AAUW Programs:

“Save the Date” Weds., 7 pm, Jan. 22 – Travel Experience as a Solo Woman

Weds., 7 pm, Dec. 18 – Sharing Women Who Inspired You

This month we, the members, will share and get to know our members and the women they admire. Prepare to share details about a woman who has inspired you in your life. We recognize that our mothers are key to shaping our worldview, but also consider thinking beyond your family to see if another woman has inspired and motivated you. One favorite of many women (including your branch president) is Eleanor Roosevelt. We can’t wait to hear who inspired you!

Link to Join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82086212681?pwd=KwxPnubUW6HVFOs4AEjCl4LD2N4NSX.1

Nov. 9 – Meet the AAUW Fellows & Grantees

Program recording is available.

Thallyta Laryssa P F Cavoli received an International Doctoral Degree Fellowship in 2023-2024 to study law at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign with a specialization in poverty law, law and economics, and labor and employment law.  Her project, entitled “Excusing Legal Requirements on Claims Based on Poverty Status” is an interdisciplinary and comparative study of Brazil and the United States. Thallyta’s work delves into the critical need for creating a principle of poverty status, which should be used as a legal excuse in cases where individuals are denied access to certain rights due to not fulfilling all that the law requires of them because of poverty-related issues. By recognizing and applying this principle, it will be possible to address the consequences of poverty head-on and contribute to the fight to guarantee everyone equal access to the necessary resources.

Tonya Carter received a Community Action Grant for 2022-2023.
Her project “S.T.E.P.S-n-STEM (Search, Try, Experience and Prepare 2 Succeed in STEM)” is a program to improve the connections to and opportunities for young people to connect to the world of STEM. Tonya Carter has a Masters in Nonprofit Management Leadership and a dual B.S. in Psychology and Sociology and is the Founder of The Carter Education & Community Foundation, Inc. Tonya is a Master Community Health Worker Trainer with over 20 years of program management and implementation experience. The STEPS-2-STEM program focused on engaging youth in the Village of Rantoul, home to the former Chanute Air Force Base to build relationships & connections and create exposure to STEM-related opportunities.

Oct. – Get Out the Vote: March to the Polls

Get Out the Vote program slides gotv.
Program video recording.

Election 2024 will be a historic election! Imagine electing the first woman president! This is also the first presidential election since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Over 167 million women have had their rights diminished. Will their voices be heard? In addition, the Equal Rights Amendment has not been published. We must continue our advocacy of equity for all women.

Let’s mobilize voters for a huge turnout for this historic election. Let’s review our AAUW values and how to evaluate candidates. We’ll discuss why this election is especially important for women and our AAUW mission of equity. Discussion will include how to talk to neighbors about the election.
Presenter: Elaine Fisher, Northwest Suburban President & Public Policy Chair

Sept. Program: Truth, Trust, and Turnout: Navigating Elections,
Civic Engagement, and Disinformation

Program recording link.
Dr. Suzanne Chod, Professor of Political Science at North Central College in Naperville explored the relations between political trust, polarization, and disinformation and its effects on elections and democracy. Specifically, she offers details on the calculated use of disinformation as a means to divide us further and erode democratic norms. Dr. Chod spent time breaking down what we can do to spot and combat disinformation in the current election cycle and beyond.

Book Discussions, Tues. afternoons, 4 pm: Join us!

July 23: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (fiction)
August 27: Find a Way by Diana Nyad (nonfiction)
September 24: Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear (fiction, first in a mystery series) Oct. 22: The Rulebreaker by Susan Page

The Zoom registration link for any of this series of four book discussions (June – Sept) is the same. Feel free to attend one or more discussions, guests are welcome. Registration is required.
Here’s the link for registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtcOqurjMqGNbglKmUooXBR2yeBrlseNu0

May, 2024  AAUW Equity Issues: Wine & Women’s Issues

Join us if you can for an informal discussion of current issues affecting women.
You bring the wine and we’ll discuss/vent about how women’s issues are being handled in today’s news and government decisions. Do you care about women’s healthcare and bodily autonomy? publishing the ERA? access to unbiased education in public schools? freedom to read? pay equity and economic security? Learn how AAUW can support our rights.
Become a two minute activist!

