The Season for Thanks and Giving
Message from Bea Holt, President, AAUW-FL
It's that time of year for introspection and expressions of gratitude for the many positive forces that give our lives meaning and hope. While the world-at-large is in turmoil, it pays to pause and reflect on the good that surrounds us and give Thanks. As an outward expression of goodness and hope, join your AAUW colleagues in reaching out to those in your community who would welcome a sign of peace and unity. Together we can make the world a better place.
On a less serious note, I’d like to share an update on the statewide Projects that will define 2023-24.
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Development of the “Pathway to Leadership” Project is well underway.
The first two Video Modules, designed to address Governance and Finance, will feature current AAUW members who have served in a variety of leadership roles and are ready to share their experience and expertise with future branch leaders. Many branch leaders currently holding office have expressed an interest in these tutorials as well. We will all learn from each other since our past experiences often help us adapt to new situations.
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Four Regional Conferences are being planned for March and April 2024 in lieu of a traditional Statewide Convention. You will have the opportunity to meet your counterparts, learn about innovative programs and projects taking place at other branches in your area and gain a state- wide perspective on fulfilling AAUW’s Mission.
- Northeast Region Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum March 2, 2024 (Daytona)
- Southwest Region Venice Art Center April 4, 2024
- Southeast Region North Palm Beach Library April 20, 2024
- Northeast Region The Villages TBD
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The first Public Policy Issue Forums were well-attended via Zoom and generated a lot of discussion among attendees. Register today for the upcoming Forums and become better informed on very up-to-date public policy topics.
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Lobby Days, January 16-17, 2024 are your chance to see the Legislative process in action and participate, as well.
- Tap into these two public policy resources. Details are outlined below.
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AAUW-FL is a financial supporter of Tech Trek. The first two, in-person, Tech Trek Camps since the pandemic, were held in June 2023. The Camps give rising 8th grade girls the opportunity to meet and work with girls from around the State who share their interest in all things, STEM. Plans are already underway for two Camps in June 2024. AAUW-FL is proud to be a Supporter and encourages Branches to continue their support, as well. Tech Trek speaks directly to fulfilling the AAUW Mission.
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AAUW-FL with Board approval, has signed-on as a partner organization of Floridians Protecting Freedom. This organization is seeking to create a constitutional amendment that would protect Floridians’ freedom to access abortion. The process to create a constitutional amendment is in the signature gathering part of the process. To learn more and sign the petition: https://floridiansprotectingfreedom.com/petition/
Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season!
Bea Holt
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Have you been wanting to learn more about how AAUW works? Your talents and experience are needed at the state level to help shape the future of AAUW Florida!
There is still time for candidates to come forward for two positions for the 2024-26 Board of Directors:
You can nominate yourself or suggest a name that the Nominating Committee can follow up with. Nomination Form
For complete job descriptions and to have your questions answered, please contact Diana Sells, Chair of the Nominating Committee: aauwflsells@gmail.com
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Lobby Days in Tallahassee January 16 and 17, 2023
Get Ready for our Opportunity to be Heard
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Arrive at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 1355 Apalachee Parkway, on Monday evening January 15 by 8 pm.
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Plan to attend the Florida 2024 Legislative Preview, November 16 at 6:00 PM via Zoom, for a briefing on legislative priorities and methods, and a word from a couple of our most supportive legislators.
Lobby Weeks at Home
We encourage branches to plan to visit your local legislators during the weeks leading up to the 2024 legislative session.
Free weeks (so far) are:
- November 27-Dec. 1, 2023 (Thanksgiving is early at Nov. 23)
- December 18-22, 2023
- January 1-5, 2024
You will be provided with position papers and talking points for our legislative priorities by Dec. 1.
In addition, please consider approaching legislators who may not usually be supportive, asking them questions about our areas of concern such as pay equity and personal control of health care.
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AAUW Florida Public Policy Education Forum
Higher Education in Florida
Dr. Elizabeth Brown
The AAUW of Florida is very excited to have Dr. Elizabeth Brown, Past President of the United Faculty of Florida, University of North Florida join us on Thursday November 2nd for our AAUW Florida Public Policy Education Forums. She will update us on higher education in our state.
With legislation banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and attacks on gender studies and tenure in our state, Dr. Brown will share what is happening on the front line and impacts to faculty, staff and students.
The session will be on Zoom and will start at 6:00 PM.
Be sure to RSVP for this important and timely talk.
If you have questions, reach out to Mary Gatta, Co-Public Policy Director, AAUW FL at gatta.mary@gmail.com
To download the speaker schedule and register for sessions, click HERE:
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An Update on The Use of Name and Logo Policy
AAUW Florida state board has added a provision to its Use of Name and Logo policy that outlines the guidelines by which the branch may partner with another organization:
A Branch my add its branch name and logo as a supporter or partner or coalition member of other organizations, by vote of the branch board, as long as the organizations are non-partisan, non-profit, and aligned with AAUW mission or public policy priorities.
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For information contact:
See what's happening on our social sites:
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AAUW advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. |
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