PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
STANDING TOGETHER FOR EQUITY AND ACTION is the theme for our Greater Whittier Area AAUW Branch this year. We truly hope that our monthly branch meetings have been fulfilling that theme. AAUW California sponsors a contest titled the 2024-2025 Branch Activity of the Year (BAY) Award. I have nominated our “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Branch Activities” for this award. Pat Dudley and her committee have done a fantastic job of educating us in such a fun way with discussion activities and wonderful speakers at most of our monthly branch meetings. I want the California AAUW leadership to know what is possible. Even if we are not chosen, our nomination is very important. The Bay Award nominee must be Novel, Inspirational, Reproducible, Reflective of AAUW’s mission and image, and DEI-related. I believe we fit each criterion. The awards will be announced on April 1, so we will keep you informed.
It has been announced that the National AAUW annual dues will increase by $2.00 as of April 1 this year, and by $2.00 on April 1, 2026. A much larger increase had been proposed, but the response from the membership was so negative on such an increase, that they reconsidered. I sent a letter of disapproval, so I am happy to know that they listen to us. Our dues for next year will increase from $116. to $118. The total includes: $74. for National AAUW, $20. for California AAUW, $22. for GWA AAUW, and $2. for AAUW Fund. There are other totals for Life Members, Student Affiliates, and Dual Members. Most of us have a date of June 30 to pay our dues. Some owe on their joining date, so keep this in mind.
On Sunday, March 9, I attended the LACIC (Los Angeles County Interbranch Council of AAUW) meeting on Zoom. Congresswoman Judy Chu was one of the speakers. She represents the 28th District and was the first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress. She brought the latest information on the January wildfires in Altadena and Pasadena. Miriam A. Brown told of mental health resources available to those affected by the fires. LACIC is planning an in-person meeting on Sunday, May 11, 2-4 PM at the United Methodist Church in San Gabriel. The speaker will be Archana Maniar. She is a medical doctor and an author. Her latest novel is Dry Spells. Everyone is invited to attend the LACIC meetings, so watch for more information.
I really look forward to our wonderful branch meetings. We will meet at the Whittier Art Gallery on Painter Ave. for our April 12 meeting, so I hope to see you there.
Sharon Heck, Branch President
AAUW MISSION STATEMENT – To advance equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.