Volume 81, Issue  2

President’s Message

Dear Arlington AAUW members,

Autumn has certainly gotten off to a very wet start. As I write Hurricane Helene has devastated several states, and Hurricane Milton promises to bring even more destruction. Our hearts go out to the suffering people are experiencing in those hard-hit areas.

Our September branch meeting speaker was Donna Parsell. Her presentation on the life and adventures of early 20th century journalist Eliza Scidmore was a wonderful way for members to start our fall meetings. Her biography, Eliza Scidmore: From Early White House Reporter to Washington’s Cherry Trees is well researched and written, and is of interest to all.

Members have lots of activities to join in the next few months. In October we will have the opportunity to learn more about DEI initiatives in Arlington, and in November we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of our branch with a panel discussion. Our October book discussion will be on The Art Thief. More information about these branch activities can be found further down in this newsletter. I am also looking forward to joining other branch members in seeing the Sondheim Tribute Review on October 20 at Creative Cauldron in Falls Church.

This summer our branch committed to sending out 200 Get out the Vote postcards, and branch members stepped up to fulfill our promise. Our postcards, sent out on October 1, were mailed to women voters in
Seminole County, Florida. I want to thank the branch members who volunteered to write the postcards. We joined branches throughout Virginia in sending out approximately 5000 postcards. Early voting has started here in Virginia, so be sure to vote now or on Election Day at the latest. Every vote counts! Best wishes to everyone for a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Terry Bratt
Arlington AAUW Branch President

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Arlington AAUW Branch meetings  in  2024

 

• Mon., Oct.21, at 7:00 pm, Lubber Run Community Center – “Empowering Voices: A Student-Led DEI Professional Development Workshop,” with Monica Lozano Caldera, MA, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, Arlington Career Center, Arlington Public Schools; and Marlene Reyes, Senior, Arlington Tech/Arlington Career Center, DEI Student Leader — The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recipient 2024.
• Sat., Nov. 16, at 10:30 am, Lubber Run Community Center – A celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Arlington Branch of AAUW with coffee and a very special cake. Bring your memories to share as we hear about the early history of the Arlington Branch and the activities of the Lunch Bunch (Meg), the International Coffee group (Priscilla), the Book Club (Barbara G.), the Science Fair judges (Susan Senn), and the Public Policy group (Sara Anderson). Marjorie Hobart and Vivian Kallen, as long-time members of AAUW-Arlington, will discuss their experiences and changes they have seen.
• Sat., Dec. 7, noon, Holiday luncheon at Côte d’Or. There will be a choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert. The room for the luncheon seats only 30; reserve early. Information on reservations will be sent out in early November.

Barbara Smith, Program Chair

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Let’s Talk About Books

The October meeting is on Tuesday, October 22, 2pm. Our book selection is The Art Thief by Michael Finkel. The meeting will be at your regular Zoom location. Shortly before the meeting Terry Bratt will send an invitation with the Zoom information. So, watch your email and come join the fun! Look forward to seeing you then.

There is no November book group meeting.

Barbara Gallagher, Let’s Talk About Books Chair

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AAUW Membership is in Season

Traditionally members of AAUW had to be invited to join the organization. In effect, this is still true today. People do not often join organizations; they join people. When you feel that sense of connection with a community member and want to spend more time with them, or even take an action, make sure to invite them. Invitation is our link to growth. It often takes a few negative responses to get to an affirmative response. So, ask early and often as you venture through your day.

Think about the medical providers you connect with in Arlington or our surrounding area. Invite them to join. Do you have children in your life who attend school? It does not matter where. Ask the children’s teacher to become a member in the community where they are living.

The latest tool to support your invitation is a QR code. A quick response (QR) code is an array of black and white squares that can be read by a machine’s camera. The QR code usually takes the user to a URL connecting them to information on a website. AAUW Arlington Branch will be looking into securing a QR code for our membership materials, after board approval. Your membership ensures a powerful voice is amplified on critical issues affecting women of all ages and girls. Each year we renew our commitment to focus on economic security, education and Title IX, and civil rights. Until next time, invite anyone who you think might be a wonderful addition to our group.

There is still time to renew! Continuing members can log on to renew or send a $103 check to Teri Doxsee for the full dues amount. Lifetime members pay $31 for state and local dues. This can be paid via the website or by sending a check to Teri Doxsee. Individuals who have trouble logging on may need to change their passwords.

Candace Lilyquist, VP Membership

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Lunch Bunch

Lunch bunch meetings will be starting soon.

 

 

 

Mary Beth Pelosky and Meg Tucillo, Lunch Bunch

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Public Policy

Lane Stone, President AAUW-Virginia sent all state branches a list of this year’s Equal Pay Days to share with all members. As you will see, there is still a lot of work to be done in leveling the playing field for women and girls.

• 2024
  • July 2024
    • 27 Black Women’s Equal Pay Day
  • August 2024
    • 7  Mom’s Equal Pay Day
    • 26 Women’s Equality Day
    • 26  104th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment
    • 28 Native HI/Pacific Islander Equal Pay Day
  • September
  • October
    • 3  Latina’s Equal Pay Day
  • November
    • 21 Native Women’s Equal Pay Day
• 2025
  • March
    • 5  Equal Pay Day
    • 8 International Women’s Day
  • May
    • 3  AAPI Equal Pay Day

Terry Bratt, Branch President