2019-01JanuaryPerspective

January 2019 Perspective

January 2019 -- Volume 64, No. 5

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

See articles below for more information.

Upcoming branch events
January 27 - Deadline for January program reservations
January 31 - Deadline for Named Gift Honoree nominations
January 31 - January program: Evening at Cinnabar, 7:30 pm
February 2 - February program: Community Disaster Preparedness

JANUARY PROGRAM

Cinnabar Theater

Underneath the Lintel

On Thursday, January 31, 2019, AAUW members, friends, and family are invited to a dress rehearsal performance of Underneath the Lintel, a play by Glen Berger. The "...Librarian embarks on a quest to find out who anonymously returned a library book that is 113 years overdue. A clue scribbled in the margin of the book and an unclaimed dry-cleaning ticket then take him on a mysterious adventure that spans the globe and the ages."

This is a fundraiser for Funds and Tech Trek; some proceeds also go to Cinnabar. The price is a bargain (less than a senior ticket) for this event. Refreshments will be available.

   Date: Thursday, January 31, 2019
   Time: 7:30 p.m. curtain
   Cost: $25
   RSVP Deadline: January 27, 2019

Make your check payable to AAUW Petaluma and send to Patti Prichard, 95 Mission Drive, Petaluma, CA 94952. Phone: 707 763-1354; email: Patty Prichard.

Questions? Contact Rory Keller.

Patti Prichard & Rory Keller

P.S., If you made reservations for this event at the holiday luncheon, but have not yet paid, please send your check to Patti, same address.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

President's Message

The Holiday luncheon at Cattlemen’s Restaurant was well attended with over 50 attendees.

Our P

rograms Committee organized a local business woman, Tali Bouskila, to speak about the path that took her to starting her own business. She has a unique florist shop, Second Street Flowers, located in the Theater District. She specializes in dried and locally sourced arrangements and offers some classes to small groups.

As always there was an outpouring of generosity of toys from members for the Christmas Cheer program.

Tech Trek Chairs described the funding n

eeded to send more girls to the summer STEM camp. Thank you to those who generously contributed via the “Tech Trek Fund bag”.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Cinnabar Show “Under the Lintel.”

Thank you to Patricia Souza for volunteering to chair the Nominating Committee.

AAUW is aiming to have 10 million women take the "Work Smart" program by 2022. You can help by taking this free online course yourself, then sending to 20 friends and relatives so they can also take the course.

The Funds Committee is requesting nominations for this year's Named Gift Honoree, due by January 31 (see article below).

SRJC is on board with the NCCWSL program again. Doris Tolks, our SRJC liaison, has organized a committee to review applications and interview selected applicants.

Though the deadline was December 1 for nominations for the AAUW-CA board, candidates are still being accepted. The election period will be April 22 through May 13.

Thank you to all who donated to help the AAUW members from Paradise branch who lost their homes.

May you all have a healthy, happy, and as busy as you want 2019. Now, let's all enjoy the clear skies and fresh air.

Michele Meyer, President

February Program

Community Preparedness

A community preparedness meeting will be our next general gathering on

Saturday, February 2, 2019, at 10 a.m.
at the Petaluma Community Center, Lucchesi Park
320 N. McDowell Blvd.

Representatives from southern Sonoma County and Novato have been invited to discuss two issues:

The first is how best to communicate public information during a natural disaster, such as wildfires or earthquakes, in a way that is thorough and consistent each day.
The second topic is the importance of evacuation drills to better prepare citizens, and the information that is learned from doing such an event.

The public is invited to attend the meeting which will be in the ABCD room at the Community Center. At least 100 are expected to attend the two-hour program, sponsored by the Petaluma Branch of the American Association of University Women.

Pamela Granger, public policy chairman, and Janet Silverberg, co-vice president of programs, are organizers for the meeting.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON IN DECEMBER

Our annual Holiday Luncheon was a delightful opportunity to see old friends and meet new members. See the President's Message for additional photos and a description of the program.

Need to update or correct your contact information?

Please contact Database Chair Rory Keller
If you would like your updated information to be published in the Perspective, contact newsletter co-editors Anne Taylor, Sandy Smethurst and/or Barbara Guggemos.

NAMED GIFT HONOREE NOMINATIONS

Each year Petaluma AAUW honors a member or members for their exemplary contributions to our branch. We are seeking nominations from you, the AAUW membership, for this year’s Named Gift Honoree.

The Honoree is chosen for outstanding service to the branch, and your nomination letter should include examples of their contributions. We would be happy to provide additional research on the recipient (dates, positions held, etc.) if needed prior to the submission of the letter. The nomination must be signed by at least one current member. Any outstanding community service and professional activities should also be listed but are secondary in importance in the selection process. Awarding this highest honor of the branch to a past honoree is permissible when appropriate. We have funds available for the 2019 nomination to honor two nominees.

Please send written nominations to either of the AAUW Fund Vice Presidents Mary Ann Kendall or Patti Prichard by January 31, 2019.

The AAUW Fund Committee will review the nominations and select the honoree. We look forward to your recommendation for this year’s Named Gift Honoree.

