...empowering women since 1922
Winter/Spring Newsletter
March 2021
AAUW of Michigan President
The words that I would like to focus on in this newsletter are: change, creativity, compassion, connection, and commitment.  These words can be added to those from previous newsletters: power, purpose, positivity, productivity, growth, giving, and gratitude. 
 
The present times have forced us to embrace change. As leaders, we must stay positive to create positive change. If we can lean into the present and the reality of the moment, we are able to tap into a deep reserve of creativity, insight, and confidence. Creativity and change are interrelated. I am amazed at the creativity that our membership has shown in terms of virtual meetings and the many different ways being used to maintain connection with each other. 
 
It has been said that people don’t like change. However, we actually like what change produces. What we don’t like is the messy transition required to create the change. Individuals and organizations that thrive embrace the entire process of transition and change knowing it leads to improvement and growth. Throughout history we see that individuals and organizations that embrace the waves of change ride it to a successful future. Those who resist the wave get crushed by it. Leadership is a transfer of belief so it’s essential that leadership teams share their positive belief about change with everyone in the organization. The AAUW of Michigan Board believes in each of you and believes that each of us can embrace change
 
As we are starting Women’s History Month, I am awe-struck at the capacity of women to persevere in the face of adversity and for being agents of change. While we often focus on the fight for women’s suffrage in US history, women have been an integral part of every social movement in history, though they did not always seek or receive credit for their involvement. 
 
AAUW of Michigan recently reached out to AAUW Texas asking if there was anything we could do to provide assistance. They expressed gratitude for the compassion of their Michigan sisters and suggested donations to the Red Cross or United Way as the best way to provide assistance to those most in need.
 
I believe that we are who we are because of other people. Everyone you meet today will help define who you are tomorrow. To have connection with people, we need to listen and show compassion. In the age of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, emails, and texting, means of communication are constantly at our disposal. But the act of listening has become a skill we use less and less. Listening allows us insight about each other and about ourselves. With some deliberate and thoughtful practice, we can improve our listening capacity. Listening is a practiced skill that requires focus and attention. Better listening requires a shift from a reactive frame of mind to one which is more receptive. Focusing attention in the moment is also key. I am trying to focus on being present in meetings and the conversation by being an active listener and immersing myself in the dialogue. I was recently on my fifth Zoom call of the day and my thoughts drifted off while listening to a friend’s story. I stopped the friend and said, “I’m sorry. I got lost in thought. Can you say that again?” That really helped me to focus on being present for the rest of the conversation. Genuinely asking questions and listening to the responses can validate the experiences of others and provide emotional support. Active listening takes time and effort. However, the long term positive effects that it will have on our organization will be well worth the effort. 
 
The AAUW of Michigan Board is committed to change, creativity, compassion, connection, and commitment. Please reach out to any of us at any time. The strength of our organization is determined by the strength of our members and our deep commitment to our mission and to each other. As Ted Larkins stated, “The commitment to be of service to what you really want, what you desire – that’s the essence of making true change.” 
 
Jan Van Gasse
906-563-8791 (home)
906-396-2747 (cell)
Program Vice Presidents
Regional Leadership Gatherings
 
By now you have hopefully seen the Save the Date for this year’s Regional Meetings. We are excited to get everyone together, virtually, to discuss all things AAUW!
 
We have divided the state into two inspirational groups - Equity and Empower. Over the course of two weekends many of you will be able to gather with counterparts and fellow members from all around the state to learn and share with one another. Topics will be geared towards AAUW leadership, but you are welcome to register even if you are not a branch officer.
 
As we are all still dealing with the pandemic, AAUWMI board members will be presenting new ideas for branch positions, including virtual. Topics include Fundraising, Program ideas for meeting safely and attracting new members, proposed national Membership changes, Public Policy Priorities, and a look at the new Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit. There will also be updates about AAUWMI plans and initiatives.
 
The division of branches was done to keep a balance in the number of possible attendees for each session. Please try to attend the session with your group. If you have a scheduling issue though, you can certainly register for the other day.
 
We are excited to see you all for fun and inspirational presentations and discussions to bring us together as we look forward to the coming months!
 
   Equity Regional Meeting- March 27th, 9am-noon ET
   Albion, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Big Rapids, Farmington, Jackson, Livonia, Ludington, Marshall, 
   Northville-Novi, Plymouth Canton, South Haven, Traverse City.  Click here to register.

