Salem BranchSalem, Oregon

www.aauwsalemor.org! ! Theme: Breaking Through Barriers

CalendarNo Board meeting this month

Sat., Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m.--! Holiday BrunchSat., Dec. 10, 7 p.m.--! Salem Speaks Up!

Thu., Dec. 15--Newsletter deadline

ContentsAAUW Funds................................4 Honoring Betsy McDowell Contributions for 2011 Facts at Your Fingertips Contribution Form!......................9Branch meeting.............................1 About Our Speaker.....................2Gift Book Suggestion.....................7Interest Groups..............................6 A New Interest Group?...............7Legal Advocacy Fund....................8Membership...................................5 Membership Form.......................9National AAUW Projects................8 Elect Her Plan Ahead for NCCWSLNew Report: Crossing the Line.....5Notes from Marcia Kelley...............3 The Crying Tree Books Expanding Your Horizons Public Policy Volunteers NeededPresidentʼs column.........................2Salem Speaks Up!.........................3Tours of Governorʼs Residence......7

Come to AAUWʼs annual

Holiday BrunchSaturday, December 10

Illahe Country Club376 County Club Dr. S

Seating at 9:30 a.m.Brunch served at 9:45 a.m.

Christine DʼArcy(Bio on Page 2)will speak on

The Oregon Cultural TrustCost is $15 per person

Reservations must be receivedby Friday, December 2.

Please send your checkpayable to Salem AAUW to:

AAUW, P.O. Box 2144, Salem, OR 97308

If you bring a guest, please include a note with her name so we can have a name tag for her.

Bring non-perishable food for the food bank.

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

December 2011

Salem AAUW Newsletter

December 2011 Membership: 115Vol. 89, No. 4! Salem AAUW! ! P.O. Box 2144! ! Salem, OR 97308

Newsletter Editor: Sally Hollemon 503-391-8978, rhollemon@comcast.netCirculation: Linda HolsingProofreaders: Donna Briney ! Wilma Stramp

Webpage: www.aauwsalemor.orgWeb manager: Betsy McDowell, 503-371-9054, betsymcd@comcast.net

Board MembersPresident: Betty HausProgram VP: Marcia KelleyMembership VP: vacantCommunications VP: vacantFinance VP: Marty CloranSecretary: Gloria HollandAAUW Funds & Dues Treas: Joanne Stern

AAUW, founded in 1881, is open to all graduates who hold the associate, baccalaureate or higher degree from a college or university on the AAUW list of qualified institutions. In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class.

To join Salem Branch

• Fill out the form on Page 9 and• Mail it with your $75 check! payable to Salem AAUW to Dues Treasurer Joanne Stern! P.O. Box 2144! Salem, OR 97308

We hope you will join us!

Presidentʼs ColumnBetty McChesney-Haus

I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving. Our Holiday Brunch on December 10 will be congenial, flavorful, festive, informa-tive, inspirational, musical... You get the idea: It will be fun, and I hope to see you there. Happy holidays!

About Our SpeakerChristine D'Arcy was named Executive Director of the Oregon Arts Commission in 1994. As Executive Director, she conceived of and initiated the Arts Commissionʼs nationally recognized Arts Build Communities program. From 1998 through 2001 she led a team of statewide cultural partners on the development of the Oregon Cultural Trust, managing the work of two Cultural Task Forces appointed by the Governor and legislative leadership. Since September 2003 she has served also as the Executive Director of the Oregon Cultural Trust whose operations merged with the Arts Commission.

Prior to her work in Oregon, D'Arcy was the Executive Director and Visual Arts Director of the Alaska State Council on the Arts where she worked from 1978 to 1992. A native New Yorker, she previously worked for the World Crafts Council, a UNESCO affiliate, in its New York City headquarters, managing research and information services.

DʼArcy received a BA in Art History from Skidmore College and attended the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture and Planning, specializing in historic preservation.