Named Gift Honoree Nominating Committee

The committee is composed of the AAUW Fund Vice Presidents, President, immediate past President, one past Named Gift Honoree, finance Vice President, and one other member. Anyone who interested in joining the committee may contact Mary Ann Kendall or Patti Prichard.

MaryAnn Kendall & Patti Prichard
Co-VPs, Funds

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the Southern Sonoma County community through leadership, advocacy, support, partnerships, and education.

ww w.pchd.org

(707) 285-2143

PUBLIC POLICY HIGHLIGHTS

2019 APPOINTING WOMEN TO COMMISSIONS & BOARDS

-- A CALL TO ACTION FOR WOMEN

AAUW California collaborates with California Women Lead (CWL) in many public policy areas. They have launched a project to encourage women to apply for appointments to public boards and commissions. The project’s goal is to ensure appointed boards and commissions reflect the rich diversity of California. The end goal is to present to the next governor and their transition team the names and resumes of women interested in serving within the new administration in order to provide a significant pool of qualified women to serve as appointees.

CWL is encouraging women to fill out an application for the project on their website. This site also has information to answer questions about the process. You can contact California Women Lead with any questions at [email protected]. Take advantage of this opportunity to play a part in our governance!

What I need to know: Public boards and commissions need your expertise.
What I need to do: Apply to have your name added to the list of possible state government appointees.

Comment Period Open for 2019–21 AAUW Public Policy Priorities

Every two years, AAUW members vote on revisions to our Public Policy Priorities. Now through January 11, 2019, you can comment on the changes recommended by the AAUW Public Policy Committee, and propose revisions to the ballot in the AAUW national election next spring or to the AAUW bylaws.

AAUW's Public Policy Priorities state our organization’s federal action priorities, as well as guidelines for state and local action.

Click here to read and comment on the changes to Public Policies Priorities that are recommended by the AAUW Public Policy Committee (APPC).

Pam Granger, Public Policy Chair

Volunteer Opportunities

Tech Trek is looking for women teachers of STEM classes to help with Tech Trek in June. Contact Patsy Knight if you or someone you know could help.

Please contact Nominating Committee Chair Patricia Souza if you would like to serve on the Nominating Committee for next year's board.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

2018/19 Season

Theater, musicals, opera, concerts,
and more!

707-763 8920

cinnabartheater.org

Did You Know?...

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Turns 70

The year 2018 marked 70 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations, and today the global rights of women and girls are being proclaimed in marches, social media campaigns, and legislatures. UDHR set forth a foundation for a world in which people inherently have dignity and fundamental rights; never had that idea been internationally recognized. Never had a single document been so effective at laying the groundwork for national and international protections against human rights abuses.

AAUW at the United Nations, Then and Now

AAUW was involved in the crafting of the UDHR and the creation of the United Nations itself from the beginning. In September 1945, less than two months after the end of World War II, 50 nations and 40 organizations including AAUW under the leadership of Virginia Gildersleeve, Ph.D., came together to establish the United Nations. This new organization would replace the League of Nations and, hopefully, be more effective.

The drafting committee of the declaration, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, worked with the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and AAUW CSW representatives like Dorothy Kenyon, J.D., to ensure that the rights of women and girls were represented in the document. AAUW is still present at the UN today working to advance the rights of women and girls.

“We stand today at the threshold of a great event both in the life of the United Nations and the life of all mankind. This declaration may well become the international Magna Carta.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt, on the presentation of the UDHR to the UN General Assembly

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Empowers Us All

The declaration’s 26th article proclaims that everyone has the right to education, regardless of sex. The document states that fundamental education for women and girls is not a privilege. It is a right that must be distributed equally and upon merit. This clause has been a guiding principle at AAUW through our legislative advocacy, campus initiatives, and fellowships and grants in which $3.7 million is awarded annually to advance educational opportunities for women and girls worldwide.

Under the UDHR, women also have the right to work in an environment free from harassment. Article 23 states that everyone has the right to work in “just and favorable conditions.” In the age of #MeToo, this right is in the forefront of current discourse and advocacy as sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the workplace is in the spotlight. Equal pay for equal work is also a core component of the article, which we know is still an unrealized right for women in the workplace, especially for many women of color.

As AAUW fights for access to education, pay equity, and a seat at the leadership table on all fronts, we must keep in mind that these are rights that are inherent and inalienable under the precepts of the UDHR.

While the declaration is not legally binding, it paved the way for enforceable treaties to expand on the articles, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which was created with AAUW involvement. Ratification of CEDAW is a component of AAUW’s public policy principles and priorities. The treaty addresses discrimination in education, health care, politics, finance and law, employment, and marriage and family relations, all of which are essential to ensuring global gender equity.

Information in this article is from the AAUW Blog by Payal Sindha (here).

Kathy Schmidt
Member Concerns

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

MEMBER CONCERNS

Wishing you all a healthy, happy and productive 2019!

Be sure to let me know the good news as well as the not-so-good!

