Five Star Branch

American Association of University Women
Greensboro Branch

November Program
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6:45 pm
“How To" Strategies for Advocacy for Women

This year AAUW introduced its new mission statement, “AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.” Although advocacy for women’s issues has always been a part of the organization’s activities, the importance of the advocacy role is now clearly seen in the primary emphasis it has been given in AAUW’s on-going mission.  But how do we as individual members at the branch level now become “Advocates”?
     The November program will provide a beginner’s primer on the “how to” of advocacy within AAUW.   A starting point will be a review of the women’s issues which AAUW is addressing at the national and state levels this year.  Next we will learn how to stay current on these issues and then take strong action in support of AAUW positions.
     Luckily, AAUW does most of the work for us electronically.  The AAUW website is easily accessed and provides timely information on current issues of importance in advancing AAUW’s goals.  It tells us what action is needed from us and when.  And most importantly it makes the time-consuming and sometimes difficult job of letter-writing to our elected officials quick and almost painless.  At the November meeting, you will also learn how to use this valuable resource in your newly acquired advocacy role.  We will also explore using a buddy system to pair non-internet users with those who have access to the internet.

- Elaine Ostrowski

Holland Bulb Sale

The Holland Bulb Sale was profitable. Many thanks to Roddy Hurewitz for having the idea and organizing the sale, to Mary Fran Schickedantz for being the bulb "distributor," and to all who made purchases. The Branch profit was $216, which was half of the total sales.

Are We Up to the Challenge?

     American Association of University Women is on a roll.  The AAUW’s Membership Committee Chair, Ann Gustafson, has challenged each of the Association Board to come up with 5 new members.  We, of Greensboro Branch, are only asking for each of you to come up with one (1) new member between now and Dec. 31st.  Please send me the name and address of a prospective member and I will send out a postcard inviting them to join.  It will have your name and ID # on it.  You will get credit for recruiting them when they join.  The card says:  “You are the key to a better future for women and girls”.  There are 2 terrific programs planned for Tuesday, November 13th and Saturday, December 1.  Advocacy and Fellowships and Grants are two of our premier programs.  (See descriptions in this newsletter.)  Act now!  Special Event rate will be a total of $41.

Mary Fran Schickedantz, 299-6870 or mfs2809@triad.rr.com

AAUW Keys to the Future:  A Member-Get-A-Member Campaign – Year Two
     Certificates will be presented at the October meeting to those members who recruited new members last year.  They are Sue Mengert, Marilyn Cotten, Mary Floyd, and Mary Fran Schickedantz.
     This year we are challenging each of you to be part of the “Year Two Campaign”.  The first segment is to bring new members into the Branch between September and December.  The Branch will continue to offer the event price of $41, during this time period.  You, as members, are invited to introduce your friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to our Greensboro Branch, as we strive to change the world for women and girls.
          -- Marilyn Cotten and Mary Fran Schickedantz

Honoring Dr. Isabelle Powell

     Isabelle Powell has a rich legacy with Greensboro Branch.  In 1988-89 while still teaching at Greensboro College, she presented a program entitled, “Reflections of Change in the USSR”.  In 1990-91 Isabelle served as the College/University Representative from Greensboro College.  After retiring, she became actively involved in activities of the Branch.  An avid reader, Isabelle joined Book Browsers.  In the ensuing years, she held many positions; Phone Tree Chair, Program Vice President, International Affairs Chair, Public Policy Vice President, and Assistant Treasurer.  As the Branch searched for a meeting place convenient to our membership, Isabelle stepped forward with a plan to hold our meetings at her church, Congregational United Church of Christ (CUCC).

     Isabelle is still a member of the Greensboro Branch even though she has moved to Davidson, NC, and the CUCC graciously continues to welcome our use of their fellowship hall.  At a recent meeting, the Branch Board decided to make this year’s contribution to CUCC in honor of Dr. Isabelle Powell.  Several Board members said they would like to add to that contribution honoring Isabelle.  If you would also like to add to the contribution to CUCC in honor of Isabelle, make the check payable to AAUW Greensboro Branch, and note “CUCC donation” on the memo line.  Mail it to Debra M. Richardson, 412 Muirs Chapel Rd. Greensboro, NC 27410. If you prefer, you may give a donation to Treasurer Debra Richardson at the October 9 membership meeting.

Editors:  Mary Fran Schickedantz and Louise Brown  2006,On May 16, 2006, Janie Dominique, Sue M

This page is maintained by Mary Floyd. Last update: 11/09/2007