Category Archives: Programs

Anything related to program activities for the AAUW Sacramento Branch.

November Program-Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Title IX

AAUW Sacramento  Branch Presents

“The Rights Stuff”

Lights, Camera, Action!

The Right to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX

Saturday, November 16, 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Eskaton Village, 3939 Walnut Avenue, Carmichael
South Auditorium

This year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which was enacted into law by Richard M. Nixon on June 23, 1972. Title IX changed the Federal Education Amendments to “prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Join us as we continue our mission of equity for women and girls by learning the history of Title IX in U.S. schools. What started this legislation? How has it changed? What protections have been expanded? What outside forces threaten its future?

Tickets are available only on Eventbrite until Wednesday, Nov. 13. Please click <here> for tickets.

Our program guest speaker is Aileen Rizo, associate director of the AIMS Center for Math and Science, a graduate math/science education professor and is currently pursuing a PhD in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education.

In 2012 Aileen began a fight for pay equity and became an advocate for the economic security of women in our state and throughout the country, working with legislators to pass some of the strongest pay equity bills in the nation.

This program should be very informative. We encourage you to invite friends to accompany you. The Membership Committee will have AAUW membership applications available for interested attendees. Seats may be limited, so please act soon. Refreshments will be provided. Wear your name tag if you have one.

December Program-Winter Luncheon

Lights, Camera, Action!

The Right to Reading Opportunities and Food Security

Saturday, December 14, 11 AM
North Ridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Ave., Fair Oaks

Our program year continues with the beloved Winter Luncheon where we will welcome and recognize all our new members.

The focus of this event is Reading Opportunities and Food Security. Plans are underway for our meal and our speaker(s). Stay tuned. Be aware that because of requirements from North Ridge, the deadline for making reservations is Friday, Dec. 6. PLAN AHEAD!! <Here> is the reservation form which is needed for the check payment registration.

There are two entrée choices, and both include a  garden salad, coffee, tea, water:

A. Chicken  with whipped potatoes and vegetables
B. Quiche with seasonal garden vegetables

There are two ways to register:

  1. Use a credit card and pay during your Eventbrite registration. Fees will apply. The Eventbrite link can be found <here>.
  2. Write a check to AAUW Sacramento for $30. Write A or B in the memo section to select your choice of entrée. Mail it to Reservations Coordinator, Hedda Smithson, 4033 Main Street, Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Want to start shopping? We will be collecting new and gently used children’s books to share with at-risk children and families. Our own Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin founded Love, Talk, Read, a Children’s Book Drive and Literacy Program. In addition to the usual places to shop – Barnes & Noble, Amazon and the like, consider the your local library, the Book Den, Underground Books, Half Price Books, Time Tested Books, Crawford’s Books, etc.

The focus for food security is the Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Food Pantry at CSUS. Their mission is to provide food and basic necessities to Sac State students with financial hardships and low food security, at no cost. The wish list includes nonperishable food items, menstrual products and toiletries. That web page is ASI Food Pantry .

Please remember to register by Dec. 6th!

October Program-The Right to be Informed Voters

Sacramento and Citrus Heights/American Branches of AAUW Present

“The Rights Stuff”

Lights, Camera, Action!

The right to be informed voters

Saturday, October 19, 9:30 AM to 12 noon

Carmichael Presbyterian Church

5645 Marconi Ave.,  Carmichael CAHas everyone noticed this is an election year? Well – we have heard of  “Political Junkies” – we would like to make you aware of a subspecies – and we call them the “Proposition Junkies.”

Is your proposition knowledge and history up to date? Here is a quick quiz to get you engaged:

  1. How are propositions placed on the California Ballot?
  2. How often are propositions renumbered?
  3. Proposition 4 passed in 1911 did what? (AAUW would have supported it!!)
  4. What was the target of Proposition 65, passed in 1965?
  5. Proposition 73 in 2005 and Proposition 85 the next year failed. What was the issue?
  6. Proposition 8 in 2008 passed and then was declared unconstitutional. What was the issue?

