Advancing Gender Equity for Women and Girls

OCTOBER 2026 NEWSLETTER

edited by Cherie Sorokin, Dottie Burk, and Ann Vercoutere

Naming the telescope after the now deceased Dr. Nancy Grace Roman is a direct reflection of her impact as a NASA champion of space-based telescopes and as one of the architects of NASA's modern science program.

During her life she was an active member of AAUW. Of course she was! She ignored early advice to stay away from physics "because she was a girl," and then faced gender-based job discrimination a professor of astronomy. NASA welcomed her talents though and she excelled as the agency's first chief astronomer. Of course she did!

Let's hope a number of our Tech Trekkers and STEM award winners will follow her footsteps in figuring out the universe!

AAUW CALIFORNIA NEWS

Check Out the AAUW CA Voter Guide!

Yikes, there are a lot of propositions and candidates on the California Ballot in November! The AAUW CA Public Policy Committee has developed a colorful and very helpful voter guide which focuses on 9 of the state-wide propositions and a number of candidates for political offices and how they are (or are not) aligned with, and could help advance (or impede), the public policy priorities of AAUW-CA. You can access the guide here.

Together We Vote

A New Opportunity for Visible Civic Engagement

AAUW-CA is introducing a new civic engagement tradition: Together We Vote! All AAUW Branches in California are encouraged to organize local gatherings on Saturday, October 24, at which members and invited friends will deposit their completed ballots together at local drop boxes or voting centers. Our branch is joining the effort. We will meet at 10:00 AM on October 24 in the parking lot across the street from the Marin Civic Center north archway. Donuts will be served! At 10:30 AM we will walk across the street to deposit our ballots individually and pose for a few photographs with some signs indicating our affiliation with AAUW. Should be fun! We'd love a big group, so feel free to invite friends, family and neighbors to join us. Please let Cherie Sorokin or Deborah Lerner know if you plan to join us!

AAUW Marin News

AAUW Marin Endorses Measure P

The Marin County Child Care Initiative

At its September meeting the AAUW Board voted to publicly endorse Measure P, the Marin County Child Care Initiative. Read our letter of endorsement HERE. You can also learn more on the Our Kids Our Future Website. Feel free to let your friends and neighbors know of our endorsement. Below is a summary of key points, but our letter and the Our Kids Our Future website have further details on the Measure.

Summary of Key Points:

• Expanding access to high-quality child care is aligned with our mission of advancing gender equity and part of AAUW National's priorities;
• There is a severe shortage of childcare services in Marin, a shortage which particularly affects low and middle income families;
• Measure P would create a new parcel tax ($0.05 per square foot of structure (up to $100,000 sq. ft.) for a period of 15 years) ($12,500,000 annually);
• Funds raised by this new tax must be used to provide income-based scholarships, to increase the child care workforce through increased wages and benefits, and career development opportunities, and to increase capacity by investing in facilities;
• The Marin County Children and Families Commission will oversee program development and allocation of funds;
• An Advisory Council made up of key stakeholders and experts will provide community input and oversight; 
• Mandated annual independent audits of the use of funds provide independent financial oversight; and
• Required review and public reporting on the audits and assessments of programs provide transparency.

Some opponents of the measure feel it lacks specificity in how the funds will be used. AAUW Marin believes that the Measure's structure strikes the right balance between providing needed flexibility in use of the funds to adapt to changing childcare needs over time and the need for transparency and independent oversight in the use of the funds to ensure they are used for the purposes intended by the Measure. 

Five-Star Success!

Congratulations to us! AAUW Marin earned all five stars in AAUW's Five-Star Program for FY26. Achieving all five stars is a significant accomplishment and reflects our branch’s outstanding work across all five areas of the program: Advancement; Public Policy & Advocacy; Governance & Sustainability; Programming; and Communications & External Relations.

President Kathleen Clark received the exciting news in a letter from Tremayne Parquet, AAUW 's Deputy Director of Advancement. Tremaine stated: "This recognition represents more than success in any one area. It reflects a well-rounded commitment to AAUW’s mission, thoughtful branch leadership, strong programming and engagement, effective advocacy and communications, and the continued work needed to sustain a thriving affiliate."

Kudos to Kathleen and all who contributed to this achievement!

