Tuesday, December 2, 2008

DECEMBER 2008

Here are our plans for this month!

Kolya, a Czech film about a man faced with a new lifestyle when he has to raise a child, will be discussed by the At the Movies group on Monday, December 1, at 7:00pm at the home of the hostess.

The branch board will meet at 7:00pm, Thursday, December 4, at the home of the hostess.

Exploring Culture will venture to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha on Friday, December 5, to visit a perminent exhibit, The Fiery Trial.

The annual branch HOLIDAY LUNCHEON will be Saturday, December 13, at Saddle Ridge Restaurant in the Ramada Inn, Waukegan. Come at 11:00am to view and bid on silent auction items. Lunch--chicken/pork/vegetarian--costs $20 and will be served at noon. No business will be conducted. This is an excellent event for meeting branch members. Email us for further details: wabaauw@gmail.com.

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Monday, November 3, 2008

NOVEMBER 2008

Come learn about the Waukegan Area Branch at this month's events!

The Counterfeiters, the 2008 Academy Award winner for best foreign language fim, will be discussed when At the Movies meets 7pm, Monday, November 3, at the home of the hostess. This outstanding movie tells of Jewish counterfeiters who face a dilemma while in a consentration camp.

PLEASE VOTE ON ELECTION DAY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4!

The Glass Castle, by Jennifer Walls, is this month's book choice for Reflections on Reading. The group will meet 7pm, Thursday, November 6, at the home of the hostess.

AAUW Illinois Districts 4 & 5 will have their annual fall conference, Breaking Through Barriers, Saturday morning, November 8, at the College of Dupage. For further information, go to http://aauw-il.org.

Veterans Day, 7pm, November 11, will be the next general meeting of the Waukegan Area Branch, and Women in the Military, Past and Present will be the topic. Five women from Great Lakes Naval Station will form a panel with one of the branch's own veterans.

The branch will hold a bake sale at the Lake County Courthouse the morning of Wednesday, November 12.

Several District 5 branches of AAUW-IL, Inc., are co-sponsoring a forum on the future of Lake County, 10am, Saturday, November 15, at the McCormick Auditorium at Lake Forest College. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning will lead the discussion, expected to range from transportation to housing, services, land use, economic development, and the environment.

The Book Review Interest Group will meet 1pm, Thursday, November 20, at the home of the hostess.

The Branch Board will meet 7pm, Thursday, November 20, at the home of the hostess.

The Fiery Trial exhibit at the Kenosha Civil War Museum is the destination of the Exploring Culture group on December 5.

The AAUW Waukegan Area Branch's annual Holiday Luncheon and Silent Auction will be held Saturday, December 13, at the Saddle Ridge Banquet Facility, Ramada Inn, 200 N. Green Bay Road, Waukegan. Cost: $20. To find out more about this--and any other listed events--email the branch at wabaauw@gmail.com.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Be Ready to Vote


Be Ready to Vote More Info

Election Day is just over a month away, but deadlines to register to vote are approaching as quickly as this week. You have been preparing for months to ensure that women's voices and issues are heard on November 4; now is the time to make sure your vote is counted.
Be Sure That You Are Registered to Vote.Be sure that you are registered to vote and that your voter information is current. Registration deadlines vary by state, but several states require registrations to be filed 30 days before the election, so don't put it off. See a list of voter registration deadlines for all states here.

Encourage Other Women to Register and Vote.Forward this e-mail to other women you know and encourage them to register to vote too.

Request an Absentee Ballot or Vote Early.If you won't be able to make it to your polling place on Election Day, request an absentee ballot. The League of Women Voters Education Fund's Vote411.org website has an online absentee ballot request tool. Some states also allow for early voting in advance of Election Day. Contact your state election office to see if this is an option in your state.

Get Informed. Find out how where the candidates stand on issues important to women and girls. AAUW's voter guides will help voters make informed decisions on where candidates in the presidential race and in hot congressional races stand on AAUW issues, and the Congressional Voting Record for the 110th Congress gives our members and the public critical information about how members of Congress voted on AAUW priority issues.

Learn more about how you can make a difference with AAUW's Voter Education Campaign. Together, we can ensure women's voices and issues are heard on Election Day.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

OCTOBER 2008

Check out the Waukegan Area Branch at this month's events!

