Advancing Gender Equity for Women and Girls | |
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OCTOBER 2024 NEWSLETTER
edited by Dottie Burk, Jeanne Lese, Cherie Sorokin, and Ann Vercoutere
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DON'T JUST SIT THERE.
DO SOMETHING!
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So many issues affecting women are at stake in this election! Of course, much has been said about a woman's right to legal access to abortion, but the list of other issues at stake is really daunting: other reproductive rights including IVF and contraception, closing the pay gap that keeps widening, efforts to end gender and racial discrimination in the workplace, legislation to support family leave, efforts to reduce student debt, stronger enforcement of Title IX, to name a few. As Ms. Magazine has said, we need to vote as if our lives depended on it---for in fact, life as we know it may well be significantly threatened.
We can't, in the name of AAUW, endorse candidates for partisan political offices, but we aren't values neutral. In practice, here are some action steps to consider. How many of them are you taking to make sure you and those you know understand the issues at stake?
- I am helping to GOTV (Get Out the Vote) either by working with an organized group, or though my own efforts in contacting people to encourage them to register and vote.
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I have helped register at least three people to vote using the AAUW's personalized voter registration portal: weall.vote/aauw
- I have familiarized myself with the views of candidates for offices at all levels on issues affecting women and I have shared that information with my network.
- I am attending candidate forums and asking candidates specifically where they stand on issues affecting women.
- I am registered to attend the October 16 AAUW Webinar It's My Vote: Issues in the Home Stretch at 4:00 pm Pacific time (5:00 Mountain, 6 Central, 7 Eastern) and am encouraging others to register as well. (You don't have to be an AAUW member to attend.)
- I am letting my friends, relatives, and network members know that I am voting in this election and what issues are at stake for women in this election.
- I have shared this Ken Burns video about the importance one vote has made for women's rights in U.S. history.
Check the AAUW Action Fund website for more information on issues and how candidates for federal offices stack up.
Check out the Schedule of the League of Women Voters Forums for Marin.
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Lobbying Efforts: AAUW CA has been actively lobbying for the passage of legislation in CA that both protects and expands on the right to self-determination in reproductive health, including:
- Expanded contraception access and sex education for young people;
- Healthier conditions for pregnancy, pregnancy-related leave benefits, healthier conditions for incarcerated pregnant women; and
- Protection for health care workers and doctors who offer reproductive healthcare in California, including protection from laws enacted in other states.
AAUW CA Review of Ballot Propositions: The AAUW CA Public Policy Committee reviews and makes voting recommendations on those propositions that align with or may be contrary to our Public Policy Priorities. The Public Policy Committee recommends four of this year’s ballot propositions for a YES vote from AAUW CA members because of their close alignment with our Public Policy Priorities:
- Proposition 2 – Public Education Facilities Bond Measure (2024)
- Proposition 3 – Constitutional Right to Marriage
- Proposition 4 – Parks, Environment, Energy and Water Bond Measure
- Proposition 32 – Raises Minimum Wage
To see the committee's rationale for the recommendation on these propositions and how they will advance gender equity and AAUW California Public Policy Priorities, see the September issue of Public Policy News.
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Chat with Leslie
Dear all,
Happy October! I’ve been up in Truckee where the aspen trees are turning golden and mornings are pretty frosty. When this newsletter arrives in your mailbox, there will be 36 days before Election Day, November 5– so little time and so much to do. As I read through the national and state messages for this month, I am reminded that many of us are out there registering people to vote, calling legislators, writing postcards, sending money to specific campaigns, going door-to-door and calling to encourage voters to vote – doing all those things that are the groundwork for a free and fair election and a government that keeps its eye on equity for all. Deborah Learner and Nancy Major have hosted tables at COM to register voters this month. I know that no matter who you support in an election, you will work to enable qualified voters, not to disenfranchise voters. If you haven’t been involved yet, now is the time! Join us on October 5 to hear Dotty LeMieux speak about the importance of every effort you make in the next weeks to ensure we support the mission of AAUW to provide equity through research, education, advocacy. Do the research – who is the better candidate? Educate yourself – What are the Issues? Advocate for what you believe in!