Websites: www.aauw.org ! www.aauw-oregon.org! www.aauwsalemor.org

December 2011! ! ! ! Salem Branch AAUW!! ! ! ! Page 2

Salem Speaks Up!Heraldine Schwartz

The 19th annual Salem Speaks Up! will commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. The event will be held on Saturday, December 10, 7 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 600 State Street NE.

Freedom of speech is one of our most valuable rights. Salem Speaks Up! is an opportunity for people to talk about human rights issues. What violations are occurring? Are certain groups being targeted? Where can a person turn for help?

An open microphone will allow people to tell about their experiences with discrimination and to suggest possible support systems or changes they would like to see. The event is designed to inform, challenge, and inspire community leaders, government officials, educators, businesses and ordinary citizens to improve and protect human rights in Salem.

AAUW has been a sponsoring organization of this event, along with the League of Women Voters, YWCA, and the United Nations Association, since its beginning. AAUW members who would like to serve on the welcoming committee or furnish refreshments (think cookies) are asked to call Heraldine Schwartz at 503-378-1454.

Notes From Marcia KelleyThe Crying Tree BooksAt the October meeting, Naseem Rakha, author of The Crying Tree, asked for a free-will offering in lieu of her usual speaking fee. We collected $170. Those dollars have now purchased 12 of her books for the Oregon Corrections System to distribute to various prison locations. Due to regulations, the prisons cannot accept books that are used or have been handled by anyone other than the bookseller.

Expanding Your HorizonsOnce again we are recruiting adult volunteers for this successful middle-school girls conference held at Willamette University. This coming yearʼs date is Saturday, January 7. Volunteers will be needed between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Please email salemeyh@gmail.com if you can help. Some members signed up at the November meeting.

Public Policy Volunteers NeededDuring February the Oregon Legislature will be in session. They will be fine tuning education issues related to the major restructuring of the education system and its funding. They will also be working on a kindergarten attendance bill.

AAUW also needs to monitor Human Resources issues. If you can help out with these sorts of issues even part of the time, contact Marcia Kelley. Email aauworlobby@gmail.com or call Marcia at 503-581-8384.

December 2011! ! ! ! Salem Branch AAUW!! ! ! ! Page 3

New Fund Named in Honor of Betsy McDowell Joanne Stern, AAUW Funds Chair

A new Research and Projects fund named for Betsy has been created. You may make your year-end contribution and designate it for her fund (#4363). Of course contributions to Betsyʼs fund are eligible for tributes and memorials just as any contribution to AAUW Funds. Research and Projects funds enable branch and state community projects, career development grants, and others.

Make your check payable to AAUW Funds and send to Joanne Stern, AAUW, P.O. Box 2144, Salem, OR 97308. There is a form on Page 9.

AAUW Funds Contributions for 2011Joanne Stern, AAUW Funds Chair

You still have time to make your contribution for 2011. I need to receive it by December 27 so that I can process it and get it into the mail by the end of the year.

Our contributions to date (11/15/11) are as follows:! Individual Contributions! ! ! $6760! Convention Silent Auction! ! ! 103! Total to AAUW Funds (EF & LAF)! $6863

! Total to Chemeketa & Willamette! !! ! AAUW scholarships!! ! $250

AAUW Funds: Facts at Your FingertipsOr What to Say When Someone Asks

• AAUW's Mission: AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research, and has more than 100,000 members.

• Since 1888 AAUW has awarded more than $80 million to more than 11,000 recipients through fellowships, grants and special awards.

• Since 1990 AAUW has funded more than 20 research reports dealing with womenʼs issues in education and the workplace.

• Gifts payable to AAUW Funds are fully tax deductible.

• For a donation of $25 or more, you may name your gift to honor someone living as a Tribute, or someone deceased as a Memorial. A card will be sent announcing your gift.

