AAUW AND ELECTION YEAR 2012

By Carol Napper, President

Happy New Year and welcome to 2012. This will be a busy year for everyone and especially AAUW-Florida. Most of you should have heard by now that our state was one of 15 states chosen by the Public Policy staff at headquarters in Washington to receive what they call a Public Policy Impact Grant to get out the vote with a particular emphasis on women, especially young women. We will be heavily involved in voter education.

AAUW is a non-partisan organization and that will not change. We will not be endorsing or supporting any candidates for any offices. But we all know that AAUW has always taken stands on issues that are important to us as women, and we have a very clear agenda put forth in our national and state Public Policy brochures. AAUW keeps us informed on the issues that come up in Congress that affect the issues on our agenda. And many of us follow these messages closely and participate in the Two Minute Activist Take Action emails that allow us to try to influence our senators and Congressional representatives.

In the next few months we will have the opportunity to go further with our mission to make sure that voters are informed on issues that should matter to them when they prepare to vote. We know that not

everyone will agree with the issues we present. But we believe that it is worth our time and effort to try to explain why issues that matter to women and families should be considered in the decision to vote for certain candidates.

AAUW has provided us with a very good resource tool, Woman-To-Woman Voter Turnout: A Manual for Community-Based Campaigns to Mobilize Women to Vote. This was given to all the branch presidents at the meeting in Oct. and it is also available on line on the aauw.org website and available for purchase from Shop AAUW. This is only the beginning!

The AAUW-Florida Convention, April 20-22 2012 will begin with a “pre-convention workshop” that is open to everyone attending the convention. It is a training session that will be given by a member of the AAUW Public Policy staff. This training is on voter education, designed to get us ready to go out and present our message to get more people to register to vote and then to vote. The session is from 11:00am -5:00pm on Fri., April 20, opening day of the convention. Lunch will be served and there is no cost to you for the lunch or for the training session. During this session you will receive materials to help you organize your campaigns in your branches and counties. Later in the convention you will see and hear other presentations including a Power Point put together by Kamala Anandam, our Dir. for Program, and you will be given a copy of this to take home. As you can imagine, this is a very big project for our whole state, a large commitment from our members. But we also know that we can make a difference if we try, and we believe it is very important to make the effort.

We are also privileged to have as our guest and keynote speaker at convention Linda Hallman, AAUW Executive Director. She is a dynamic

A PUBLICATION OF AAUW FLORIDA WINTER - SPRING 2012

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speaker and terrific leader. She will be with us throughout the convention, helping with workshops, mixing and talking with everyone.

I should mention too that there will be a workshop on “Social Media and Facebook”. This is part of our “Get Out The Vote” campaign and how we are going to try to reach younger women. We also hope to reach younger women through our connections with colleges and universities. At the convention you will hear more about this and also about “events” called “Cocktails and Convos” (or Conversations). We all have so much to talk about and learn at convention. Please plan to attend! If you have never attended a state convention, this is the year to start! I can’t stress enough how important this convention is.

The venue is the beautiful Marriott Resort on Hutchinson Island, Stuart and the surrounding branches, Stuart and Palm Beach County, have been working hard to make this convention very special. All the details you need to know are on the following pages.

CHERISH THE PAST; EMPOWER THE FUTURE

AN INVITATION TO AAUW FLORIDA 2012 CONVENTION

Kamala Anandam, Director for Program

Come to a relaxing location at Hutchison Island in Stuart and during what better time than April 20 – 22 2012 when the weather is just right. Susan Berlin, Convention Chair, is planning a wonderful convention for us. General election years are always exciting and exacting and we are meeting during one such year, 2012. AAUW Florida is not going to sit back and watch others in action; it is going to be part of the action. So gear up for “Get Out The Vote” campaign which will be launched at the convention. This national campaign, initiated and promoted by AAUW, will be launched in all the states. Can you imagine the impact it will have on the 2012 election! Why don’t you become part of this national campaign? Plan to attend the pre-conference workshop offered by AAUW staff on Friday April 20 2012 11 am – 5 pm with a free lunch.

This is just the beginning. Join us for an informal get together just before the Saturday banquet. You, the members, are going to provide the entertainment. How about enacting a Suffragette Rally -Past and Present? We have issues of the past and issues of the present. Each member or a group of members or the branch as a whole is welcome to produce placards and signs representing the issues of the past or present or both. It would be mighty cool if you dress according to the time period you choose. To represent the “present”, think of college-age women (18 – 25 years), who are the primary target of our “Get Out The Vote” campaign this year. How wonderful it will be to feel young again and act as one even if it is for a short time! I hope some of you choose the “present.” Be original, be creative, be bold and above all, be persuasive. Come prepared to entertain and be entertained. Be prepared also to be photographed. We would like this conference to be about you and for you.

Our convention theme is “Cherish the Past – Empower the Future.” The longest and the most recent member of your branch might be invited to

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light a candle or sing “Happy Birthday” as we celebrate AAUW’s 130th anniversary. Do you know who they are? Please make sure they do register for the convention. However many from your branch attend the convention, I would like to have the names of the longest and most recent members. My email is kanandam@att.net.

