The Keystoner - AAUW Pennsylvaniaaauw-pa.aauw.net/files/2012/02/AAUW-PA-Keystoner-E-News...Program...
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The Keystoner Advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Volume 82, No. 2 MAY 2014 Leader Log Margaret McGrath, Outgoing AAUW-PA President Women on All Fronts As I conclude four years as AAUW-PA President, I am proud that we DO have women on all fronts, and that they were front and center at April’s AAUW-PA Annual Meeng in Geysburg. Students felt members were inspiring; members thought the students were energizing. Members engaged and discussed issues. The consensus of the morning session on public policy priories added “quality” to the educaon priority in the draſt published in the yearbook. The group then agreed that AAUW-PA should lend its voice to the discussion of K-12 educaon, which is now the hoest issue in the governor’s race. At the business meeng, these results were presented to the membership, and the membership approved the modified public policy priories and a resoluon draſted in the morning to form a study group on educaon. While AAUW-PA convened interested members, the members drove the content and modeled a consensual democracy. While the cancellaon of the Gubernatorial forum on Friday night was a disappointment, Julia Brown, AAUW VP gave part of the naonal update during the town hall meeng. Also, we watched a new documentary “Madame Presidenta: Why Not US?” courtesy of the Women and Girls Foundaon (wgfpa.org). AAUW-PA Summer Retreat—Lewisburg Sat., July 12th, 10am—3pm All branch members are invited to aend the AAUW- PA Summer Retreat Meeng. This year we will have two primary topics to discuss. The first is on AAUW’s recently revised Fundraising Policy: www.aauw.org/ resource/fundraising-policy-501/, which is to be implemented July 1, 2014. Guidelines for this policy may be found at www.aauw.org/resource/fundraising- policy-guidelines/. They spell out what AAUW and the IRS expect of AAUW branhces when fundraising in AAUW’s name. The presenters for this topic will be the naonal AAUW office’s Vice President of Annual Giving, Laura Stepp, and other naonal staff. They will be prepared to give us an overview of the policy and answer any quesons. (SUMMER RETREAT, page 2) Serving AAUW Branches Throughout Pennsylvania hp://aauw-pa.aauw.net/ (see LOG, page 3) AAUW-PA Annual Meeng Receives Excellent Reviews We received 50 paper surveys and 25 electronic surveys from the AAUW-PA Annual Meeng. The feedback was overwhelmingly posive and parcipants provided many valuable suggesons for future meengs. Julia Brown, Jill Titus, Char Rusnak, and the Humphrey Fellows received rave reviews as did most of the concurrent sessions. The parcipaon of the college students was a real posive. Special thanks to outgoing AAUW-PA Program Vice-President Talat Azhar, for her efforts doing a first-class job on programming for the meeng. The areas needing aenon were idenfied as branch highlight displays, sales, and archives. Parcipants also shared some dissasfacon with the officers’ installaon and award ceremonies. Dinner vouchers were received as a welcome sign despite the long waits at the hotel restaurant. One parcipant commented that the Friday dinner arrangement was a pleasant change from the usual pizza dinner. Only a small number of parcipants invited family and friends to Geysburg. See pp. 4-5 for photo highlights! Outgoing AAUW-PA President Margaret McGrath (leſt) with newly installed AAUW-PA President, Dot McLane (2014-2016). Laura Stepp from AAUW Naonal will outline fundraising policies for branches.
Transcript of The Keystoner - AAUW Pennsylvaniaaauw-pa.aauw.net/files/2012/02/AAUW-PA-Keystoner-E-News...Program...
The Keystoner
Advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Volume 82, No. 2 MAY 2014
Leader Log
Margaret McGrath, Outgoing AAUW-PA President
Women on All Fronts
As I conclude four years as AAUW-PA President, I am proud that we DO have women on all fronts, and that they were front and center at April’s AAUW-PA Annual Meeting in Gettysburg. Students felt members were inspiring; members thought the students were energizing. Members engaged and discussed issues.