March, 2024: Des Plaines Library, Elizabeth Packard

Elizabeth Packard was committed to the Illinois State Hospital in 1860 and was kept under lock and key for three years, all the while protesting her sanity. While her husband insisted to everyone that she was insane, Elizabeth was able to obtain her release. Realizing that current law allowed married women to be placed in asylums by their husbands, Elizabeth started a campaign to change that unjust law. Through her perseverance, her voice was heard.

This timely living history portrayal by Laura F. Keyes shows how, throughout history and even up to the present day, women’s voices are silenced and marginalized when they dare to express opinions contrary to those of the men in power.

Feb., 2024: A Community’s Guide to Human Trafficking
Presenter: Elisa Munoz

The AAUW Book Club Discussion state-wide book group meets online.  Tuesday, Feb. 27, 7 pm to discuss Nomadland: Surviving  America in 21st Century

Nomadland  by Jessica Bruder interviews a variety of people who are traveling from job to job to stay above the poverty line. They have no permanent home since they are constantly mobile. They have formed a different kind of caring community.

Three Girls from Bronzeville: A Uniquely American Memoir of Race, Fate, and Sisterhood by Dawn Turner. Three girls live in the same apartment complex yet have different life outcomes. How did their neighborhood, family and friends affect their lives so differently?  This is a thought provoking story.
Author interviews
NPR fresh Air interview: Memoir explores how racism and violence impacted ‘Three Girls from Bronzeville’ (37 minutes) https://www.npr.org/2021/11/15/1055787497/memoir-explores-how-racism-and-violence-impacted-three-girls-from-bronzeville
Wilmette Library author video interview: (1 hr ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBa15x0RA3U&t=24s
Chicago Humanities Festival interview (53 min.) by Dahleen Glanton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-OgnbgtNsQ

Further books on the overall theme of families fighting poverty in the US will be –
March 19: Forgotten Girls by Monica Potts
All AAUW members and guests are welcome to our AAUW Book Club Discussions.

Jan., 2024: Paid Family & Medical Leave

AAUW IL has been working on a bill to provide insurance for folks to take paid medical and family leave. One of the reasons that women have less earning power and fewer retirement resources is that often, it is the woman who leaves the job force to care for ailing parents, in-laws, siblings, partners, and children. This legislation, when passed, will allow all workers to take paid family and medical leave.
 
Sarah Labadie, of Women Employed, will share the ups and downs of getting this complicated legislation passed. Developing and passing legislation is how we get AAUW values working for everyone. Link to the program recording.

Dec., 2023: Did You Say Books and PJ’s? Count Me In!

The Northwest Suburban AAUW branch program will be a casual, social get together via Zoom, Did You Say Books and PJ’s? Count Me In! Wear your holiday PJ’s or your holiday sweater and plan to share one (or maybe two) of your favorite books with all of us that you have read in 2023. It can be a novel, historical fiction, mystery, thriller, non-fiction or even poetry; your choice-your favorite.

Nov., 2023: Debunking Gun Violence Myths

Learn how to advocate for sensible gun safety policies and practices and counter misinformation.   Recording link: https://youtu.be/oe1ITH8695Q

Presented by GVPedia President and Founder Devin Hughes, Debunking Gun Violence Myths is an in-depth discussion on prevalent myths about guns and safety. Devin also will talk about Armed with Reason, GVPedia’s initiative to counter the gun lobby’s “firehose of falsehood.” Armed With Reason features articles from GVPedia and from leaders in the gun violence prevention movement, survivors, gun owners, and advocates from across the country. This platform is an inclusive space where people across the country can share ideas, network, and collaborate.

November 2023: AAUW Fellows & Grantees

The AAUW Chicago Branch, in partnership with the Jane Addams Branch, is once again hosting a virtual meeting via Zoom to showcase three AAUW Fellows and Grantees.  Program recording link: https://youtu.be/HT2eSROO0so
This year’s presenters include:
Seyma Kabaoglu   International Fellowship, Turkey
Northwestern University
Cultural anthropology: Ph.D., Cultural anthropology
Ms. Kabaoglu is conducting an ethnographic study of politics of doubt and ethical finance in Turkey’s Islamic participation banking industry.
Dana Fanslow  Career Development Grant
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
Library sciences: M.S., Social Justice & Administration
Ms. Fanslow’s work consists of educating others that literary collections, programs, and physical spaces should reflect that the world is not one-dimensional so individuals can learn about themselves, as well as others.