Guess who is coming to town besides you? Linda Hallman, Executive Director AAUW, will be the keynote speaker at the opening session on Friday April 20. If you haven’t heard her speak, be ready to hear a dynamic speaker. Saturday luncheon speaker is Tifpahnie Tucker, founder and president of Women Under Construction, Inc. She dared to enter the male-dominated profession of construction and has emerged successful. She’ll delight you with her experiences. Instead of a keynote at the banquet on Saturday, we have a wonderful surprise for you by way of entertainment. You have to come to find out what the surprise is. Sunday breakfast is always a great way to start the day, especially when we have to drive back home later in the afternoon. Who knows, you might plan to spend another day on beautiful Hutchison Island. Diane Jacobson, Director for Development, and Diane Schrier, Director for Public Policy, are planning this event. We’ll have a LAF Plaintiff as the guest speaker.

The three breakout sessions on Saturday morning and afternoon are the same so that you’ll have an opportunity to attend two of the three sessions. They are planned in line with our theme, “Cherish the Past – Empower the Future.” Candy Fish, AAUW Florida Historian, will lead a session on cherishing the past of AAUW Florida. Her email is fcandy@nsu.nova.edu if you wish to share any story of historical significance with her. Carol Newnam, STEM coordinator for AAUW Florida, will lead a session on empowering the future through STEM projects. Her email is carolnew@verizon.net if you wish to share your STEM project with her. Linda Hallman will lead a session on the role of social networking in AAUW’s future. During the convention, we’ll present visual and written materials that are specific to Florida for the “Get Out The Vote” campaign.

And don’t forget this conference is about you and for you!

Make your plans to come. The more, the merrier. Come ready to participate in the “Suffragette: Past and Present”. Listen, learn, laugh, interact and enjoy the convention. See you in April at the Marriott on Hutchison Island.

Note: Suffragette is a term coined by the Daily Mail newspaper as a derogatory label for members of the late 19th and early 20th century movement for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom, in particular members of the Women's Social and Political Union. However, after former and then active members of the movement began to reclaim the word, the term became a label without negative connotations. Suffragist is a general term for members of suffrage movements, whether radical or conservative, male or female.

The Hutchinson Island Marriott

A CALL TO CONVENTION 2012 Susan Berlin, Convention Chair

The spectacular Hutchinson Island Marriott is the location for the AAUW Florida Convention, April 20-22, 2012.

The speakers, programs and entertainment are not only interesting and informative but slightly different from what you may be expecting. Plan to attend with your friends and share in the excitement while learning how to get the most out of your AAUW membership.

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The convention and hotel reservation forms are on page 15 of this issue of floriVision. You may notice that the price of the convention and the meal costs have not increased from last year. Early registration is only $50.00 until April 1. Student affiliates may attend the programs and sessions for only $10.00 per day.

The Hutchinson Island Marriott is the perfect spot for a getaway with friends and family. The grounds extend from the Intracoastal Waterway to the ocean. The special AAUW rate is good for three days before and after the convention, making the convention weekend the ideal mini vacation. Rooms will have free wireless high speed internet, mini fridges, bathrobes and hairdryers and the entire resort has a smoke-free policy. There are three pools and a whirlpool onsite, and the beach is directly accessible for jet skiing, snorkeling and swimming. Golfers will surely enjoy the 18 hole course, and early morning exercisers can use the fitness center or the jogging trail before the morning session begins.

When they register, AAUW members will receive a discount card for the nearby stores and restaurants, including Chico’s. The Florida Oceanographic Center is located across from the hotel and features a lagoon full of interesting sea creatures, tanks of rays that can be petted and nature walks to explore the flora and fauna.

Don’t miss out on this spectacular opportunity to learn more about AAUW and to interact with women who share your passions.

LEADER ON LOAN PROGRAM Jan Johnston, Leader on Loan Coordinator

jwjaj@bellsouth.net

Branch leaders, does your program chair need help in planning meeting programs? Florida’s statewide Leader on Loan Program now has eight enrollees for use as speakers.. Their areas of expertise are varied and would more than fulfill requirements for areas of interest to your members. Director for Program Kamala Anandam can help you organize Women’s Day celebrations, show how to use National’s Programs in a Box, how to organize

$tart $mart workshops and how to work with the SCORE program involving the College Board. These programs serve your communities. Our own webmaster Sally Bailey can show you how to navigate both the national and state websites and explain AAUW Funds and also Financial Management. Vivian Errickson explains the National Girls Collaboration Project, and she also has expertise on creating a $tart $mart project. Director for Membership Lisa Fuller can help your branch with any concerns regarding recruitment and retention, branch rejuvenation and conflict resolution and also college and university relations. Jennifer McDaniel, our promoter of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), will explain how to create, engage, and run a successful STEM workshop. Carol Newnam presents AAUW history, branch administration and AAUW programs. Mary Palamar has an excellent program on Human Trafficking on the national level but most importantly for its impact in Florida. President-elect Eileen Recchia can explain to us how AAUW Funds work, help with membership issues and keep us updated on AAUW-Florida issues.

