite other AAUW NJ members to participate - if you reach out to your District Coordinator, Jackie or Diane, they would be happy to help. (Central District, until you have your own DC, please reach out to Jackie.) Remember, you can find all our AAUW NJ board members and many other resources on the “ABOUT” tab of our AAUW NJ website. Hope to see you soon! Karen

AAUW NJ News

Save The Dates! Along with your local Branch programs, you’ll want to participate in the state-wide programs for the year: our two in-person meetings in fall and spring, plus our virtual Business Meeting; and 3 virtual sessions over the year, each hosted by a branch, on various aspects of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, led by our State Director of DEI Edwina Sessons. Put these dates on your calendar!  October 28, 2022 – NJ Conference for Women – 7:30 - 3:00 Westin-Princeton Forrestal Village - led by the Women in Business Alliance program of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce https://www.njconferenceforwomen.com October 29, 2022 – Fall Focus – 8:30 to 3:00 at Forsgate Country Club, Monroe Township. An interactive, stimulating day of connecting, collaborating and creating! Registration opens September 15, $40 includes continental breakfast and lunch November 15, 2022 - DEI*: Strategies for Effective Bystander Intervention, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Hosted by the Burlington County Branch February 13, 2023 - DEI: What Inclusion Really Means, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Hosted by the Summit College Club Branch April 18, 2023 - DEI: Anti-Racism - Let’s Own It! 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Hosted by the Northern Ocean County Branch April 29, 2023 - Annual Business Meeting - via Zoom, details to be announced June 3, 2023 - AAUW-NJ Leadership Conference - Time, location and agenda to be announced *DEI = Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Branch Member Renewal Grace Period Ends September 30th The September 30 grace period for renewing members (6/30/2022 expires) to remain in good standing is fast approaching. We urge membership vice presidents and finance officers to work together to verify your members for FY23 using the “Export Branch Roster” option in the Community Hub.

Introducing NJ AAUW 2022-23 Appointed Directors

Public Policy - Keturah Harris Dr. Keturah Harris is a special education teacher at the Burlington County Institute of Technology- Medford Campus. She has taught for over 20 years and strongly supports and advocates for the special-needs population. She earned a BA in psychology from Rutgers University-Camden, MS in Educational Leadership from Delaware Valley University, and a doctorate in Transformational Leadership from Concordia University. She has been a Medford, NJ resident for the last 28 years. Additionally, she has an energetic seven-year-old who attends the Medford Public Schools; one Shih Tzu dog, Parker. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, and close friends in her spare time. She is actively involved in organizations such as the American Association of University Women (AAUW), NAWBO-SJ - Board of Directors - Co-Chair of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and member of NJ21 United. She volunteers at the Alice Paul Institute in Mount Laurel, NJ, promoting equality, equity, and education for all girls and women.

Public Policy - Mary Hastings Hager  Mary is joining the AAUWNJ Board as Co-Director of Public Policy. She is currently serving her fourth year as President of AAUW Mountain Lakes Area (NJ) and previously served as Public Policy Director for the branch. With career experience in higher education, social services and the food and drug industries, Hager most recently worked as a government relations professional advocating for nutrition, food, and health issues at the federal level in Washington, DC.  A native of Southern California, she earned her BS degree (With Distinction) at the Univ. of Delaware, completing a dietetic internship at the University of Michigan Hospital. She then embarked on graduate studies at the University of California, Davis, where she earned MS and PhD degrees in Nutrition with concentrations in endocrinology and physiological chemistry.

AAUW Funds - Nina Del Collo Nina joined the Nutley Branch of AAUW in 2011 and has been involved in various projects centered around STEM and human trafficking. She is currently serving her third year as Funds Director for AAUW NJ. Nina has a post-master’s certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant from Montclair State University and worked with children in various educational capacities for 34 years. She is now a retired educator who enjoys being a student and learning new skills. Nina was drawn to becoming a member of AAUW because they promote advocacy for women and girls and support important issues such as gender equality, economic security, and leadership for women.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Edwina Sessons  Edwina worked as a Child Study Team - Learning Consultant to teachers in the Camden Public Schools and the Hamilton Twp. (Mercer Co.) Schools. She retired after a span of thirty-seven (37) years in education. Edwina is a volitional worker and mentor. She feels blessed to be able to give back to the Community. Her enthusiasm led her to the N.A.A.C.P. - an organization that supports democracy, dignity, and freedom without regard to race, gender, or religion. In 2016, Edwina was elected President of the Greater Delaware Valley Branch NAACP of Burlington County. She continues to hold that office. In the wake of Police Reform legislation, the Branch participates in a county-wide police experience survey to document police interactions with people of color. The survey will provide a way for the voices of marginalized Communities to be heard.  Her advocacy, especially for women, gives her great pleasure in belonging to A.A.U.W, an Association doing the work of ensuring equal opportunities for women. Edwina joined the Burlington County (formerly Willingboro) Branch in 2013. She has served as Co-Vice President of Programs and Co-President of the Branch (2018-2020). Edwina has participated in the interviewing process for Tech Trek for the last 5 years. She was appointed AAUW State Diversity Chair in 2017 and was re-appointed as State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director in 2019 - present.

