IOWA INITIATIVE A PUBLICATION OF AAUW of IOWA VOLUME 93, ISSUE 3, WINTER/SPRING 2013 AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. STATE CONVENTION OVERVIEW DECORAH WELCOMES YOU … … to the eastern Iowa Division Conference to be held on Saturday, April 13. The Decorah Area Branch is proud to host this spring gathering and looks forward to having you join us to experience the ‘power’ of Decorah, Luther College (a College and University Partner), and the surrounding area. Members needing to stay overnight are urged to make reservation as soon as possible. The Conference will be held on the Luther College campus. Registration, large and small-group sessions, and breaks will take place in the renovated and expanded Valders Hall of Science; the luncheon will be served in Peace Dining Room, Dahl Centennial Union – a short walk from Valders. Parking is easily available; both buildings are handicap accessible. Details about the campus will be available in the newsletter and may be viewed on the College’s website – luther.edu (including a campus map). Our branch is pleased that the Conference program will include local ‘powers of one’ – Luther’s recently named Rhodes Scholar, a College English professor speaking about her cancer journey, and our area’s unique Seedsavers Exchange (seedsavers.org). Continued on page 2 DENISON WELCOMES AAUW-IA TO THE BOULDERS It has been a long time since IA-AAUW came to Western Iowa! If arriving Friday afternoon, April 26, try to arrive before 4:00 PM, in order to enjoy preconvention activities. Denison Branch committee members have scheduled a tour at 4:00 of the historical McHenry House ($3). Following a short time while you get settled in, we will meet at 5:45 at Cronks Restaurant for dinner ($10 per person). At 7:00 we will explore the museum of the Donna Reed Theater and at 8:00 enjoy a live performance onstage in the Donna Reed Theater (small cost of approximately $10 depending on the number of persons attending). Boulders has a wonderful golf course, so bring your spouses. Send reservations for Friday activities to: Norma Coret, President, Denison Area Branch, 606 Walker, Woodbine, IA 51579, or email: [email protected]. IN THIS ISSUE: Iowa 2013 AAUW State Convention in Decorah 1 Iowa 2013 AAUW State Convention In Dennison 1 Convention Speakers 2 Convention Schedules 2 AAUW-IA President’s Welcome 3 AAUW President’s Letter 3 President-Elect Nominee 3 Membership Recruitment Grants Awarded 4 Membership Marketing Display Available 4 Public Education & Well-Being issues of Women/Children 4 Legislative Issues 5 Bylaws Action at State 6 eNetwork Online Branch Atlantic, Loess Hills, Siouxland, and Storm 2013 Conference Lake branches will be helping the Denison branch with conference activities on April 27, Registration Form with registration beginning at 8:00AM at the Community Conversation Boulders, Continued on page 2 6 Project Extension State Silent Auction Info PAGE 1 IOWA INITIATIVE WINTER/SPRING 7 8 8 Continued from page 1 - Decorah Continued from page 1 - Denison Luther College student and athlete Annie Whiteley, speaks first at the conference on her “Experiences in Northern Tanzania.“ A Luther College English faculty member since 1990 teaching creative nonfiction, poetry and women’s literature, Nancy Barry (Ph.D., University of Illinois), and playwright of “Lessons from Cancer College” will share her perspective on “How We Survive and Cope.” The closing speaker is Diane Whealy, cofounder of Seed Savers Exchange; in 1986 Diane helped develop Heritage Farm, SSE’s scenic 890-acre headquarters outside Decorah. An optional tour of Seed Savers is available at the close of the conference. (seedsavers.org). site of all conference activities, including all greetings, talks, and meals. Parking is readily available. Speakers include Pamela Lassiter Cathey and Dr. Wind Goodfriend on the topic “Voices of Hope,” from their larger work Voices of Hope Breaking the Silence of Relationship Violence. Ms. Cathey is the Founder and CEO of The Institute for the Prevention of Relationship Violence and A Frog in the Pot. Dr. Wind Goodfriend is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Buena Vista University and is the Principal Investigator for The Institute for the Prevention of Relationship Violence. AAUW Board of Directors, Director-atLarge, Amy Blackwell’s address is “Immigration and Its Effects on Iowa Girls.” Ms. Blackwell is a members of the AAUW Douglas County, CO branch We also welcome you to allow time to explore downtown and serves as AAUW Colorado public policy co-director among other numerous endeavors. and many area attractions. A display table, with brochures supplied by the Decorah Area Chamber of ComAlso speaking will be Kesho Scott, an inmerce/Winneshiek County Convention & Visitors Buternationally renowned Diversity Trainer/ reau, will be located in the registration area. Lodging, Consultant, an Associate Professor of restaurant, and areas of interest information also can be American Studies and Sociology at Grinfound at these websites - decorahareachamber.com and nell College; her topic is “Tight Spaces visitdecorah.com; the address and phone number of this Women Must Overcome.”