If you would like to join them on the speakers list, please use the form on the state website and send it to me and I will publicize your topic to all the state branches. The more speakers we have, the better educated we all will be.

All of these women have extensive backgrounds in their fields and most graciously volunteer their time to educate us. Whether you want to know what is happening at the national level or simply how to find out information on the websites, we have the person for you. Please consider these speakers when planning your yearly schedule.

PUBLIC POLICY Diane Schrier, Director for Public Policy

There have been several times in American and Floridian history where an upcoming election is crucial.

In 2012, voter turnout is essential. Florida is under-represented in both women and Floridians under the

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age of 30 voting (8% in 2010). As Sandra Day O’Connor stated, when only 8% of people vote, democracy doesn’t last. Florida was honored to receive an impact grant to mobilize voter turnout. It is important that we all work together to “Get Out The Vote”. Preceding the convention, there will be a training session on Friday, April 20th, by Seth Chase from National. to discuss organizing strategies for reaching women and young people. Please plan to have a representative attend.

The U.S. legislature and the Florida legislature have both been very active with bills to limit costs by removing the education net underpinning our country. In Florida a bill (SB 1546) was signed in October expanding grade levels and increasing enrollees in charter schools. This includes district ones plus private, for-profit schools. Some of the controls were removed while pledging to develop new oversight procedures in the future. A bill (HB 903) is now pending to authorize districts to give money to the private, for-profit charter schools or lose state money. Many districts are already funding charter schools but barely have sufficient funds for the regular 5-day week. The legislature has a commission investigating the minimal amount of money per child that can be given under the Florida Constitution. Another bill (HB 4057) pending is to eliminate the requirement for physical education for middle school children. As anyone who is aware of the fights and obesity among middle school students knows, they desperately need P.E. When requirements are eliminated in tough economic times, classes such as P.E., art, music, etc., soon follow. To make the situation potentially worse, there is a bill in the U.S. House, (HR 3176), that allows a state to opt-out of all U.S. education grant funding. Taxpayers will receive a small credit. Under the proposed Elementary and Secondary Education Amendments Act of 2011 amending Title I, the requirement that local educational agencies and public elementary and secondary schools would make adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic content and achievement standards would be eliminated. Instead, states must adopt college and career-ready

academic content and achievement standards for all public elementary and secondary school students.

STEM education is continuing to grow, both in Florida and the U.S. The STEM Education Innovation Act of 2011 establishes the Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education within the U.S. Department of Education to administer STEM education and conduct a survey at least once every five years. There will be STEM innovative projects for research, grants available for training and training for in-service STEM teachers. Florida’s governor announced an idea of cutting back on liberal arts programs like archeology to focus on STEM.

The Florida legislature (SB1606) is discussing changing the structure of the public university system and creating a three-tiered system. The governor, Senate and House would each appoint 5 members to run this commission plus colleges and universities. An additional proposal would have the governor appoint the student body president to the Board of Governors (HJR 931).

There is more child abuse in the United States than in any other industrialized country. Happily Florida does not lead in this statistic, (Texas does). However, Florida is passing a bill saying that any school or other legal reporter who fails to report a suspected case of child abuse will receive a $1,000,000 fine. People in fear could start reporting any potential case, clogging the courts and DCF with unneeded reports, while real cases could slip through, especially as significant additional monies to DCF don’t appear to be forthcoming. Many agencies throughout Florida may be closing due to lack of funds. Some of these include Haven House, Children’s Alliance, a section of Centers, Homeless Coalition, and Family Visitation Center. The remaining ones like the Domestic Violence Shelter and Pace are struggling against severe funding cuts. Medicare and Social Security are facing cuts, while prices rise and seniors struggle even more. Florida, however, has refused millions of dollars to help with medical costs.

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ABC’S OF AAUW WEBSITE SEARCHING Sally Bailey, AAUW Florida Web Manager

Do you have trouble finding information you want on the state website, www.florida-aauw.org or on the AAUW website, www.aauw.org? If you do perhaps there are others in your branch who would like to learn how to find what they would like without a struggle. If so, contact me at flwebmgr@comcast.net or call me at 561-748-9909 to invite me to a branch meeting as a leader-on-loan. I can show you how to find your way around both websites and answer any questions you have.

TO ALL AAUW-FL MEMBERS Lisa Fuller, Director for Membership

Happy new year to all AAUW members! 2011 has been a year of highlights for AAUW and we expect 2012 to be just as successful and productive. I urge each of you to take this time to learn about the different tools that can help you in your membership outreach and establish your membership goals for 2012. As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Hope to see you all at convention in April.

Congratulations to the 130th anniversary branch incentive winners! Remember to redeem your free memberships. The following branches should contact me with questions about how to redeem those free memberships:

*Boca Raton *Bradenton *Clearwater *Flagler County *Greater Naples *Highlands County *Jacksonville *Lake Sumter *Lee County *Manatee County *Marco Island *Miami *New Smyrna Beach *Niceville-Valparaiso *Nova Southeastern Univ *Orlando-Winter Park *Palm Beach County *Pompano *Saint Augustine *Sarasota *Tamiami *Tampa *Venice *Vero Beach *West Pasco *Weston.