December 2011! ! ! ! Salem Branch AAUW!! ! ! ! Page 4

Membership

Directory Change

Debra Vassallo: Debra.Vassallo@gmail.com

Please check your entry in the new membership directory, and, if there is an error, notify Sally Hollemon so she can put a correction into the next newsletter.

Update on Linda HolsingLinda Holsing was released from the hospital for the second time and is now in a group home.  Wilma Stramp talked to her on the phone. Linda said that she is using a walker and will probably be in the group home for a couple of months.  She said cards could be sent to her home address as Bob is picking up her mail.  If people want to call her, call her number in the AAUW directory, which is her cell phone.  If she isnʼt able to talk at the time, leave a message and she will call back. [Thank you, Wilma, for this information.]

Membership is really all of our business! When members talk about AAUW and how strong our mission is, how valuable our activities are, and how strong our fundraising on behalf of women and girls is year after year, weʼre making it clear to others that we are a wonderful nationwide community.

To help local membership committees “market” our organization, the national AAUW Membership Committee has put resources on the AAUW website www.aauw.org.  There is even a “webinar” (a seminar you can listen to on your computer) that introduces these online resources.

New Report from AAUW: Crossing the LineAAUWʼs groundbreaking research report on sexual harassment in grades 7–12, Crossing the Line: Sexual Harassment at School, was released electronically on November 7. You can download the full report online (click on the blue underlined words) or you can order print copies from ShopAAUW. We encourage you to share the report with educators, students, parents, and your networks. Our efforts can help protect students from sexual harassment. The documentation of the prevalence of sexual harassment and its negative impact on students touched a nerve across the country. The report earned more than 1,000 media hits the day it was released, and the coverage keeps growing. A sampling of the news coverage — which includes stories by the Associated Press, the New York Times, CNN, and Education Week — is on the AAUW website. 

December 2011! ! ! ! Salem Branch AAUW!! ! ! ! Page 5

Directory CorrectionCarol Neiger: cneiger@hotmail.com

Interest ! Groups* Group would love ! new members!

Book DiscussionBook a Month--Thu., Dec. 1, 7 p.m.Hostess: Eunice Sherman, 935 Holiday Ct. S! 503-362-4421Book: Sense and Sensibility by Jane AustinLeader: Nancy BurtWeʼd be happy to put you on our waiting list.Chair: Wilma Stramp, 503-364-5947 ! strampwf@comcast.net

*Book Browsers--Tue., Dec. 6, 1:30 p.m.Hostess: Wanda Erwin, 4488 Boston Ct. S! 503-588-4474We welcome new members!Chair: Marge Covey, 503-585-2746

*Itʼs a Mystery Lit.--Tue., Dec.13, 12:30 p.m.! ! ! Note earlier time.Holiday lunch and book exchangeHostess: Madeline Rempel, 4435 42nd Ave. NE! 503-593-8875Chair: Donna Carver, 503-393-3416 ! donnalcarver@msn.com

*Lunchtime Lit.--Thu., Dec. 15, 11:45 a.m.Restaurant: McGrathʼs downtown! ! ! 350 ChemeketaBook: The Professor and the Housekeeper ! by Yoko OgawaLeader: Meredie SheehyChair: Ann Trombley, 503-390-6971! texannt@comcast.net

Sequel Literature--Tue., Dec. 13, 9:30 a.m.Location: Capital Manor Card RoomHostess: Jo BatemanBook: Major Pettigrewʼs Last Stand! by Helen SimonsonDiscussion leader: Nina ClevelandChair:  Betsy Scott, 503-363-2546! betsys6022@aol.co

Bridge*Bridge on Monday--Mon., Dec. 19, 12:30 p.m.Hostess: Jewell Fowler, 4048 Lidbeck Ct. SE! 503-399-8721Chair: Kay Souter, 503-371-6502! kay4906@msn.com

*Bridge on Thursday--No meeting in DecemberCo-chairs: Trish Hanna, 838-7729! rnthanna@gmail.com Lucile Newton, 503-364-0876, lucile@lnewton.net

