Winding Down!  Looking ahead!

     As we finish this program year and glance behind at our efforts, we can be very proud of a job well done.

     Thanks to the generosity of at least thirteen branches, 47 young college women from Michigan will be attending the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) at the University of Maryland from June 2^nd to June 4^th.  While there, these young women will hear energizing speakers and meet powerful women from different walks of life.  They will learn about advocacy, leadership, and "real world" issues such as financial literacy and life after college.  They also will have endless opportunities to network!   If you are part of this group that supported their attendance, thank you a million times.  Although we will probably never know the real benefits to these future leaders from this experience,  we are looking forward to hearing from some of them next year.  They will try to be available for programs.

      We participated in and helped plan the Equal Pay Day event at the Capitol on April 12.  Working with 15 coalition partners, we were able to become a presence and bring attention to the fact that we still have work to complete.  Since then four bills have been introduced into the house and the senate.  One of these bills is a new one being referred to as the "Transparency" act.  It would require employers to disclose wage information upon request.  As you recall, it was this secrecy about salaries being paid that led to the Lilly Ledbetter Act. 

     AAUW of Michigan was awarded the "Partnership Award" by Michigan NOW during their state conference in Dearborn. 

     We have worked all year on an AAUW Impact Grant to increase our public policy activities through engaging more branch public policy directors and through the use of Social Media.  Many training sessions have occurred, and we look forward to continuing these next year. 

     AAUW of Michigan received an Honorable Mention in the Breaking Through Barriers Award for our work on this impact grant.

     Barbara Bonsignore, our public policy director, has given testimony on bullying and on the Earned Income Tax Credit among other things.

The number of college/university partners has increased and we are pursuing more of these partnerships.

     The AAUW of Michigan fall conference held last fall in Jackson and the AAUW of Michigan Convention held last month in Grand Rapids brought in several speakers from AAUW and from other walks of life.  The program vice presidents, Sharon Belobraidich and Mickey Edell, and their committee deserve great kudos for an outstanding year of mission-based events.

      Many of our branches have increased their membership by significant numbers, and almost all of our branches have contributed to AAUW Funds.

Most of our branches have had significant mission-based programs and contributed to programs in their own localities.

     For all these things we thank you!!

     Now is the time to look forward.  For the first time in AAUW's history, you have the opportunity to vote for the AAUW Board of Directors.   You also have the opportunity to vote for the Public Policy Program and the bylaws amendments.  In the past those of us who attended the AAUW Convention and business meetings voted as representatives of our branches.  We were able to meet the candidates and to listen to their 2 or 3 minute speeches.  They also sent out biographical information to delegates.  This year all of us can vote.  The biographical information is included with the ballot, which you have already received, and online at www.aauw.org.   You also can go to the One Member One Vote section online and access videos prepared by the candidates.  Consider having an election education party.  Have a pot luck lunch and gather around a computer to listen to these videos.  The board this year has posted all their minutes.  You will be getting as much information as has been given in the past.  The present board has been very effective and, I believe, they have served us well.  We want to make sure that we have a committed board with the Mission as its focus.  When AAUW was restructuring and sent out surveys for their first try at the new bylaws and asked for comments, MICHGAN WAS THE LEADER IN RESPONDING!  I would like Michigan voices to be heard during this election.  Take the time to vote.

     AAUW of Michigan has once more applied for an AAUW Impact Grant.  The states to receive these grants will be announced at the convention.  The state board worked very hard on planning the activities to implement this action:  The first year will be a year in which we try to increase voter awareness about the issues facing women and girls in Michigan.  We will join with coalition partners to increase our effectiveness and to encourage voter participation.  We will also increase our efforts using social media and more traditional methods to engage the public.

     As you look towards next year, think of inviting AAUW of Michigan state board members to participate in your programs.  Save time for us!  Also think of ways that you can MOVE THE MISSION FORWARD!  If you need help with a program or activity, let us know.  We can pair up branches.  We can learn from each other. 

     I know this is a lengthy article, but I just appreciate you all so much.  Keep up the good work and please keep sending your newsletters to me.