1. Our Mission Advancing equity for women and girls through
advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Our Core Values
Honesty Integrity Respectful Communication Teamwork Accomplishment
Accountability Sense of Community Social Contributions
2. Our Guiding Principles Our actions reflect our mission and
are ethical, honest and professional. We challenge our thinking on
contemporary issues through stimulating discussions and activities.
We foster an environment built on respect, a value for diversity of
opinion, and a belief that members approach issues with good
intentions. We resolve issues face to face whenever possible,
avoiding triangulation. When conflicts surface, we seek solutions
rather than blame and ask for assistance if needed. We hold each
other responsible and accountable for exemplifying our guiding
principles and fulfilling our individual responsibilities. We
support board decisions and each other, and celebrate our unique
gifts.
3. April 2014 Annual Business Meeting
4. April 2014 Highlights Elected officers for 2014-2015 Adopted
the 2014-2015 Budget Enjoyed good food and conversation Contributed
to Education Opportunity Fund and Legal Advocacy Fund Received our
annual update on Legislative Issues from Jeannette Johnson our
Public Policy Committee Chair Participated in a Tribute to Bobbie
Sylvester
5. 2014 Scholarship Awardees
6. May 2014 Highlights Co Chairs Pamela Wootten and Shannon
Anderson Awarded $4500 in Scholarships Scholarships awarded to
women entering college after an interruption in their education and
to Millcreek High School Graduates Three recipients were returning
students, three were from Millcreek High school and the seventh was
from the Garden Tour Dorothy Engelman was our 2014 Distinguished
Woman of the Year
7. May 2014 State Convention
8. May 2014 State Convention Highlights AAUW St George Branch
hosted the State Convention Rosemary Hargrove Chair of the State
Convention Committee Beverly Hill, Katy Peterson, Kay Ackerman,
Collette Thomas did an excellent job. 57 AAUW members from across
the state participated in the convention which included AAUW State
business and panel discussions and speakers who addressed issues
pertinent to women in Utah. A Friday night cocktail party was held
at the home of Katy Peterson. All who attended enjoyed excellent
food and beverages, socialized with members from across the state
and contributed to the AAUW St George scholarship fund. Proceeds
from the $25 admission resulted in a $2,000 contribution to the
scholarship fund.
9. June 2014 Visioning Retreat
10. June 2014 Visioning Retreat Board invited current and past
board members and committee chairs to a Visioning retreat.
Questions Discussed: What do we want our branch to be as we move
forward? How do we create a sense of community within our
branch?
11. We need to keep focused on the larger AAUW mission and our
purpose of supporting equality for women and girls. There should be
a balance between attention to the mission of the organization and
the personal concerns of the members by integrating
projects/programs, fundraising and social connecting. We should do
more to encourage members to participate and contribute by seeking
avenues for broader involvement. Fund raising events are important
to the mission, but we should not be solely defined as a
fundraising organization. Fund raising events should be limited to
two events a year with resources also generated through projects
and social functions. We should become more visible as an
organization. Perhaps we could become a bridge that connects other
womens groups in St. George. What do we want our branch to be as we
move forward?
12. By remembering to honor the past as well as embrace the
future. By identifying other diverse ways to reach and involve our
membership and by being more responsive to those who indicate a
desire to be involved. By developing smaller interest groups that
appeal to our members. By developing a process for reaching out to
members in need, recognizing that personal connection is important.
By exploring alternative branch meeting times for members who
cannot attend our luncheon meetings. How can we develop a sense of
community within the branch?
13. July 2014 eSMART Camps
14. July 2014 eSMART Exploring Science Math and Related
Technologies Three day summer camp for incoming 8th graders on DSU
campus Collaboration between AAUW St George Branch and DSU Two
camps each July with 40 girls in each camp Workshops related to
STEM topics Encourage girls to love to learn, to set high goals,
and prepare for college
15. Board Actives in July and August Developed an
organizational structure to enhance communication and support.