Join us for a panel discussion about the 10 propositions on our November ballots. Helping us to become educated voters will be Professor Mary-Beth Moylan and students from the McGeorge School of Law.

Here are three propositions we think will be interesting:

  1. Proposition 36: Increase drug crime and theft penalties; allow drug and mental health treatment.
  2. Proposition 5: Lower the vote threshold from 2/3 to 55% for local bond issues.
  3. Proposition 6: Remove involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime from the constitution.

The doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting starts at 10. Light refreshments will be offered. Seating is limited to 80 guests so reserve a spot through Eventbrite (click here) or call Lee Battershell, (916) 230-1110 to leave a clear message; spell your name slowly.

Lights? Check! Camera? Check! And now we look for Action!!

  • Register for the event: (click here) or call Lee at the number above.
  • Invite a friend to come with you and be sure to let us know.
  • Look at the 10 Propositions and come to the meeting with questions.
  • Remember to wear a name tag but know that if you forget or don’t have one, a name tag will be provided. We want to get to know you!!
  • Educate yourself by checking out Ballotpedia and other online sources.
  • VOTE!!

                                       

 

 

 

 

 

AAUW Priorities

AAUW Priorities By Kathy Papst

First, I want to thank Karen Burley for stepping up to be the chairperson of Funds. This is
especially great with all the other jobs she oversees in our branch. Thank you for your selfless
commitment to our branch mission.

There is so much happening with the state organization to further our goals for equity for women in many ways. It is easy to think that we have made so much progress that we can all rest and think that the mission has been accomplished. That is not the case, and we need to continue to work toward moving forward and to keep outside forces from trying to erase all of the work that AAUW has fought hard to enact.

Some interesting news from the state website: If you wish to find out what is new, take a few
minutes to read what is happening in Public Policy, Equal Rights, Title IX, Pay Equity, and
Discrimination issues. The Sept. Public Policy newsletter can be found <here>.

In 2024, even though the federal government has laws in effect regarding pay equity, women still make 84 cents for every dollar that men make. The state website has a 2024 voter issue guide available to download.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law AB 1078, which prevents school districts from banning
books and censoring curriculum.

The Nobel Prize in Economics has been awarded to 77-year-old Claudia Goldin without men as
collaborators. Claudia is a professor of economics at Harvard University.

We have some very exciting programs coming up this year, and I strongly encourage all branch
members to consider attending these mission-based programs. Remember that we can make great friends and get together for book discussion groups, dining groups, Art & Architecture, etc. because of our involvement with AAUW.

The Oct. 19 program will feature a discussion of ballot measures in the 2024 election. This will
be led by law students from McGeorge Law School.

On Nov. 16, I will host a meeting regarding the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX into law. I am working on having a speaker(s) talk about pay-equity cases that went to the higher courts for deliberation in California. I am crossing my fingers to schedule a very prominent
speaker on this issue. Please put these dates on your calendar.

Once again, if you would like to help work on any part of Priorities, please contact me and we can find some way to contribute to this important cause.

Happy Autumn,
Kathy

From the CA AAUW President:

This is a reminder of the critical impact school board races have on our communities.

Though they may seem small, school boards make vital decisions about what students learn, how resources are allocated, and the policies affecting the health, safety, and equity of our schools. They also influence essential issues like sex education, mental health services, and inclusion, while managing key decisions about land use and school closures that directly affect neighborhoods.

With the upcoming election, it’s important that we all participate. These elections determine the quality of education and fairness in our communities, and often serve as stepping stones for future political leaders. Please be sure to research your local school district, review your sample ballot, and learn about the candidates.

In some parts of California, school boards may challenge the state’s pro-choice and health equity values, which makes your vote even more urgent.

Your involvement ensures that all students receive the education and resources they deserve in a supportive and inclusive environment. Voting in these elections helps shape not just our schools, but the future of leadership in our communities.

Your vote matters!