** joint office is: 507 West Water Street, 563-382-2023. *Book available for sale at conclusion of the presentation. (Coincidentally, the area’s annual Women’s Weekend Out is April 12 & 13 – details at visitdecorah.com.) **It is recommended, but not required, that attendees read Tight Spaces by Kesho Decorah Area Branch Host Committee contact: Elizabeth Kaschins, [email protected] Decorah April 13, 2013 Scott, Cherry Muhanji, and Egyirba High in advance of the conference. The book is available from the University of Iowa Press for $21. Dr. Scott will sign books after her talk. Denison April 27, 2013 8:00AM Registration opens (yogurt parfaits & beverages) & Silent Auction set-up 8:00AM Registration opens & Silent Auction set-up 8:45 Welcome - Board Introduction & Parade of Past Presidents 8:45 Welcome 9:00 Annie Whitely - Rhodes Scholar, Luther College 9:15 Voices of Hope - “Breaking the Silence of Relationship Violence” Pamela Lassiter Cathey,Dr. Wind Goodfriend, & cast 10:15 Break & Begin bidding on Silent Auction items 9:45 Speech Trek Finalist Presentations 10:15 Break - Begin bidding on Silent Auction items 10:30 Amy Blackwell, AAUW Board of Directors on “Immigration” 10:30 Nancy Barry - Cancer Survivor & Playwright 11:15 Business Meeting & Speech Trek Presentations 11:15 Business Meeting & Parade of Past Presidents 12:30PM Lunch and Awards 2:00 Kesho Scott “Unlearning Racism Inside & Outside the Classroom” 12:30PM Lunch and Awards 2:50 Break & Final Silent Auction Bidding 2:00 Greetings from AAUW & Kesho Autograph Session 2:50 Break & Final Silent Auction Bidding 3:00 Diane Whealy - Co-founder of Seed Savers 3:45 Closing of Conference & Optional Seed Savers Tour 3:00 Greetings from AAUW 3:45 Closing of Conference PAGE 2 IOWA INITIATIVE WINTER/SPRING Message from the AAUW-IA President The Power of One! What an appropriate theme for our Spring Conferences. This year we are trying two one-day state conferences - one for the Eastern side of the state in Decorah on April 13 and one for the Western side in Denison on April 27. Seed Savers after the day’s conference ends. As you look at the two programs you can decide which you would like to attend or if a group from your branch would like to attend both. National has been very supportive of this idea and has agreed to send Amy Blackwell, our national liaison to both sites. We hope we will have increased attendance as a result. Our attendance in the past few years has been very low and it is important for you to support the work of both your local branch as well as the state. You deserve a day of growth, networking and fun! There will be a parade of past state presidents, recognition of 50 year members, and each branch that has turned in a REAP application will be recognized for the work you do. Each member in attendance will have an opportunity to vote on our new public policy priorities for Iowa, bylaw changes and elect officers during the annual business meeting. The day will culminate at each site with the results of the Silent Auction. In Denison we will hear Middle School Speech Trek finalists tell us their ideas on how the Power of One can help stop bullying, “Voices of Hope” will feature the Power of One in dealing with violence against women and we will also become aware of the Power of Women in Immigration. Kesho Scott will talk about how she is helping people unlearn racism inside and outside the classKnowing how busy people are and how tight room. There will be breaks during the day to bid on Silent Auction budgets are the board felt this would cut down on driving time as well as showcase two wonderful AAUW items with proceeds going to the fund of your branch's designabranch communities. I have visited both sites and they are equal- tion. Two of our speakers will be doing book signings. Look for more detailed information in other parts of the Initiative. ly excited. The Power of One will be demonstrated in Decorah by three women: a 2013 Rhodes Scholar; a women who fought cancer; and a women who had the courage to start what is now Seed Savers. You will be treated to