The consensus of the morning session on public policy priorities added “quality” to the education priority in the draft published in the yearbook. The group then agreed that AAUW-PA should lend its voice to the discussion of K-12 education, which is now the hottest issue in the governor’s race. At the business meeting, these results were presented to the membership, and the membership approved the modified public policy priorities and a resolution drafted in the morning to form a study group on education. While AAUW-PA convened interested members, the members drove the content and modeled a consensual democracy.
While the cancellation of the Gubernatorial forum on Friday night was a disappointment, Julia Brown, AAUW VP gave part of the national update during the town hall meeting. Also, we watched a new documentary “Madame Presidenta: Why Not US?” courtesy of the Women and Girls Foundation (wgfpa.org).
AAUW-PA Summer Retreat—Lewisburg
Sat., July 12th, 10am—3pm
All branch members are invited to attend the AAUW-PA Summer Retreat Meeting. This year we will have two primary topics to discuss. The first is on AAUW’s recently revised Fundraising Policy: www.aauw.org/resource/fundraising-policy-501/, which is to be implemented July 1, 2014. Guidelines for this policy may be found at www.aauw.org/resource/fundraising-policy-guidelines/. They spell out what AAUW and the IRS expect of AAUW branhces when fundraising in AAUW’s name. The presenters for this topic will be the national AAUW office’s Vice President of Annual Giving, Laura Stepp, and other national staff. They will be prepared to give us an overview of the policy and answer any questions. (SUMMER RETREAT, page 2)
Serving AAUW Branches Throughout Pennsylvania
http://aauw-pa.aauw.net/
(see LOG, page 3)
AAUW-PA Annual Meeting Receives Excellent Reviews
We received 50 paper surveys and 25
electronic surveys from the AAUW-PA
Annual Meeting. The feedback was
overwhelmingly positive and
participants provided many valuable
suggestions for future meetings. Julia
Brown, Jill Titus, Char Rusnak, and the Humphrey Fellows received rave
reviews as did most of the concurrent sessions. The participation of the
college students was a real positive. Special thanks to outgoing AAUW-PA
Program Vice-President Talat Azhar, for her efforts doing a first-class job on
programming for the meeting.
The areas needing attention were identified as branch highlight displays,
sales, and archives. Participants also shared some dissatisfaction with the
officers’ installation and award ceremonies. Dinner vouchers were received
as a welcome sign despite the long waits at the hotel restaurant. One
participant commented that the Friday dinner arrangement was a pleasant
change from the usual pizza dinner. Only a small number of participants
invited family and friends to Gettysburg. See pp. 4-5 for photo highlights!
Outgoing AAUW-PA President Margaret McGrath (left) with newly installed AAUW-PA President, Dot McLane (2014-2016).
Laura Stepp from AAUW National will outline fundraising policies for branches.
Page 2 The Keystoner
AAUW-PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Dot McLane
Program Vice President Michele Buford
Membership Co-VP Linda Tozier
Membership Co-VP Jackie Heaney
Secretary Susan Norris
Finance Officer Susan Donahue
Administrative Director Patricia Byerly
District Coordinator (Central) OPEN*
District Coordinator (East) Martha Czop
District Coordinator (West) OPEN*
College/University Liaison Deb Roney
AAUW-PA Funds Chair Rosemary Baker
Bylaws Chair Barbara Price
Public Policy Co-Chair Toni Hoffman
Public Policy Co-Chair Susan McNamara
Annual Meeting Yearbook OPEN*
(See BOARD, page 3)
AAUW-PA SUMMER RETREAT REGISTRATION
Online Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/julyregistration2014
Paper Form Registration: Please clip the form below, and mail to Susan Donahue,
AAUW-PA Finance Officer, 600 Brighton Drive, Hatfield, PA 19440 Questions? Contact Susan: [email protected], (215) 412-4095
Registration Deadline: Saturday, July 5th
For those planning to arrive on Friday, July 11th, we have reserved several non-smoking rooms that are guaranteed until June 20th. Please contact the hotel directly to book your room, and mention the AAUW-PA meeting when you book it. Attendees are responsible for the cost of their room, which would be $120 plus tax.