September 2023/ Barbie & Ken: Gender Roles Discussion

Have you seen the Barbie movie?  Did it change your mind about the roles of men and women?
Does Barbie discover her true purpose? How would you describe the movie? a gleeful escape, a laugh out loud comedy or a battle cry. What aspects did you enjoy most? music, costumes, production, or drama?  What was the influence of director/co-writer, Greta Gerwig?
Is Ken a helpless pawn in Barbieland? Let’s talk about it.
Here’s an interesting article. Join us for a discussion on Sept. 20.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/…/what-the-movie-barbie…

Program recordings, Part 1 Movie Reviews and Part 2 Movie Discussion. Barbie Ken discussion questions. Dream Reads Bookworm Barbie Needs  to read for follow-up discussion. If you have any questions, please contact Elaine at elainefisher128@gmail.com

August 30, Teaching Civics: Why It is Important

Let’s talk about the importance of civics education in our US schools!

Presentation slides.

(c) 2006 Bonnie Jacobs

Our national report card shows that we are not doing a good job teaching US history and civics, and that is not preparing our students to be active citizens. Understanding how our government works, our rights and responsibilities as citizens, and the importance of active participation in our democracy is crucial to maintaining a healthy society. An informed and Engaged citizenry is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. Join us for the presentation!

Civics education is the foundation upon which informed and engaged citizens are built. It empowers us to make well-informed decisions, hold our elected officials accountable, and actively contribute to shaping our communities.

That’s why we invite you to join us for an enlightening presentation on how we can improve civics education in our schools. Our presenter, Ed Spire, looks into these issues and focuses on the newly created Educating for American Democracy Roadmap, which points the way to improving this important area of education. Ed Spire is co-lead of NWSOFA’s Restore our Democracy project, where they focus on issues regarding the effectiveness of the US democracy.

May, 2023 – Madame Curie: Scientist, Nobel Prize Winner

Live, in person portrayal of Madame Curie. Program co-sponsored by the Des Plaines Public Library and AAUW Northwest Suburban branch.  Join storyteller Lynn Rymarz for a dramatic portrayal of Marie Curie. Follow her life’s journey from her childhood in Poland where she showed an early curiosity in science, to her years as a determined student studying  in Paris. It leads to her Paris laboratory where she tried and failed at countless experiments before making her scientific breakthrough. She earned the honor of becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. A very interesting program and over 50 people attended.

Did you know that in 1920, the Association of Collegiate Alumnae (predecessor to AAUW) helped raise funds for Marie Curie?  Brief bio video

It was an effort led by Marie Meloney, a journalist and editor of The Delineator women’s magazine. Meloney had interviewed Curie. During their discussion, the scientist stated she was in short supply of radium, an element that she had discovered. Meloney asked, “If you had the whole world to choose from, what would you take?” Curie replied, “I need a gram of radium to continue my research, but I cannot buy it; radium is too dear for me.”

Meloney left the interview determined to make Curie’s wish come true. Meloney organized a group of women in the United States and formed the Marie Curie Radium Fund. The Association of Collegiate Alumnae was an active participant in this effort. Within the ACA, the International Federation of University Women American Committee took on the project. This committee consisted of 35 women. Many prominent leaders loomed large in the group: Virginia Gildersleeve, Ada Comstock, Aurelia Reinhardt, Marion Park, Mary Woolley, and Meta Glass. Several committee members went on to become AAUW presidents.

In 1921, Curie visited the United States, along with her two daughters, to receive her gift of radium. Curie toured the country, and there was much fanfare and publicity associated with her visit. While in New York, the AAUW New York City (NY) Branch organized an event in her honor at Carnegie Hall. She then traveled to Washington, D.C., and visited the White House, where President Warren Harding presented her with the gram of radium in a lead-lined box. See her thank you note below.School board elections matter!  Vote by Mail, which is easy and convenient, or Vote on Election Day! Suburban Cook County voters can request their vote by mail ballot online. More candidate survey responses and candidate forum info.

Feb. 2023   AAUW Values Support & Protect Public Schools

AAUW Values support and protect public school education where children are prepared to become active citizens. We support:
* healthy, medically correct and age appropriate sex education
* schools that accept and welcome all students regardless of differences and have a zero tolerance policy against bullying
* access to libraries that represent diverse viewpoints and people in our society
* clear and absolute separation of church and state in public schools Education provided should be without any bias toward or against any religion.
Join our community action project to support and monitor school boards in our area. A comprehensive, accessible public education of citizens is an essential part of our democracy. Do you know your school board candidates who are running for election? School board elections matter!

