Author Archives: Teri Doxsee

Renewal information for current members

 

Now is the time to renew!! Check your email!!

Membership dues should be paid by June 30, 2021. Membership dues are $93–national $63, state $15, and local $16. Of the $63 for national dues, $59 is tax deductible. Your emailed receipt will show this information.

Pay Online – THE EASIEST WAY IS TO PAY ON-LINE after you receive a dues notice from memberinfo@aauw.org (AAUW National) the first week of May. The subject line was:  AAUW Membership Renewal for Fiscal Year 2022.

Once you receive the email to renew from AAUW, click on the link, enter your credit card number, and your membership is renewed in less than 30 seconds.  Look for that email and renew that day!

Contact Mary Spatz if you can not find the email and ask her to send you a new one.

Pay by Check – If you prefer to renew by check, please send your check for $93, made payable to AAUW-Arlington Branch to: Mary Spatz, Treasurer, AAUW-Arlington, (see membership directory for address)  Please mail your check so it is received well in advance of June 30.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND your dues payment directly to National AAUW.  DO NOT RENEW through National’s web site. You will not be listed as an Arlington branch member.

What does the Arlington Branch do?

Arlington Branch Report to AAUW Virginia 2020 Conference

We engage the community in multiple activities in pursuit of AAUW’s strategic objectives.  

  • Our largest community engagement is conducting 6-8 public meetings each year on topics supportive of AAUW’s strategic objectives:  education, economic security, and leadership.  This educates us, potential members, and the community at large about issues which affect equity for women and girls, especially in Arlington.  
  • At our most active outreach program, called “Lunch Bunch,” volunteers provide lunch and a monthly program to motivate, encourage, and support young women aged 18-30 from diverse cultural backgrounds, all working to attain a high school diploma at Arlington Community High School. Programs, developed cooperatively with school administrators, relate to current issues.  For example, the 2018-19 theme, “Finding My Voice,” addressed strategies to build self-confidence, empowerment and healthy relationships.  
  • AAUW Arlington volunteers participate in the THIS/AAUW International Coffee Group, which meets with staff or dependents from embassies to the U.S. to welcome them and introduce them to U.S. culture.  
  • We raise funds for, and select and award three $1000 scholarships annually for high school seniors headed to college—two for excellence in the arts using our Elizabeth Campbell Fund, and one for a Lunch Bunch participant.  We also provide a grant to the school where our selected Educator of the Year works to expand his/her work. In addition, this year branch members will serve as judges at the 2020 Regional Science Fair, and we will give awards to the best three middle school and best three high school projects by girls at our STEM-themed April meeting.  

We also have two activities which focus on development of our members and our branch.  

  • Our Book Group members meet monthly to discuss books selected once a year, often relating to current AAUW issues.  An excellent example is The Color of Law, discussed in February 2020, which documents how government action has caused and reinforced racial segregation in housing.  
  • As a means to improve the focus of our public meetings on education, economic security, and leadership, the outgoing and incoming Boards of Directors meet to identify and prioritize topics related to these AAUW strategic objectives for the next year’s public meetings, which the Co-VPs for Program use to guide their work. This practice, begun in 2018, represents an improvement in the fourth AAUW strategic objective, which is management.  

Current information about our activities may be found at:  https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=newsarlvaaauw%40gmail.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York.  

Annual meeting 2020

Annual Meeting Rescheduled for May 30th 10:30 a.m. on Zoom

Annual MeetingAAUW Arlington, Virginia Annual Meeting will take place virtually, using Zoom software.  Our Bylaws require an annual meeting, but state law exonerates us from the requirement that it take place in March based on the emergency situation. There are 3 pieces of essential business:  to approve last year’s minutes, vote on the nominations committee’s slate of officers, and vote on bylaws changes.

Branch members will be sent notification of this meeting at least 20 days in advance.  That email will include the link for Zoom and instructions.

Here are the reports needed for the meeting:

Proposed Slate of Officers for 2020-2021

The membership will vote on the following slate of new officers for two year terms, July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 at the annual business meeting:

  • Co-second VP for Membership: Gail McGinn
  • Secretary:  Marie Schryver
  • Treasurer:  Gloria Rothman

The following officers’ terms of office continue through FY 20-21:

  • President: Carol Dabbs
  • Co-first VPs for Programs: Chioma Eni and Meg Tuccillo
  • Co-second VP for Membership: Michele Milden
  • Assistant Treasurer: Teri Doxsee

AAUW Va Conference Canceled

Dear Branch Presidents,
 
It is with many regrets, but, our AAUW of VA Board after much discussion decided that due to the increasing concern about the coronavirus and the Governor’s Declaration of a State of Emergency and urging of non-profits to curtail large meetings, that we should cancel the State Conference scheduled for April 17 – 19.  There are many ramifications to this and things that still need to be worked out according to our bylaws and normal practices.  Please stay tuned for further information regarding all of this including an electronic opt in for our Annual Business Meeting which will be held on April 18th.  
 
