PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

 STANDING TOGETHER FOR EQUITY AND ACTION is the theme for our Greater Whittier Area AAUW Branch for this year.  Our Branch did “take action” in April by participating in the AAUW Lobby Day with State elected officials.  Margo Reeg, Paula Ocampo, and I met with State Senator Bob Archuleta on Zoom.  He agreed with the positions taken by AAUW on three bills, and we had a good discussion with him.

Two AAUW Elections are pending:

AAUW California – A very important State AAUW election is taking place soon.  On April 26 if you have an email address, a ballot will be sent to you online.  If you do not have email, a ballot will arrive by regular mail.  Voting ends on May 16, 2025.  You will vote on three things: the election of the Board of Directors, the approval of the Public Policy Priorities, and a dues increase of $10. to the AAUW State dues.  It would increase the State dues from $20 to $30.  I am speaking against such a large increase in the dues.  The last increase was $4. and it was ten years ago.  I believe a smaller amount of increase should be considered.  Their reasoning includes wanting to have more in person meetings rather than meetings on Zoom, wanting to hire a part-time financial officer, and wanting to do more hands-on work with the branches, among other things.  If this is approved, our annual dues will become $128. with the $2. recently added by National AAUW.  I believe that amount of dues could hinder our member recruitment and the continuation of membership of those who have a limited income.  The present amount of annual dues breaks down in this way: National – $74., State – $20., Branch – $22., AAUW Fund – $2. for a total of $118.  I hope the State AAUW will reconsider their $10. increase, and I urge a no vote.

AAUW National – The AAUW National election is going on at the present time.  Each member is receiving a ballot by email.  A paper ballot can be requested.  We are voting on three things: a slate of four new officers, the Public Policy Priorities for 2025 to 2027, and changes to the by-laws.  I voted online and it was very simple.  National voting will end on May 13, 2025.

The AAUW California Annual Meeting will be held on Zoom on Saturday, April 26.  Members may register online.  Contact www.aauw-ca.org if you wish to register to attend.

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 First Friends Church on May 10, 9:30AM to socialize, and 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.