What is it?
The Branch Activity of the Year Award is the recognition of a signature branch activity presented during the period of one year ending on March 1, 2024. The program provides branches an opportunity to showcase and share an activity that is novel, inspirational, reproducible, and promotes AAUW’s mission and image. The activity may be a one-off program or event or a sustained recurring project for which the branch is known.
Awardees
Congratulations to the awardees who were announced at the 2024 Back to School with AAUW California Annual Event!
Projects submitted
Click on the title to view the description and contact information. The content displayed is directly from the submission form and has not been edited.
Normalizing Safety: Gun Violence Prevention
Petaluma
Contact: Jean Reed
AAUW Petaluma hosted a free community event on Gun Violence Prevention attended by about 200 people. As stated in AAUW Public Policy Priorities, “AAUW recognizes gun violence is a public health and safety crisis”. Our goal was to let attendees understand that local actions are effective in advancing safety. Through members’ contacts, we invited speakers from the fields of politics, medicine, law enforcement, and education, and community action groups to share what individuals can do. They were eager to participate.
We began the event with a loop of gun violence data slides playing on-screen as the audience arrived. Due to last-minute scheduling issues, our Congressmen were not able to attend in person but sent recorded messages. The audience was attentive and engaged as speakers discussed gun violence from various perspectives. All the speakers had sobering but optimistic messages to share. In the second part of the program, the audience was able to meet with speakers and with other local organizations represented at tables in the event space.
We invited AAUW Santa Rosa and AAUW Healdsburg to co-sponsor because gun violence is not contained by city limits. We wanted a county-wide focus, specifically for expansion of the safe storage ordinances adopted by Petaluma and Healdsburg last year. ASL translation and childcare was provided to make the program more accessible.
Reaction to the program was overwhelmingly positive. The local newspaper (Press Democrat) and television news (KPIX Channel 5) sent reporters to the event. There was a five-minute feature on the evening TV news and an extensive article in the paper the next day. A Letter to the Editor with suggested “next steps” was published. It is our sincere hope and belief that this program has empowered people in our community to take specific actions to prevent gun violence.
Tech Trek 25th Anniversary Celebration
Napa County
Contact: Lisa Groom
In order to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Tech Trek program, we tracked down the first girl our branch selected to attend the 1998 Science, Math, and Computer Camp (Tech Trek) at Stanford University. She was our guest speaker as we celebrated our newest group of Tech Trekkers! Her name is Elese Polk and she lives in Atlanta, GA. She owns her own television production company and often partners with Paramount and Nickelodeon as well as producing unique content and awards shows. She was able to tell the audience, which included the newest Trekkers, about her journey. She was very clear about her pivot and success due, in great part, to her Tech Trek experience. The audience was riveted. The girls were able to actually see “one of them” making her dreams come true. They could truly believe that saying, “If you can see her, you can be her.” They could imagine themselves doing amazing things just like Elese. Elese answered questions and took lots of photos with the girls. As a Black woman, Elese provided additional inspiration as someone who made it in this highly technical field. This particular celebration will be long remembered by our branch and had the highest attendance of any Tech Trek event we have sponsored.
Gender Equity in Higher Education
Santa Cruz County
Contact: Doreen O’Donovan
UCSC Chancellor Cindy Larive addressed our branch members and guests on November 18, 2023. We asked her to speak as a result of recent AAUW research which found that the University of California Santa Cruz was ranked No. 1 in the nation among top research universities for racial and gender diversity in leadership.The Chancellor provided information about the diversity of the campus leadership team along with the university’s efforts to make strides in numerous areas. Some areas of note include campus diversity, equity and inclusion; retention and graduation rates; and overall resilience, especially in the face of a crisis like the Covid pandemic. She also spoke about new campus initiatives, physical projects (buildings/dorms), and external recognition.
Empowering Girls in STEM: The Future is Female!
La Mesa-El Cajon
Contact: Suzanne Sutton and Sandy Galea-Martinez
ssutton1950@gmail.com, sagaleamartinez@gmail.com
We opened our year featuring and honoring our Tech Trek campers. Using the tagline, “the Future is Female!” our members wore their college colors or shirts to show that women go to college. Our campers were introduced and shared their favorite parts of STEM and camp.
Prior to their introductions a recent graduate of SDSU, and currently an engineer from Solar Turbine, Linda Clark, gave an inspirational and motivational talk about her journey with STEM and why it is important to stay involved with STEM education.
Our decorations for the event all tied into going to college. The Tech Trek alumni were also present, and their president spoke encouraging the campers to continue in STEM in high school.