Kathy Schmidt, Member Concerns Chair

AAUW UNIVERSITY PARTNER NEWS

Volunteer Opportunity
Winter Naturalist Program at SSU

Learn about the natural and cultural history of Sonoma Mountain with university staff and experts. This 4-day training at SSU’s Fairfield Osborn Preserve will give you new insights and skills to enrich yourself and to share with others.

For more information: www.sonoma.edu/cei
Contact Julie Wittmann, Naturalist Training Coordinator [email protected]

Patricia Webb, SSU Liaison

Facebook Reminder

Please follow our AAUW Petaluma Facebook page. You will be automatically updated on events. If you “like” and/or “share” the post, it will go out to a wider audience!

Kris U'Ren

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

IF YOU SEE ONLY ONE COLUMN FOR "SECTIONS", CLICK ON "VIEW THE NEWSLETTER IN YOUR BROWSER" AT THE TOP OF THE NEWSLETTER.

SECTIONS

Please contact Patty Shribbs with general questions or ideas for new sections: [email protected], 769-8961.Please contact individual Section Chairs for locations, details, and/or to RSVP for specific meetings.

Art and History
Art and History (meets 3rd Fridays)
Date: 01.18.19
Time: TBD
Chair: Sandra Rozmarin

New and Prospective Members
Open to all new members and continuing members interested in meeting new members.
Chair: Karen Johnson, [email protected]

Saturday Night Drama Reading
Meets second Saturdays
Date: 01.12.19
Play: “It Happened in Harrods”
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: home of Rory Keller
Chair: Kay Hardy, [email protected] or 981-7171

Modern Literature
Meets 4th Monday
Date: 01.28.19
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Book: “The Displaced:Refugee Writers on Refugee Lives” by Viet Thanh Nguyen and “The Best We Could Do: A Memoir” by Thi Bui
Place: home of Pat Riley
Chair: [email protected] or 781-3722
RSVP to chair

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets second Tuesdays
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Date: 01.08.19
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Book:” Windfalls” by Jean Hegland
Place: home of Nancy Henry
Co-Chairs: Anne Trujillo or Maureen Sheridan Scott
([email protected] or [email protected])
RSVP to Anne Trujillo.

Evening Dining Section “Eclectic Gourmet”
Please contact Anne if interested.
Chair: Anne Taylor
Contact info: [email protected] or 774-6586

Out to Lunch Bunch
Dates:01.15 or 01.22.19 (Tuesdays)
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Place: Pongo’s (701 Sonoma Mtn Pkwy)
RSVP to Chair who will make reservations.
Chair: Laurie Leary at [email protected] or 765-1046

Walking Group - Fridays after work
Meets most Fridays
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Chair: Contact Rory Keller [email protected] or 763-2072

Hiking Group
Date: TBD
Time: 9:15 a.m.
Meeting Place: 124 Howard St. (Bring packed lunch and any gear needed, esp. water.)
Confirm attendance with Anna.
Chair: Anna Taylor, 763-7952
[email protected]

Afternoon Bridge (intermediate)
Meets 2nd Fridays
Date: 01.11.19
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Place: Contact Chair
Chair: Claire Pass, 763-9075 or [email protected]
Please RSVP with chair.

Thursday Bridge
Meets 3rd Thursdays
Date: 01.17.19
Time: 1:00 p.m. (or 7:00 if hostess chooses)
Place: Contact Chair
Chair: Paula Cornyn, 762-0301 or [email protected]
Please RSVP with chair.

Wed. Evening Bridge (beginning bridge)
Meets 1st Wednesdays
Date: 01.02.19
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Contact Chair
Chair: Diana Brown, 762-1779 or [email protected]
Please RSVP with chair.

The following sections have
reached capacity:
Craft Group
Several Dining Groups

E x e c u t i v e B o a r d

President: Michele Meyer
VP - Program (Co-): Janet Silverberg, Dianne Trumpy
VP - Membership: Diana Brown
VP - Funds: Patti Prichard, Mary Ann Kendall
VP - Finance: Barbara Ryan
Membership Treasurer: Eileen Simard
Secretary/Board: Tish Conway
Secretary/General Meetings: Stefanie Capps

Committee Chairs:
Expanding Your Horizons (Co-): Patricia Souza, Patsy Knight
Facebook: Kris U'Ren
Hospitality: Norma Jean Walsh
Institutional Memory: Pam Granger
Parliamentarian: Barbara Guggemos
Publicity/Social Media: Sara Cummings
Public Policy: Pam Granger
Sections Coordinator: Patty Shribbs
SRJC Liaison: Doris Tolks
SSU Liaison: Patricia Webb
Tech Trek (Co-): Sheila Garvey, Kathleen Garvey

Membership
Database: Rory Keller
Membership Concerns: Kathy Schmidt
New Members: Karen Johnson

Communication
Email contact: Rory Keller
Gold Book Editor: Shayne Miller
Perspective Co-editors: Sandy Smethurst, Anne Taylor, Barbara Guggemos
Publication Sponsors: Hilary Blyth
Webmaster: Ray Hendess