   Empower Region- April 3, 9am-noon ET
   Bay City, Birmingham, Cass City, Dearborn, Detroit, Escanaba, Gaylord, Grosse Pointe, Iron
   Mountain/Kingsford, Marquette, Midland, Monroe, Port Huron, Rochester, Romeo, Saginaw,
   Wyandotte Downriver.  Click here to register. 



Deb Kennedy and Amy Shamroe
AAUW National Election
AAUW members are being asked to vote on the amended Public Policy Priorities and a bylaws amendment to eliminate degree requirements for members.  The bylaws amendment proposes a change to eliminate degree requirements for members. AAUW’s Open Membership Toolkit (https://www.aauw.org/resources/member/governance-tools/national-election/open-membership-toolkit/) discusses the proposed changes and the rationale. AAUW of Michigan will be hosting a forum on open membership scheduled for Thursday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. ET. More information and registration will be forthcoming. 

Voting opens on April 7 and will close on May 17; however, we would suggest that you wait to vote until after the forum. We will each vote individually. The AAUW bylaws require that submitted ballots equal in number to at least five percent of the votes entitled to be cast by members is the quorum required for a vote to be counted. The AAUW bylaws require that the affirmative (yes) vote of two-thirds of the votes cast are required to amend the bylaws. The Public Policy Priorities can be amended with an affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast.
Call to Annual Meeting
Call to AAUWMI Annual Meeting-Zoom
April 24, 2021; 10:00am-11:30am ET
9:45 registration
 
Mark your calendars to join us in the comfort of your own home as we hold our annual meeting and vote on resolutions, bylaws amendments, and elect AAUWMI officers. 
 
Each branch is entitled to a vote at the annual meeting from the President or President’s designee and each branch is also entitled to one voting delegate per 25 members or major fraction thereof. The total number of approved branch delegates is based on the February 1, 2021 membership records of the State Finance Vice President. Student Affiliate Members and community partners/members of local branches are not eligible to be voting delegates.
 
Please appoint your voting delegates at an upcoming board or branch meeting. Watch for a delegate form with a return envelope in the next two weeks mailed to Branch Presidents. Please return the delegate forms to the AAUWMI Secretary, Kay Calley-Martin, by April 1st. Please email Kay at aauwmi.calley-martin@gmail.com or text or call 269-209-7992 with any questions. 
 
In addition to branch delegates, the voting body is also composed of state representatives, which includes past presidents of AAUWMI and representatives of college-university members. Past presidents will receive a letter and a delegate form in the mail and representatives of college-university members will be receiving an email in the near future. 

Kay Calley-Martin
Resolutions Committee
The AAUWMI is responsible for reviewing and recommending proposed resolutions and reviewing adopted resolutions of their 5-year anniversary to determine whether they are current or historic. This year the committee received one new resolution for member consideration with a goal of reaffirming AAUWMI’s support of the Equal Rights Amendment and encouraging Michigan representatives and senators to ensure that the amendment, which received the 38th state ratification in 2020, is incorporated into the US Constitution as the 28th amendment, as provided for in Article V of the Constitution. 

The committee also completed the task of collating all adopted resolutions into a single Excel file that is searchable and sortable. In the process of completing this effort, four resolutions were found with no indication of having been deemed historic or reviewed in the last 5 years. These resolutions were reviewed along with those that were part of the regular 5 year rotation.

In recommending whether to deem a resolution current or historic the committee considered the following:

  • Is the resolution Mission focused? If the topic does not directly relate to advancing gender equity and economic security it would be considered historic.

  • Was the resolution time sensitive? A resolution that called for action by a specific date which has passed would be considered historic.

  • Have cultural norms or AAUWMI sensibilities changed since the resolution was adopted? For example, we propose deeming historic a 1970 resolution calling AAUWMI members to oppose legalization of marijuana.

  • Has the goal been achieved? For example, we propose deeming historic a resolution promoting the 3-state strategy for ratification of ERA. That goal was achieved in 2020.

  • Does the resolution specify legislation that has been repealed or replaced? We recommend deeming historic one clause of a 1976 resolution that calls for members to monitor federal and state legislation for programs directed at educating the gifted because we were not sure if there is still specific gifted education legislation at the state or federal level.