Honorary Directors

Charitable Trust President - Mary Graves Mary joined AAUW (Nutley branch) after retiring in 2011 and currently is serving her fourth year as AAUW NJ Charitable Trust President, her best job ever. The Trust is a great asset to fund AAUW projects throughout the state, and Mary would love to talk to anyone interested to know more! Other AAUW interests include volunteering for various STEM programs, participating in AAUW state meetings, and visiting branches when a Northern District rep. Mary earned a PhD in Chemistry and had a rewarding career at Roche Pharmaceuticals as a research leader and business development executive. Additional ‘next chapter’ volunteer interests include building decent & affordable housing in the US and Guatemala, and community mental health and social services.

Past State President - Carol Cohen I retired from teaching Family and Consumer Science from Monroe Township High School in 2002 and joined the Freehold Area Branch of AAUW that fall. That year I was asked to co-chair the Program committee. I did that for 6 years. For the next 4 years I was President of my branch. We began a STEM program with the Girl Scouts and a local elementary school. I then joined the AAUW NJ board and was immediately made Program chair. I didn’t know a thing about the state’s operation but the members of the board were wonderful and jumped in to assist me. I did that for 4 years while Sally Goodson was president. She was calling me constantly and we became good friends. Then I learned that she was mentoring me to be the next president. Needless to say, I refused multiple times but, in the end, Sally always got what she wanted. I loved being president of the state. My philosophy as a leader was to delegate as much as I could so that I would involve more members. During my 4 years as president, Michelle Douglas began Tech Trek, a week-long STEM program for middle school girls. It was limited to south Jersey, but increased statewide the following year. This meant members of every branch were involved in interviewing prospective students for the camp. Many AAUW members felt more connected to the state at that time than ever before. Karen Brown continued to chair Teen Tech, a one-day program for high school girls and increased the event to two locations per year. We also created a two-day state AAUW annual convention in Atlantic City which really created camaraderie amongst the state members. In addition, our Central District Co-Coordinators Patricia Baroska and Barbara Williamson planned an annual statewide trip which were well attended. Our trips included going to the AAUW building in DC and meeting with the League of Women Voters, a two-day bus trip to Seneca Falls to visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the Harriet Tubman Museum (now a National Historical Park), a bus trip to Philadelphia and a day in Manhattan including a Broadway play and City Museum. I also knew from day one of my presidency that I wanted Karen Brown to follow me as president. Needless to say, Karen refused multiple times as well, but in the end, she had reasons to accept the presidency for her own personal growth. I believe in the AAUW mission. Through the years it has been refined and condensed but always stressing the idea of having women and girls achieve their potential and be treated with respect and equity. In light of the recent political climate and events, I believe it is imperative to have more men in line with our beliefs and joining us in our efforts. We will never succeed unless we have them on board. I also believe in order to accomplish this we must teach tolerance, equity and equality in the schools starting with elementary school. The future is our only hope!

State-Appointed Committees

The State Board of Directors includes elected officers, appointed and honorary directors. There are also committee members that help forward the mission of the state. Opportunities to serve AAUW NJ Would you enjoy connecting with Colleges/Universities to introduce potential collaborations on women’s equity projects? Contact aauwnj@gmail.com to find out more about this AAUW role.  Are you familiar with Roberts Rules of Order? Please volunteer to be appointed parliamentarian for one, or more, of our full board or annual meetings.  Communications Committee Mariel Kolker, E-Newsletter – Madison Branch Irene Richardson, Facebook/Instagram – Burlington County Branch Laura Belko, Virtual Tech Support – Garden State Virtual Branch Batsheva (Shevi) Salberg, Database Support – Freehold Area Branch Program Committee Jacqueline McGuinness – Garden State Virtual Branch