Thanks to the over 100 of you (about 64% of our total membership) who took the time to respond to the branch survey sent out in the summer. The responses confirmed what we hoped: members are enjoying the mix of programs and the variety of interest groups we offer.

• Members love some of our traditional annual programming (Holiday Lunch and Auction, Book Passage, Summer Fling) but are also open to new types of programs and different program venues (Buck Institute Tour, College of Marin Visit, Authors Tea). Our program chairs are already thinking about how to change up some of our programs while at the same time keeping the traditional programs members value. 

• Many members value their participation in our interest groups. In fact, over 75% of survey respondents attend at least 1 interest group every month and over 50% attend two or more. Many thanks to our Interest Group leaders for helping our Interest Groups flourish. Haven’t joined an Interest Group yet? Check out the variety below.

A friendly reminder that we are actively seeking donations for our annual Silent Auction fundraiser. Proceeds from the auction, along with your monetary donations and grants, support our local programs: Tech Trek sponsorships, college scholarships and awards at Dominican University and College of Marin, and NCCWSL sponsorships.

The auction includes an online component as well as in-person bidding and sales at our Holiday Luncheon on December 5. The goal is to gather a selection of items and experiences that will appeal to members, friends, family and the community at large.

Click HERE for the types of items we seek and the auction committee member to contact about your donation.

Gift cards for local restaurants, shops, and services are particularly popular and sometimes go for above value. If you patronize a particular merchant, why not ask for a gift card or certificate? We have a letter you can use in your solicitation. Contact Leslie Zimring or Dottie Burk with questions.

Did You Miss It?

Tech Trek Celebration

On Saturday September 12, we hosted a celebration of our 2026 Tech Trek campers and TTAG (Tech Trek Alum Group) members at the Marin Bocce Federation Rose Garden in San Rafael. Campers spoke about their adventures and favorite activities at camp, and some TTAG girls demonstrated experiments to educate and entertain members, parents and guests. Special thanks and kudos to Angela Nuckles, Tech Trek coordinator, and Judy Kramer TTAG coordinator, for their work.

Ten of the fourteen 2026 Tech Trekkers sponsored by AAUW Marin attended the event.

Tech Trek Alums engaged us with science demonstrations

Congratulations to ...

Jessie Powell. Jessie has been appointed to the AAUW National Audit Committee, a testament to her expertise and professionalism. Jessie serves as treasurer of both our branch and Scholarship Fund.

Nancy Finston. Nancy's book "The 20th PID Book" is due to be released on December 2nd. Read "The Literary Titan" 5 star, pre-release review of her book HERE or check out her author website.

Nancy Greenfield for another fun 6-word story in the September 29th Marin IJ. Her response to Marin residents share acts of kindness: "A smile! A hello! Some brownies!"

Do you know about a member who has done something notable that should be included in the next newsletter? Published a book? Received an award? Reached a milestone birthday like 100? Please let us know!

Interest Group News

Ready to join a new interest group?

All groups welcome new members. Just contact the group leader for information or to be added to the group email list. For a list of all Marin branch interest groups with leader contact information and a CALENDAR, visit our branch website.

Don't see what you like? Start your own group! Contact Amy Anderson for details.

Note: Interest Groups are just for members of AAUW Marin, but guests who may be thinking of joining are welcome to visit an interest group twice before being asked join.

Bocce

The next big event will be held October 13 at the Albert Park Courts in San Rafael at 10 AM. You don't need to know how to play! Come for the fun. Contact Ann Vercoutere if interested. We do pay for the court: $15 per person.

Women's Athletics

The Fall season for women's soccer continues at Dominican University, Kennelly Field.

We will attend two Saturday games in October, the 19th and the 31st at 12:30 PM. 

For details or if you plan to attend, contact Dianne Sheridan.

If you'd like join a group to see the Valkyries play, contact Nancy Chiu. Also, please contact her if you know someone with season tickets to the Valkyries.

Booklovers

Booklovers is meeting on October 6 to discuss If You Want to Make God Laugh by Bianca Marais. Contact Carol Hoffman if interested.

French Conversation

Chères Francophiles,

Notre prochaine heure de conversation en français sera mercredi le 14 octobre a 1:30 PM chez Rulli Larkspur. Si cela vous intéresse le contacte est Janet Lynn,

Keep Educated!