AAUW-PA SUMMER RETREAT RESERVATION
I plan to attend the July 12th retreat!
Name: __________________________Branch_______________
Phone: ___________________ Email: ______________________
___ I am one of two branch members attending—meeting fees waived.
___My $20 check made out to “AAUW-PA” is enclosed.
(SUMMER RETREAT, page 1)
The other topic to discuss will be Public Policy, specifically, providing resources and skills to guide you in advocating for women and girls. Strategies and actions of advocacy and creating advocacy coalitions will be presented by Tam St. Claire, President and Nancy Morrill, President Emerita of the Bucks County Women’s Advocacy Coalition. In addition, the state Public Policy Co-Chairs will update you on the public policy plans for AAUW-PA for 2014-2015 including your role in this important area.
See meeting registration information below, also found at http://aauw-pa.aauw.net/.
Saturday, July 12, 10:00 a.m.— 3:00 p.m. Best Western Country Cupboard Inn
Route 15N, Lewisburg, PA 17837 (570) 524-5500
AAUW-PA PA will pay all meeting costs (including lunch) for two branch members. The cost
for additional attendees is $20/person.
Page 3 Volume 82, Number 1
AAUW-PA Vision
AAUW-PA will be a welcoming and inclusive organization that serves as a significant resource and powerful advocate for Pennsylvania branches and members in their work toward achieving the mission and vision of AAUW.
Education Resolution
At April’s AAUW-PA annual
meeting, attendees discussed the fact that education legislation has not been revised meaningfully in decades. It was resolved to form
and support a study group whose purpose will be to address the feasibility of creating a formal AAUW-PA white paper that
expresses our position on quality K-12 public education, including the funding and format of brick and
mortar, cyber, and charter schools.
The committee is chaired by Cheryl
Towers (Fox Chapel Area Branch)
and Martha Czop (Levittown-Lower Bucks Branch). We need
representation from all corners of the state. Our plan is to work
online by dividing up and sharing information over the summer.
Committee members will be asked to meet with individuals in their
own area. We will then formulate a plan with a budget in the early
fall, and have a document ready to present to the AAUW-PA board in
January, 2015. We need members! To join the group, contact:
(BOARD, from page 2)
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Archives Chair Linda Robbins
Conference Coordinator Linda Robbins
Conference Registrar Sherry Crassweller
Keystoner Editor Connie Schroeder
Outstanding Woman Chair Suzanne Kerlin
Social Media Coordinator OPEN*
Visibility Chair OPEN*
Website Coordinator OPEN*
*There are currently several openings on the AAUW-PA 2014-2016 board. If you have an interest in serving, a background in an open position, and the ability to attend quarterly board meetings, contact Dot McLane, [email protected]. Thank you!
(LOG from page 3)
In the film, Brazilians reflected that Dilma rose to be Presidenta as a long-term colleague of the last President, and as the successful head of a key initiative. Dilma became Presidenta because of the fact that people were willing to work hard on her behalf.
With the engagement of AAUW-PA members, why couldn’t the same thing happen in the U.S.? A goal is just a dream with a deadline.
Congratulations AAUW-PA NCCWSL Scholarship Winners!
This year, AAUW-PA offered five scholarships to the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL), which will take place June 5-7 at the University of Maryland in College Park. The annual conference focuses on leadership and career development for college women.
Members of the AAUW-PA Scholarship Selection Committee are pleased to announce the following 2014 winners:
Darragh D. Friedman, from Malvern, PA, and a senior at Temple University, is a photojournalist studying Communication Studies & Women’s Studies.
Kayla Hardner comes from Erie and is a senior at Gannon University. Kayla is and education major and is interested in member-participation in organizations.
Heidi Kurter, a junior, studies human resource management at DeSales University. Hailing economic security, women’s health, and leadership, and women in politics.
Sara Abdollahi, a student from Canada, now living in Pittsburgh, has studied engineering and is now a Ph.D. candidate in engineering and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Sara won the Ward-Roney Grant.