In the meantime, please post the following announcement on your website and FB pages and communicate with all of your members.

The 2020 AAUW of Virginia State Conference, scheduled for April 17-19 in Alexandria, has been CANCELLED due to concerns about the health and safety of our members. We will be refunding all registration fees. For those who reserved rooms at the hotel, you will need to cancel those reservations individually. 

We give a big thanks to the conference organizers Joanne Clark and Arlene Shapiro, our AAUW  of VA VP of Program, Sandy Lawrence, and the branches who volunteered to assist with the event. 

We will be holding our 2021 State Conference March 12-14 at the Holiday Inn and Suites Alexandria (same hotel we were going to use in 2020). 

Everyone stay safe!

Thank you all for your cooperation and understanding,
Carol Stephens and Leslie Tourigny
Co – Presidents of AAUW of VA

AAUW Arlington STEM Initiative 2020

Science Fairs in schools today are the birthplace of most research performed by students all the way from 1st grade through high school. Elementary schools have adopted the challenge and are working much harder to foster scientific literacy by having children plan and conduct their own research projects.  Often, students’ research leads them to careers in scientific fields. Recently, Arlington was ranked #3 best place for Women in Technology.

We would like to raise the profile of our Branch of AAUW by encouraging young women to pursue studies in scientific fields.  Susan Senn and Sara Anderson have secured a place among the organizations who judge selected projects after the official judging is over at the Regional Science Fair on March 21. We propose one first place and three runner-up awards in each division (Middle and high school), for a total expenditure of $375.  The Branch Board of Directors gave preliminary approval to this proposal at its January meeting.

Lunch Bunch

As the 2019-2020 school year opens at Arlington Community High School, our AAUW members, Principal Dr. Barbara Thompson, and Counselor Patricia Sanguinetti are looking forward to another successful Lunch Bunch program. AAUW members have been motivating, encouraging, and supporting the Lunch Bunch students (young women ages 18-30) for over 30 years. The school serves students from diverse cultural backgrounds, all hopeful of attaining a high school diploma. Lunch Bunch programs are held monthly on the third Thursday of the month (October through May) from 12:30-1:20 PM at 800 S. Walter Reed Drive in Arlington.

February 2020 Lunch Bunch

Ms. Carmen Hackett, shown with Patricia Sanguinetti from Arlington Community High School, Meg Tuccillo, Maryann Ullrich, and Susan Senn of AAUW.

Ms. Carmen Hackett, shown with Patricia Sanguinetti from Arlington Community High School, Meg Tuccillo, Maryann Ullrich, and Susan Senn of AAUW.

On Thursday, February 20, our guest speaker was Ms. Carmen Hackett. She is a 53 year – old firefighter/paramedic with DC Fire and EMS and was featured this past summer on the local ABC and NBC news for her career accomplishments. She is a single mother with a 14 year- old son. Her rise to fame began with an AA degree in Culinary Arts. At the age of 20, she moved to DC and worked for GSA. Wanting more excitement in her life, she earned her Emergency Medical Technician Certification and began work with DC Fire and EMS. After 10+ years, once again she challenged herself and earned an Intermediate Paramedic Certification. That effort required 3 separate 6-month long training courses, 11 attempts to pass the qualifying exams, and 5 years total effort. Then, not content yet, she earned her full Firefighter designation in the Spring of 2019.  Throughout her career, she has continued to challenge herself and has risen to the status of her current job.  Along with her job, she enjoys hand dancing, painting and movies. She has 3 other jobs in addition to her Firefighter/Paramedic duties. Her presentation was quite humorous  and really impressed upon the girls the notion of “Never give up!” She is the perfect example of “Make It Possible”.

The Lunch Bunch young women, after a pizza, salad, cookies, fruit, and Valentine’s candy lunch, listened intently to her story. They asked several questions after about what it took to keep her going forward. They enjoyed her presentation very much.

 

About the Lunch Bunch

Our educational programs and themes are developed cooperatively with the school administrators and with input from volunteers and students in the program. Topics and themes frequently relate to current issues identified through student surveys and concerns, including immigration issues, health care, community resources, careers, finance, continuing education, sexual harassment, and navigating legal systems, to name a few.

Last year’s theme, “Finding My Voice,” addressed multiple strategies to buildself-confidence, empowerment and healthy relationships. The monthly presentations for students were both inspirational and practical. Our own member, Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchez, opened our program with an inspirational message about setting and maintaining high standards and expectations.

The final meeting last year provided an opportunity to congratulate the Lunch Bunch students who were graduating. One student, Keiry Argueta, was presented with a $1,000 AAUW scholarship to NOVA. In addition, three students were awarded $25 gift certificates for top attendance at meetings.