locally produced products at lunch and during breaks. The day will begin with yogurt parfaits once you have registered. For those interested there will be a tour of Dear AAUW members, On behalf of the AAUW Board of Directors, I extend our best wishes for your 2013 state convention. I am pleased that we will have a national board or staff member at each state convention to meet you and your officers; to learn more about your interests, priorities, challenges, and triumphs; and to share some of the portfolio of programs and activities AAUW is providing to help you manage and market your branch. This will also be a great opportunity to discuss the national voting process that opens April 15 and closes June 10 during the AAUW National Convention. I encourage you to make plans now to attend our national convention in June. Not only will it be great fun—it’s in New Orleans, after all!—but it will also feature an outstanding program. Of course, we will also announce the results of our national election at the convention and introduce you to the new national board members. This is a very exciting year for AAUW, and it really all begins at our state conventions. I hope you have a wonderful meeting. Warm regards, Carolyn Garfein AAUW President (excerpted from her letter for this publication) Thanks to each of you for all that you do as an AAUW member in working for equity for all women and girls in Iowa. I look forward to seeing you at one of our conferences. This is your chance to find out what you can do to make a difference. “One life can make the difference. You see - it's up to you.” Maxine Lampe AAUW Iowa President 2012-14 Nominee for President-Elect - Maureen White The AAUW-IA Nominating Committee is happy to announce that Maureen White has consented to be nominated for the position of PresidentElect of AAUW-Iowa for 2014-16. Maureen joined the Cedar Falls branch in 2006 and has served as Branch Public Policy Director and President, as well as coordinator for the Cedar Valley Community Conversation for the Iowa Initiative to Prevent Unintended Pregnancies. Maureen is no stranger to the AAUW-IA Board as she is currently Co-Public Policy Director for the state. She also serves as facilitator for the Black Hawk County Gender Balance Coalition, is coordinator for the Cedar Valley United Nations Association and is on the state board of the United Nations Association Iowa division. More information can be found on the website regarding educational and employment activities. PAGE 3 IOWA INITIATIVE WINTER/SPRING IOWA MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT PLAN GRANTS AWARDED TO FOUR IOWA BRANCHES Our congratulations to the four branches in Iowa who, upon application, were awarded grant funding for their Membership Recruitment Plans: Loess Hills ($150), Oskaloosa ($250), Storm Lake ($250), and Waverly ($150). Go Teams! At the 2012 Summer Board Retreat, the Board approved funds for a new experimental program developed by the membership committee. The 2012-13 AAUW Iowa Membership Recruitment Plan Grant Program was developed to assist branches with membership recruitment. During the fall, each branch received information about the program, along with an Application and Grant Timeline. The Grant time period is January 1, 2013 through November 30, 2013, with a Final Report due on December 15, 2013. The Application was set up to help branches think through and develop a Recruitment Plan of Action. We are encouraged by the interest in this new endeavor and would like to thank the seven branches for making application to the program. It is our hope that the plans implemented and results achieved will yield new strategies to be shared with other branches for possible replication. Once the Final Reports are received, the Membership Committee will evaluate the results. A report and further recommendations will be made to the Board. We would welcome any feedback on branch membership needs so we can help you continue to increase membership and strengthen your branches. AAUW Iowa Membership Committee Mary Ann Ahrens, Membership Vice President Diane Patton Kathie Farris IOWA AAUW MEMBERSHIP MARKETING DISPLAY DEVELOPED FOR YOU REQUEST IT, USE IT, BENEFIT FROM IT! Last fall we developed an AAUW Iowa Marketing Display for your use at special meetings and outreach, networking or conference events. This information was shared with each branch, with an option to purchase a display for your continuous use if interested. This professionally printed portable display can be requested at any time for your use or purchased by contacting Ahrens. This display was developed with an “Opportunities” theme