Dec. 2022 Holiday Social: Sharing Crafts and Traditions

Members and guests will share our holiday crafts and traditions. Our own Alice Jenks will share some of her creative work, show us how to create a decoration, and the rest of us can tell about something we do or especially enjoy at the holiday season.

Nov. 2022 AAUW Fellows & Grantees

Meet the amazing recipients of our foundation scholarships. Program recording link.

Oct. 2022  Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Our Path

This engaging program explores resources available to expand your understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Donna Kiel will share her personal development story and present DEI resources available at DePaul University: Courageous Dialogues, Build Diversity course and her RISE (Reflection, Inquiry, Self-Awareness, and Empathy) Micro-credential Program which supports educators with strategies to engage students and integrate racial equity in teaching.
Participation will help you develop your DEI path to increased understanding and empathy. Program recording.

Program speaker: Dr. Donna Kiel, the founding Director of the Office of Innovative Professional Learning in the College of Education at DePaul University and an Instructional Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership.

Sept. 2022 – Vote for Equality

Our speaker, Attorney-At-Law Michele H. Thorne, is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Law. We learned about the Equal Rights Amendment, its historical progress and the current status of status of the ERA, and actions we can take to advocate to legislators and the president. Michele indicated current legislation that we can support for publishing the ERA. The ERA Coalition Elect Equality campaign provides voters with the opportunity to see where their candidates stand on the ERA.  Program recording link.

In response to the attack on women’s rights by the US Supreme Court in June, we need to mobilize voters and register new voters! Congress can enact legislation to ensure our human rights.  Sept. 20 is Voter Registration Day. We need an historic voter turnout this election to elect pro-choice and equal rights candidates who support of issues that directly impact women, their rights and their families. Mary Fontaine of the League of Women Voters Park Ridge answered questions on voting and registering voters. She recommended using the LWV Voter Guide resource. Other issue related voting resource links can be found on AAUW NW Suburban Advocacy web page.

Recommended Book: Ordinary Equality, by kate kelly, illustrated by Nicole LaRue

We are all living through modern constitutional history in the making, and Ordinary Equality helps teach about the past, present, and future of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) through the lives of the bold, fearless women and queer people who have helped shape the U.S. Constitution.

Aug. 2022 Zoom Workshop: Building Bridges of Inclusion

Workshop by Harriet Lewis, PhD, MPA.
Dr. Harriet Lewis is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Konesens Development, a boutique consultancy that supports equity and inclusion through training and support initiatives.

This engaging mini workshop helped us explore how to use our network and  spheres of influence to build bridges of inclusion and understanding. Harriet expertly guided our discussion with thought provoking questions for our small group discussions. As participants. we gained insight and inspiration to increase empathy to connect to those in our communities who may be isolated or feeling threatened. In the process, we will gain understanding of diverse perspectives that will aid in building sustainable relationships in our communities. We highly recommend Dr. Lewis to any group looking for an expert DEI workshop facilitator.

Our branch celebrates 75 years of activism supporting equity for women and children!

We will be browsing our historical albums and share historical stories and photos. Our branch enjoyed an Indian Fashion Show & Buffet organized by Vaiju Dunung.

Watch this space for more!!

April 27, 7:30 pm Book Discussion: The Vanishing Half

Deadline is April 15th to register! All the details and registration form are in the Spring Link. Convention location is DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville, 3003 Corporate West Dr., Lisle, IL

May 6, 4 pm Friday – Registration
5 pm Happy Hour Social and Convention Opening
Welcome by AAUW-IL President, Lisa Cherry
Keynote by Gloria Blackwell, AAUW CEO: National Update
Dinner
The Queen of Basketball (Documentary-Short Film)
President’s Reception

May 7: Saturday Keynote Speaker – Julie Strauss, PhD
Social Media: How is it Transforming our Democracy?
Julie received her Ph.D. in American Politics from Northwestern University. Her dissertation examined the unique role women members of Congress have had on public policy. Prior to entering graduate school, Julie spent two years on Capitol Hill working for elected officials. She received her undergraduate degree in social science from Wesleyan University. She currently lives in Evanston with her husband and two children.

Taking Theory to Reality: DEI Panel
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training is offered in many settings. What does it take to
move DEI training from theory to reality? What does it take to have effective policy and programs in government, schools, and businesses? Our expert panel will share their experience, knowledge, and practical application of DEI.