Empowering the Underserved
La Mesa-El Cajon
Contact: Sue Sutton and Sandy Galea-Martinez
ssutton1950@gmail.com sagaleamartinez@gmail.com
Our October meeting featured Dr. Guadalupe Rodriguez Corona. Dr. Guadalupe Rodriguez Corona was born in National City, raised in San Diego, California and is a proud binational “Fronteriza.” She has over 25 years of dedicated experience committed to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in higher education. Currently, she is the Director for the Office for Student Equity Programs and Services at Southwestern Community College District. In her role, she oversees the Learning Community Hub, the SWC Dreamer Center and Student Equity.
Dr. Corona shared stories of her students and their success. She spoke about programs in place at the university to address food insecurity, homelessness and health concerns. She asked us to continue to support equity in higher education through our scholarships and legislative activity. The meeting also featured our Public Policy committee and how to become a Two-Minute Activist.
Is the Judicial System Fair and Unbiased?
La Mesa-El Cajon
Contact: Sue Sutton and Sandy Galea-Martinez
ssutton1950@gmail.com sagaleamartinez@gmail.com
Our Featured Speaker was Superior Court Judge, Rebecca Church who walked our members through the judicial system from local courts to the Supreme Court. Many members said they learned more from Judge Church than they ever did in school.
We had a Law & Order theme complete with citations, pearls and Sherlock Holmes and RBG.
We also introduced our scholarship recipients to the branch.
Anne Destabelle’s Suffragette Musical
Palos Verdes Peninsula
Contact: Anne Curry Destabelle
Our branch has a very active Readers Theatre interest group which I joined in 1981. I eventually became the Director of the group for about 15 years, learning how to write, direct and produce plays performed by members. Years later I merged my music career with the skills I learned in Readers Theatre to create 9 American historical musicals, the latest of which is my SUFFRAGETTE MUSICAL – A CENTURY OF STRUGGLE FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE. This production is performed by members of AAUW (including myself), along with other music professionals in the community. We debuted in 2021 for the LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS and members of our AAUW community. Subsequently, we performed in 2022, 2023 and now on March 16, 2024 for our Torrance Library. We have performed in theatres in our community, in libraries and in private homes, each time offering the production as a fundraiser to each entity. In total, I have donated $190,000 to our charities (including AAUW) through these 9 musical performances, all directly related to the skills, both business and theatrical, which I learned through my membership in AAUW. The date above is only the most recent performance for AAUW Palos Verdes. The initial performance of the Suffragette Musical was July 21, 2021 during Covid when we had a two week opening. There were over 250 in attendance for our debut.
Mary Church Terrell: Black Suffragist and Civil Rights Activist
Berkeley
Contact: Karen Weinstein
Karenweinstein.berkeley@gmail.com
The Berkeley Branch brought the story of Mary Church Terrell’s fight for integration of AAUW to life. It was unique and impactful because many of our members did not know this history but were eager to learn.
How we did it: Increased communication and knowledge
a. We wrote a number of brief bios and sent to our members and friends of AAUW monthly.
b. We worked with AAUW national to ask that Ms. Terrell be included as a Trailblazer and to have her included on the history timeline. AAUW National has committed to both and she is now a Trailblazer.
c. We reached out to Alison M. Parker, the author of Unceasing Militant The Life of Mary Church Terrell and invited her to come and speak.
d. We worked with AAUW Oakland to make the book reading and discussion a success.
It aligns with AAUW’s mission of diversity, equity and inclusion. By understanding our past history we open up possibilities for the future.
Brave Resilient American Women In the Arts
Alhambra-San Gabriel
Contact: Betty Morín
A diverse group of 7 Branch members formed a panel to present an audio-visual program, each introducing two American artists, one historical (ex. Marian Anderson,, and one current artist (ex. Jaune Quick-to-See Smith) represented in the fields of Dance, Drama, Literature, Music and Visual Arts. Artists featured represented a ethnically and culturally diverse group. A-V featured 1) photo of artist, representative art and motivating quote and 2) so included were snippets such as YouTube, dance, song snippets, visual artist at work. Publicity for event in local newspapers yielded new members to the branch.
Branch Presentation on the History of the Port Chicago 50 and the Effort to Exonerate Them
Pleasant Hill-Martinez
Contact: Carlyn Obringer
Our Branch invited Jonathan Lee, Chair of the Contra Costa County Bar Association Port Chicago Task Force to give a presentation on the Port Chicago Explosion that occurred near our community in 1944, the historical injustice of the associated mutiny trial, and the ongoing efforts to exonerate the Port Chicago 50, 80 years later. This program had a diversity, equity and inclusion focus, and was not only informative regarding unfamiliar yet local history, but included a call to action, to support the exoneration efforts by signing a Change.org petition, which many Branch members did.
Visits to local school boards
San Jose
Contact: Linda Goldberg
The first visit was two members attending a school board meeting. On Feb.16, four members attended and there are plans for at least two more meetings in the next two weeks. Members have gone to school boards where they have had children in the district which gives them an advantage of familiarity. They have advocated for equal access to education and reminded the boards that the State of California sets standards for all school districts to follow.