If you are looking for an opportunity to be part of a team effort to make a real difference in the success of young women from different countries, contact the Lunch Bunch Coordinators. AAUW volunteers provide pizza or chicken as a main course along with a salad, fruit, and/or dessert.

Contact Susan Senn if you can join us or need more information.

2020 AAUW VA Conference

The conference will be held in Alexandria at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites on April 17-19. It promises to be an excellent remembrance and celebration of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19 Amendment.

The conference is being hosted by the AAUW Virginia Northern District Branches.  Each branch in the district has been asked to sign up for specific responsibilities in order to make the conference happen.  We (Arlington) have agreed to staff the registration table, in addition to the Registrar of the conference, Tammie Mullins-Rice of the Virginia Beach Branch. (See below for how to sign up).

Each branch will also be asked to donate a basket to be raffled off at the event.  These can be themed any way that branches deem appropriate; it has been observed that those with wine included seem quite popular. 

Here is the program:

Friday, April 17 

Pre-Conference Optional Tour of the Alexandria Black History Museum (2:30 p.m.) 

– Registration (3:00-7:00 p.m.) 
– Evening get together (cash bar) (6:30-9:30 p.m.) 
– Presentation by the ladies from the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial

Saturday, April 18 

Optional morning walk (6:45-7:15 a.m.) 
Registration (7:45-10:00 a.m.) 

CONFERENCE BEGINS 8:30 a.m. 

– Keynote Speaker – Janice E. Ruth, Library of Congress 
– Business Meeting 
-Workshops (Choice of 1 morning & 1 afternoon session) 
– Luncheon with Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr., Speaker 
– AAUW: 20/20 Vision—Kendra Davis, AAUW Senior Vice President for Advancement and Partnerships  
– Panel Discussion 
– First Timers/New Member Reception 
– 7:00 p.m. Conference Banquet Honoring Woman of Achievement Awardees 
Senator Janet Howell and Scientist Ana Humphrey 

Sunday, April 19 

Optional morning walk (6:45-7:15 a.m.)   
– Branch Diversity and Inclusion Points-of-Contact Meeting (8:00 a.m.) 
– District Meetings (8:30 a.m.) 
– Basket Drawings 
– Panel Discussions 
– Business Meeting – adjourned by 12 noon 

Post-Conference Optional Activity (12:45 p.m.)    Women’s History Walking Tour given by Elisabeth Johnson, PhD   

To register online, go here: https://aauw-va.aauw.net/2020-aauw-of-virginia-state-conference-registration/ 

See the brochure: https://aauw-va.aauw.net/files/2020/02/Brochure-Conference-2020-Alexandria-FINAL3_compressed.pdf

Guaranteed Way to Meet Scores of  AAUW Virginia Members!

Plans for the AAUW Virginia 2020 Conference in Alexandria April 17 and 18 are coming together.  Looking at the program, it should be an exciting and educational event. This Conference runs on volunteer effort; each AAUW branch in Virginia is asked to take on a specific task, and altogether, a complete conference occurs!  

Gail McGinn and I are on the organizing committee, and have agreed that AAUW Arlington’s part will be to staff the registration desk, providing our branch the opportunity to meet, and welcome to our neighborhood, literally scores of AAUW Virginia members from all over the state. These are among the most interesting folks I’ve ever met, no kidding.  (Also, Carol is from Tennessee, and wants to share the experience of being a volunteer with everyone!)  

While the Registrar of the Conference will be there to collect registrations and payments, we will sign in Conference attendees, get them their nametags, packets, and meal tickets, etc. 

The shifts we need to staff with 2 persons each are:

Friday, April 17:                                Saturday, April 18:

2:00PM to 4:00PM                            7:15AM to 9:15AM

4:00PM to 6:00PM                            9:15AM to 10:30AM  

6:00PM to 7:30PM                          

Please let us know your availability and your shift preferences by email to Carol Dabbs (presarlvaaauw@gmail.com) or Gail McGinn to sign up!  

–Carol Dabbs and Gail McGinn

November 2019 Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch speakerThis is Argyro Kavvada, NASA earth scientist who was our guest speaker at the November 21 Lunch Bunch at Arlington Community High school. She literally held the young women’s rapt attention as she described her work at taking earth science data from many technological sources ( satellites, in particular) and using that data to determine their effect on events on earth. The incidence of cholera was used as an example of the impact of climate change which causes flooding in some parts of the world, thereby increasing the incidence of cholera in those affected populations. The young women were so interested in her presentation that they forgot to eat and ended up taking their lunches to their next classes. They were very participatory as well, asking Argie detailed questions and contributing some examples of climate change in their home countries. Argie is from Greece and is an immigrant herself. Her presentation, her demeanor, her success simply said to the girls that really, anything is possible!

The next Lunch Bunch will be held on Thursday, January 9. For more information or to sign up, contact Michele Milden.