A MESSAGE FROM CAROL

Dear Toledo Branch AAUW Members and Friends,

Toledo Branch was represented by three past branch/state presidents at AAUW/Ohio Convention in Akron, Ohio:  Marge Lee, Gail Conrad,  and  Carol Leupp.   Toledo Branch received a number of honors:  A Communication Star 2011 award in recognition of outstanding online communications using social media and the Web;  the Daffodil Diversity Award for being inclusive in membership outreach and community involvement;   the Starz Award in recognition of participation in activities promoting AAUW Ohio and  award certificate for  1st Place Branch in Total Giving (fundraising) for 2010.  I want to thank the following members who made these awards possible:   Jen Sader,  Social Media coordinator, Shelley Kotz, diversity chair, members who contributed to AAUW funds  and those  who served as chair for a branch meeting:  Darla Culberson. Gail Conrad, Sandy Kosmyna, Michelle Radtkin,  Mikki Breese, Jen Sader,  Jane Hankenhof-Curry and Kathy Kraynak.

Convention highlights included hearing from Akron University’s Candace Campbell Jackson, VP and Chief of Staff, who encouraged AAUW members to support and inspire leadership in women, especially young women.  She encouraged us to keep having “new beginnings” and leave a trail or prepare a successor.  Linda Hallman, AAUW Executive Director, reminded us that branch events can be social and include AAUW facts.   She also gave us a good response for the question, “Why should I join AAUW?”  Remember the word PEARL!

  • P: Protect    (LAF, Public Policy efforts)
  • E:  Educate   (lifetime learning, STEM, Fellowships, Grants, camperships)
  • A:  Advocate (Lobby Corp on Capitol Hill)
  • R:  Research  (studies/information used by legislators, branch programming)
  • L:  Lead- (build women leaders, National Conference College Women Student Leaders)

The book discussed at our April 14th meeting, Half the Sky:  Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide is a must-read book for AAUW women!  Thank you Jen Sader, Jane Hankenhof Curry, and Wendie Kiskaddon for leading this program.

Watch for your AAUW Voter Information Guide and 2011 ballot in the mail. Voting may be done by mail or e-mail.  Then please cast your AAUW vote if you have not done so already.  Also, plan to attend our May 24th annual dinner meeting at Knight Preserve in Perrysburg.

Yours in AAUW,

Carol Leupp, President