Annual AAUW Morgan Hill Wildflower Run
Morgan Hill
Contact: Suman Ganapathy
WHAT WE DID: Our 40th Annual AAUW Morgan Hill Wildflower Run (WFR), a 100% volunteer run branch event held on Sunday, March 26, 2023, was sold out with its maximum limit of 1200 participants. Every year, 100% of all Run proceeds fund our branch’s educational scholarships for girls and women, TechTrek, NCCWSL, community action grants, leadership & mission-based programs, as well as a sizable chunk for the National AAUW fund. In 2023 we raised over $50,000. www.aauwmh.org/giving-back/ Our academic scholarships are merit and needs-based and serve many from diverse backgrounds in terms of socio-economic & racial backgrounds. All our mission-based scholarships, grants, leadership programs, AAUW National fund donations supporting gender equity, equity in education, STEM, STEAM and more would not be possible without this well-known, well-loved, signature and vital branch program and event – the Wildflower Run.
IMPACTFUL, GREAT VISIBILITY, REPEATABLE: As a profitable and repeatable event year-after-year that gives us great visibility, involves the entire membership, and fosters community engagement, while promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle, it is the perfect branch program, community event, and fundraiser all rolled in one. It is our branch’s only yearly fundraiser, unique and impactful in ways beyond measure.
REPRODUCIBLE: This event is definitely reproducible by other branches! It is important to know that the WFR’s beginnings were humble. The first run was organized back in 1984, when the branch, established December 1981, was barely two years old, with around 30+ branch members. Just $1000 was raised in funds that first year, all of which was donated to AAUW National. It has taken many years of effort, with each run director building on the accomplishments of the previous director, to be where we are today. In 2023, the year of our 40th Run as well as being the 2023 Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Organization of the year, we were a sold-out event of 1200 participants with over 200 volunteers who contributed towards its success.
WHY IT WORKS: We love our Run, are dazzled by it, and are SO proud of being the organizers! We work hard to constantly modify, improve, and evolve to keep up with the changes in the world around us (including pivoting to virtual runs in the thick of the pandemic for 2020 & 2021, & heavy social media promotion) and are working hard towards our next milestone year.
VOLUNTEERS & BRANCH INVOLVEMENT: It takes a sizable number of volunteers to organize this event. We have a complete list of job descriptions and timelines, which are used and updated for every run. Run co-directors start planning activities in the summer. Committee chair positions are filled before the monthly planning committee meetings from November onwards. All branch members are asked to get involved and help in some way or the other. Members are run directors, committee chairs, committee members of over 20 different committees including the sponsor & member donor committees (we have a full list). They donate money, solicit donations, hand out flyers, volunteer on the day of the Run, and much more.
PARTNERS: We could not be successful without our many partners – the school district, the City, police department, cub scouts, school volunteer organization, local businesses & other organizations , and our wonderful IBC branches – who participate (especial shout-out to AAUW Los Gatos-Saratoga), help, support, and sponsor the run. Current & ex-mayors, school superintendents, city council members, members of the community, scholarship winners, and branch members all join together to volunteer on the day of the event. It is now renowned as a beloved Morgan Hill tradition.
- Many race categories attract participation from a range of ages & fitness levels. 2K Kids, 2K Seniors, 5K Run, 5K Walk, 5K Stroller, 10 K Run events. (In 2024, a new non-competing all-age 2K FunRun will ensure that even more people can take part.) Many participants are motivated to support the Run since their participation contributes directly to empowering women & girls through education while benefiting their own health.
- Not only is the Wildflower Run a run with a cause, it’s fun-fun-fun – with entertainment (road show) and cheering & cheerful course marshals along the route, a carnival atmosphere of fun, entertainment and activities at the Finish Fest, t-shirts, finisher ribbons (medals for 2K kids), goodie bags for everyone, and prizes & medals for winners …it’s the event that keeps on giving …both ways to both the organizer & the participants.
- With the world around us becoming increasingly focused on health, fitness, community, and meaningful causes, this great idea birthed by our charter members has worked for us for 40+ years and would work for other AAUW branches too with the will, determination, and passion to do so. We hope branches are inspired to start a run like ours too.