DON’T FORGET THE HALF YEAR DUES PROGRAM which runs from Jan. 1 to March 15 each year, AAUW dues for membership are 50 percent off: $24.50 for memberships expiring June 30, 2012.

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN RECRUIT A NEW AAUW MEMBER FOR ONLY $12.25 How? Take an additional 50 percent off the half year dues discount for guests who join as a branch member using the Shape the Future Campaign and they pay $12.25 each. Note: applies to AAUW dues only.

HOW TO USE THE SHAPE THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN I receive many questions about how to benefit from the membership campaign. As many of you know, the Shape the Future Membership Campaign is a program used to help branches recruit new members by offering reduced membership rates for new or lapsed members to join on the spot during AAUW-sponsored activities. You can offer the discount at all publicized AAUW branch activities that the community and potential members are invited to attend, programs like Sister-to-Sister Summits, Transitions Conferences, Voter Education Campaigns, etc. Branches can give the free memberships to new, lapsed, or renewing members. Reward a hard-working branch member, give a free membership as a door or raffle prize during a branch event, or help a member in need. You decide.

For more information visit the membership campaign page at: http://www.aauw.org/member_center/membership_growth/shape_overview.cfm

OTHER UPDATES…

ENHANCED BRANCH MEMBER ROSTER. Did you know that the roster has been revised to add up those members who have not renewed (June 30, 2011, expirees) vs. renewed members for easier calculating? Check out the update now on the Member Services Database.

Please consider volunteering for the state-wide Membership Committee. Membership is really all of our business. Contact me for more details.

For any membership concerns please contact Lisa Fuller at (954) 262-8295 or by e-mail at lisajackfuller@yahoo.com Thank you for your continued support of AAUW.

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AAUW'S SUPPORT OF WOMEN GOES WAY BACK.

In 1920 members raised $156,413 to help Nobel Prize-winning scientist Marie Curie purchase one gram of radium for her experiments. It is through AAUW’s support and funding that we make great things happen. R.E.A.P. the benefits of AAUW: Research, Education, Advocacy, Philanthropy by donating to AAUW Funds during the AAUW-Florida Convention. For every 10 dollar donation made, the donor’s name will automatically be placed in a drawing for a fabulous thank-you gift. Be a part of the convention even if you are unable to attend. The drawing will take place at the convention this April. (You do not need to be present to receive your gift if your name is chosen.)

Gifts donated by Florida branches include:

Beautiful 20” three braided strands necklace (Greater Naples Branch) $125

Gift basket (Weston Branch) $60

Publix gift card (St. Augustine Branch) $100

Money wreath (Stuart Area Branch) $100

Wine basket (Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte Branch) $100

Hand-painted silk scarf (Lake/Sumter Branch) $50

2 night stay at The Topaz Hotel, Flagler Beach with hotel& restaurant gift card (Flagler County) $260

Handcrafted items gift basket “By Women For Women” (Vero Beach) $175

Chocolate & mystery book basket (Ocala) $80

Handmade beaded collar/scarf (Pompano Beach) $100

Painting by Barbara Bailey (Palm Beach County) $250

Everything chocolate (Manatee County) $250

Gift basket (Venice) $TBA

Gift card (Boca Raton) $50

1888 copyright book Louise May Alcott by Ednah D. Cheney (Gainesville) $85

Oil painting by Mary McClead (Gainesville) $85

ANYONE MAY DONATE; you do not need to be an AAUW member or attend the convention for a chance to receive a thank-you gift. All donations will go directly to one of the AAUW Funds. Completed forms must accompany donations to be included in the thank-you drawing.

Make your tax-deductible donation to the

AAUW Funds today.

Checks payable to AAUW FUNDS

Name_____________________________________

Address___________________________________

City,

State, Zip

Email or

Phone number________________________

Amount of donation to AAUW Funds $___________

For every $10 your name will be placed in the drawing for the thank-you gifts.

Which branch is to receive credit for this donation? Branch Name:________________________________

Forms may be duplicated or email chasanddi@embarqmail.com for extra copies.

Fill out the form and either (1) Bring the donation to the convention in April or (2) Mail your check and form to Diane Jacobson, 755 Mallory Hill Drive, The Villages, FL 32162 (all checks and forms must be mailed before April 10 to be assured a chance for a gift).

View prizes and make donation for AAUW Funds on April 21 from 11:30-Noon; 1:30-2:00, 5:30-6:30, 9:00-9:30. Winners will be announced at Sunday breakfast.

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Helen Landers and Kamala Anandam, Florida Achievement

Award winners from the Florida Commission on the Status

of Women

CANDIDATES FOR 2012-2014

LISA FULLER-DIRECTOR FOR

MEMBERSHIP

Lisa Fuller joined AAUW (Weston Branch) in 2007 and currently serves as the Director for Membership for AAUW – FL for the past two years. She has also served as vice president for membership and is a founding member of the Nova Southeastern University AAUW Branch. She is a current member of the Ft. Lauderdale Branch and dual member of the Weston Branch. She has a degree in management from State University of New York (F.I.T.), a Master's degree in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University (NSU), and a Doctorate in Education from NSU.