Our full report can be accessed here. We will be voting on the resolutions at the annual meeting. 

Elizabeth Haynes
Resolutions Committee Chair
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is pleased to present the slate of officers for AAUW of Michigan’s 2021 Annual Meeting election. The open positions and slate of candidates to date are:
 
One year term:
President-elect          Sheila Blair, AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver
 
Two year term:
VP Membership (Co) Danielle Nelson Beard, MAL (Member at Large)
                                   Leah Monger, AAUW Big Rapids
 
VP Finance                 To be filled
 
We would invite members with any finance and/or technical background to consider this position serving the branches of Michigan. Please contact Ruth Brown, committee chair, at 517-398-0116 or email travelgirl4@comcast.net for more information.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Brown, AAUW Jackson
Susan Hampton, AAUW Escanaba
Deb Kennedy, AAUW Big Rapids/Wyandotte-Downriver dual
Kay Calley-Martin, AAUW Battle Creek
Mary Mostaghim, AAUW Ann Arbor
Finance Vice President
Note Card Fundraiser is Opportunity to Promote AAUW Priorities

If you haven’t heard about AAUWMI’s note card fundraiser, then you must be living under a rock for all the advertising we’ve been doing.

Especially appropriate is that March is Women’s History Month—a perfect time to purchase these notecards to commemorate those who came before us.

This fundraiser allows you the flexibility to order as few as one individual card to as many as you would like or a 25-pack. The notecards present different themes as well, from women historical leaders, black leaders, modern day sheroes, cards about the pandemic, the environment, the suffrage movement and others.

To access our fundraiser, simply visit our website: https://aauwmifundraising.square.site/
Last Chance for Discounted Rate on Paid Life Membership

As you may know, AAUW national dues are increasing $3 for 2021-2022, $5 for 2022-2023 and $5 for 2023-2024—overall a $13 hike. However, you can take advantage of a very limited time offer!

You can become a paid life member for $1,121 by March 15th, BEFORE the dues change. If you become a paid life member now, you will never have to pay national dues again, only state and branch.

To all Branch Finance Officers: Please log into your MSD immediately and click on the “Life Membership Upgrade” link on the left side of the screen. Then click the “Send Emails” button in the center of the screen. The click the “finish” button at the bottom of the next screen. This process will send invitations to your members to become paid life members.

To all Branch Members: Please look out for this email and check your spam box. 
Sheila Blair
(734) 674-224
AAUW Funds Director
AAUWMI Announces Mini Grants for Branches

AAUWMI conducted a successful fundraiser in 2020 that resulted in a profit of $1200. The board determined we should make that money available to the branches in the form of mini grants. The mini grants are available to any branch for up to $100 with matching funds or services. We have $1200 in total and would like to give out the entire amount this year. Here is the link to the mini grant information page and the application form that reside on the AAUWMI website: 

Mini-grants will be awarded to branches based on impact of the grant funds, how the proposed project relates to the AAUW mission, and capacity needs.

The timeline of the mini grants is: applications due by May 1, 2021, the decisions made by June 30, 2021, awardees notified by July 31, 2021, and final reports due by June 15, 2022. The hope is to continue mini grants into the future which will, in part, depend on the success of the 2021 mini grants. We look forward to your applications, questions about the mini grants, and feedback about the mini grants. Feel free to send any/all questions and suggestions to Kathy Shaw at ksbanfsh@gmail.com. We are open to flexibility in the timeline and the definition of matching funds/services, but we need you to call and ask questions about anything you may not fully understand.

We hope you will consider this an opportunity to create an action oriented event or project that will promote the AAUW mission. 

Kathy Shaw
269-965-2979
Diversity and Inclusion
To New Beginnings…
 
March marks the vernal equinox and a time for beginnings. It’s also Women's History month and March 1 was the Roman New Year. 
 
When I came across this tidbit of information, I decided to look at the Roman meanings for the preceding months.
 
January or Janus, the Roman God of transitions and beginning, for us it was a pivotal election year.
 
February, Februarius, meaning purification, a time where Black History Month became more than just a time for some but a time for most to begin purging the nation of systemic and institutional racism through education. Like our book read, “Biased.” Thanks to all who joined and making this a must read.
 
Now March, named after the Roman God of War, Martius, a time to relaunch military campaigns that had been disrupted because of winter. Today, another war for the human race as we posture to have a more balanced environment between human and human and human and nature. It’s a battle against COVID, and for inclusion and equity.
 
