Category Archives: National

AAUW CA And National Tidbits

AAUW CA And National Tidbits

National and state elections are around the corner. If your email address is correct in the Community Hub (National’s Members Only page) you will receive an online ballot.

National Election Details	California State Election Details
April 5 \|voting opens (online voting is encouraged) May 15 \| Online voting ends at 5:00 pm ET May 17 \| Vote results announced online	April 22 \|voting opens (online voting is encouraged) May 13 \| Online voting ends at midnight PT May 17 \| Vote results announced online

Annual State meeting features ACADEMY AAUWARDS!

SAVE THE DATE: April 22, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 over Zoom

AAUW California’s Annual State meeting, open to all members, is on April 22, 2023, from 9-4 on Zoom. This year’s theme is the Academy AAUWards! Join the re- carpet interviews, listen to inspiring keynote speakers, and watch the Speech Trek and Gov Trek finalists. Cheer on your fellow members and branches for all sorts of AAUW awards, get a public policy update, and meet the board candidates. And, every awards event worth its swag bag has after–parties! Join our Zoom-style parties to hang out with your friends! Look for more information soon!

Celebrating AAUW California, its branches, and its members will be the most fun event of the spring! Don’t miss out on the Academy AAUWards on April 22nd! Get ready to mingle!

VIRTUAL GOV TREK HAS BEGUN!

On January 28th we launched our inaugural virtual Gov Trek session with just over 60 future leaders and 40 volunteers in attendance from across California!

AAUW California 2023 Gov Trek’s inaugural session started with a video address from fellow Californian SPEAKER EMERITA NANCY PELOSI. We were privileged to have the first woman Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives greet us as we begin our journey together to explore careers in public office and elected positions. https://youtu.be/szcsrAj0Ir4

Five distinguished women leaders addressed Gov Trek participants in the Women in Leadership Panel. They discussed elective office and public service at different levels of government, including the skills and challenges involved with them, and other related career paths in leadership and political participation. The speakers were:

Kathleen Van Osten, AAUW California Advocate and Lobbyist
Ellen Montanari, Deputy Campaign Manager, Rep Mike Levin
Regina Luzincourt, Lobbyist and Former Press Secretary, State Senator Parker
Shana Hazan, VP San Diego Unified School Board
Griselda Ramirez, Senior Director of Community Engagement, Partnerships, and Strategic Initiatives, Office of San Diego County Board of Supervisor Chair, Nora Vargas.

Click HERE to watch Gov Trek Session 1. The speaker sessions will be recorded and available to AAUW California members on the website HERE in the Student Program Materials section.

Ratify the ERA!

On February 1, lawmakers introduced new legislation to remove the arbitrary ratification deadline preventing enactment of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. You can lend your voice by becoming a Two-Minute Activist. This link will take you to the national website where you can send an email directly to your representatives, urge congress to act, once and for all, to ensure women and men are guaranteed equality under the law.

Urge Congress

Also, you can sign up to be mobile activist! To be a Two-Minute Activist Mobile, text “AAUW” to 21333 to receive timely, targeted action opportunities straight to your cell phone via text message.

Spring Shopping with AAUW

Check out the cool new branded items in the online ShopAAUW store, including stainless steel tumblers, wireless charging pads, pens, journals and more!

Power Partnership: AAUW & Ms. (free one year subscription!)

As part of a special partnership, a free, one-year subscription to the legendary Ms. Magazine is available to all members. Sign up to get yours today.

· Special Panel Event: Closing the Digital Gender Gap

Join AAUW on Wednesday, March 15, at 2 p.m. ET. for an engaging online panel discussion about the “digital gender gap.” Learn from an expert panel how women are still being left behind from pursuing the most promising tech fields of the future—and how we can work to change that. The event is part of the 67th NGO Committee on the Status of Women and UN Commission on the Status of Women.

· Two Can’t-Miss Inclusion & Equity Webinars

AAUW’s national Inclusion & Equity Committee is pleased to offer two engaging and informative webinars this spring. On Thursday, April 6, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET, we’ll share information with local branches and states as they prepare to celebrate Diversity Month in April and the World Day for Cultural Diversity on May 21. Then, on Wednesday, May 10, from 7:30 pm–9:00 pm ET, we’ll provide a hands-on learning opportunity for AAUW members to explore aspects of diversity and intersectionality. Please join us!