Lisa currently serves as the Manager of Licensure and Accreditation and is a Program Professor of Leadership at Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Fischler School of Education. Prior to her current position, she has worked for NSU in various capacities and has been employed at NSU since 2001. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys playing the piano and practicing yoga. She is also a volunteer with Broward County’s Humane Society’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program with her cat Oliver. Lisa and Oliver visit various facilities throughout Broward County bringing social and emotional comfort to those in need. One of the goals she hopes to continue to work towards (if re-elected as Director for Membership) is to continue to foster stronger relations between local branches and local colleges/universities to build a more diverse AAUW membership body for the future so that ALL women have a fair chance and opportunity to advocate on educational, social, economic, and political issues!

KAREN ZALKIN-SECRETARY

Karen Zalkin joined AAUW in Decatur, Illinois, in 2002 after helping advertise and collect scholarship applications as the Director of Financial Aid and Veterans’ Affairs for Richland Community College. After retiring from Richland College to St. Augustine in 2007, she transferred her AAUW membership. In 2009 she became branch secretary and chair of the scholarship committee in 2010. She co-chaired the 2011 AAUW-FL convention.

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Appointed by the president as AAUW-FL secretary in 2011, she has enjoyed working for AAUW-FL. Having spent a career devoted to literacy and education, Karen saw the value of the AAUW mission. Having been a director of a Student Support Services Program (a federal program for first generation students and underserved groups), she knew first-hand the financial and educational needs of college students. Her literacy efforts include teaching ESL to both children and adults. After graduating with a BA in sociology from Beloit College, Karen received a MA in sociology. Today she continues her literacy efforts with volunteering at two elementary schools focusing on reading. She finds peace walking her chocolate lab Savannah with her husband Glen 3 miles every day. Having a wide variety of interests, she particularly enjoys traveling, genealogy and photography.

DIANE JACOBSON-DIRECTOR FOR

DEVELOPMENT

Diane Jacobson joined AAUW (Lake Sumter Branch) in 2003 and currently serves as Director for Development for AAUW - FL. She also serves as co-finance director for her branch and is a past president. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Metropolitan State University, Minnesota, and a Masters of Liberal Studies from the University of Minnesota. Diane travels extensively and has been to over 100 countries as well as every state in the USA. She enjoys singing with the International Singers whose mission is to sing songs in foreign languages. She plays saxophone in small groups and a concert band. Diane feels that AAUW Funds are important to help support girls and women through advocacy, education, philanthropy and

research. Her goal is to have every Florida branch REAP the benefits of AAUW and to understand how and why they should support AAUW Funds.

JACQUELINE D’ALESSIO-DIRECTOR FOR

COMMUNICATIONS

Jacqueline joined AAUW in 1965. She has been an active member of several branches in New Jersey, including Somerville, Somerset Hills and Raritan Valley. She has served as president, program vice president and treasurer at various times in these branches. Jacqueline was also elected to AAUW-New Jersey, serving as president for four years. She also served as the AAUW Middle Atlantic Regional Director, and presently she serves on the National Leadership Corps and is chair of the AAUW Branch Program Resources Committee. In those various capacities, Jacqueline has attended state, regional, and national meetings and conventions. She currently serves as AAUW-Florida’s Director for Communications and is a member of two Florida branches, Bradenton and Manatee County. Jacqueline graduated from the College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle NY(BA/English) and Seton Hall University, South Orange NJ (MA/English). She is a retired language arts literacy middle school teacher and drama club advisor.

FROM THE BRANCHES

HAPPY 35TH ANNIVERSARY, WEST PASCO COUNTY AAUW

COURTESY OF FLOSSIE MCNALLY

A small group of stalwart women under the leadership of Dorothy Shronk decided to explore the possibilities of establishing a branch of AAUW in the New Port Richey area. The necessary steps were taken to organize a branch, monthly meetings were held, and on May 7, 1977, an “Installation Luncheon” was held at Severn Springs Country Club to formalize the charter process. The 54

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charter members included many who had been members of other branches.

MANATEE COUNTY BRANCH, HOSTS EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION SERIES

ON WOMEN’S ISSUES COURTESY OF SUZANNE DICKIE

Left to right: Merrie Lynn Parker, moderator of the forum;

Kimberly Kuizon, Kristine Johansen, and Caitlin Tribble, 3

former recipients of AAUW scholarships; Sylvia Price,

AAUW member and scholarship donor

The Manatee County Branch is hosting a series of forums highlighting women’s issues. The series is part of a larger outreach program focused on our theme for the year: “Empowering Women: Our Voices Will be Heard.” It is being broadcast on METV, our local educational television network and is also available on You Tube. The series is a natural outgrowth of some earlier work we had done.

Early in 2011 our branch hosted a program on METV about our Scholarship Foundation – its application process and fundraising efforts. METV director Charles Clapsaddle, enthusiastic about the first program, asked if we would consider hosting a series of forums in 2011-2012 focusing on women’s issues. This proposal seemed a perfect vehicle to accomplish at least two important goals: bring a conversation to the public about issues important to women and provide our branch, now over 55 years old, a much needed boost in visibility within the community. Because this was a venture none of us had ever undertaken, we decided to start with a five

program series, planning to expand in subsequent years. After much brain storming about possible forum topics, we picked four issues that tied nicely to our theme of empowerment.