to educate people about who we are and what we have done. It includes a section on Leadership Opportunities, Membership Opportunities, Advocacy Opportunities, Community/Campus Action Opportunities, and Grant Opportunities. This is a great tool to increase your visibility. Request it! Use it! Benefit from it! Mary Ann Ahrens, Membership Vice President [email protected] 515-664-8933 (h) 319-240-5904 (cell) Public Education and Well-being of Women and Children are high priorities of AAUW (Both are AT RISK) What’s Happening As We Speak! January 2013 Reported by Sue Jorgenson, ejorg04juno.com Governor Branstad is traveling the state to promote his budget which does not adequately fund public education or mental health services. The Governor and Republicans in Des Moines have recommended that ($800,000,000) in cash reserves be refunded to taxpayers (refunds would be approximately $750 per household). I propose that we urge all AAUW members and concerned citizens to call Governor Branstad’s office at 515-281-5211 or you can write a message (include personal stories) and post on Gov. Branstad’s site: UEN Web site - http://www.uen-ia.org/legislation.htm It’s equally important to contact state legislators, so that the budget reflects the needs of Iowa’s citizens. I attended 2 legislative forums this past week. Legislators reported that both mental health services and public education are not adequately funded in the Governor’s proposed budget. Cash reserves are full ($800,000,000+). Let’s capitalize on this opportunity to invest in Iowa’s future. Mental Health: Services are in Transition 1. A $20 million MHDD transition fund is needed (Governor proposing 3.8 Million) 2. Fulfilling the state’s promises for a regional fund ($13.4 million) and an equalization fund ($29.8 million) vs. the Governor proposing "$0". 3. Support is needed for additional inpatient beds, community outreach, community-based services, and statewide emergency services. (Each inpatient bed is $300,000 per year). This is not the time to slack off on services. 4. Expanded Medicaid The Governor’s goal is that Iowa be the healthiest state in the nation. If mental health services are not adequately funded, this is not a realistic goal. In a recent speech, Iowa Supreme Court Judge Cady told legislators that without treatment the first intervention for the mentally ill is at the court house or the ER. The untreated are more likely to end up in prison where they do not receive necessary treatment. (30%50% in prison are mentally ill). “Iowa Cares” has been a vital safety net for poor and uninsured. Urge the governor and legislators to continue Iowa Cares. Education The Governor is promoting a “Transformation Plan” for k-12 education. One proposal is to raise pay for beginning teachers to $35,000 which is a reasonable amount, but other key components of the plan have had almost no input from educators. The Governor’s budget proposal doesn’t include allowable growth, so funding for public education would actually be cut. Pink slips (lay-offs) are coming as districts are forced to stretch $$. (Transformation with less?) Nationally, Iowa has one of the lowest per pupil funding ($6001). Ignoring poverty and At Risk children is a huge mistake. Early interventions are by far the most cost effective…avoiding school failure, future unemployment and incarceration. Let’s make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation with an excellent Education System. PAGE 4 IOWA INITIATIVE WINTER/SPRING 2013 STAYING CURRENT ON LEGISLATIVE ISSUES Rosanne Krubsack and Maureen White, Public Policy co-chairs Building on the Momentum AAUW has achieved a high profile at the national level due to the respect generated by our quality research. This success has resulted in two new initiatives that will be important to us at the state and branch levels as emphasis is placed on helping us increase our own visibility. 1. CQ State Tracker The new AAUW state legislative tracking program is starting to take shape. To make this Legislative Alert program work for us, the board approved a list of keywords specific to Iowa legislative concerns. Examples of such words are: domestic violence, equal pay, bullying, and health insurance. AAUW will use the keywords to track bills and amendments making their way through the current legislative session. When one of these keywords is triggered, an alert will be sent to our AAUW Iowa president and public policy chairs. They will read the proposed bill, and determine if it falls within our state public policy principles. If this alert is deemed actionable, a message will be sent to board members, branch presidents