Khloud Hassan-Assran comes from Bethlehem, PA, and is a junior studying political science at Moravian College. Khloud declined the PA grant because she was the recipient of a national AAUW scholarship to NCCWSL.
The selection committee was comprised of Cathy Wieland, Chair; Michele Buford; Susan McNamara; and Deb Roney.
Those interested in learning more about NCCWSL opportunities should visit www.nccwsl.org. They are also welcome to contact Deb Roney, College/University Liaison, [email protected].
Page 4 The Keystoner
AAUW-PA Gettysburg Annual Meeting Highlights
Margaret McGrath needs a hand.
NEW LEADERSHIP—AAUW-PA President Dot McLane and Program VP Michele Buford, assume new duties.
COLLEGE PANEL FOCUS FOR YOUNG WOMEN—Left to right: Janet Gillespie, Kate Cohen, Kristin McKenzie, Emalee Lally, Kate Brown, Huong Nguyen, Deb Roney, AAUW-PA College-University Liaison.
HUMPHREY FELLOWS PANEL ADDS INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE—Left to right: Yvonne Yon, Judith Sakubu, Talat Azhar (Penn State Humphrey Fellows Associate Director), Zodwa Thwala.
A CIVIL WAR WOMAN joined our social hour!
ENJOYING THE MOMENT—Cheryl Towers, Fox Chapel Area, with Martha Czop and Barbara Price, both from Levittown-Lower Bucks.
Page 5 Volume 82, Number 1
AAUW-PA Gettysburg Annual Meeting Highlights
WOMEN ON ALL FRONTS: Our three
featured speakers for the meeting all delivered powerful, and interesting messages. Left to right, Char Rusnak, former NATO Gender Integration Advisor in Afghanistan spoke on the role of Afghan women in the military; Jill Titus from Gettysburg College provided a fascinating history lesson on civil rights in Gettysburg 100 years after the Civil War, and Julia Brown, AAUW National President, shared an exciting look at AAUW initiatives, moving into the future.
OUTSTANDING WOMEN: Amy Beiler, Butler; Pamela Good, Doylestown; Fran Pierce, West Chester-Chester County; Cheryl Towers, Fox Chapel Area; Jane Long, York.
SPOTLIGHT AWARD HONOREES: Morgan Pickands, Doylestown; Ann Duerr, West Chester-Chester County; Carol Anderson, York.
TOP BRANCHES, TOTAL GIVING: Row 1: Susan Norris, Valley Forge; Randi Blauth, Bethlehem. Row 2: Nancy Butow, Easton; Lee Wolfe, Lansdale; Charlene Harrison, State College; Kathy Shaginaw, Makefield Area; Jan Barnes, York.
The complete list of 2014 award recipients may be viewed at: http://aauw-pa.aauw.net/
files/2014/01/2014-AAUW-PA-Annual-Meeting-Slide-Show.pdf
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE—Memership Co-VPs Linda Tozier and Jackie Heaney congratulate Ann Duerr, a branch Spotlight Award recipient.
The Keystoner Page 6
Next Steps After Equal Pay Day
Peggy Schmiedecke, Outgoing AAUW-PA Public Policy Co-Chair
Please make sure to report all of your public policy activities, including ones for Equal Pay Day, in the AAUW report-back form: http://bit.ly/AAUWEventForm.
The 77-cent statistic (upon which the April date is based) doesn’t tell the whole story of the gender pay gap. The
gap is even larger for women of color and moms, and even when you control for factors known to affect
earnings, there is still a 7-percent gap between men and women just one year out of college. In light of all this
information, we hope you will save the following dates
for other “Equal Pay Days” through the year:
The symbolic day when the average working mom’s
wages catch up to the average working father’s wages: Thursday, June 12th.
African-American women are paid only 64 cents, and
Hispanic women only 54 cents, for every dollar paid
to white, non-Hispanic men. The symbolic day when the average African-American woman’s wages catch up to the average white, non-Hispanic man’s wages:
Wednesday, July 16th.