To establish some continuity with the earlier broadcast about our Scholarship Foundation, we designed the opening portion of our first forum to include a conversation with three of our former scholarship recipients along with one of the scholarship donors, AAUW member Sylvia Price. The moderator for the entire series was Merrie Lynn Parker, our immediate past president and the guiding hand behind the development of the forums.

The second portion of this forum served as a preview of the forums to come, and again it consisted of a conversation – this time with the directors of those forums. Each director had proposed a topic for a forum, agreed to research that topic, identify and contact potential panel members, suggest provocative questions for the moderator, and be on hand during the taping of the program to ensure that all went well. Each broadcast will include the branch’s website and an email address encouraging viewers to suggest questions and issues that they hope can be included in the forums that follow. By the final forum we plan to include a live audience.

Each taped program is placed on a schedule ensuring that it runs on different days of the week, at different times of the day, and multiple times during the weeks until the next program is taped.

Upcoming forums and their directors include:

Empowerment Through Women’s Organizations -- Suzanne Dickie

Mental Health and Women’s Empowerment – Fay Murphy

Financial Empowerment of Women – Jackie D’Alessio

Domestic/Sexual Violence and Women’s Empowerment – Wanda Wellbrock

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WEST PASCO BRANCH

The West Pasco Branch persuaded the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County to pass a resolution recognizing the 130th anniversary of the American Association of University Women and declaring the month of November as American Association of University Women Month in Pasco County encouraging “all women to become involved in all levels of higher education". Well done, Flossie McNally!

HONORING FLAGLER COUNTY PIONEER WOMEN COURTESY OF JUDITH KENT

Members of Flagler Branch have wanted to honor the county’s pioneer women for a long time. This year it seemed especially fitting to do so in light of the National Women’s History Project’s national initiative, “Our History is Our Strength”. Partnering with the Flagler County Historical society we organized a luncheon to recognize a number of women who …”helped create a better world for the times in which they lived as well as for future generations.”

It was a cool, clear, sunny morning when the ladies and their families arrived at the historic Bunnell City Hall. The room was filled with the buzz of old friends greeting one another and admiring the table settings. The placemats, historical laminated enlargements of photos from the county’s past, were especially popular. Presidents Theresa Owen and Mary Ann Clark welcomed everyone and gave the signal for a light lunch prepared by AAUW members to be served (which was very well received). Following desert and coffee, Cisco Deen, archivist at the Flagler County Historical Society, gave a brief overview of the history of the county from the 1700’s to the present. With his usual dry wit, he pointed out similarities among area developers over the ages: transporting potential residents from the North, housing them and showing them “…the land they wanted them to see.” Then he introduced each of the honored pioneer women, telling a little about their lives and inviting them to share their stories with the group. They did so to the delight of the audience. There seemed to be a consensus that Flagler County had

been a wonderful place in which to grow up. It was said to be a place where everybody knew everybody- a place where if you got out of line, your mama knew about it by the time you got home. They especially mentioned the high school band “The Biggest Little Band in Dixie” and its director. There were even two former majorettes among the honorees as well as the former girl’s basketball coach. Three very mature siblings told tales on one another. They all recalled enjoying free ice cream cones provided by the father of one honoree at his drug store. After all of the stories had been told, the audience was invited to travel a short distance to the Historical Society’s headquarters, the refurbished former home of the pharmacist and his family.

The honorees seemed delighted with the event and funds were raised for the scholarship accounts of both organizations. The leadership of Susie Baird, Sandi Forsythe, and the partnership of the two organizations paid off in making it a very successful event (and a lot of fun!). The local newspaper The

News-Tribune devoted over a page of colorful photos and text under the headline PRAISING PIONEERS: Event Honors Flagler’s Trailblazing Women, expanding the message to an even larger audience.

Seated L-R: Laura Morris, Eleanor Holden Shutt, Mardell

Sutherland, Christine Deal, Wilda Hargett, Odell

Clegg.Standing L-R: Joyce Wallace, Joann King, Annie John-

son, Patsy Durrance, Catherine Wilson, Marilyn King.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE WEST PASCO BRANCH

Members of the West Pasco Branch of the American Asso-

ciation of University Women were honored on Tuesday,

October 18, 2011, by the Board of Pasco County Commis-

sioners in the county building in New Port Richey. The

branch was celebrating AAUW’s 130th

Anniversary. The

West Pasco Branch was founded in 1977 and County Com-

mission Chairwoman Ann Hildebrand was a charter member

and is still active. President Flossie McNally attended with

members Donna Akin, Jennie Ambrosino, Vee Dayton and

Mary Palamar.