Why I Donate August 2022 Did you know: Women have only 70% of the overall retirement income that men have. Although women earn 83% of what men are paid, the gender wealth gap is even worse. Women have only 23% of the wealth men have accumulated. At the current rate of progress, the gender pay gap will not close until 2111. Women hold $929 billion or two-thirds of the nation’s student debt. Because of the gender pay gap, women have a harder time repaying loans, meaning women’s debt burden compounds as time goes on.   Over half a century after pay discrimination became illegal in the United States, a persistent pay gap between men and women continues to hurt our nation’s workers and our national economy. No matter how you break it down—by state, age, education, race, or occupation—the gender wage gap is pervasive. If you would like to know what that gap is in major metropolitan areas, open this link: https://www.aauw.org/resources/article/pay-gap-in-metro-areas/ AAUW has been battling to change the gender wage gap and a key component is arming women with the tools and resources they need to do their part. Programs such as “Work Smart Salary” negotiation trainings, “Money Smart Financial Literacy” programs, and the “National Conference for College Women Student Leaders” provide women with valuable information to advocate for themselves and negotiate best possible pay, and benefits to pursue higher-paying jobs, promotions, and leadership opportunities.    These programs, as well as others, are made possible by the generosity of members like you. If you would like to create a more economically secure world for women, please consider donating. Go to https://aauw-nj.aauw.net and click the “DONATE” link.   Nina Del Collo Funds Director

AAUW National News

A New Time for Virtual Office Hours AAUW’s virtual “office hours” provide a real-time forum for member leaders to share their questions and concerns with AAUW National staff. These sessions have become so popular that they have added another time slot. Now you can sign up to talk on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. ET in addition to Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Finance Officers Don’t Lose Your IRS Tax Status All AAUW-affiliated entities must file a tax return with the IRS each year. If your annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less, you can file Form 990-N. We can do this on your behalf if you complete the group exemption form in Community Hub now through October 15. Login to your personal snapshot and then go to MY AFFILIATIONS and click the blue button next to your affiliate name. Choose TAX INFORMATION and then ADD NEW TAX DETAILS to complete the form. The form will ask for the principal officer, which for taxes is generally the finance officer. The tax period is from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022.

Other News

Alice Paul Institute Celebrates Women’s Equality Day On Saturday August 27, Women’s Equality Day was celebrated at the Alice Paul Institute in Mount Laurel with a Summer Festival and Pop-up Beer Garden. There were food trucks, family friendly activities and historical reenactments. AAUW NJ set up an information table for the festival. In attendance were Barbara Jannen, Burlington County Branch member; Sharon Suber, Communication Vice President; Karen Kaplan, Program Vice President; Jacqueline McGuinness, Southern District Coordinator and Keturah Harris, Public Policy Director. Who was Alice Paul? Alice Paul was the architect of some of the most outstanding political achievements on behalf of women in the 20th century. Born on January 11, 1885 to Quaker parents in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, Alice Paul dedicated her life to the single cause of securing equal rights for all.  A leader in the fight to ratify the 19th Amendment in 1920 to extend voting rights to women, Alice Paul authored the Equal Rights Amendment 1923 and spent the rest of her life fighting for its ratification to ensure the U.S. Constitution protects women and men equally. Few individuals have had as much impact on American history as has Alice Paul. Her life symbolizes the long struggle for justice in the United States and around the world. Her vision was the ordinary notion that women and men should be equal partners in society. The mission of the Alice Paul Institute is to honor the legacy of Alice Paul’s work for gender equality through education and leadership development.

Upcoming AAUW NJ Dates 2022-23 October 29, 2022 - AAUW NJ Fall Focus November 15, 2022 - DEI: Strategies for Effective Bystander Intervention, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Hosted by the Burlington County Branch February 13, 2023 - DEI: What Inclusion Really Means, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Hosted by the Summit College Club Branch April 18, 2023 - DEI: Anti-Racism - Let’s Own It! 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Hosted by the Northern Ocean County Branch April 29, 2023 - Annual Business Meeting via Zoom. Details to be announced June 3, 2023 - AAUW-NJ Leadership Conference - Time, location and agenda to be announced

If your branch is forwarding the AAUW mission in some way, please share your activities with aauwnj@gmail.com. We want to celebrate you!

aauwnj@gmail.com Visit the AAUW NJ Website  www.aauw.org

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