The symbolic day when the average Latina’s wages catch up to the average white non-Hispanic man’s wages: Wednesday, November 12th.
These dates are opportunities to do many of the same
activities you are already doing successfully: letters to the
editor, op-eds, issue forums, rallies, and more. These are
symbolic dates, just like the April date for Equal Pay Day. AAUW National moves around the date of observance to
accommodate holidays, weekends, etc.
Equal pay is a family issue. Women make up nearly half
of the U.S. Labor force and are a growing number of breadwinners in their families. More women are also
working in positions and fields that have been
traditionally occupied by men. When women are not paid fairly, not only do they suffer, but so do their families.
While progress has been made, the pay gap affects all
women and is larger among minority women and women with disabilities. Over the course of her lifetime, this pay
gap will cost a woman and her family lost wages, reduced
pensions and diminished Social Security benefits.
MINI-GRANT PROJECTS Betty Hooker, Outgoing AAUW-PA Public Policy Co-Chair
In June 2013, AAUW-PA was awarded a $1,000 Public Policy Grant. As the grant year ends, Peggy Schmiedecke, AAUW-PA Public Policy Co-Chair reflects on the grant's impact.
The mini-grants gave branches the opportunity to rally members, and create awareness about the issue and about their branch, resulting in new members. It also created ideas for other branches.
A unique feature of the 2013 grant was the opportunity for C/U Partners to apply for the $100 mini-grants. A number of branches co-operated with colleges and universities as they planned their projects, as follows: Lebanon Valley Branch supported Lebanon Valley
College's Green Dot Program. Lock Haven Branch worked with Lock Haven
University to organize a domestic violence vigil and speaker.
North Hills-McKnight held a town meeting at La Roche College, and the Bethlehem Branch held panel discussions at both the Northampton Community College Campus and Lehigh University.
Juniata College Student Organization and the Huntingdon Branch worked together to organize a campus screening of The Line, a tabling event, and a campus-wide discussion of the college's sexual harassment and assault policies.
The Bradford Branch is working with college students to produce a pamphlet about community resources that are available to victims of domestic violence.
Other branches focused on community awareness. West Chester-Chester County Branch concentrated on informing their members about the prevalence of human trafficking. Towanda Branch celebrated their ninetieth anniversary and reminded the community of the pivotal role they played in founding the Rape and Abuse Center in Bradford County. York Branch helped organize the first actual and virtual statewide Lobby Day in Harrisburg.
The focus and support for the mini-grants created was of greater value than the $100 grant that branches received.
Page 7 Volume 82, Number 1
CENTRAL DISTRICT
Carlisle Membership growth a 90th Anniversary gift
The AAUW Carlisle Branch is proud to be celebrating its 90th anniversary this year! Our charter meeting in 1924 was held at Dickinson College, chaired by Josephine Meredith, dean of women. Of the 54 charter members, 47 were Dickinson alumnae.
Over the past year, we have highlighted issues that national has promoted, by offering programs on human trafficking, political parity for women and sexual harassment in the military. In addition to enjoying trips to local sites of interest, members generously donated funds to finance three scholarships this year to young women in the community.
We were also proud to award two $1,500 scholarships to returning adult women students this past year.
With the addition of ten new branch members this year, our membership has grown 16%, which is the best anniversary gift we could give ourselves. Our 90th year culminates with a birthday celebration in May, as members look back on the branch's history.
—Cindy Sutton
WESTERN DISTRICT
Washington Sister-to-Sister
Working with several other community groups, we co-sponsored our 14th Sister-to-Sister Summit for 6-7th grade girls this spring, an overnight program, at the Citizens Library in Washington, PA.
The girls shared common struggles and personal strategies for coping, finding their own solutions for change. 11—12th grade peer facilitators led small-group "chat" discussions on peer pressure, bullying, self-esteem and body image issues. Team-building, fun and food filled out the program.
The Summit is coordinated solely by volunteers, with costs covered by sponsoring organizations, local grants and private donations.
