Welcome to the Springfield-Annandale, VA Branch of AAUW!

The Springfield-Annandale (VA) Branch of AAUW welcomes you to our website. Our branch was organized in March of 1955 and received into the Virginia Division that Fall. Composed primarily of young college educated women at home with young children in a young community of newly built homes, it has evolved into an organization of women of many ages with strong interest in current issues, particularly women’s issues. Our branch has strongly supported AAUW’s mission. We invite you to browse and learn more about our branch programs, community impact activities and special interest groups.

 

AAUW Celebrating Over 140 Years 

AAUW Mission Statement

To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. Vision: Equity for all. Values: Non-partisan. Fact based.

AAUW Diversity Statement

In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks an inclusive membership, workforce, leadership team, and board of directors. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, geographical location, national origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.

 

Join us on Friday, May 03, 2024, 11:00 AM at the beautiful Springfield Golf & Country Club for our 2024 SPRING FLING Luncheon and Silent Auction! Our special guest speaker is Annie Ray, Annandale High School Orchestra Director, FCPS 2023 High School Educator of the Year, and the 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award Winner!

Spring Fling 2024 Flyer

Presidents’ Notes:  Co-President Ann Sauberman

One of the most important missions of the AAUW is to promote economic security for women. This was emphasized at my first Springfield-Annandale meeting in the early 1970’s. I was a mother of two small children and a friend, invited me to come to a meeting. I had just moved from Falls Church and wanted to change my AAUW affiliation to a closer branch. As I listened to the monthly speaker, I felt like she was speaking directly to me. She emphasized that as young women, we needed to become economically equal and secure. We needed to understand Virginian law. Many of us in those days were staying home and caring for our children. We were not prepared in case anything happened to our husbands, including death, divorce, or a job loss. The speaker emphasized that we needed to establish our own credit and prove that we could pay bills and manage the budget. I was shocked and never thought that my economic world could crash or become unstable.

I went home and thought about it for days. As a result, I applied for my own credit card and paid some bills on my own to establish my credit. I opened my own bank account, so if I had to face my husband’s death, I would have some funds before a will was probated.

Click here to continue reading the President’s note.

OUR 2023 HIGHLIGHTS 

Irene McGhee, Amy Crolius: Co-Vice President for Programs

Branch Program Meeting – Global Health Equity – March 14

Women are leading the Global Health Equity charge when it comes to advancing health equity, yet factors are inhibiting our progress. We also know that on a global scale both women’s health and financial wellness vary widely further causing inequities.

Mary Stutts, CEO of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association will speak to the reasons and offer solutions that will drive meaningful change, and pave the way forward for improved financial well-being and enhanced health outcomes for women globally. This meeting is virtual on Thursday, March 14, 7:00 P.M. – watch your email for the Zoom link.

 

Public Policy and Advocacy:  Susan Burk, Public Policy Chair

AAUW-VA Conference 2024

The AAUW-VA Conference 2024 brochure with the current information about the event in Lynchburg on April 12 is available here: Conference-2024-Brochure-FINAL.pdf (aauw.net). The Keynote Speaker is Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar, the first woman president of the University of Lynchburg.

Preconference activities on April 11 are also described. A registration form is included, along with hotel reservation information. You can register online here: AAUW 2024 Conference Registration Form | of Virginia.

Lobby Day

Janine Greenwood, Denise M. Murden, Co-Vice Presidents for Public Policy, AAUW of Virginia

Lobby Day in Richmond was a great success.  Over 30 members gathered and reached out to offices of nearly 80 legislators. That was amazing. AAUWVA members were recognized on the floor of both the Senate and the House of Delegates.

Public Policy

Public Policy is beginning to work on plans for our Get Out the Vote strategy this year. Sharpen your colored pencils and get out your markers because postcarding will be an important part of that effort. We know we can count on our members who sent out over 3,000 postcards last year

Proposed Bylaws Changes

Lane Stone, Sarita Gregory

Voting on AAUW National bylaws changes will begin in April. This is a good time for you to be sure you are receiving emails from national. If you have unsubscribed in the past, consider re-subscribing so you will receive an electronic ballot.

Invisible Warriors

The Leage of Women Voters of Virginia presents a virtual special screening of the documentary: “Invisible Warriors: African American Women and World War II,” March 20, 7:00 P.M. RSVP here: Invisible Warriors

Help Virginia pass a paid sick day standard. And, help make sure the bill covers all working people, including part-time folks. Use the appropriate message listed here: Write Your Senators or call to urge their support for a paid sick day standard that covers everyone.

Diversity, Equity and IncIusion: Judy Baldwin

2024 Student Inclusion Awards

The Student Inclusion Award committee is in the process of contacting our four area high schools – Annandale, Lake Braddock, John Lewis, and West Springfield – to advertise the award which recognizes Junior students who are promoting inclusiveness and fighting bullying and exclusion in their schools. The award is given to a Junior from each school so the students can include it in their college applications. A 500-word essay and participation in school activities are required.

Committee members are Judy Baldwin, Helen Cassidy, Betty Marie Fields, Ann Sauberman, Mussaret Sheikh, Irene McGhee and Elizabeth Gibbons. The awards will be presented at the April 18 Branch meeting. Students will be invited to talk about their inclusion efforts.

Did You Know?

You can sign up now to start your free, online salary negotiation workshop. Just go to https://salary.aauw.org/ to begin. AAUW Start Smart is designed for college women who are approaching the job market. AAUW Work Smart is designed for women in the workforce at any career level

Advocating for Women’s Health Care and Economic Security 

AAUW believes everyone has the right to make decisions about their own reproductive lives without government interference. Abortion access is vital to women’s ability to control their lives, bodies and futures. Without reproductive freedom, there can be no equity. Click here for AAUW National Statement

 

 

Be a Two Minute Activist Fight for equal pay, family leave, stopping sexual harassment, and equal opportunity in education from the comfort of your own home. Sign up to be a Two Minute Activist and get regular alerts and the opportunity to take action. AAUW.org/act/two-minute-activist/. It couldn’t be easier!

 

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