President’s Message By Nancy McCabe

As my term of president winds down, I have a few thoughts to share. First, this AAUW branch has the nicest group of women (and an occasional man) that I have met. I would suggest that if you are a member, and don’t know many others, that you take a leap of faith and join one of the standing committees. It is difficult to make meaningful connections with others if you attend meetings and then go home. Volunteering is the best way to get to know members as you work on a mutual interest in AAUW’s mission. Join a group who can use your time and ideas, such as Program and Public Policy. Both of these areas have had outstanding years and we have a lot to build on. There are other ways that you can contribute which you will see on your renewal forms. Volunteer with Karen and Cathy to take a role in leadership. Most do not have to attend the monthly zoom board meetings-just send a form to the director of your area telling what you have done during the month. See? Easy Peasy! The more you get involved, the more rewarding your membership will be. Volunteer to be a greeter for meetings and get to meet the new branch members who are transitioning from CHAR. Engage the person sitting next to you at meetings and see what AAUW interests you share. You will be glad you did. Because I am leaving the presidency doesn’t mean I am going away. I will see you at meetings and Singles Dining- I am never above publicizing our Dinners out!

Incoming Co-Presidents Message By Karen Burley and Cathy Locke

Our duties as AAUW Sacramento co-presidents don’t officially begin until July, but we want to introduce ourselves, as we will be asking for your help in the coming weeks.

We joined AAUW about four decades apart, one right out of college and the other after retirement. Cathy joined what is now the Oakdale-Riverbank-Escalon AAUW branch in Stanislaus County in 1975. As a recent college grad, she was impressed by AAUW’s emphasis on promoting equity and educational opportunities for women and girls, and “education over the lifetime.” She joined AAUW Sacramento in 1987 and has served as chair of the scholarship, funds and program committees. She retired from The Sacramento Bee in 2018 after a 43-year career in community journalism. She is single, has no children – but enjoys dog-sitting her extended family’s canines.

Karen joined the Cupertino-Mountain View branch of AAUW in 2017 when she retired from High Tech. Shortly after moving to Sacramento a year later, she joined our branch. In addition to supporting equality for women and girls, she is passionate about fighting climate change and will eagerly tell you about the many changes she has made in her life to try to eliminate her dependence on fossil fuels. Karen has three adult children: a son who lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains and two daughters who live in Sacramento. She is the proud grandmother of three granddaughters (latest born just a month ago!).

We are happy to partner to lead AAUW Sacramento in the coming year, welcoming CHAR members to the branch.

We know many members join AAUW to participate in our various interest and groups, but it is the branch structure that provides for those groups and we need your help to maintain that. One of our goals is to involve more members in branch volunteer activities, whether it be serving on program, scholarship, Tech Trek, public policy, membership, communications or other committees, or bringing refreshments or helping as greeters at branch meetings. So if you
receive a call or email asking for help, please say “yes”. You’ll make friends and enjoy yourself, guaranteed!