MANATEE COUNTY BRANCH

COURTESY OF KATHLEEN DODGE

The Bradenton Herald had a full page spread on its local/business page helping to celebrate Pat Gorman’s 90th birthday as she taught her water aerobics class at the YMCA. Pat is a long time member of the Manatee County Branch. Hearing problems have made it difficult for Pat to attend meetings as she cannot hear well enough to participate fully; however she continues to be an active supporter of our branch. We want to recognize Pat for her long term contributions and continued interest in Manatee County AAUW.

She served our members well as chair of the Health and Fitness Committee, sharing the reins with Marge Kinnan. She has also helped keep our members fit and flexible by leading us in chair exercises at each of our monthly brunches. She wrote and helped us publish an exercise booklet that

could be used while traveling and with little equipment. She has volunteered to teach cribbage to interested members and will continue to do so after completing her move to a new residence in Bradenton. As part of her move and “sorting out”, she has provided the branch historian many documents for our archives.

JACKSONVILLE BRANCH NEW BRANCH FORMING AT UNF COURTESY OF SUSAN CORNEHL

The Jacksonville Branch has been working with the Women’s Center at the University of North Florida. During the past year, however, our efforts have been directed at starting an AAUW branch on campus. These efforts began with meetings with Sheila Spivey, Director of the Women’s Center, several branch members, and interested students. During our meetings with them, we learned that the women students felt a need for a substantive women’s organization that was not connected to the Greek sororities. The students became excited when they realized that an AAUW college branch would fit that need.

The students took the lead by holding an interest meeting last September in the Women’s Center. They took care of publicity on campus while our branch provided speakers and refreshments. Carol Napper came to give an overview of AAUW, a scholarship recipient spoke on how AAUW helped her, and a student spoke of the benefits of AAUW. Over thirty students attended the meeting. Since then, a steering committee has been formed, bylaws written, meeting dates set, and interesting projects discussed. They also decided to keep the branch membership open to all women on campus – students, faculty and staff. They felt that the relationships between these groups would be beneficial to all. Officer election will be held in late January after which they will apply to AAUW for recognition as a branch. It has been an exciting time watching the branch take shape. The Jacksonville Branch is encouraged that the next generation of AAUW is getting started.

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FORT LAUDERDALE BRANCH COURTESY OF CLARA SMITH

This year the Fort Lauderdale Branch is dedicating the 2012 Book and Author Brunch to Elizabeth (Libby) Anne Snedeker Scheuerman. Mrs. Scheureman was a graduate of the University of Delaware and formerly a teacher in the Broward County Schools System. Mrs. Scheuerman was one of the patriarchs of the Fort Lauderdale Branch. She served as president of the Fort Lauderdale Branch and the membership grew under her tenure. She was the AAUW-Florida President from 1970 – 1972. After celebrating her 100th birthday, Mrs. Scheuerman passed away on July 27, 2011. Mrs. Scheureman was an icon dedicated to public service and AAUW.

WESTON BRANCH

Kamala Anandan, president of Weston Branch, wrote a column for the Weston Newspaper, a bilingual community newspaper. Her column entitled “Get to Know AAUW/Conozcala AAUW” included a brief introduction to the history of AAUW as well as a list of the communities that make up the Weston Branch. In her column she listed the events sponsored by her branch including the “Get Up and Go Conference” for business and professional women who are unemployed, underemployed and/or unhappy about their employment situation and the Weston Branch’s International Women’s Day Celebration.

Kamala has been selected by AAUW to serve on the Career Development Grants Panel to select the recipients for the grants. Career Development Grants support women who hold a bachelor's degree and are preparing to advance or change careers or re-enter the work force. Special consideration is given to women of color, and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields. Funds are available for tuition, fees, books, supplies, local transportation, and dependent care. Recipients must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. In 2011-12 there were 628 applications and 47 were selected to receive a grant.

Lisa Fuller of the Weston Branch was appointed to the AAUW National College/University Committee.

ST. LUCIE COUNTY BRANCH COURTESY OF ETHLYN MOODY

On November 8, the St. Lucie County Branch held its first meeting on “My Vote Campaign.” Gertrude Walker, Supervisor of Elections, was the speaker. Twenty-one members and community residents attended. Members of the branch learned the importance of the Voter Education Campaign and some actions the branch members could take.

VENICE BRANCH CELEBRATES 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF AAUW

COURTESY OF EVELYN HIVELY

Eileen Recchia, AAUW Florida President-elect, and

Shirley Reid, Venice Branch President

Members of AAUW, their spouses, and friends filled the Venice Art Center to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the American Association of University Women. Eight former branch presidents attended the event. Surrounded by beautiful paintings and sculptures, a large birthday cake dominated the tables laden with elegant cocktail food.

President Shirley Reid introduced Marcia Seman, former president of the Venice Branch (1995-97 and 2006-07), who recounted its history from recognition in 1975 to its current status as the largest branch in Florida. She described current

14

projects, including STEM and ongoing scholarship programs. Eileen Recchia from the Marco Island Branch outlined some of the goals she sees for the immediate future as AAUW-Florida President-elect.