What is STEMEd for Girls???

What is STEMEd for Girls??? By Liz Jordan

Did you know?

In the summer of 2021, more than 600 teen girls from across the U.S. and the U.K. took part in AAUW’s inaugural STEMEd for Girls virtual workshop series, which was designed exclusively for girls in grades 9 through 12, and their parents and guardians.

The program, which was made possible through the generous support of Arconic Foundation, was designed to pave the way for girls’ STEM success in college and beyond. AAUW especially encouraged girls of color to participate.

Girls took part in six 1-1/2-hour sessions over two months that showcased how accessible and exciting STEM fields can be. Twelve (12) STEM Ambassadors, scientists and educators who are leaders in their fields, provided advice and inspiration while highlighting a variety of subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, math and technology.

Guess What!?!

AAUW is announcing that STEMEd for Girls is returning for this summer 2022. For middle school and high school girls, just starting to explore interest in science and math, for girls who have already decided on a probable career path, this program can offer girls and their parents/ guardians/caregivers support and encouragement.

https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/stemed-for-girls/

STEMEd for Girls is a series of lively, informative and engaging virtual workshops that will pave the way for your success as you move through high school, into college and eventually on to your career. Designed for those who want to stand out among their peers, the program:

Demystifies the world of STEM and shows how accessible—and exciting—these fields can be.
Explores the different subject areas that you can choose as a college major, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics, and technology/computer science.
Shows the many types of lucrative jobs and careers a STEM education can prepare you for.
Connects you up with a STEM Ambassador who can inspire and guide you in your education and beyond.
Works with your parent, guardian or caregiver to make sure you have all the support and encouragement you need on your pathway to STEM.

Gain confidence, have fun, get inspired — and join a national community of girls and women excited about the endless opportunities in STEM.

https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/stemed-for-girls/

ERA Update

ERA Up-Date By Liz Jordan

On Jan. 27, 2022, two years after the last required ratification vote in Virginia (38/50), the Equal Rights Amendment sits in the National Archivists office because the Trump Administration blocked the certification and publication of the amendment.

A large coalition of women’s rights groups met and marched in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 27 this year to urge President Biden, Attorney General Garland, and the U. S. Senate to take the final steps to enshrine it as the 28^th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution. President Biden sent a message to Congress urging them “to pass a resolution recognizing the ratification of the ERA.” (1/27/2022 The White House Statement from President Biden o the Equal Rights Amendment.)

Facts on the ground:

On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to remove the time limit with a vote of 222-204 on HJ Res 17. Attention now turns to the U.S. Senate and moving SJ Res 1 to the floor for a vote. (org.)
On Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, Reps. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), Maloney and 154 cosponsors announced the introduction of a resolution before the U.S. House affirming that the Equal Rights Amendment has been validly ratified and is now in effect as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
However, the Senate has yet to act. “So far, the only Republican senators supporting the ERA joint resolution are Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine. Not one male Republican senator has indicated support, and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has pledged to block the measure.” (2/10/22 Carrie N. Baker, Ms. Magazine)
On Feb. 8, 2022, Senators Romney (Utah) Johnson (Wisconsin) and Portman (Ohio) sent a letter to the U. S. Archivist “seeking …[his] commitment” to not certify the amendment to the U. S. Constitution.
Breaking news: Feb. 18, 2022. Virginia Attorney General Miyares has withdrawn his state from participation in a lawsuit against National Archivist Ferriero to force publication of the ERA. The attorneys general of Nevada and Illinois, along with Virginia’s Miyares, had joined together to sue the Archivist to publish the ERA as the 28^th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution.
March 22, 2022, 50 years after the ERA was passed out of Congress, ERA Coalition and Fund for Women’s Equality begin a series of virtual events.

“Certainly, the Constitution does not require discrimination on the basis of sex. The only issue is whether it prohibits it. It doesn’t.” Antonin Scalia

Branch Birthdays, Book Groups, Printable Newsletter Articles, and Did You Know?