Food*Creative Cooking--Wed., Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.Hostess: Leona Baker, 583 Joseph SE! 503-362-0596Co-hostess: Margrit AngeloniChair: Gloria Holland, 503-371-3020! gloriabhs@comcast.net

*Out to Lunch Bunch--Fri., Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m.Restaurant: Bentleyʼs Grill, 291 Liberty St. SEReservations to: Elaine Walker, 503-856-8845 by Wed., Dec. 7. Then, if you canʼt attend after all, please call and tell her.Chair: Linda Holsing, 503-910-6466,! lholsing7@msn.com

*Potpourri--No meeting in December Chair: Madeline Rempel, 503-393-8875! jmrempel@comcast.net

Other

*Afternoon Needlework--Wed., Dec. 14, 1:30 pmHostess: Marge Covey, 3875 Saxon Dr. S! 503-585-2746New members are invited. Bring a project.Chair: Marge Covey, 503-585-2746

*Great Decisions--Mon., Dec. 5, 7 p.m.Location: Capital Manor, 7th Floor LoungeTopic: Sanctions and NonproliferationLeader: Bob McGauheyChair: Marian Churchill, 503-362-8653! tomarian@q.com! !! ! ! ! ! →→→

December 2011! ! ! ! Salem Branch AAUW!! ! ! ! Page 6

*Matinee Idols--Sat., Dec. 17, at 12:30 p.m.! Note: This is 3rd Saturday due to holiday.Salem Cinema, Broadway and Market StreetsNotify Elaine to get on her email notification list! for the name of the film.

Happy Holidays!

A new Interest Group?Are you interested in organizing a new interest group--on gardening or nutrition or travel or something else? If so, write a paragraph stating your idea for a new group and asking other people to notify you if they are interested, too. Send your article to Editor Sally Hollemon at rhollemon@comcast.net for inclusion in the next newsletter.

Tours of the Governor's Residence--Mahonia HallJane Sweet, AAUW Coordinator

Since 1987, when Mahonia Hall became the official residence for Oregon governors, AAUW has been the official and only organization to lead informational tours of the house and surrounding gardens. Tours are arranged by the Governor’s staff, and AAUW is responsible for the staffing of the tours.

If you would like to join a tour or, better yet, volunteer to be a leader or a hostess for a one-hour tour that takes place approximately once a month, please contact Jane Sweet, cnjsweet@comast.net, 503-363-9167, or Sally Hollemon, rhollemon@comcast.net, 503-391-8978.

We are searching for AAUW members who are eager to share with others a rare tour experience of a Governor's home.

Hope to see you soon at Mahonia Hall.

Gift Book Suggestion: The Well Spoken WomanWomen in America have not always been encouraged or even allowed to speak in public. The National Womenʼs History Museum recently sponsored a discussion in Washington, DC, entitled “The Fight to be Heard from Susan B. Anthony to Hillary Clinton” at which speakers examined lessons learned from the past and assessed the current climate in which more and more women are making their way into the public arena. One of the speakers was Chris Jahnke, author of The Well Spoken Woman: Your Guide to Looking and Sounding Your Best.” If you have a young woman in your family, you might consider this book as a gift for her.

December 2011! ! ! ! Salem Branch AAUW!! ! ! ! Page 7

December 2011! ! ! ! Salem Branch AAUW!! ! ! ! Page 8

Legal Advocacy Fund (LAF)New Lawsuit Filed against Wal-Mart

After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that the Wal-Mart v. Dukes sex discrimination class-action lawsuit was too big to move forward, the lawyers representing the women vowed to create smaller class actions by region. In mid-November the lawyers filed the first of these amended lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for Northern California. The lawsuit alleges that Wal-Martʼs discriminatory practices affected more than 90,000 women currently or formerly employed at Wal-Mart and Samʼs Club stores in four regions in California and nearby states. Betty Dukes, a California resident, is the lead plaintiff, just as she was for the larger lawsuit. AAUW first provided support to the lead plaintiffs in Wal-Mart v. Dukes last spring through the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund. In September, the AAUW board voted to disburse more funds to defray costs involved in creating smaller class-action lawsuits. AAUW will continue supporting the lawyers and plaintiffs as they seek justice for all women workers at Wal-Mart stores.