- www.aauwmh.org/newsletter-wildflower-run-2023/, www.aauwmh.org/newsletter-wildflower-run-runner-photos/
Fundraiser
Atascadero
Contact: JoeAnn Bruzzo
A Mardi Gras Fundraiser was held for the second year in a row to raise funds to sponsor Tech Trek, Woman of Influence in North County (WINC), yearly college scholarships and other mission related projects. A committee under the leadership of our 3rd VP-AAUW Funds began work at the beginning of the year, providing a well-established system of monthly meetings. The menu was established and a caterer hired who was excellent but reasonable. Wine donations were received from 4 vineyards, and further decisions were on decorations and best ticketing practices, obtaining advertisement including social media on Facebook, Instagram, website and periodic blasts to members. Our Mardi Gras party not only made a profit, it increased our visibility in our community and offered our members a fun night out. Ninety-nine people attended and were serenaded with music, dancing, dining and information about our yearly projects as described above.
SLO AAUW History Month Presentations with the SLO County Library
San Luis Obispo
Contact: Debra Valencia-Laver
The SLO AAUW Branch collaborated with the SLO County Library twice in this past 12-month period on presentations to commemorate Women’s History Month in March 2023 and Black History Month in February 2024. Both presentations highlighted women’s stories, created opportunities for us to get our name and mission out to others in the community, and allowed members to meet in person to hear and ask about topics of interest to them.
Authors Forum
Napa County
Contact: Melinda Dittman
The annual February general meeting of the Napa County Branch is our major fundraiser for local scholarships for Tech Trek, graduating high school seniors and Napa Valley College women continuing their higher education. One of our book groups spearheads an Authors Forum featuring 1-4 local Bay Area women authors who speak of their journeys as an artist, their latest writings, challenges and inspirations. Ideas for authors come from book section suggestions as well as from the owner of our independent local bookstore Napa Bookmine. The event is held at the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center and is open to the public. We advertise in local newspapers and magazines and social media – the popularity of this program is spreading throughout the community. This year over 200 people attended, we raised the most funds ever for scholarships, and six new members joined our branch that afternoon. A detailed outline of how this Authors Forum is organized is attached.
AAUW Chico’s First Women of Distinction Awards
Chico
Contact: Sue Blizman
To celebrate our 103rd year, the Chico branch wanted to recognize when who are outstanding leaders and who have contributed so much to our community’s understanding of gender equity and education. And we want to include our members n developing this project.
What Color Are You?
California Online Branch
Contact: Elaine Johnson
This interactive online program focused on “What Color are You?” Participants explored the characteristics of blue, yellow, green, and red personality types and discussed how individuals interact with others. This program enhanced leadership skills for the attendees and allowed participants to discover their true values and stressors. Gail Swain, an experienced facilitator, provided participants with information and references about the four personality types: red, green, blue, and yellow. As participants learned more about themselves and others, they gained awareness of best ways to collaborate and support each other and issues important to the mission of AAUW. The beauty of this program is its continued usefulness. As people work together, they develop a better understanding of the dynamics that occur and how to approach situations in various ways based on color personality types.
Women of Influence North County Program
Atascadero
Contact: JoeAnn Bruzzo
On July 01, 2023, the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce , in collaboration with AAUW (Atascadero American Association of University Women,) announced the launch of its annual Women of Influence North County program (wINC). This prestigious program highlights remarkable women in business who are making a significant difference in their industries and communities. wINC serves as a platform to celebrate their achievements, inspire future leaders, and foster meaningful connections within the business community. 213 people attended including, among others, city council members and staff, community members, California senator and Assemblywoman. Proceeds from the program benefitted recipients of the AAUW Tech Trek program.
Successful Homeless Services, Today and Tomorrow
Monterey Peninsula
Contact: Fatima Dias
As cities contend with the California Housing Element mandate and the increased homelessness that we see on the streets, our branch wanted to do something that showed that there are solutions. We wanted to change the conversation from shelters to prevention and housing. We invited panelists that worked on the streets with the homeless, who coordinated services and who were focused on creating housing that would be affordable to working families and people of very limited income. We invited the public and other housing service providers. As so many of the people affected are women, especially older women, many could see “there but for the grace of god go I.”
We had a lively discussion with lots of back and forth. Attendees learned about the barriers that are inadvertently set up in grant funding, in regulations and in city planning that acerbate issues around providing adequate housing for families and individuals with low incomes. Our panelists provided actionable suggestions to take action. A new family shelter was having it’s grand opening just after our program and members were invited to attend to see the shelter, meet the service providers and hear from a few of the guests. It was a moving day all around.
The Power of Branch Newsletters
Fremont
Contact: Phie Dai
Like most successful organizations, AAUW uses newsletters to inform members and supporters about its latest news, events, and achievements. In this age of social media, e-newsletters are replacing traditional printed versions, and readers want sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing graphics, curated information, and personalized content.
The AAUW Fremont leadership team stepped up to the challenge and strengthened its branding through a concerted effort to update its e-newsletter format and content. As a result, The Twig increased its readership open rate from an average of 30% to a whopping 74% in just one year! It is one of the most cost-effective membership engagement and retention marketing tool the branch has ever used.