—Kathy Sabol
Branch Bits and Pieces
Submissions for Branch Bits and Pieces are welcome! Please send to [email protected].
EASTERN DISTRICT
Pottstown Area Work with Salvation Army
In March, our branch had lunch with Wendy Egolf, the Family Residence Director of the Lessig Booth Family Residence (LBFR), which is part of the Salvation Army of Pottstown. This program provides families with a safe environment while they search for permanent housing. The facility can accommodate eleven homeless families at one time.
The program also helps residents to become self-sufficient through counseling and life-skills classes. A full-time case manager tailors the program to each family's situation. LBFR accepts donations of money, linens, towels and utensils. This was a very informative program, and resulted in some members to contributing to the program.
—Phoebe Kelleher
Wendy Egolf (left) of the Pottstown Salvation Army, with Ann Marie Arbo, Pottstown Area AAUW, at the March luncheon program.
The girls made this wonderful quilt over the Summit weekend.
Mark Your Calendar
Thursday, June 12 The symbolic day when
the average working mom’s wages catch up to the average working
father’s wages.
Saturday, July 12 AAUW-PA Summer Retreat, details pages 1-2.
Thursday, October 16 PA Conference for Women, PA Convention Center—Philadelphia paconferenceforwomen.org
AAUW-PA Keystoner Quarterly Newsletter
Your branch news is vital to the success and impact of this quarterly newsletter. Please send your AAUW news and views to Connie Schroeder: [email protected]
AAUW NATIONAL Phone: (800) 326-2289 Web: www.aauw.org/ E-mail: [email protected]
AAUW PENNSYLVANIA www.aauw-pa.aauw.net/ http://twitter.com/aauwpa
Stories Due: August 1
Nov. 1 Feb. 1
Publish Date: Sept. 1 Dec. 1 Mar. 1
The Keystoner
Website Submissions Please send submissions for the AAUW-PA website to Patricia Byerly, [email protected].
Reporting an Address Change
E-newsletter Subscribers: E-mail address changes should be sent to the person in your branch who manages e-mailings.
Paper Subscribers: Address changes for paper newsletter subscribers should be sent to Patricia Byerly at [email protected].
Pocano Area Branch Celebrates 50+Year Member
Pocono Area Branch of AAUW, Founded 1882, is proud to announce the 50+ year membership of Jean Bollard. Jean could always be relied upon to assist in any and all Pocono Area AAUW projects, and was a "right-hand" for more than sixty years of branch book sales. She also served as corresponding secretary for many years. Congratulations, Jean!
Visibility Matters Sandy Rhodes, Outgoing AAUW-PA Visibility Chair
Think outside the box! The many media outlets beyond the newspaper. Facebook is free, and community blogs and many radio stations are posting events on their websites/blogs. Get to know what’s in your community and use it to your advantage.
Northampton College e-SAF Member Attends CGI University
Dalairis Amaro, an e-student affiliate at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, recently attended Clinton Global Initiative University, as one of eight AAUW-affiliated women to be selected. Her project was a leadership retreat for 50 local high school girls. She has created a workshop series and a non-profit to help student-parents graduate. Kudos, Dalairis!
HUNTINGDON BRANCH HOSTS SISTER-TO-SISTER ACTIVITIES
Eighth-grade girls from three schools at the Sister-to-Sister Summit hosted by the AAUW-Juniata College Student Organization and AAUW-Huntingdon Branch tackle a group problem-solving.
Women in Community Colleges: Access to Success
Women are relying on community colleges for higher education and workforce preparation more than ever. This new AAUW report recommends policies and practices to help women succeed in community colleges. Learn more at:
http://www.aauw.org/resource/women-in-community-colleges/
At a child's birth, if a mother could ask a
fairy godmother to endow it with the most
useful gift, that gift would be curiosity.
~Eleanor Roosevelt
Passages Janice McElroy, 1937– 2014
Allentown Branch
Past branch president AAUW-PA state president Women’s Issues Chair for AAUW National Executive Director for the Pennsylvania
Commission for Women 1988-1995