and branch public policy chairs recommending action – contacting your legislator/s, etc. Please bear with us: this first year of the new program will be a learning experience for all of us. 2013 Iowa Legislative Session January 14: First Day of Session February 15: Final day for individual Senator and Representative requests for bill drafts March 8: Final date for Senate bills to be reported out of Senate committees March 18-March 22: Senate only considers Senate bills and unfinished business; House considers only House bills and unfinished business April 5: Final date for bills to be reported out of committee April 8-April 12: Senate considers only House bills and unfinished business House considers only Senate bills and unfinished business April 15: Some bills eligible for consideration May 3: 110th calendar day of the session Complete and updated information on the legislative calendar, committees, and bills can be accessed at www. legis.iowa.gov Local Legislative Forums Using the calendar listed above, legislative forums can be set up during the months of January, February and March to discuss issues with 2. Training for Public Policy Committees local legislators. If you are not already doing so, consider co-hosting In the next few months, training sessions will be held for legislative forums during February and March. Local civic groups, branch public policy chairs. This training will focus on nonteacher organizations, Farm Bureau, and others may welcome the partisan political advocacy based on AAUW’s public policy opportunity to work with AAUW. Community Centers, schools, and principles. Note: According to our records, only 9 branches libraries are good locations for meetings. Legislators use weekends to have listed a name in the public policy position. Please apcommunicate with local constituents. Most of them would be pleased point someone to this position, and let Maureen or Rosanne to have an opportunity to address a larger group for an hour once a know the name and contact information. It is hoped the public month. For more assistance with this, contact Rosanne Krubsack at policy training will also extend to membership as a natural [email protected] or call 563-355-2685. adjunct to this activity. Have you purchased your “Pay Day” candy bars? 50-50 in 2020 Update Equal Pay Day is Tuesday, April 9, 2013. “Pay Day” bars are a fun More women than ever before ran for the legislature, howev- treat to pass out at events. To help you plan, a Pay Equity Resource er, not as many were elected as was anticipated. Board Kit is available on the AAUW.org website. members of the 50-50 organization have decided to be more Michigan AAUW has a model Equal Pay Day in which 25 groups and strategic in recruiting women candidates by focusing on disorganizations participate. Their slogan is: “Women are not worth-less; tricts with vacancies so that they have a better chance of Women are not worth less”. Information on Michigan’s activities can winning. The Board plans to hire a part-time executive direcbe found at: www.aauwmi.org. Click on the red box found in the midtor since the logistics of keeping the organization going have dle of their site. become more than volunteers can handle. Workshops for Women Interested in Running for Political Office Don’t forget workshops being offered by The Carrie Chapman Catt Center for women interested in exploring a run for political office. These workshops are free and nonpartisan. Registration is required. Find schedule at: www.event.iastate.edu/ event/28643 or enter: Ready to Run Iowa2013 in your browser. Note: Maureen and Rosanne would appreciate knowing what your branch is doing regarding public policy issues. Let us know if you are hosting legislative forums, equal payday activities, or other awareness projects. You can contact us at: [email protected] or [email protected]. PAGE 5 IOWA INITIATIVE WINTER/SPRING Action on Bylaws Required at State Meetings The Bylaws committee continues to work to make the AAUW Iowa Bylaws accurately state the status of AAUW Iowa's organization and action. Below are amendments to the state bylaws approved by the Board at the Summer Board Retreat in August 2011. These amendments will be voted on by the state membership at the April 2013 Annual Meetings. All except #1 are bylaw recommendations from AAUW following the 2009 National Convention. All of these amendments to the state bylaws clarify practices currently used at the State level. Jo Treadwell, Bylaws Director Any questions/concerns about these proposed changes to AAUW Iowa bylaws should be directed to Jo at [email protected] ----------------------------------------------------- Bylaws