See you Saturday morning, October 5 – details below. Let me know if you need a ride or would like to zoom. Just click on my name in the 'chat with' line.
Leslie O. Zimring
PS Katherine Brinnier is collecting 2025 calendars again this year for Homeward Bound. Bring ones you would like to donate to any meeting!
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September Program
Coffee with Dotty LeMieux, JD, Political Consultant AAUW Issues and the Upcoming Elections
When: Saturday, October 5, 10 am - Noon
Where: Corte Madera Town Center Community Room, 770 Tamalpais Drive, 2nd floor.
Cost: $5 donation at the door
RSVP via the program announcement you received on Friday, September 27 or the reminder coming tomorrow. If you can't find it, just email Katherine
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For a list of all 2024 -25 branch monthly meetings scroll to the end of this newsletter and save those dates! The program list can also be found on our website at AAUW Marin (CA) Branch | |
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Coffee and Conversation
Come meet your AAUW neighbors! We are starting informal neighborhood gatherings at Board members’ homes in southern, central and northern Marin. Our aim is to start conversations around programs/interest groups, ideas for new or different ones, suggestions about communication, and just getting to know each other better. The invitation is open to all members, with special invitations to our newest members and others who have not been active lately.
Our first groups will meet on Saturday morning November 16 from 10-11:30 at the homes of
We ask that you email the hostess in your region by November 9, if you would like to attend (limit of 10 women per location).
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Reminder: Call for Silent Auction Donations! | |
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It's Fall! Time to get ready 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.
Click HERE to see the types of items needed for the online auction and for in person sales at the Holiday Lunch on December 7. Gift cards and certificates for local restaurants, services, shops, activities, etc. are our best sellers. If you patronize a particular merchant, why not ask for a gift card? Contact Dianne Sheridan at traciinmarin@sbcglobal.net or 415-531-1798 for a customizable letter and a flyer you can use as you make your request.
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September Program - All Things STEM | |
Our September program in the Rose Garden at Marin Bocce was a treat. We met Marin and Novato branch Tech Trekkers (front row), our Tech Trek Alumnae Group (TTAG) board, and the four recipients of the College of Marin MESA (Math Science Engineering Achievement) awards funded by our Scholarship Fund (back row left side flanking Deb Learner, COM liaison). Also, in the picture you may be able to spot Angela Nuckles, Marin Tech Trek Coordinator and Sonoma State camp treasurer and Cindy Demchuk, Novato Tech Coordinator and core class instructor. | |
We were on Campus at College of Marin | |
On September 4, 2024, seven members of AAUW Marin participated in the College of Marin’s Resource Fair. Nancy Major, branch Public Policy Chair and a member of AAUW California's Public Policy Committee, led a group promoting voter registration of students. A member of the League of Women Voters assisted at the voter registration table. A second table led by Deb Learner, COM liaison, promoted AAUW’s scholarships, NCCWSL, membership, programs, public policy, and upcoming DEI and Women‘s History month events on campus.
We were back again on September 11 for the College of Marin Club Fest promoting AAUW and AAUW's support of COM students.
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Pictured above are (L to R) Nancy Finston, Deb Learner, Nancy Major, Aileen Murphy, Sarah Pruden and Jessie Powell. | |
And at the Marin Senior Fair | |
The Marin Branch had a booth at the Marin Senior Fair on Wednesday September 18. Coordinated by member Marianne Pearson and with the assistance of several teams of members, our presence paid off. Two new members joined after meeting us at the Fair! | |
Nancy Major and Sarah Pruden chat with a fair attendee. | |
TTAG Girls Selected as Interns
Three Tech Trek Alumnae have been selected as Marin Science Seminar (MSS) interns for the 2024-2025 season. Pictured below (L to R) are Emily Elbing (Tech Trek 2021) who attends San Marin HS, Mattea Fazio (Tech Trek 2022) who attends St. Vincent de Paul Prep, and Madeline Leung (Tech Trek 2023) who attends Redwood HS.