Let’s spring into action to avoid being part of cancel culture, let’s work to change the possible misperceptions of implicit bias as the reason that we haven’t been able to attract more members of BIPOC communities.
 
Don’t forget, the way we change our environment is first by changing self, using the various resources on AAUW National’s new and improved DEI page and taking the opportunity to test your level of implicit bias.
In war we expose weaknesses of others in order to defeat them. But, having implicit bias is self-weakness, why not look for ways to understand these weaknesses so we can strengthen humanity. Come on people now, smile on your brother….
 
To Better Days

N’Kenge Gonzalez
nngonzal@umich.edu
Public Policy Director

Become a Two-Minute Activist
 
Make sure your voice is heard! AAUW provides everything you need to contact your members of Congress and your state legislators about pressing issues. You can make a difference in just two minutes! Just go to AAUW.org, Take Action and scroll down to fill out the form. It’s a fast and easy way to make your voice heard.
 
Public Policy Revisions
 
As you may already be aware, every two years, AAUW members vote on revisions to our Public Policy Priorities. The strength of the AAUW Public Policy Priorities is that they originate and end with the membership. The proposed edits this year make the following changes based on member leader feedback:
  • Refinement and added specificity regarding AAUW’s commitment to addressing systemic racism
  • Refinement of our commitment to equitable access to higher education for all
  • Emphasis on the importance of high-quality data collection
 
When the opportunity presents itself in April/May I hope you will take a few minutes to review the changes and vote. In addition to Public Policy Priorities, there is also the issue of membership requirements, up for a vote again. Be sure to listen to/read about the discussion around this issue regardless of your current opinion. It is important that we weigh both sides of the issue.
 
March 24 is Equal Pay Day
 
Let’s not forget that March 24 is Equal Pay Day. If you have a great idea, and are willing to share it, I can put together a list of suggestions to share with all public policy chairs for your next EPD event.
Karen Zyczynski
Government Relations Coordinator
State Capitol News
 
AAUW of Michigan’s Government Relations Coordinator Mary Pollock reports on Michigan’s 101st Legislature including human trafficking, ending child marriage, election law bills, and an update on the activities of the Michigan Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Commission. Read the complete report here: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR REPORT. Also check out AAUW of Michigan March 2, 2021, TRACKED BILLS for the list of bills AAUW of Michigan is following and other information related to the bills.

Mary Pollock
pollockm@comcast.net
Plymouth-Canton News
“The play’s, the thing”

Little did William Shakespeare know when he wrote that line in Hamlet that a group of women from an AAUW Branch in Plymouth-Canton, Michigan would take it to heart and produce an annual children’s play for over 60 years. While Hamlet’s line has a different context in the play than the one intended by this committed group of women, it does speak to a significant branch activity.
The Early Years

What started as a branch study group that read and discussed plays grew to be a group that would take popular public domain children’s stories and rewrite them as plays for an audience of kids ages 3 – 10, starting in 1960. Live theatre was not readily available to young children and the branch’s initiative with this community outreach idea met a need for families. Families with kids saw live theatre for a few dollars per ticket. The audience also met the actresses after the play and saw them face-to-face – make-up and all. This tradition continues and the looks on children’s faces are priceless.

The official format was to have directors or a director and manager select a play and write a script. Auditions were held and almost everyone got a part – no matter how large or small. Rehearsals were held at various Plymouth-Canton Community Schools with the group moving to the Plymouth Salem High School stage for the last week – sometimes called hell week. On Wednesday, the play was performed for residents of several facilities serving special needs children and adults, and the families of the cast. The ticketed performances were held on Thursday and Friday nights, three on Saturday, and two on Sunday. After expenses, the monies raised helped fund scholarships for women and girls in the area, and branch activities.

Change is Good

In 1998, the group relocated to Garden City High School for rehearsals and productions. The move was necessitated by increasing costs in Plymouth and the desire by the branch members who participated in the play to reach an audience more in line with the original purpose – live drama at a reasonable cost for young children who might otherwise not have that experience.
Over the years, the list of plays was honed to six or seven to be produced in a cycle. The most recent addition is Beauty and the Beast. Also added during this time were anti-bullying, tolerance, kindness, and female leadership as themes. Several years ago, the play proceeds were specifically designated for scholarships for women. The Branch has supported scholarships at Madonna University, Schoolcraft College, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and Garden City Public Schools. 