motion #1: The bylaws committee recommends that the positions of 'Strategic Planning" and "Leadership Development" be deleted in Article VI. Officers Section 1. Officers. Item c. in the state bylaws and be listed only in the AAUW Iowa Policies. ARTICLE VI. Officers - Section 1. Officers Item c. "The appointed officers shall be Directors of Public Policy, AAUW Funds, College/University Relations, Communications, Strategic Planning, and Leadership Development and such other officers as may be considered desirable to carry out the work of the organization." They shall be appointed by the President who may consult with the current Board." Rationale: 1] State bylaws need only list those positions required by AAUW, thus neither of these positions need to be listed specifically in the state bylaws. The other state Director positions are listed only in the Policies, and these two positions should only be listed in the Policies also. 2] Positions listed in the Bylaws should be filled while positions listed in the Policies may or may not be filled at the discretion of the Board and the needs of the state. With both of these positions in the Policies, the Board would have the responsibility to determine whether to fill or continue the positions. 3] Additional Director positions to the state Board are allowed in this ARTICLE VI in the phrase: "…and such other officers as may be considered desirable to carry out the work of the organization." This gives the Board the opportunity to provide an effective method for structuring work at the state level through the Policies. 4] Director positions listed in the Policies can be changed/adapted/ revised by action of the Board rather then requiring a vote of the entire state membership. The Policies allows the Board to meet the needs of a state with the addition/deletion of positions as needed by changing circumstances of the state organization. NOTE: If removed from Article VI Officers – these same two positions would be removed from Article IX. Committees. Section 1 Standing committees. The following are recommended changes from AAUW following the 2009 Convention and were approved by the AAUW Iowa Board for state membership action at the Annual Meeting. Bylaws motion #2: The bylaws committee recommends that the following amendments be made to AAUW Iowa Bylaws: 1. Article VI. Officers. Section 1. Item d. "Officers shall serve a term of 2 years or until their successors have been elected or appointed and assume office. Term of office shall begin on July 1." ADD: Each office may be filled by an officer or co-officers. Explanation: We already allow co-officers/directors in filling the positions, but it is not indicated in the bylaws as an option available to AAUW Iowa. =============================== 2. Article VII. Board of Directors. Section 6. Quorum. "The quorum for a meeting of the Board shall be a majority of the members. ADD: Co-officers shall be considered as one voting member of the Board unless otherwise specified in the Policies. Explanation: This was a recommended addition for bylaws revision after the 2009 National Convention. If added, the underlined phrase would be necessary in AAUW Iowa bylaws. =============================== 3. Article VIII. Executive Committee. This Article does not have a section concerning meetings for the executive committee. A new section would be added to indicate how executive board meetings are held: ADD: Section _3_. Meetings. Meetings of the executive committee shall be held at the call of the president or by written request of _3_ of its members. =============================== 4. Article VIII. Executive Committee. Section 4. Quorum. The quorum shall be a majority of the members of the executive committee. ADD: Coofficers shall be considered as one voting member of the executive committee. =============================== 5. Article XI. Meetings Section 1. Annual Meeting. The organization shall hold a meeting every calendar year to be known as the Annual Meeting, to conduct the business of the organization, including but not limited to electing officers, establishing dues, reviewing the budget, amending bylaws, and receiving reports. The exact date, time, and place of the meeting shall be determined by the executive committee Board of Directors. Clarification: The Policies say that the Board of Directors will make the decision on the Annual Meeting, not just the executive committee. The AAUW Iowa Board has been making the decision on annual meeting date, time, and place. The MODEL State Bylaws from AAUW also recommends that the State Board make the decision on annual meeting