Past Presidents, Venice Branch

Left to Right: Ann Herre, Patricia Boruff, Anne Russell, Diane

Kreutzer, Carol Newnam, Marcia Seeman, Martha Bonham,

Shirley Reid

Carol Newnam presented fascinating highlights of AAUW history, beginning with the 1881 meeting organized by Marian Talbot and Ellen Richards to create the Association of Collegiate Alumnae(ACA) whose mission formally began to open doors to higher education for many women. During that decade the group presented the results of their investigation into sanitary conditions in Washington, D.C. schools to Congress, publically refuted a physician’s contention that higher education was bad for women’s health, and awarded their first fellowship.

In the early years of the 20th century the ACA examined the question of pay equity, supported women’s suffrage, gave money to Marie Curie for one gram of radium, and in 1921 merged with the Southern Association of College Women to become AAUW.

With public education as the priority, AAUW received permanent observer status at the United Nations, established a foundation for fellowships, supported the Equal Rights Amendment, worked for the passing of Title IX to give equal opportunities to women, and created the National Council of College Women Student Leaders. Most recently

AAUW led the effort to pass the Lily Ledbetter Pay Equity Act.

2012 CONVENTION PROGRAM APRIL 20 – 22, 2012

HUTCHISON ISLAND MARRIOTT HOTEL, STUART, FL

Friday April 20, 2012

11:00 am – 7:00 pm Registration

11:00 am – 5:00 pm Get out the Vote Workshop by AAUW Staff

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Buffet Dinner/Cash Bar

7:15 pm – 9:15 pm Opening Session/Keynote by Linda Hallman AAUW Executive Director

Introduction of Candidates

Election of Officers

Saturday April 21, 2012

8:00 am – 9:30 am Registration

8:30 am – 9:30 am Breakout Sessions

9:45 am – 11:45 am General Session II

Town Hall by Linda Hallman

12:00 pm 1:30 pm Luncheon/ Keynote by Tifphanie Tucker President, Women Under Construction

1:45 pm – 3:15 pm General Session III

It is My Vote; I’ll be Heard – Florida

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Breakout Sessions

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Cash Bar/Suffragette: Past & Present

7:00pm-9pm Banquet, Awards, Entertainment:

Cherish the Past

Sunday April 22, 2012

8:00 am – 9:45 am AAUW Funds Breakfast/Guest Speaker, LAF Plaintiff

10:00 am – 12:00 pm General Session IV

12:15 pm – 2:00 pm AAUW-Florida Board Meeting Incoming & Outgoing Officers

15

16

AAUW-FLORIDA

Director for Communications Jacqueline D’Alessio

30 Putnam Street

Somerville, NJ 08876-2737

2012 CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST

The AAUW Florida Creative Writing Contest offers the opportunity for the creative voices within AAUW to shine. The contest is open to all Florida AAUW members. Each participant will be recognized at the state convention and will receive a copy of the annual creative writing journal. The submission categories this year are: Short Fiction, Flash Fiction, Children’s Verse, Travel Writing, Nature Writing, Personal Memoir, Traditional Poetry, Experimental Poetry, Haiku, and Concrete/Visual Poetry. Please see the state website or your local branch newsletter for further details and specific submission instructions. The deadline for the 2012 AAUW Florida Creative Writing Contest is March 1st, 2012. All questions and/or concerns may be directed to Ms. Kate Ann

Heidelbach at heidelba@nova.edu.

Please send address changes or corrections to:

AAUW Records Office

1111 Sixteenth St., N.W.

Washington, DC 20036

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NON-PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MANASOTA ,FLORIDA

PERMIT #884

TTHHEE PPUURRPPOOSSEE OOFF AAAAUUWW IISS TTOO AADDVVAANNCCEE EEQQUUIITTYY FFOORR

WWOOMMEENN AANNDD GGIIRRLLSS TTHHRROOUUGGHH AADDVVOOCCAACCYY,, EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN,,

PPHHIILLAANNTTHHRROOPPYY AANNDD RREESSEEAARRCCHH.. Founded in 1881, AAUW is open to graduates holding an associate or equiva-

lent, baccalaureate or higher degree from a qualified educational institution,

or from a foreign institution acceptable as a basis for admission by graduate

schools at regionally accredited universities in the United States.

AAUW-FLORIDA AAUW-Florida is represented by branches in 42 Florida communities with al-

most 3000 branch members, in addition to over 1000 Members-at-Large.

AAUW-Florida was founded on March 30, 1929

.

Carol Napper , President E i l een Re c ch ia , Pr es i de n t -e l ec t

Kamala Anandam, Director for Program

Diane Jacobson, Director for Development

Diane Boyce, Director for Finance

Lisa Fuller, Director for Membership

Jacqueline D’Alessio, Director for Communications

Diane Schrier, Director for Public Policy

Karen Zalkin, Secretary

floriVision is published 2 times a year. State membership dues of $12 in-

cludes subscription to floriVision

Articles and photos can be mailed to

floriVision: c/o Jacqueline D’Alessio

30 Putnam Street, Somerville, NJ 08876-2737

or preferably emailed: jqline@att.net

Addresses and other information for AAUW-FL Board members and

branch officers may be found on the website.

AAUW Help Line: 1-800-326-AAUW (2289)

AAUW Home Page: http://www.aauw.org

AAUW-Florida Web Site: http;//www.florida-aauw.org