 ***
This message was sent to you from the Capital Women’s Campaign (CWC).  Chaired by former Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo, CWC is an alliance of pro-choice activists from the greater Sacramento region determined to flex our collective power. If you have information to share, especially regarding bringing more pro-choice women into the political process, please send to info@capitalwomenscampaign.com  Note that if you prefer not to receive information/calls to action from CWC, simply reply to this email with a request to be removed from our mailing list. 

 

Did You Know?

From the September Program

The 2024-2025 budget was approved as presented at the members program.

Here are some photos from 2024 Tech Trek:

The full Tech Trek camp at UC Davis

Sacramento Branch Tech Trek girls

One of our Tech Trek girls, Mackenzie Thor.


Sunshine Chair

Pat Winkle is our Sunshine Chair and needs to hear from you if you know members who might appreciate a get well, sympathy or “thinking of you” card. As she doesn’t know everyone, she needs your help in remembering our friends. Her contact information is in the directory.

Printable Newsletter Articles

Click here for Printable Newsletter Articles.

September Program

HERE Sacramento Branch of AAUW Presents

“The Rights Stuff”, Season Two, Episode One

The right to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Lights, Camera, Action!!

Saturday, Sept. 14 10:30 AM at Arcade Library, 2443 Marconi Ave., Sacramento

September Program presented by Hedda Smithson and Barbara Smith. We focus our camera on one of the most important programs offered through AAUW CA, Tech Trek. Please register for this meeting no later than Sept. 11 with Eventbrite by clicking HERE. Remember to wear a name tag but know that if you forget or don’t have one, a name tag will be provided. We want to get to know you!! Click <here> to obtain the wonderful flyer created by Liz Jordan containing a QR code for easy access to our website which you can print and post and distribute.

Marlys Huez’s Tech Trek committee included Kathleen Deaver, Lori Franz, Joyce Humphrey, Mary Miller, Monique Stovall and Gloria Yost. Generous donations from branch members funded six seventh-grade girls for the Tech Trek camp at UC Davis; two others attended virtually. Teachers from W.E. Mitchell Middle School in Rancho Cordova and Will C. Wood in Sacramento nominated students to be considered by the Tech Trek committee. Each student completed a written application, submitted an essay and was interviewed as a part of the selection process. The committee held an orientation meeting in June where Tech Trek bears and goody bags for camp were given and the campers were able to meet one another. The camp was held July 14 to 20. Branch members could visit on July 18 for an intense day of following the very busy schedule.

Last month the committee, with the addition of Ann Arneill and Shari Beck, coordinators of Speech Trek, met with the students to help them with presentations each will make on Sept. 14.

This amazing and life-changing program was the brainchild of AAUW member Marie Wolbach. The first Tech Trek was held at Stanford in 1998. Our branch immediately participated by sending one girl. Since that time, Sacramento has supported campers nearly every year.

Lights and Camera have done their job. Now it is time for Action!

  • Register for this event! Click HERE
  • Bring a neighbor, friend or relative. The event is open to the public.
  • Meet the campers and ask them questions.
  • Volunteer to help with next year’s group.
  • Vote to approve our budget.
  • Donate to Tech Trek – this year the cost was $1,170 per girl.

Mark Your Calendars!

Sacramento Branch of AAUW Presents

“The Rights Stuff: Season 2”

2024-2025 Branch Programs

Lights! Camera! Action!

-Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 – The right to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
9/14 10:30 to 1:00. Arcade Library, 2443 Marconi Ave, Sacramento
Focus: Presentations from Tech Trek campers. Vote to accept proposed branch budget.

-Saturday, October 19, 2024 –The right to be informed voters; joint meeting with CHAR
10/19 11:00 to 2:00. Carmichael Presbyterian Church, 5645 Marconi Ave, Carmichael
Focus: Panel discussion with Professor Mary-Beth Moylan and students from McGeorge School of Law about Propositions on the November Ballot.

–Saturday, November 16, 2024 – The right to celebrate the 50th year of Title IX – learn the latest
11/16 10:30 to 1:00. Arden Dimick Library, 891 Watt Ave, Sacramento
Focus: Current issues are still relevant to this ground-breaking legislation.