Dr. Harriet Hope Lewis, PhD
Founder/CEO of Konensens Development Inc, a boutique consultancy
that furthers equity and inclusion through CRS/DEI training and support,
International trade, and tourism development.
Dr. Rebecca Gordan, EdD
Assistant VP of for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at North Central College.
Dr. Geneace Williams, JD, PhD
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager of the City of Naperville.
Dr. Donna Kiel, EdD
Professor in the Department of Leadership, Language, and Curriculum at DePaul.

Lunch & Business meeting, awards, officer election and public policy reports (including the ERA).
Challenges to Intellectual Freedom: It’s not just about banning books, American Library Association
Branch Development: Using AAUW’s Mission to Gain Community Recognition, the Elgin Branch, Naperville Area Branch, and Naperville’s Issues Action Team (I-ACT)
Closing/Wrap Up and Raffle

Thursday, 7 – 8 pm, March 24th – The German Virtuosa
Inside the Life and Times of Clara Schumann

She was not only a divine pianist, talented composer and successful teacher, but also a mother of 8 and the main breadwinner for her family.  In the very male dominated 19th century, German superwoman Clara Schumann did it all while juggling a 61 year concert career that made her internationally famous.
Join German historian Anette Isaacs for an intimate look at the life of the exceptional Clara Virtuosa!

Advance registration is required. Register with the Des Plaines Public Library to receive the Zoom meeting link.
https://calendar.dppl.org/event/6163506

Join us to learn about this amazing woman of the 19th century!

Weds., 7:30 pm, March 30th – What Can We Learn From Jane Addams?

Where would Jane Addams be today? Would she help dispel urban ethnic stereotypes?
This program shares the details of Jane Addams’s life at Hull-House in Chicago, how she became the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 and raises the question of what lessons we have learned that apply to today’s world.

Presenter: Gloria McMillan, Research Associate, Dept of English, The University of Arizona. Her recent edited work is The Routledge Companion to Literature and Class.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZ0pd…

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you have any questions about this online program, contact Kate Skegg, the program registrar, at aauwJaneAddams@gmail.com  Please share this program with others that you think may be interested.

Tuesday, Feb. 8, 7 pm – Combating Disinformation at Local School Board Meeting

Presenters Joyce Slavik & Jim McGrath, NWSOFA (Northwest Suburbs Organizing for Action)
School board meetings are increasingly adversarial, with board members and educators harassed and threatened. Boards make local decisions that impact the education and futures of our children, the vitality of our communities, and our budgets as taxpayers. Since school boards provide local governance, why are the same things happening at meetings throughout the suburbs? Our speakers from Northwest Suburbs Organizing for Action (NWSOFA)-Indivisible will provide perspective and recommend how we can support our school board members and schools.

Saturday, Feb. 12th, 10 AM: Asian Americans and the “Other” in the Era of the Pandemic and the Uprising

Our speaker, Dr. Ada Cheng, described as a “professor-turned-storyteller” will combine a storytelling performance and a facilitated dialogue. Dr. Cheng’s program shares personal stories that reflect the historical status of Asian Americans as well as the impact of current major crises facing society. The stories will address institutionalized mechanisms and individual practices that promote inequality and make immigrants of color be considered the “other.”

Dr. Cheng’s internet information lists that she was a tenured sociology professor from 2001 to 2016, who became tired of struggling against both subtle and overt gender and racial discrimination in academia. She enrolled in an improvisation class at Chicago’s Second City and found a new role as storyteller, stand-up comedian, and improv comic. Currently she is an adjunct faculty at Dominican University and works full time as the Education and Outreach Specialist with Women’s Leadership and Resource Center at UIC. On 8/27/2021, the 7th Congressional District’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force (MEATF) & American Multi Ethnic Coalition (AMEC) named Ada Cheng 2021 Educator of the Year.

February’s program is sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau which is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly through the Illinois Arts Council Agency, as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.

Thursday, Feb. 17, Amelia Earhart portrayed by Leslie Goddard

Here’s another AAUW program co-sponsored by Downers Grove branch and the Elmhurst branch, a dramatic portrayal of Amelia Earhart by Leslie Goddard.
Amelia Earhart’s courageous exploits and spirited personality made her an international celebrity in the early twentieth century. In this lively living-history program, meet Amelia and learn about her experiences as the first woman to cross the Atlantic by airplane (1928) and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic (1932). She’ll describe how she learned to fly, what inspired her adventurous spirit, and why she set off in 1937 for an around-the-world flight.

