Although I have twice volunteered for the AAUW National Convention (held every two years—every sixth year in Washington, D.C.), this is the first time that I’ve registered for the entire event. I expect that the 2011 AAUW National Convention will be both a wonderful and memorable experience. I will be volunteering again but will be trying also to attend as many sessions as possible during the convention, which runs from June 16 to 19 at the Renaissance Washington, D.C. Hotel.
Since I am currently the AAUW of Virginia co-vice president of public policy, I will try to attend all the sessions that might help me next year in that capacity. I finished my term as the state co-president last June — it would have been neat to be able to attend the State Presidents’ Leadership Training on June 16, but in my new position I’m looking forward to Saturday’s Washington Update, where attendees will get the inside scoop on the latest political issues in D.C. and gain insights into federal policy making.
AAUW has meant a lot to me for the past 25 years. I originally joined because I wanted to be in the book club, which is a great way to meet people and discuss ideas. I still attend the two in my current branch as much as possible.
Soon after joining my fist AAUW book club, however, I found myself busily involved in other AAUW activities. I became newsletter editor (quite a challenge for a mother with four kids — and often foster kids), and this was a great way to learn all about branch activities. After doing that for a couple of years, I was almost relieved to become branch president. I served as branch president for multiple terms in two branches before becoming state co-president in 2008. Being president requires knowledge of how the entire entity functions and the people in it, so I love that role.
I have attended many state AAUW conventions and other conventions. Looking back, the most enjoyable aspect of attending conventions has been meeting people. Whether they are new colleagues or old friends or acquaintances, I almost always think of them fondly in the months after convention.
I’m looking forward to meeting some great women at the 2011 AAUW National Convention ― hopefully one of them will be you!
This post was written by AAUW of Virginia Public Policy Co-Chair and AAUW Fairfax City (VA) Branch member Dianne Blais.
AAUW Dialog 
We’re looking forward to meeting you, too, Dianne. Don’t be shy…introduce yourself and find lots of opportunities to share ideas with other branch members and state officers. And, thank you and all the other DC area members who are volunteering to make this the best convention ever!