-Saturday, December 14, 2024 – The right to food security and reading opportunities
12/14 11:00 to 2:00. North Ridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Ave., Fair Oaks
Focus: Winter luncheon where we welcome new members and gather items for CSUS Food Pantry and books for children.

-Saturday, January 25, 2025 – The right to higher education
1/25 11:00 to 2:00. North Ridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Ave., Fair Oaks
Focus: Presentations from AAUW Fellows. Hosted by the Interbranch Council.

-Saturday, February 8, 2025 – The right to speak about a current topic that affects women
2/8 10:00 to 2:00. Speech Trek Contest. Cosumnes River College, Room Winn 150, 8401
Center Park Way. Entrance on Bruceville Rd., Sacramento.

-Saturday, March 15, 2025 – Equal Rights for all in the Sacramento area
3/15 10:30 to 1:00, Roberts Family Development Center, 766 Darina Ave., Sacramento
Focus: Panel discussion about Racial Justice. Annual business meeting to report election of officers.

-Saturday April 26, 2025 – The right to learn from another’s journey; joint meeting with CHAR
4/26 11:00 to 2:00. North Ridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Ave., Fair Oaks
Focus: Presentation from Archana Manier, MD, at our Annual Author’s Luncheon. Her book is Dry Spells.

-Saturday May 31, 2025 – The right to celebrate and renew
5/31 10:30 to 1:00. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2425 Sierra Blvd, Sacramento
Focus: Installation of officers, recognition of new 50-year members, named gift recipients and so much more!!

Membership Update

Membership Update by Gloria Yost

Help a Prospective Member Save Money With Shape the Future

What is Shape the Future?

  • A National membership campaign that branches can use to recruit and retain members
  • Branches earn up to three free national memberships when enough new members join

How does it work?

  • Branches can offer 50 percent off national dues when prospective members join AAUW at an event or meeting
  • New members save $36

Who Is Eligible for the Membership discount?

  • A “new member” — someone entirely new to AAUW
  • An individual who rejoins after two or more years of lapsed membership

What can I do?

  • Spread the word about the great work AAUW does
  • Let folks know about our stimulating events and friendship opportunities
  • Invite my neighbors, new acquaintances, fellow workers or volunteers & more

AAUW membership is open to anyone with an associate (or equivalent, e.g., RN) degree or higher from an accredited educational institution.

Bring your prospective members to join us on Saturday, Sept. 14.. Hear from our middle school Tech Trekkers to celebrate:  “The Rights Stuff”, Season Two, Episode One: The right to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Celebrating August Birthdays! 

Happy Birthday to All!

  • Jennifer Krebsbach                            8/5
  • Linda Patterson                                 8/5
  • Marlys Fredrickson Huez                 8/6
  • Pamela Harder                                  8/8
  • Nancy McCabe                                  8/14
  • May Ruth Lynch                                8/22
  • Barbara Smith                                   8/25
  • Vicki Nicholson                                  8/28
  • Catherine Locke                                8/31

Celebrating September Birthdays! 

Happy Birthday to All!

  • Kathleen Keers                                  9/3
  • Anne Just                                            9/6
  • Susan J. Cox                                       9/9
  • Rebekah Machado de Quevedo     9/9
  • Gail Field                                            9/10
  • Jeanette Finn                                     9/10
  • Cathy Sallas                                       9/11
  • Barbara Kamilos                               9/12
  • Pamella Vaughn                                9/15
  • Malinda Rice                                      9/20
  • Hedda Smithson                               9/20
  • Cherril Peabody                                9/22
  • Patricia Poyner                                 9/23
  • Elinor Anklin                                      9/26
  • Kathryn Brann                                  9/26
  • Karen Humphrey                              9/27
  • Joy Clous                                            9/28

 

A Gala Wrap Party

Lights, Camera, Action!!