Oh, no – a pandemic!

2021 brought a new dynamic to the play. How does the branch bring this activity to audiences when it could not be presented live on stage? Let’s face it – if Broadway is down, the AAUW Plymouth-Canton Children’s Play is down. Through the creative efforts of two branch members, the play was redesigned to be presented on Zoom. The play selected was Peter Pan and the directors managed to rewrite the script to facilitate its presentation via this technology. Actresses in costume and make-up with backdrops behind them performed at home in front of their computers. With lines memorized, they learned to enter and exit the screen at the right moments and stage what turned out to be an overwhelming success. The performances included one on Thursday and two on Saturday with no ticket charge but a request for donations. The production raised $2300 for scholarships.

The Traditions Continue

Despite having to do some things differently, several play traditions were still part of this 61st annual production. They include:

  • Actresses with 30 plus years of experience and actresses with one or two years participating;
  • Actresses of all ages – a key part of the branch membership -- performing;
  • A script written with laughs for children and adults;
  • The opportunity for the audience to meet with cast members after the Thursday night production in break-out rooms;
  • Music and dancing to some contemporary songs;
  • Gifts for the directors and from the directors exchanged;
  • The CAST PARTY – held outside on one cast member’s patio to meet the Covid 19 requirements; and,
  • The general consensus of all that the group came together and made this happen – not only for the branch but for the families in the audience!
  • 
Next year, Peter Pan will be produced live and on stage at Garden City High School the first weekend of February. Hope to see you there!
 
Helene Lusa
Corresponding Secretary
AAUW Plymouth-Canton
South Haven News
AAUW South Haven’s Members Stay Connected

In 2020, South Haven’s branch formed a committee that was charged with educating members and helping them celebrate the significance of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment.

Due to the pandemic, it became necessary to cancel various special events planned by this committee. The pandemic also led to the cancellation of our monthly, social lunches at various restaurants. Even though our in-person gatherings were limited, it was important to us that we found ways to bring our members together during these long winter months – even if we had to meet virtually.   Our motivation was to find time to discuss important, timely issues, to learn from experts, and to have some fun. The idea of a Lunch Bunch/Ruth Bader Ginsberg Speaker Series was born and unanimously supported by the Board.

Once each month from January-March, our membership is invited to Zoom, to hear various speakers, and to participate in a question/answer session following each presentation. In January, we invited Dr. Robert Gorman who expertly spoke about the Covid vaccine. In February, members learned how the pandemic has affected women by joining a talk featuring Ms. Linda Allen, a branch manager from TCF Bank. 

In March, we are excited to host Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack from the Michigan Supreme Court and Judge Kathleen M. Brickley from the Van Buren County Circuit Court and, we are proud to add, an AAUW South Haven member. The judges will speak about obstacles and joys they faced along their journey to the court. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding pertinent issues related to the judiciary. Chief Justice McCormack and Judge Brickley were to have been our guests at a public event planned last April. We were forced to cancel that particular in-person event, but we were thrilled that we could reschedule and present in a different format.

All sessions begin at noon, and members are encouraged to bring their lunches and join the presentation virtually. 

Members love having the opportunity to join together and look forward to hearing from the experts. What a wonderful way to stay connected!
 
Jean Bevevino
AAUW South Haven President
Iron Mountain/Kingsford Celebrates
100 Years!
The Iron Mountain/Kingsford Branch will be taking the entire year to celebrate our 100th year anniversary. The branch was formed in 1921 with help from the Ann Arbor Branch. Several women from the area were members of the Association of Collegiate Alumnae. The group invited Mrs. Holbrook from Ann Arbor to Iron Mountain to explain the purpose and ideas of AAUW and help organized the branch. 

Like the other branches, the original women were focused on scholarships for young women. Their first fundraising effort was a play titled “Fanny and the Servant Problem.” The play netted $146.94 which was a handsome sum in 1922. The first scholarship was a loan of $250 dollars. During the 20s the focus was working with the large immigrant population in the area. Iron Mountain was rich in iron ore and timber. The members would teach the would-be citizens to read and write. During the lean years of the 30s and 40s, AAUW played an important role in the community supporting the Community Chest and the Red Cross.

