Now is not the time to be silent. There are many ways to make our voices heard, and many issues that need our input.
First, important voting is going on at AAUW right now -- at both the National and State level -- and our votes count! Voting for AAUW National will continue through Tuesday, May 13th; for AAUW California, the voting period ends on Friday, May 16th. If you have already voted, thank you! If you haven't already voted, look for two separate emails (one for California and one for AAUW National). You should be receiving regular reminders via email, too. Those of you without email access will receive mailed ballots.
Among the items we're voting on at the state level is a California AAUW state dues increase of $10 per year (from $20 to $30). After reading AAUW California President Charmen Goehring's statement and reflecting on all the ways that our branch is supported by the hard work of all those at the state level -- from Tech Trek coordination and Lobby Days legislative action to the webinars and other support provided to help branches succeed -- I assuredly voted YES. I hope that you will join me in affirming the value of CA AAUW support. At the same time, I recognize the uncertain economic times we currently face. Do remember that our branch can support those members who need support with their dues.
Second, AAUW has announced two new targeted funds we can give to now-- the Public Policy Fund (4337) and the Defend Higher Education Fund (4513). These are in addition to the Greatest Needs Fund and highlight important advocacy needs at this point in our nation's history. You can find out about all these funds and how to give to them HERE. Our treasurer, DD Patrick, wrote to me just the other day with a report that we've already received $500 in donations to be sent to the Defend Higher Education Fund!
Third, just a reminder that our Spring fundraiser is taking place on Wednesday, May 21 from 4 -7 pm at Brooks Burgers in San Luis Obispo. More information is in this newsletter, and information will be sent out soon to share with your friends and family. We will receive 15% of each meal's price! This event will also serve as our May Dine Out event, so come enjoy some tasty food and good company! Proceeds will go towards our various scholarships, including our scholarships for young women from SLOHS who will be attending college. This year, we were again able to give ten $500 scholarships to very deserving students! Come hear those students talk about their backgrounds and their plans at our upcoming branch meeting on Monday, May 12 at 7 pm via Zoom. We really want a good turnout. Please attend to see how your participation as a member is transforming young women's lives!
A few more final thoughts and mentions.
The Six Triple Eight, "the only all-female unit of color to serve overseas in World War II" not only has been a topic in previous president's messages, but it was also the subject of the first film selected for our group watch. Happily, and appropriately, this group of Black women soldiers was also recognized on April 29, 2025 with a Congressional Medal of Honor on the 80th anniversary of their service (see the story from NPR HERE). Theirs are among the stories of women's history and Black history that cannot be erased.
Thank you to Morro Bay AAUW for hosting our branch at their April branch meeting. Although I wasn't around to attend, I did go to their 37th Annual AAUW Garden Tour and had a delightful time. I've included a picture of a fan aloe that Morro Bay AAUW President and SLO Branch member Mary Jefferson has in her back yard. I'm not much of a plant person (though I hope that will change in my retirement), but I'm definitely looking to add one or more of these to my yard!
And, finally, Happy Mother's Day wishes to all the mothers and caregivers, and in honor of all of our mothers.
Debra Valencia-Laver
President