Branch Birthdays, Book Groups, and Printable Newsletter Articles

Click here for Branch Birthdays for April
Click here for Book Group books for April
Click here for Printable Newsletter Articles

Sacramento Branch Sends Three Students to NCCWSL By Gloria Yost and Liz Jordan

AAUW’s highly rated National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, NCCWSL, is being held virtually this spring with a two-day program on May 25 and 26, 2021. Because of the lower cost of a virtual event, our branch can send three young women who are excited to attend.

Serena Sotelo, a junior at CSU Sacramento, is from Oxnard, CA. She is majoring in forensic chemistry and hopes to get her master’s in forensic science at the University of New Haven after completing her bachelor’s degree.

Tiffiny Joseph, a sophomore at American River College, is from Sacramento and a current AAUW Sacramento scholarship winner. She plans to transfer to UC Davis to work for a chemistry degree.

Another local Sacramentan, Ashley Jeffers, is a senior at CSUS who is graduating this May with a BS in women’s studies. She plans to begin applying for doctorate programs in women’s and gender studies this fall.

Keynote speaker Brittney Cooper is associate professor of women’s and gender studies and Africana studies at Rutgers University. She is a widely sought-after public speaker at universities throughout the country, and an in-demand commentator for radio, podcasts and television. She is also an author.

In addition to hearing other distinguished speakers, attendees will participate in workshops on leadership development, professional development, women’s issues, and identity and diversity.

Seeking Applications for Commissioners

Sacramento County is making history this month for our women and girls by seeking applications for Commissioners on the newly created Sacramento County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. We invite you to celebrate women’s history month by sharing this great news and/or applying to be an inaugural commissioner. Applications can be found here as of today.

Women’s commissions have a long and impressive history of advising California government leaders and the public on issues affecting the well-being and equity of women and girls. In addition to the California State Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, there are 26 women’s commissions in cities and counties throughout California. Each of these commissions advises its respective governing body and leads local efforts on a wide range of issues affecting women and girls. These issues include, but are not limited to poverty and economic security, safety, housing, health, education, business, and childcare.

In Sacramento County there are many effective programs supporting women, particularly with respect to domestic violence, homelessness, healthcare, and trafficking. A commission responsible for regularly assessing and advising the Board of Supervisors and the public about the status of women and girls will be an invaluable asset to already existing programs, including helping to identify gaps and opportunities for leveraging resources for women who continue to be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

It is our hope to seat a skilled and diverse Commission that truly represents the women and girls in our county. We are excited about this historic moment, invite your participation, and thank you for all you do to support women and girls.

Sincerely,
The Blue Ribbon Commission on the Establishment of a Sacramento County Women’s Commission

Did You Know?

Members can view more than 60 webinars on topics of Social Justice, Advocacy, Professional Development, STEM and Membership at AAUW.org.

AAUW’s latest research effort is now available for download. “Factory Flaw: The Attrition and Retention of Women in Manufacturing” examines how a history of sexual harassment, unequal pay and opportunity denied drive women away from lucrative jobs.

Interest Groups

You can find out about the Interest Groups offered by the branch by looking at the banner on the home webpage (just under the branch photo) and clicking on “Activities”. Click on “Interest Groups” and you will find a list of all Interest Groups, when they meet, and the group leader to contact for more information (email addresses and phone numbers can be found in the Branch Membership Directory and Handbook).

Some Interest Groups are taking a break during the pandemic, but a number are still meeting – virtually! According to the Interest Group Coordinator, Vicki Nicholson, here are the groups that are currently meeting:

All Book Groups
All 3 sections of Great Decisions
Art & Architecture
Film Fans
Reader’s Theater
Travel

Feel free to contact a group leader to learn more about the Interest Group. They would love to have you join in!

