American Association of University Women

AAUW of Michigan

Advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research

Vision: 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.
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Grand Rapids

Year Established  1941  

Number of Members   We have 38 members.  Of that number, we have 3 women who are 50-year Honorary Members. 

Current Officers 

Meetings:  Meetings are not held regularly.  When a meeting is called, members are notified by newsletter or postcard.  The Branch meets at restaurants three times a year on Saturdays for luncheons 

Projects:  The Grand Rapids Branch normally has two major projects per year.  Each year, usually in February, the Branch holds a Science IS For Girls Conference.  Last year we had approximately 150 5th and 6th grade girls and 60 parents register.  The Conference had an opening event including a chemistry demonstration.  Afterwards each girl could attend three sessions on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers presented by women in the respective fields.  The parents attended a seminar on helping girls explore the possibility of careers in STEM fields and helping girls improve their self-images.  The Conference concluded with a general assembly. 

This year we have had to cancel our plans for the February 2009 Conference as Proposition 2 passed in Michigan has interfered with our sponsors being able to help with facilities and administrative tasks.  We wrote the following letter to interested parties: 

“It is with the greatest regret that you have to be told about the decision of the Grand Rapids Branch of AAUW about not holding our 15th year seminar called ‘Science IS For Girls’ in 2008.  Because of the passage of ‘Prop 2,’ our public education partners can no longer participate in a one-gender seminar.  We have to find a different format, some different partners, and a different place that does not receive funds from the state to hold the event.  We feel that these difficulties are too much to accomplish in too short a time.  We have a hope that ‘Science IS For Girls’ can be revived by 2009.  Thank you for some many, many years of participation.  We will let you know of our progress, BECAUSE ‘Equity is still an issue.’  If you have questions or solutions, please feel free to call me at (616) 453-2240 or call our AAUW president, Marilyn Vankat at (616) 735-9963 or email me at MIRUBI@aol.com or Marilyn at amvankat@comcast.net.  Thanks again for your years of service to girls.”   The letter was signed by Mary Jane Keeler, SIFG Chair   

We are hopeful that there will be a change in Proposition 2 and/or that we as a Branch will find a way to hold the Conference with “private sector” sponsors. 

Our second project is to housesit each spring for the Parade of Homes.  By “sitting” we earn $400 for our contribution to the Education Fund.

We also offer the opportunity for each member to individually contribute to the Legal Advocacy Fund.  We collect the donations at our holiday luncheon in December.

We are an aging Branch.  We have developing a strategic plan which includes four major steps:

  1. Create awareness in the Grand Rapids area regarding the necessity to cancel a very worthwhile program for girls because of Proposition 2.
  2. Create awareness in the Grand Rapids area regarding the existence of AAUW and its mission—equity for all women and girls.
  3. Work with the Women’s Centers of the various colleges to develop a new, younger, active AAUW Branch.
  4. Begin work toward a restructured Science IS For Girls Conference for 2009.

If you are interested in helping us with our strategic plan, please call Marilyn Vankat, President of the existing Branch, 616-735-9963 to offer assistance.  “Equity is still and issue” and we need all the help we can get to bring about equality.

Latest Branch News

The main events this year have involved luncheon meetings, one of which Deb Ensign, District 6 coordinator attended.  The Science for Girls will hopefully be done next year, but this year it was not possible.  The members will be participating in the Parade of Homes which raises $400 that goes to EF.  They also support LAF with a collection. 

Last update May 3, 2008

 

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Send mail to Vicki Granger.
Copyright © 2008 American Association of University Women - Michigan
Last modified: 05/02/08