date, time, and place. Note: All branches were required to revise their bylaws and send a copy to National and the state bylaws director by May 15, 2012. If your branch has not done this or you don’t know if it was done, please contact Jo Treadwell eNetwork Online Branch News The AAUW-IA eNetwork Online Branch, which now has 12 members, uses a webconferencing environment for monthly programming led by members and guests. During this 2012-13 program year, the eNetwork meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday evening of each month. Members and guests participate using computers—usually from their homes—to link to the web conference ‘room’ where they can see, hear, talk, read, and write during the sessions. A special focus of programming this spring is Women: Women of the UN: Listening to the International Issues [February 14], Life for Women in the Congo [March 14], Challenges facing Immigrant Families [April 11], Women’s voices in public office [May 9]. Guests are welcome. For information about the AAUW-IA eNetwork, see aauwiowa.org or contact Jan Mitchell at [email protected]. PAGE 6 IOWA INITIATIVE WINTER/SPRING This form may be completed, removed, and forwarded with your payment. Or you may download form from AAUW-IA website and complete. PAGE 7 IOWA INITIATIVE WINTER/SPRING 2013 AAUW-IA Newsletter Editor Pamla K. Hoadley 4705 Old Lakeport Road Sioux City, IA 51106 Mission Statement AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. AAUW Value Promise By joining AAUW, we belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance. Vision Statement AAUW will be a powerful advocate and visible leader in equity and education through research, philanthropy and measurable change in critical areas impacting the lives of women and girls. Diversity Statement In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class. It’s Not Too Late!! INITIATIVE, a triannual newsletter, is published by the American Association of University Women–Iowa. The distribution cost is included in state dues. Questions and articles should be addressed to: INITIATIVE Editor Pam Hoadley, 4705 Old Lakeport Road, Sioux City, IA 51106. Submissions are accepted at the discretion of the AAUW-IA Board. INITIATIVE is a publication of the AAUW-IA Board. Iowa State Silent Auction 2013 - The AAUW Iowa board voted in January to extend the Community Conversation Project until June of 2014, even though the Iowa Initiative to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy project ended December 2012. Once again the Fundraising Silent Auction will be part of the State Conferences in April. This is one way members annually support AAUW Funds nationally; giving to these Funds is an important way to forward our mission of supporting women and girls. The Iowa Initiative Research Program analysis showed that from 2007 to 2012 the four intervention projects, which helped educate the Iowa public, and the funding for family planning clinics and long acting, reversible contraception resulted in significant decreases in unintended pregnancies and abortions in Iowa. During the same period of time Wisconsin, Ohio, Nebraska, Missouri and Minnesota had much lower decreases in abortions and unintended pregnancies. In concert with “The Power of One” theme, it is suggested that each branch donate recycled baskets that contain foods that can be shared with others; that is, one basket to share with many. The contents of the baskets (boxes or bags) would be non-perishable foods and drinks, perhaps gathered around a theme such as: a Mexican Fiesta basket, Chinese foods and tea, Indian cuisine, a Bar-B-Q collection, Wine & Cheese, Fruit basket, Snack basket with beverages, etc. Imagination is welcome. We cannot accept homemade goods, but anything prepackaged is great. Branches are urged to consider providing more than one basket. Baskets need to be delivered to the Conference prior to the opening session, delivery 8:00-8:30 a.m. is best as each conference begins at 8:45. Your AAUW branch can be a part of this success story by hosting a Community Conversation with the toolkit, 10 minute video and a facilitator provided by AAUW IA. For more information please contact Diane Edwards, Gender Equity Director at 515-571-5534 or [email protected] Each branch may select the fund to support: Educational Opportunity Fund, the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund, the Legal Advocacy Fund, the Public Policy Fund, or the general AAUW Funds (to be used where needed). Bonnie Smith/Nancy Magnall, AAUW Funds Co-directors PAGE 8 IOWA INITIATIVE WINTER/SPRING 2013
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