• It's Election Time! Here are a number of AAUW resources to keep you informed and educated on candidate positions and propositions as well as past votes on federal legislation and how they align with AAUW's mission and priorities:
• AAUW's 2026 Civic Engagement Guide is a great free resource summarizing issues that are critical to the lives and rights of women and girls and at stake in this election.  Here is the link.
• AAUW-CA's Voter Guide has information on selected upcoming state-wide candidate races and state-wide ballot propositions. Here is the link.
• AAUW Action Fund Congressional Voting Record--119th Congress (ended July 2026) is a great summary of all the legislative action in the past year. Also makes you proud of the voting records of our CA Senators and our local Congressman. Here is the link.

There are several other reliable, researched sources of recommendations on candidates and propositions. They don't always agree, but the reasoning is laid out and can be helpful in making up your own mind.

• The League of Women Voters has pros and cons on the State propositions, and also conducts candidate forums. Here is the link.
• The Marin IJ's endorsements will be rolled out over the next month and some have already been made. You can pull up the list online as it is updated. Here is the link.
• The SF Chronicle will have an online listing of all their state-wide endorsements, but the digital page won't be rolled out until mid to late October. Try googling SF Chronicle endorsements toward the middle of October to compare their views to others.

• The Gender Pay Gap Narrowed in 2025 for Some, But Not All. Women working full-time, year-round earned 84 cents for every dollar a man earned in 2025, up from 81 cents in 2024. Median annual earnings were $60,670 for women and $72,380 for men. But progress looks different by race and ethnicity and whether a woman works fulltime or parttime or holds seasonal jobs. Get Up to Date Here

• Resubscribe to AAUW emails and publications. Mission & Action is AAUW national's monthly newsletter. It's a great way to stay in touch with what is going on at AAUW, to receive notice of webinars, to hear about our most recent advocacy. If you aren't getting Mission & Action, you may have inadvertently unsubscribed. You can resubscribe using this Link.

Be Active!

• Learn about Domestic Violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Tuesday, October 6 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, at College of Marin's Student Success Center, the Center for Domestic Peace will host a free panel discussion and award ceremony focused on prevention, education and action on domestic violence. Meet, mingle and learn from community members and leaders working to reduce the crime of domestic violence which, unfortunately, continues to be highly prevalent in Marin. The event is free, but there is a suggested donation of $25. An RSVP will help to save you a spot.

• VOTE! There is still a lot of commotion nationally about mail-in ballots. To make sure your vote is counted it’s best to
• mail your ballot early (at least 7 days before November 3), or
• use one of the ballot drop boxes located throughout Marin starting October 6 and available through November 3, or
• vote in person at voting center (Voting Centers actually open on October 24 and remain open through November 3 at 8:00 pm), or
• vote in person at the County Clerk’s Office at the Marin Civic Center from October 5 through November 3. 

• If you haven't already voted by October 24, come to our "Together We Vote" event that morning at 10:00 AM. Join AAUW Marin members and friends in a visible display of casting our ballots at the ballot drop box located at the North Archway at the Civic Center in San Rafael.
• 10:00 AM for donuts in the parking lot across the street
• 10:30 AM we'll cross the street together to cast our ballots and take a few photos of the group.

• Give a ride to someone who wants to vote! Check with your friends and neighbors to see if anyone needs a ride to a voting center on November 3 or earlier.

Have Fun While You're at It!

• Throughout October!
• Need a cold beverage and some music? There's a wine festival in Tiburon (October 3) and Octoberfests at the Country Mart in Larkspur (October 4) and in Menke Park in Corte Madera (October 10).
• Enjoy Fashion? Experience an afternoon and evening of Fashion and Music at the Marin Art and Garden Center on October 3
• Like cars? Visit the 30th annual nostalgia days cruise and car show on Grant Avenue in Novato on October 9 and 10.



• Anytime! Watch 250 for 250 on YouTube. If you haven't already seen them, Heather Cox Richardson and her team have been creating great one-minute peeks into history. They are enlightening, sometimes sad, but mostly inspiring to watch. They highlight the wide variety of people, places and events that have shaped our history. Here is the Youtube link. Well worth the time to watch and definitely a good way to take your mind off the present.

Questions? Email us at

aauwmarin@gmail.com

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