Updated financial software to enhance record keeping and streamline
processes. Planned the programs and activities for the year. Began
the process for applying for a 501c 3 IRS designation. Updated
by-laws for presentation and vote of members at the September
Meeting. Developed a new member packe.t Accepted e-SMART Directors
resignation and recruited Erin OBrien and Rachel Ramsey as e-SMART
co- directors. Revised By-laws for our new Utah corporation were
approved (Board of Directors voted to incorporate the Branch as a
Utah Corporation to streamline operations and take advantage of
laws that limit liability of corporate officers and members).
16. September 2014 Luncheon A Quest For Community Who Are We?
What Do We Want Our Branch To Be?
17. September 2014 Highlights Program Guided discussion to gain
broader involvement and input from members Build on the work of the
June Retreat Key Suggestions as we move forward Be visible, strong,
proactive, engaged and connected Work with other womens groups to
empower women Establish a mentoring program for our scholarship
recipients Become more visible in the community - spread the word
as to who we are and advocating for our values Develop Community
Service Projects Encourage participation of members in our
activities Make personal requests Find common interests and create
small special interest groups Recruit more college students Work
with Womens Resource Center at DSU Highlight the diversity and
experience of our members Include short bios of members in
newsletters Continue Uppity Women
18. Great Decisions
19. October 2014 Great Decisions Our popular and long running
Great Decisions group got started with Carol Sawaya taking the
lead. New special interest groups were formed: Book Club Gail
Winterfeld Mentoring Dr. Jane Blackwell Walking Ruthie Allen
Gardening Marcia Burchstead
20. October 2014 Luncheon Candidates Forum A Courteous
Conversation
21. Candidate's Forum A Courteous Conversation Masterfully lead
by Jeannette Johnson Well attended by Republicans & Democrats
from across the county Media coverage before & after in The
Spectrum, St. George News, KCSG, SU Independent
22. October 2014 Luncheon Candidates Forum
23. Congratulations to the women of the St. George Branch of
AAUW for demonstrating political campaigning can be civil and
informative. Their recent luncheon forum for some of Washington
Countys mainstream candidates was, as promised, a courteous
conversation - demonstrating there is still hope for bipartisan
respect in this Washington, if not the other. The questions asked
of the candidates by AAUW were extraordinarily thorough and
detailed. In fact they could provide a primer on the central issues
the candidates will face this coming year. I believe they will be
made available on their website: http://stgeorge-ut.aauw.net. Time
didnt permit detailed answers but the audience had the opportunity
to get a strong impression of each candidate and how she or he is
likely to vote on matters that come before them. Glenn Campbell St.
George, Utah Letter to the Editor submitted to The Spectrum
24. Reality Store
25. Reality Store Chairperson Vicki Jennings 12+ year
Partnership with Utah Business Womens Organization Program for 9th
grade students in Washington County Students randomly assigned a
career with a commensurate salary, and a family status They visit
the Reality Store to select necessary budget items such as housing,
transportation, food, clothing, child care etc The experience
provides an opportunity to understand the costs living on their own
after high school Students submit essays about their experience and
the top six entries are awarded a prize
26. 2014 Authors Event Authors Event Fundraising Chair Katy
Peterson and her team provided an enjoyable and successful event
Author, filmmaker and journalist Jennifer Jordan Keynote Speaker
shared content from her book Last Man on the Mountain Very
successful fundraiser --- after expenses the event netted just shy
of $20,000 for the scholarship program
27. November 2014 Luncheon Women & Pay in the Utah Labor
Force Real Reasons for the Wage Gap
28. Lecia Langston, Regional Economist for ten counties in
central and southwest Utah shared current data and research on
Woman and Pay in Utah Labor Force. She is the author of Hard at
Work: Women in the Utah Labor Force, Why do men, in general, make
more than women? There was not enough time to answer everyone's
questions so Jeannette Johnson explored the issue further in The
Rest of the Story on the Gender Pay Gap (November newsletter)
November 2014 Real Reasons for the Wage Gap
29. December 2014 Luncheon Health & Happiness Gift Yourself
Health
30. Lolita Hagio started our luncheon with thoughtful
acknowledgment of who we are and how we're connected with each
other, within AAUW and with all women in Southern Utah. Our
community outreach for December was Santa to a Sister campaign.