Over the years, like other branches, our focus has been more mission based. Since 1976, we have hosted a candidates’ forum every four years. A special committee contacts local, state and national candidates to come to Iron Mountain and face their constituents with questions from the audience which are screened by members of the special committee. This year we held the forum via Zoom.

Our main fundraiser is our annual book sale.  The book sale began in the 1930s between members. In the 40s our branch received an award from AAUW of Michigan for having the largest per capita receipts for a book sale. The branch opened the sale to the public in the 1960s and it have become a yearly event supported and treasured by the community. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we had to cancel our 2020 April sale and hopefully we will be able to have it in the fall of 2021. The monies from the sale went into the scholarship fund and was our main fundraiser for many years. 

Each year our branch awards four $1,000 scholarships and one $500. Two are what we refer to as our Traditional Scholarships. They are open to any female senior in our area. One scholarship is from an endowment from a former member and it can go to either a male or female who is going into the arts, communications, or English. Our Non-Traditional scholarship goes to a woman 22 years of age or older who is going to college for the first time or returning to school.  Our newest scholarship is for our members who are pursuing another degree or can be used for professional development.

We are planning on celebrating our anniversary all year long. In January we wrote five articles for the local paper about our organization through the years, our activities, and our focus on the future. We had a spot on the local news and received two proclamations from the City Councils of both Iron Mountain and Kingsford. We will write articles for the paper in March and April on Equal Pay and our role in diversity. We hope to have a float in the annual 4th of July Parade and incorporate our 100 years and 101 years of the 19th Amendment. In the fall we hope to celebrate in person with a party with all the trimmings. 

We are proud to be the oldest branch in the Upper Peninsula and the 6th oldest in the state and look forward to the joys and challenges the future holds for our branch.
 
Lynne Wilson
Historian, Iron Mountain/Kingsford Branch
Rochester News
2021 STEAM PROJECT
 
“Teacher, someone stole our trip money. Look there are fingerprints on the desk drawer and muddy footprints walking away. Oh, there is blood on this sharp corner. Who would do such a thing?” So begins the scenario to earn the Girl Scout Special Agent badge as staged by the Rochester AAUW Branch.
 
The Rochester AAUW's STEAM chair, Diane K, along with branch members, will present a Zoom workshop for Girl Scout Cadettes (6th-8th graders) of Southeastern Michigan on Saturday, April 17 from 2-4pm. Packets with fingerprinting papers, footprint analysis drawings and blood typing directions will be available to the registered girls and result in a Special Agent badge.
 
The branch is supporting the cost of the items along with the $3 badge cost. The Girl Scout organization is also agreeable to adding a “Leadership” badge that would develop the missions of AAUW – like pay equity-(e.g. graphs depicting differences, famous women scientists, women in government or business, career women, etc). 
 
Does your branch want to give it a try? The Scouts are also sponsoring “Mentoring Mondays” - one hour workshops on Monday nights (6:30-7:30pm) where the mentor talks about her career for 10 minutes and then the girls ask questions. It is a great way to share your job experiences with young girls.
 
For more info on how to sponsor a Girl Scout badge workshop or to mentor - contact: Karen Chappell, Manager of Community Partnerships, 313-870-2538 or kchappell@ gssem.org
 
Sharon Postnieks
AAUW of Rochester   

AAUWMI Board Highlights
AAUW of Michigan Policies (2020-2022) require the president to report action taken by the AAUWMI board through written board highlights. These are to be sent to affiliate presidents or administrative officers who are in turn to report to their boards. I have chosen to send the highlights to all AAUWMI members. Since the last newsletter distributed on December 7th, the AAUWMI Board met virtually on January 6, February 8, and February 20.
 
We also hosted the Midwest Regional Meeting on 1/30/21 for state leadership. 11 states participated with 96 participants. Kim Churches spoke on how AAUW will be moving forward with the new Biden-Harris Administration and what our immediate focus should be in that regard. She also discussed the Public Policy Priorities and the Strategic Plan 2.0. Malinda Gaul spoke about the proposed membership bylaws amendment.  
 