MSS held its first seminar of their 2024-2025 season Wednesday, September 18 in conjunction with MALT (Marin Agricultural Land Trust). Teens learned about the stewardship of Marin’s agricultural land and how MALT impacts our community.
(Note MSS is run by AAUW Marin member Alfia Wallace and her husband. Sign up for the MSS newsletter and view the Current Calendar – Marin Science Seminar)
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Connie Chen
Connie is our newest member. She became interested in joining our branch after her daughter Allegra Lee was a Tech Trek participant this year. She is VP of marketing at Method Products. She enjoys new foods/restaurants, reading, museums, Pilates and walking. Welcome Connie!
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Ready to join a new interest group?
Most 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, click HERE. 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.
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Art Tours
The art group is not meeting formally this month but is suggesting the following:
The Bartolini Gallery, Marin Civic Center is hosting a FREE all-day event, Oct. 6, 11 - 5 p.m., Showcase Plaza & Theater, 20 Avenue of the Flags: “Maakon Yomi: Our Homelands of the Coast Miwok.”
11:15. Opening Prayer
11:30. Native Dance performance by Patwin Dance Group
1 - 1:30. Nupa acorn soup demonstration; acorn soup display all day long.
2:30. Repeat of dance performance.
3 - 4. Maakon Yomi artist panel discussion about contemporary indigenous art.
11 - 5. Artists’ Demonstrations and Market
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Hiking Group
Our next hike is planned for October 1 to King Mountain via Baltimore Canyon. The trip can either be 4 1/2 or 6 miles, hikers choice. It is largely in the shade. Contact Ann Vercoutere if interested.
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Ukulele
Nancy Finston and Dianne Sheridan are reviving the AAUW-Ukes, a ukulele group from the past, of which Nancy was a member. This group is for all levels, from beginner to advanced. We plan to meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 10:30 to noon at a member’s home.
If you are interested in making music and having fun please contact Dianne Sheridan.
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Book Lovers
Booklovers will be meeting on October 22 at the home of Gay Kunz to discuss The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. This group is not presently accepting new members.
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LitWits Reading Group
LitWits continues its fall reading of famous banned books with Animal Farm by George Orwell on October 16, and The Handmaid'sTale by Margaret Atwood November 20. Meetings are 10 AM on 3rd Wednesday mornings and new members always welcome. For info contact
Ann Thomas, or 415-924-9559.
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What Are You Reading?
What Are You Reading book group will meet on Monday, October 14 from 10-11 on Zoom. Members share what they are reading. You always come away with a list of great books to read! Cherie is traveling in October, so contact Deborah Learner if you want to attend.
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Reading Arts Group
Reading Arts meets on Thursday, October 17th to discuss “No Ordinary Assignment: A Memoir“ by foreign war correspondent Jane Ferguson. Interested in joining? Please contact group leader Ann Jessup, for information.
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Nonfiction Reading Group
The AAUW Marin Nonfiction Reading Group is meeting Monday, October 14, at 1:00 pm on Zoom to discuss Entangled Life, about the critical role that fungi play in the ecosystem and our existence, by Merlin Sheldrake. If you would like to be on the group’s email list, please email either co-leader for the Zoom link: Phyllis Kuehn or Olivia Ruel. We welcome new members! The AAUW Marin Nonfiction Reading Group meets the second Monday of the month at 1:00 pm on Zoom.
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Behind the Headlines
Behind the Headlines is not meeting in October. Meetings will resume on Zoom in November.
Contact Cherie Sorokin if you are interested in attending or joining the group.
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French Conversation
Our next rendez-vous of the French Conversation Club will be on Wednesday October 16 at 1:30 at Rulli’s in Larkspur when we will discuss a variety of topics, including the Olympic Games held in Paris. Contact Rebecca Allen for more information.
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Bocce
In September Angela Nuckles organized a bocce morning. There seemed to be at least some interest in getting a group going, to play one Tuesday morning a month. You don't need to know how to play!! Just come and learn and have fun.