Members generously donated various items and cash donations.
Donated items were distributed to residents at Kindred and Emeritus
care centers. The cash donations were deposited in an AAUW St
George Branch Account and will be used for a social outing for our
senior sisters. Terry Kane and Teri Koenig were guest speakers.
Terry Kane told us about her background and journey as a female to
her current position of CEO, Dixie Regional Medical Center and her
vision of where DRMC goes from here. Teri Koenig,
Gerontologist/Certified Health and Wellness Coach, presented key
factors that are correlated to Living Well as we age and helped us
work off a bit of our lunch. December 2014 Gift Yourself
Health
31. January 2015 Luncheon Self-Reliance Workshop with Tim
Eicher Yes We Can!
32. Protection, Prevention, Empowerment was the theme for the
January Luncheon. Tim Eicher presented an overview of his 15 week
course for women. He helped attendees understand how assaults on
girls and women are planned and progress and most importantly how
they can be prevented. Knowing and defending your boundaries is
key. January 2015 Self-Reliance Workshop
33. Uppity Women was Transformed
34. Our members said they wanted Uppity Women to continue! Kala
Koeber, coordinator of the monthly event for many years, announced
that she was looking for someone to take over. Kay Ackerman and
Shannon Anderson stepped forward and with input from the
participants changed the venue to meet at members homes instead of
Entrada. Pictured are some of the members who participated in the
launch of the Uppity Women 2.0: Nadine Barish, Donna Howell, Lysa
McCarroll, Shannon Anderson, Penelope Eicher, Gail Winterfeld
Uppity Women continues to be an avenue for members to get together,
socialize, and have fun. Uppity Women Was Transformed
35. February 2015 Luncheon Wisdom, Information &
Inspiration Women & Aging: Sharing the Journey
36. Speakers: Susan Ann Stauffer, Pat Sapio and Anita Stiens.
Focused on issues of memory the signs of normal aging vs the signs
of something more significant. Caregiving the challenges and the
opportunities inherent in caregiving. Connection the influence of
connection on our well- being, our longevity and our ability to
combine our strengths to the work that remains to be done. It was a
well-received program. February 2015 Women & Aging: Sharing the
Journey
37. Tech Savvy
38. Program supported by National AAUW Co-Directors: Erin
OBrien and Rachel Ramsay Day long science, technology, engineering
and math career conference Designed to get 6-9th grade girls
excited about careers in the STEM fields Also designed to help
families learn how to help their daughters achieve their STEM
education and career goals Workshops for the girls included Logo
Robotics, Computer Programming, Microbiology, Anatomy, Astronomy,
and Chemistry Workshops for parents and guardians provided
information about paying for college, and helping daughters be
ready for college Over 135 participants enjoyed the day at DSU
March 2015 Tech Savvy
39. March 2015 Luncheon Climate Change Science Fact vs
Political Fiction
40. First in our "Women in STEM" series featuring gifted, local
professionals with distinguished STEM careers. Featured speaker was
AAUW Member Candice Hansen-Koharcheck, PhD, on "Climate Change:
