I’ve been aware that AAUW is a well-respected group of women who are well-prepared, well-spoken, well-educated, dedicated, and committed to thoughtful goals that move our society toward a more peaceful future. But after this year’s convention, I’m overwhelmed by that awareness.
I was moved, stimulated, inspired, entertained, informed, rewarded, hugged, mothered, appreciated, greeted, surprised, challenged, and chagrined — and that was just the first day!
I was NOT disappointed in Washington, D.C. The convention itself was well-thought-out, well-planned, and well-executed. The workshops, panels, and speakers were thought provoking, informative, interactive, diverse, and rewarding. I came away feeling slightly overwhelmed but with many new or renovated ideas that I can immediately apply to my branches.
Specifically, I was emotionally moved by the story of Edith Arana, a plaintiff in the Wal-Mart discrimination case. Arana told the story for so many other women who have also been discriminated against, but she found the courage to stand up to those attempting to hold her back. I’m so proud to be a member of AAUW, which steps up to support Arana and so many others in situations such as hers.
I was also empowered by the work of the AAUW staff who prepared us for Lobby Day. They provided us with background, anecdotes, and the logistics to storm Capitol Hill and make our voices heard. The Big Teal Machine could be seen all over the Hill — in the hallways, offices, restrooms, cafeteria lines, and sidewalks. We high-fived each other as we passed in the tunnels and encouraged each other to voice our requests and tell our stories to the elected officials. I am so proud to walk the halls with my fellow teal-toting friends from around the state and the country!
I celebrated with and for fellow AAUW members as we were awarded for our work to move the mission forward. How could one not be proud to be among those whose dedication means more girls and young women will find their voices by participating in WINGS or Tech Trek?
I come away informed and prepared to pass along information, ideas, and plans to stop the bullying and sexual harassment in the classrooms and streets of my community. I leave the convention ready to inform my fellow members about the projects that can assist young women to study and seek careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I arrive home inspired and motivated to work with my fellow AAUW members on concrete, successful, and fun ideas to recruit and retain members. And I can’t wait to get to my computer to update my Facebook page, tweet, and blog about this convention and the myriad events we’re lining up to continue to break down barriers for all women and girls.
I write this on the flight home with the faces of my fellow AAUW members fresh in my memory … the twinkling lights of the final few moments of the convention’s general session still easily recalled and the warmth of the handshakes, hugs, and smiles of my friends who share my pride, enthusiasm, and newly re-energized commitment to advance equity for all women and girls — and have FUN doing it!
This post was written by AAUW of Michigan member and newsletter editor Kathy Banfield Shaw.
Great to see your enthusiasm for the Lobby Day and Convention! Always more ways to engage. Tomorrow a Senate Judiciary hearing on the aftermath of the Dukes v Wal-Mart decision.
I fell in love with AAUW during the convention. I have always respected the goals and accomplishments of the organization, but it took meeting and hearing from such wonderful women (and nice men) to make me fall in love. I am looking forward to putting into action many of the ideas that a learned of during these few days, and I feel like a better person because I attended.
Karen Peters
Cobb County, Georgia, Branch President
This just about says it all! I feel like I am better informed about AAUW and can be a better member and officer thanks to this convention. I am amazed at how well each session was attended!
Jan Applegate, KY AAUW State President