Motions Approved:
  • Approve the fundraiser of notecards by artist Meneese Wall. Notecards will sell for $5.00/card with a minimum order of $125.00. AAUWMI will establish an online ordering portal for sales (1/6/21)
  • Adopt the revised State Services Manager job description and wage and benefit compensation, effective March 1, 2021 (2/8/21)
  • Approve, in principle, forwarding the Equal Rights Amendment resolution to the membership for consideration and permit the resolutions committee to work with the proposer to edit and reformat the resolution prior to distribution (2/20/21)
  • Support the change in the AAUW Membership requirement, as presented and encouraged by AAUW National (2/20/21) 
Adopt the revised Government Relations Coordinator job description (2/20/21)
 
February 20, 2021 Board Meeting Notes:
  • AAUWMI is offering branch mini grants, providing access to funds not usually available to branches. A total of $1200 is available to be awarded to multiple applicants in the amount of $100 each. The Mini Grant Committee encourages action-oriented projects that promote the mission of AAUW. Applications are due May 31, 2021 with a decision of awardees to be made by June 30, 2021. Awardees will be notified no later than July 31, 2021.
  • The Nominating Committee qualified the following candidates for 2021-2023: Sheila Blair, President-Elect, and Leah Monger and Danielle Nelson Beard, Membership Vice Presidents. 
  • As stated in our bylaws, AAUW of Michigan will be abbreviated uniformly as AAUWMI. 
 
Please remember that all of our Board meetings are open and any member may attend. Written notice of meetings is to be sent to all members of AAUWMI at least 30 days prior to the meeting. Please contact Jan Van Gasse via email at janicevangasse@gmail.com or via phone at 906-563-8791 (home) or 906-396-2747 (cell) if you would like to attend a Board meeting. Our next virtual Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 22 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. ET. 
State Services Manager
As Spring hopefully approaches, there are new beginnings all around. For me, that means saying goodbye as your State Services Manager. In 2020 I began a new business of my own as a Virtual Assistant and, ironically due to Covid, my business is really starting to flourish. Unfortunately, that means I need to spend more time on tasks that are time consuming.

I am so grateful for the experience that AAUWMI has provided. I have met some great women and had some really fun times.
And, of course, I loved having the opportunity to rebuild the new AAUWMI Website. I think it's a beautiful site and I believe that you will be able to continue to grow the information that it contains for years to come.

I've agreed to stay with AAUWMI as long as I can so that they can find an amazing woman to be the next State Superstar! If you or someone you know loves computers and technology, is a quick learner and wants to support women and girls; take a look below and share!

Thank you all for your support & friendship.

Kristine Schroeder
N3415 Four Seasons Drive
Iron Mountain, MI 49801
Do you know someone who would be interested in working remotely as an independent contractor for AAUW of Michigan?

Our State Services Manager position is open and we are actively accepting cover letters and resumes until the position is filled.

AAUW of Michigan is an equal-opportunity organization.

Please submit cover letter and resume to: aauwofmichigan@gmail.com.

Please share with anyone who might be interested and qualified.
AAUW OF MICHIGAN POSITION DESCRIPTION
State Services Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW
The state services manager supports the state officers and branches by providing administrative support to the operation and coordination of various state and branch activities. The state services manager is responsible for, and not limited to, managing and maintaining directories, gathering information for adhoc initiatives, responding to national, state, and branch member requests, assisting with the preparation and coordination of various state-run events and publications. The state services manager must be a creative problem-solver who thinks analytically and is a dependable, detail-oriented self-starter.

Qualifications:

  • Excellent understanding of office suite programs including Google Tools and Microsoft Office with expertise in word processing, spread sheets, presentations and desktop publishing.
  • Knowledge of setting up and managing electronic meetings with emphasis on Zoom Meeting software
  • Proven experience with website management, WordPress preferred
  • Ability to build engaging social media posts in LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
  • Ability to use email campaign software to create newsletters and marketing campaigns, Constant Contact preferred
  • Website and social media analytics knowledge and ability to access data

Responsibilities to the State and Branches:

  • Work with state officers, committees, and branch members to assist, plan, and implement AAUW activities
  • Ensure directories are maintained, distributed, and updated promptly
  • Support board to achieve strategic and tactical initiatives
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively
  • Develop and maintain AAUW mission based social media publications and communications
  • Process improvements, digitalized documents, and elimination of redundant work is encouraged
  • Time management to respond promptly and fulfill requests in a timely manner
  • Attend state meetings, conferences, and conventions as requested

Responsibilities to the State Finance Chair:

  • All time spent on AAUW activities needs to be tracked for wage reimbursement
  • All expenses paid using the authorized AAUW Mastercard or paid in cash require receipts be provided to the state finance chair
  • Submit completed wage and expense report(s) with applicable receipts within three days of the new month to the president for payment approval
  • Upon receipt of the president’s approval and state finance chair review of the submitted reports/receipts, payment will be remitted to the state services manager within seven days

Compensation Policy:

  • Position considered an independent contractor and classified by the IRS as self-employed; federal, state, and local income tax are not remitted to the IRS by AAUWMI
  • $15 hourly wage for office work, 40-45 hours per month; wage is payable for the time spent attending meetings or events. Wage is not earned for the time traveling to/from meetings or events
  • Reimbursement of miles to/from meeting or events is permissible and paid at the current IRS rate
  • List of reimbursable expenses for items used for AAUW purposes is not all inclusive. Check with the state finance chair if questions.
  • $20 per month for internet
  • Office supplies (e.g., copy/printer paper, postage stamps, printer ink)
  • Tote or boxes to store required AAUW correspondence
  • National AAUW and AAUW-MI membership dues (if qualified)
2021 Equal Pay Day Calendar
The following are the various equal pay days for 2021:
  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Women’s Equal Day is March 9. Asian American and Pacific Islander women are paid 85 cents for every dollar paid to white men.

  • All Women’s Equal Pay Day is March 24. Women working full time and year round are paid 82 cents for every dollar paid to a man who works full time and year round.

  • Mother’s Equal Pay Day is June 4. Mothers are paid 70 cents for every dollar paid to fathers.

  • Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is August 3. Black women are paid 63 cents for every dollar paid to white men.

  • Native American Women’s Equal Pay Day is September 8. Native women are paid 60 cents for every dollar paid to white men.

  • Latina’s Equal Pay Day is October 21. Latinas are paid 55 cents for every dollar paid to white men.

As we observe these days, we urge you to direct to the AAUW Paycheck Fairness Act tool kit (https://www.aauw.org/resources/policy/pfa-toolkit/) until the bill becomes law.  
2021 AAUWMI Important Dates
Monday, March 8 – AAUWMI Spring Newsletter goes out
              Report the names of all qualified nominees to branches
              Announce recommended resolutions to branches
              Send notice of April 24 Annual Meeting to all members

Tuesday, March 16 – 2021-2022 dues opens in the MSD

Wednesday, March 24
              Send written notice of amendments to the AAUWMI bylaws requiring member vote

Saturday, March 27 – 9:00 a.m. –12:00 noon ET – AAUWMI Equity Regional Meeting

Wednesday, March 31 – 6:30-8:00 p.m. ET – Branch Presidents’ Quarterly Meeting

Thursday, April 1 - Receive names of Annual Meeting delegates

Saturday, April 3 - 9:00 a.m. –12:00 noon ET – AAUWMI Empower Regional Meeting
 
Wednesday, April 7 – AAUW voting opens for proposed membership requirement and Public Policy Priorities

Thursday, April 15 – 6:30-8:00 p.m. ET – Member meeting about the proposed membership requirement

Saturday, April 17 – Annual Report goes out

Thursday, April 22, 5:30-8:00 p.m. ET AAUWMI Board Meeting

Saturday, April 24, 10:00-11:30 a.m. ETAAUWMI Annual Meeting

Monday, May 17 – AAUW voting closes for proposed membership requirement

Tuesday, May 25 and Wednesday, May 26 – NCCWSL

Monday, May 31 – Branch Mini-Grant applications due

Monday, June 7 – AAUWMI Spring/Summer Newsletter goes out

Tuesday, June 15 – Deadline for Branch Annual Reports

Wednesday, June 30 Deadline to enter branch and state officers in the Member Services Database
Branch Presidents’ Quarterly Meeting – 6:30-8:00 p.m. ET

Friday, July 16-Sunday, July 18 – AAUWMI Summer Board Retreat
5 Star Recognition Program
Congratulations to the Ann Arbor branch who, since our last newsletter, has earned a star for Governance and Sustainability in AAUW’s Five Star Recognition Program. Ann Arbor has earned all five stars!
 
Congratulations also to AAUW of Michigan for earning a star for Communications.
 
We would encourage all branches to document your successes at https://www.aauw.org/resources/member/initiative/5-star-program/

The program only runs through June 30, 2021.  

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