Scientific Fact vs. Political Fiction. Candice is a senior research
scientist at the Planetary Science Institute who works on NASA
un-manned (robotic) spacecraft missions. She has a Ph.D. in
Planetary Science. Currently she is a member of the flight teams
for the Cassini spacecraft, in orbit around Saturn, the Mars
Reconnaissance Orbiter, at Mars, and the Juno mission, headed to
Jupiter. Her presentation provided comprehensive scientific
information in an easily understood manner. March 2015 Climate
Change
41. 2015 eSMART Fashion Show
42. Annual e-SMART Fashion Show fundraiser was a huge success.
Current e-SMART Co-Directors Erin OBrien and Rachael Ramsay
coordinated the event -- their first fundraiser with the help of
AAUW St George Branch members. As usual, good food, good company,
great silent & live auctions resulted in the second highest
revenue generated from the annual event. Our new Board Structure
includes Development Co-Chairs: Kay Ackerman and Karla Bergeson,
who will coordinate fundraising events in the future and support
Event Chairs to streamline the process and develop consistent
procedures. Karla and Kay will also focus on advancing the
community knowledge and understanding of our organization, its
mission and activities. March 2015 eSMART Fashion Show
43. Lolita Hagio and Lesley McPeek feel that staying in touch
and supporting our members at all times is an important part of our
AAUW sisterhood. They look for members to share news, good or
not-so-good, about a member, emphasizing that that the member is
asked if it is okay to inform other members through the newsletter.
Members Matter
44. We Supported Each Other
45. We Supported Each Other Ruthie Allen Personal and Spouses
Health Challenges Gloria Prahl Husbands Health Problems Family of
Bobbie Sylvester through her illness and passing Barbara Brahm -
(our AAUW Hat Lady) Health problems, hospitalization and rehab
Judith Kapuscinski passing of her beloved partner and husband Kayla
Koeber - passing of her beloved mother Mary Moffatt - death of her
14 year old granddaughter Sherma Bishop - hospitalization and rehab
Dorothy Engelman - passing of her beloved father Ruthie Allen knee
replacement surgery Members Matter
46. We Celebrated Each Other
47. We Celebrated Each Other Gay Cunningham incoming chair St.
George Chamber of Commerce Erin O'Brien - Utah Business Women Woman
of Achievement Award for Academics / Cultural Arts Stephanie
Martini - Utah Business Women Woman of Achievement Award for
Humanitarian/Philanthropic Daphne Selbert retirement from Director
of DSU Library Rachel Ramsay - Masters in Fine Arts in Graphic
Design Heidi Tasso - Human Rights Activist Award Dorothy Engelman -
candidate for first woman/first Democrat representative for House
Della Lowe - incoming Public Policy chair for AAUW Utah Pam Wooten-
incoming 2015-2016 AAUW State President Dorothy Engleman 2014 AAUW
St George Branch Woman of Distinction Members Matter
48. We Took A Closer Look
49. We Took A Closer Look Carol Day - We Saluted her grit and
courage: Strength and Survival Skills Severe back problems broken
arm lost parents, siblings. Branch president during tough times
when membership dwindled strong member - attends luncheons and
uppity women even with a walker when it was needed She has kept the
flame of her family and our branch alive Ruthann Adams - Triple
Cancer Survivor Remains full of vim and vigor, remains beautiful
and thrilled to have beaten cancer She savors each day and credits
her extraordinary victories to her coping attitude Attitude with a
capital A Her mantra: Every day is a gift thats why it is called
present Kay Ackerman - Kay is passionate about being exposed to
different areas of the US and the world. When she was 17, she was
fortunate to spend 10 weeks touring Europe with a group called Teen
Overseas Project...it was 1959 and that experience changed her
life. She served on the AAUW VA State Board as Public Policy Chair
and as Educational Foundation Chair Ellen Tadken A lifetime member
since 1956 She served as membership chairman and President She
developed a directory, a newsletter, several interest groups,
including Great Decisions- She established the Authors Luncheon and
Coordinated Reality Store Volunteers (10+ years). She has been
active in state and national AAUW events and has chaired a State
Convention. Members Matter
50. Thank You! Our Members make us who we are. Our supporters
help us achieve our goals. Together we change lives. AAUW St.
George Branch 2014-15