Monday, Feb. 21st, 6:30 pm Did Black Lives Really Matter in Early Illinois?

The Rockford Branch presents “Did Black Lives Really Matter in Early Illinois?” via Zoom on Monday, February 21^st at 6:30 PM.  Public historian and educator, Caroline M. Kisiel will deliver this program through the Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar Program and it is free and open to the public.  Please join us in exploring Illinois history.

The Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar Program is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assemble through the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA), as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.  Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, IACA, our partnering organizations, or our funders.

Confronting the Rise of School Board Disruptions
Jan. 2022

Join Indivisible Illinois, Illinois Families for Public Schools, Social Justice Alliance -Indivisible IL and other co-hosts, including AAUW Naperville Area, for an informative free webinar on Confronting the Rise of School Board Disruptions.

The Graduates/ Los Graduados 

Watch online Part One of The Graduates/Los Graduados.
This PBS film follows three Latinx girls showing first hand the unique educational challenges that face these young women in particular and Latinx High School students in general.  The documentary gives insight on pressing issues in education today through the eyes of Latinx students from across the United States.

Available online from PBS. https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/graduates/

Celebrate the Holidays

Members Joined together for an AAUW member holiday social on Tuesday, Dec. 28 at 7:30 pm. We’ll chat and share our concerns about women’s equity. Our branch has some newer members, and guests are welcome too! Email elainefisher128@gmail.com for the Zoom link. Plan to share your favorite holiday drink or tradition! or your New Year’s Resolution!

Before the end of the year, consider donating to our AAUW Northwest Suburban  branch Oakton Community College scholarship if you can. Make your check payable to: Oakton Community College Educational Foundation. In the Memo note: AAUW NW Suburban Scholarship. Your contribution is tax deductible. Mail to: Oakton Community College, Educational Foundation, 1600 E. Golf Rd., Des Plaines IL 60016-1268

Nov. 13 Program Recording: AAUW Fellows & Grantees

Meet three outstanding women, recipients of our AAUW Fellowships or Grants. Melissa Mister, Project Director, After School Matters, Ramael Ohiomoba, Selected Profession Fellowship, Jenny Lopez Alvarado, Career Development Grant.
Recording link: https://youtu.be/5TDjn36otWg

Nov. 17 Program Recording:  Sex Trafficking In Our Backyard

Women are 90% of victims of sex trafficking which is a form of modern slavery. Trafficking is happening right here in Chicago and the suburbs. This program will present victim statistics, how to recognize a victim, methods being used to recruit young women, and what we as community members can do to prevent trafficking.

Recording link: https://youtu.be/Bz-fwiCAWck

Presenter: Priscilla Cruz, Midwest Prevention Advocate at SelahFreedom, B.S. of Psychology, SelahFreedom, Bringing Light into the Darkness of Sex Trafficking.

Bad@ssery: Women Creating a Just Environment
and World  Oct. 4 – Nov. 1, Koehnline Museum of Art

Women and girls have always faced tremendous obstacles, whether it be sexual harassment, violence, inequality or workplace discrimination, and instead of following the fairytale script of waiting to be saved, we have been instrumental in saving ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. From epic figures such as Gloria Anzaldúa, Shirley Chisolm, Gloria Steinem, Ida B. Wells, Grace Lee Boggs, the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Jane Addams, Pauli Murray, and Dolores Huerta to activists such as Stacy Abrams, Winona LaDuke, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Janet Mock, Malala Yousafzai, Leymah Gbowee, Shirin Neshat, and Naomi Klein, women and girls have been trailblazers in their own liberation. We have been hit with an overwhelming number of challenges in the past year. Where do we stand now? How have we survived and broken through barriers? How have women been impacted by the pandemic and the resulting shecession? How is our liberation connected to movements such as Stop Asian Hate, Black Lives Matter, Organized Communities Against Deportation, Prison Abolition, Me Too or Standing Rock? How have we fought against transphobic state bills and LGBTQ+ discrimination? How have we kept our families and communities safe? How have we conspired with other women and implemented social and environmental change? What failures and missteps did we experience? What did it take and at what costs?

Becoming an AAUW Activist

Become a Two Minute Activist
If you missed the demonstration, use the link above to add your name and email address for  AAUW legislative alerts. We monitor legislation that impacts women and their families.

For Illinois legislation, you can file a witness slip online for an Illinois legislative hearing.
Here is a how-to guide Witness slips overview

Contact us to join our branch.