Mission: To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.
Happy November!
The month of November is becoming synonymous with the act of giving since many non-profits solicit donations for end of the year giving. I would like to suggest another possible donation for you.
As many of you know, last year my family lost our great niece, only six and half years old, in a very tragic accident. To honor this beautiful, smart, athletic, and loving young girl, my husband and I set up the Addie Mae Memorial Fund for scholarships awarded to young women studying Education and/or Counseling in the state of Colorado. Last year, through the Colorado Springs branch, two outstanding recipients were each awarded $1,850 in scholarship money. This year we are hoping for even more scholarship money awarded and/or more recipients. Some of you are donors already …thank you for your generosity!
To make a tax deductible donation, please send a check made out to AAUW COS Branch with memo line Addie Mae to:
Ms. Joan Skoog
5540 Canvasback Court
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
More scholarship information will be available for you to share with your local colleges and universities in January.
In conclusion, I want to wish you and your family a very HappyThanksgiving during these difficult times. Although we may not be able to “gather together” with our loved ones, we can still feel the love and compassion among our family members and friends through phone calls, FaceTime, and family Zoom meetings.
You each are a blessing to me, and I am thankful for each of you!
Women Break Records With 2020 Election
We have just been a part of a “first” in women’s history in the United States. Regardless of your political affiliation, together we can recognize and celebrate the significance of Kamala Harris, a woman of diverse heritage, a daughter of immigrants, voted in as Vice President elect. One big step towards our AAUW’s mission for women’s equality.
Women also performed well in the US House of Representatives. According to a Huffpost article a week after the election, a record number of women were elected to the House with 113 women, including 87 Democrats and 26 Republicans and 45 women of color. Please note that these numbers are still being finalized as votes are counted. The GOP House caucus will have at least 26 female members breaking a record set in 2006. Approximately 25% of the House will be women representing both sides of the political spectrum which also represents a big step toward AAUW's goal for equity for women.
AAUW of Colorado Highlights Boulder Branch
Each month one branch will be recognized for their great work in supporting the AAUW Mission and Strategic Plan and strong support of their local community.
Boulder Branch Actively Reaches Out to Members and Community
The Boulder Branch has not let the pandemic curtail its fall events and schedule. Their schedule continues to be full and rewarding, utilizing Zoom for all of its events.
August 4--- Held a Work Smart workshop for Boulder Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals training 10 men and women.
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September 13--- Kick-Off meeting featured Denise Maes, of ACLU Colorado, speaking about issues facing our undocumented immigrant population --- provided a powerful exposure to the many injustices against a single group of individuals.
Introduced our three scholarship recipients for this year, each receiving $1,000. From left to right, PhD students: Lianne Brito (Geotechnical Engineering), Tara Ippolito (Environmental Studies), and Paige Massey (Philosophy).
October 14--- Held a Start Smart workshop for 60 undergraduate women in CU’s Leeds School of Business.
October 17--- Held a meeting on the 2020 Ballot Issues. Steve Colby, a retired economist and analyst for the State of Colorado discussed November Voting issues. He talked about the “hot” issues on the ballot, and also the “quiet” issues.
December 5--- Will be a meeting with KC Becker, Current Speaker of the Colorado House of Representative on what the focus of the January legislature might be and what else might be happening in government as a result of the election.
The Branch also continues to have Monthly Zoom Happy Hour to help keep its members in touch!
AAUW Funds Update
Congratulations to Littleton-South Metro and Gunnison Branches who have both contributed more than $30 per capita to the AAUW Greatest Needs Fund, a significant accomplishment for the 5-Star Recognition Program. Keep in mind, the $30 per capita accomplishment contributes to the Advancement star for branches and helps the state satisfy the goal of 9 branches achieving this requirement. Prior to December 31, consider a contribution to the national Greatest Needs Fund to help your branch and Colorado gain an Advancement star. We suggest you make contributions via the Member Services Database to ensure your contribution is attributed to your branch.
For Your Calendar
HEAR MY VOICE
WEBINAR PERFORMANCE Sat., December 12 at 1:00 pm
Virtual Doors Open at 12:50 pm
As featured in the October Connects, Littleton-South Metro Branch has arranged for AAUW of Colorado members to have the opportunity to witness the story of the suffrage movement in this exciting Webinar performance produced by the award-winning educational theatre company – Living Voices. This webinar is open to all AAUW of Colorado members, and there is no charge to attend. Please register by clicking here. Donations will be accepted for our Spring Scholarship Awards with checks payable to AAUW Littleton-South Metro and mailed to: Ginny Sherr, 210 Summit Blvd., Englewood, CO 80113.
Applications for Eugenia McClure Grant are due January 1. The purpose of this grant is to support Colorado branches for new initiatives/projects that will enhance the mission of AAUW.
Public Policy Day
Zoom Webinar
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Keynote speaker: Angie Paccione, Executive Director of Colorado Department of Higher Education
Additional details and registration link to be published in December Connects and on State website.
Are You Interested in Being a Facebook Contributor for AAUW of Colorado Facebook Page?
Communications Co-Chairs, Kathy Hall and Carolyn Cooley, are looking for one or more energetic individuals to routinely update our Facebook page. Typically we update the page once a week and generally do three posts per week. If interested contact us at aauwcomms@gmail.com.
In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks 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.