AAUW’s Strategic Plan and how It Impacts Our Branch by Liz Jordan

History

In 2017, AAUW National undertook a thorough and difficult self-examination. AAUW had been spending beyond its revenues for about a decade and had already sold the AAUW building of which we were all so proud. The board hired Kim Churches, who helped the Board of Directors examine every project, every committee, every pot of money and fund that AAUW has developed over the years and refocused it to see just those elements that clearly identified AAUW. From these discussions, they developed the three pillars of the AAUW 2018 Strategic Plan Beyond Aspirations: Advancing Equity for Women and Girls. You can access a copy of this plan on the aauw.org website.

Strategic Plan

At the heart of the plan are Research and Mission. As the plan states: AAUW’s work is always grounded in research-based on acts and rigorous analysis…Based on the plan’s robust objectives, we will partner with research organizations, such as universities, think tanks, nonprofit organizations and others to deliver on the proposed research agenda. The mission will remain as our guide, “to advance gender equity for all women and girls.”

The three pillars are:

Education and & Training (paying close attention to career and technical education, certificate or apprentice programs leading to lucrative careers and ensuring economic security)
Economic Security
Leadership

The Strategic Plan spells out 1-3 goals for each of these objectives. See these listed on pages 9-12 of Beyond Aspirations @aauw.org.

All three of these pillars require the 4^th Governance and Sustainability. This final pillar is the one that keeps the other three standing – good governance of our organization and the budget to allow for the flexibility to sustain those pillars as needs change.

Impact on Donations to Association

When AAUW asks you for your donations now, it is to Greatest Needs Fund, which allows the organization to guide our efforts to accomplish the other three. In addition to member donations, AAUW is competing in the donation marketplace with about 400 other equity nonprofit organizations. The recent $500,000 grant from Coca-Cola funding the renewal of Work Smart is an example of success in this competitive marketplace.

One effort of the Greatest Needs Fund is to provide for new technology for AAUW. Our current technological assets are 20 years old, ancient in terms of such a rapidly changing field.

What are branches supposed to do?

How do states and branches get involved in meeting the requirements set forth in Beyond Aspirations? By competing for accomplishment recognition awards. Remember the 5 Star Award Program from the early 1990s? It’s back in the 2019-2020 version and accessible in detail on the national website. Following, however, is a graphic way of understanding what we want to work on as a branch over the next several years.

5 Star Award Program

From the website, we can read, “the Five Star National Recognition Program rewards affiliates (states, branches, other organizations) for aligning their work with the AAUW strategic plan and other initiatives that foster the organization’s mission of advancing gender equity for women and girls. The program … promote[s] cohesion between AAUW national and affiliates and increase[s] understanding and implementation of the strategic plan goals. National recognition allows AAUW National to acknowledge and celebrate affiliates that advance AAUW’s mission.”

Programs — Do All

Host 3-5 strategic plan related programs in FY20; e.g. Forum on economic security, Work Smart Training Day, Operation Equity; Reading for Results participation, a panel on women and leadership
Branch Representatives complete community resource mapping exercise

Advancement – Do Two

$30 per capita for greatest needs fund/shift branch giving to greatest needs by 50%
Retain 90% of membership and submit dues by 9/30
Increase Legacy Circle members in State by 10%

Communications & External Relations – Do All

Website/social media presence has Economic Security Focus and WorkSmart online and on the homepage.
Monthly WorkSmart posts on social media

Public Policy & Research – Do All

Annual meeting with U.S. Rep/Senator or state legislators around strategic plan area of focus
Have Branch Public Policy chair collaborate with State Public Policy Chair
Host one public event where Action Network signups are collected

Your Board of Directors plans to work this year and into next year analyzing current Sacramento programs and practices for compliance with the 5 Star Award Program. Our goal is to create the needed programs and practices that will earn our branch all 5 stars. We encourage you to join the effort!!

Governance & Sustainability – Do All

Align planning with state and AAUW National Strategic Plans.
Branch Board institutes a succession plan to ensure new ideas and perspectives are included in future leadership.

To ask questions or to offer help, contact:

Angela Scarlett, 916-612-8442; angela.scarlet@gmail.com (Pres. Elect)
Charmen Goehring 916-207-756-0406; charminme@yahoo.com (Co-Pres.)
Liz Jordan 916-354-9608; lizjord@msn.com (Co-Pres.)