“The Rights Stuff” Episode Nine – May 18, 2024

A Gala Wrap Party, By Hedda Smithson

Take a look at our web page: AAUW Sacramento to see the summary of our program year. We have been busy! And we deserved to celebrate!

At the lovely Unitarian Universalist Church on Sierra Boulevard, we gathered to honor and celebrate those who make AAUW Sacramento special and successful.

Missing in action was our president, Nancy McCabe, who was dealing with a new body part. Barbara Smith, program vice president, stepped up to the plate and led us through the morning’s activities. There was no red carpet but the spotlight was focused on new and current 50-year members, our Speech Trek winner and her speech, our local scholarship winner and her expression of gratitude for our support, and a whole cast of players who shared their time and talent for this membership year.

Stepping into place for a photo op were:

  • Liz Jordan and Angela Scarlett, Named Gift Honorees
  • Cathy Locke, Kathy Papst, Jessica Waugh, Shape the Future Honorees
  • Alyssa Wong, Speech Trek Winner
  • Erin Gottis, Scholarship Winner
  • Cherril Peabody, New Member Recruitment
  • Jessica Waugh and Robin Howlett, two of 23 new members

Our two new 50-Year Members, Vicki Nicholson and Sandra Young, were away attending family graduations. Congratulations to them!!

And it is renewal time!! Membership Treasurer Donna Holmes graciously answered questions about the process. For many of us the membership year runs from July 1 to June 30. For new members, the membership year depends on when they join. Renewal forms have been mailed and an email went to all about renewing online. Any questions? Ask Donna. Her contact information is in the directory.

A side note: Two air pots full of coffee arrived without spilling to the meeting. A big thank you goes to Kathy Papst for our morning treats. More than 30 of us enjoyed time together discussing ideas about the branch and its future, as well as volunteering where needed.

Action!

  • Renew your membership
  • Save Sept. 14 at Arden Dimick Library for our Fall Kick Off
  • Save Oct. 19 for Ballot Initiative Discussion
  • See the Directory for Named Gift Honorees of the past
  • Look up Shape the Future, an AAUW National Program
  • Be a participant, not a spectator – offer your help with Tech Trek, Gov Trek, Public Policy, Scholarship, Capital Ideas, Program, Membership. This is YOUR Branch!! Let’s have another successful year!!

    Shape the Future Honorees

    Named Gift Honorees

    50 year members in attendance

    Speech Trek winner

May Program – May 18th

Sacramento Branch of AAUW Presents

“The Rights Stuff” Episode Nine

It’s a Wrap! Celebrate an Award-Worthy Year

Lights, Camera, Action!!

                 Saturday May 18, 2024 – 10a.m-12:30p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Society, 2425 Sierra Blvd., Sacramento

May is the time to salute ourselves and celebrate the conclusion of another fantastic year of AAUW activity and support of women young and the young-in-spirit. Join us as we honor our 50-year members, hear from our young Speech Trek winner and outstanding scholarship winners, and salute Named Gift honorees.

You will greet the stars of this year’s programs, welcome several new members and have time to socialize while enjoying some delicious morning treats and beverages. Barbara and Hedda now know how to transport without spilling, so count on coffee, too!  (That is an inside joke that people who attended the March meeting will understand.)

Be prepared to voice your suggestions and commitment to help with next year’s programs. Tell us what has inspired you to action this year and what committee you are willing to join. Were there branch activities that you would like to see repeated next year?  (Many have asked to return to the Sojourner Truth Museum and Saturday Market.)  Are there new interest groups or book groups you would be willing to form?  Perhaps a Banned Book reading group?

The Tech Trek and Speech Trek projects are a big success and let many people learn about AAUW, and Gov Trek promises to be a much needed and appreciated project, but we can’t go ahead with it unless we have a leader/coordinator.

We have tried to provide the Lights and the Camera Focus on issues this year.  Now it is your turn to help provide the Action.

Start by registering for the May branch meeting.  Contact Margaret Steinberg and let her know you are coming. There is no charge to attend, but please make a reservation so that we know how many to plan for. Guests are welcome!