Please contact Ann Vercoutere if interested.
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Happy Hour Group
Our next Happy Hour is Thursday, October 3 at 4:00 pm at Perry's Novato. Contact Nancy Van Horn if you would like to attend and/or be added to our email list.
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Meet Me at the Movies!
After selecting a movie, we had to cancel the September movie group because the time conflicted with the one and only Presidential Debate. Our very engaged membership wanted to see that live, of course. Our next movie date is October 8 and the movie will be announced shortly before that. If the weather stays warm, hopefully we will be able to have our last outdoor dinner and discussion before the colder weather hits. Contact Mary Mossteller if interested.
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Handcraft Circle
We are pleased to have added some new members recently. Our October meeting will be the 15th at Susan Gilardi’s home from 12:30 -3:30pm. Please contact Mary Mossteller if you would like to join the group. All you need is a project that you would like to work on while having a lively conversation with others.
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Play Mah Jongg?
Join us for our weekly games on Wednesdays in members' homes 1:30 to 3:30. If you are interested in joining or would like to get on the list, email the group leader Chris O'Neill. We play American Mah Jongg. You need the card to play and should have a basic knowledge of the game.
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Interest Group Picture of the Month | |
Members of the Homeward Bound Chef Event interest group and other branch members attended Homeward Bound of Marin's 50th Anniversary Gala on September 22. | |
So Much to Do, So Little Time | |
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Branch president-elect Kathleen Clark highly recommends the First Saturday Art talks at the San Rafael City Hall Council Chambers, 1400 5th Avenue. The next one is on Jack London, Photographer, October 2, 2024 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
For more information, visit San Rafael Public Library - Events (srpubliclibrary.org)
Also, one of the Docents from the Fine Arts Museums in SF will be speaking at the Larkspur Library on Saturday, Oct 19, 2pm, about the works of Mary Cassatt. For more information:
library@cityoflarkspur.org
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October 5, Corte Madera Town Center, 10-noon. Coffee with Dotty LeMieux, JD, political consultant - AAUW issues that may be affected by the upcoming election
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November 23, Book Passage, 10-noon What books to read? Elaine Petrocelli, Book Passage owner and member of the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame
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December 7, McInnis Golf Club 11-2PM with lunch and auction to benefit our scholarship fund
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January 29, College of Marin, 12-2 PM. Lunch with staff and students: Intergenerational learning – Stormy Miller, EdD, Director of Student Services, Angela Olmanson, Health Sciences Program Administrator @ COM
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February 22, Key Room @ Homeward Bound, 9:30 - noon. Tri-branch Brunch with Damon Connolly, JD, CA State representative for Marin, southern Sonoma counties - Legislation and AAUW issues
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March 15, Corte Madera Town Center, 10-noon. Coffee with Suzanne Ford, president of SF Pride LGBTQ+ non-profit - Issues affecting the transgender, LGBTQ+ and other under-represented communities
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April 12, Key Room @ Homeward Bound, 2 PM - 4 PM. Afternoon tea with Jazmin Darznik, JD, PhD, MFA, author- Women in history and literature
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May 10, McInnis Golf Club, 10 - 1PM. End of the year luncheon and celebration! Election of officers and invited speaker Cynthia Boaz, PhD, Scholar for UNESCO program in Peace, Conflict, and Development Studies, Sonoma State professor of political science with expertise in nonviolent strategy, civil resistance, quality of democracy, reproductive rights.
We hope to see YOU at each and every one of these wonderful events!
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Know Someone Who'd Like to Join AAUW? | |
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AAUW women make an impact on women and girls.
Word of mouth is the best way to recruit new members!
Why Join? AAUW offers multiple ways to stay engaged with our mission of advancing equity for women and girls, as well as to develop friendship with others who understand that the fight for equality is still critical! Excellent national webinars! Engaging monthly branch programs! A wide variety of interest group meetings! Energetic, intellectually curious friends! A mission that is more important than ever! CONTACT Chris O'Neill for membership information.
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