National AAUW Projects for College WomenElect Her – Campus Women Winning Sites Announced!

AAUW and Running Start will be training college women to run for student government at 30 campuses in 2012! The five-hour Elect Her trainings provide students with research and information about women and politics, inspiring local speakers, and interactive campaign exercises. Learn more by clicking on the blue underlined words.

Plan Ahead for NCCWSL!If you heard Kristina Schmunk (pictured at right), AAUW Oregonʼs delegate to the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL), speak at our September meeting at the Santiam Wine Company, you heard how excited Kristina was about this leadership conference for young women.

Kristina told us that conference attendees participated in group conversations on several topics. For example: Several countries have women presidents and prime ministers. The U.S. has many capable women, yet in some parts of this country women canʼt get elected to local office, while in other areas women do hold leadership positions. What are the reasons for these differences and what can be done about it?

The 2012 National Conference for College Women Student Leaders will be held May 31 - June 2 at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. The NCCWSL website has launched! Share the conference flyer and learn how to support student leaders with the NCCWSL Program in a Box. If you are a student, find out how to obtain funding to attend.

FELLOWSHIPS AND GRANTS - THE HEART OF AAUW

Name ______________________________________ Branch credited ________________________

Address ________________________________________________________Zip_______________

Gift Amount ____________ Gifts of $100 - $174 confer membership in the Oregon Century Club; ! ! ! ! ! ! gifts of $175 or more, in the Oregon Century Club Plus.! ! ! ! For Foundation gifts of $100 or more the donor will receive the annual pin.! ! ! ! Gifts of $25 or more may be designated to honor a friend or a loved one.

This gift is a memorial to ___________________________________________________ (deceased)

This gift is a tribute to______________________________________________________ (living)

Acknowledgment should be sent to: ___________________________________________________

! Address ____________________________________________________________________

Credit my Gift to this Foundation fund: ! [ ]! #9110 Unrestricted Foundation Support! [ ] ! #9170 Eleanor Roosevelt Fund for Women and Girls! [ ]! #4339 Leadership Programs Fund! [ ]! #4337 Public Policy Fund! [ ]! #3999 Legal Advocacy Fund! [ ] ! #4363 Betsy McDowell Fund Make checks payable to AAUW Funds.Give or send to the branch AAUW Funds Chair, Joanne Stern, P.O. Box 2144, Salem, OR 97308Contributions are tax-deductible as charitable contributions for federal and state tax purposes.

Join AAUW Salem BranchWomen and men with an Associate Degree or higher are invited to join AAUW.

To join the Salem Branch:! Fill out this form.! ! ! ! Write your $75 check payable to AAUW Salem Branch! ! ! ! Mail the form, photocopy, and check to the Dues Treasurer:! ! ! ! ! Joanne Stern, P.O. Box 2144, Salem, OR 97308

Name:________________________________________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________________________________

Phone:_________________________________________________________(Home, Work, Cell)

Email:________________________________________________________________________

Degree:_________College/University:____________________________ Major:______________

Degree:_________College/University:____________________________ Major:______________

Page 9

Salem Branch AAUWP.O. Box 2144Salem, OR 97308

Return Service Requested

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy,

education, philanthropy, and

research.

To join Salem Branch• Fill out the form on Page 9 and• Mail it with your $75 check! payable to Salem AAUW to Dues Treasurer Joanne Stern! P.O. Box 2144! Salem, OR 97308

We hope you will join us!