"Women Who Shield and Protect Us" is the theme of this year's Lake County Women's Coalition Tea/Luncheon, 1:00pm, Sunday, October 5, at the Country Squire Banquet Facility, Grayslake, Illinois. As a founding member of LCWC, the Waukegan Area Branch of AAUW is proud to participate and support a scholarship for returning female students at the College of Lake County.

The topical Michael Clayton will be the film for discussion by the At the Movies Interest Group, 7:00pm, Monday, October 6 at the home of the hostess.

"Civil Rights Women" will be addressed by gender equity analyst Barbara Zeitz at this month's general meeting, 7:00pm, Tuesday, October 14, at the Waukegan Public Library. The presentation will be a close examination of women and civil rights issues through the lens of the law and court cases. Contributions of celebrated women will also be highlighted.

The Book Review Interest Group will meet 1:00pm, Thursday, October 16, at the home of the hostess.

The branch board will have its monthly meeting 7:00pm, Thursday, October 23, at the home of the hostess.

"Colors We Have Seen" is the theme for this month's meeting of the Travelogue Interest Group, 7:00pm, Tuesday, October 28, at the home of the hostess.


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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
AAUW-IL, Inc., Districts 4 & 5 Fall Conference
Saturday morning, November 8
College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn
This year's theme is Breaking Through Barriers.
For more information go to http://aauw-il.org/.

Friday, September 12, 2008

AAUW: New U.N. Status

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2008
Contact: Lisa Goodnight, 202-785-7738, goodnightl@aauw.org

AAUW Gains Special Consultative Status with U.N. Council
WASHINGTON – AAUW has gained special consultative status at the United Nations with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which initiates reports, makes recommendations, and promotes respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

For many years, AAUW has had a U.N. representative attending select meetings and monitoring issues affecting women and girls. The new designation allows AAUW to participate in international conferences, sign on to NGO statements, and share AAUW’s expertise.

“We closely follow a variety of international issues ranging from girls’ education to women’s economic security to human rights to women in peacekeeping,” said AAUW Executive Director Linda D. Hallman, CAE. “This new status will strengthen AAUW’s presence globally and provide us with greater opportunities to engage in U.N.-related activities and initiatives that break through barriers for women and girls.”

AAUW has a proud history in global affairs that includes awarding more than 2,200 international fellowships to women from more than 130 countries and partnering with leading international humanitarian organizations on initiatives to empower women.
Next year, AAUW will actively advocate for women at the 53rd session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, which will focus on the equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including caregiving in the context of HIV/AIDS.

“AAUW can now advocate more effectively and support policies aimed at strengthening gender equality, especially in the areas of the economic, social, political, and reproductive health rights of women and girls,” said Carolyn Donovan, AAUW’s U.N. representative.
Currently, AAUW is encouraging its branches to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10 and to continue supporting ratification of the women’s rights treaty—the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

“AAUW members have long supported our efforts, from hosting international visitors to initiating forums and symposia on global issues pertinent to women and girls,” said Gloria L. Blackwell, AAUW’s director of fellowships, grants, and international programs. “We are thrilled that our role is expanding.”


AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been one of the nation’s leading voices promoting education and equity for women and girls. It has a nationwide network of nearly 100,000 members, 1,300 branches, and 500 college/university institutional partners. Since its founding 127 years ago, AAUW has examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day—educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW’s commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships, and international connections.

AAUW: Breaking through Barriers

Sunday, August 10, 2008

SEPTEMBER 2008

Check out the Waukegan Area Branch at this month's events!

Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns will be discussed at the Reflections on Reading Interest Group, 7:00pm, Thursday, September 4, at the home of the hostess.

"CON-CON--the Illinois Constitutional Convention--Pros & Cons" will be the program at this month's branch general meeting. Dave Kohn, executive director of public affairs/Union League Club of Chicago, Greater Chicago Area, is our guest speaker.
Join us September 6 at the Gurnee Police Facility (intersection of Washington Street and O'Plaine Road). Be there at 9:30am for a pot luck brunch provided by members. The program will follow. As usual, this event is open to the public.

Persepolis, an animated film based on graphic novels written about the female author's life in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, will be discussed by the At the Movies Interest Group, 7:00pm, Monday, September 8, at the home of the hostess.

The Book Review Interest Group will meet 1:00pm, Thursday, September 18, at the home of the hostess.

The Travelogue Interest Group will meet 7:00pm, Tuesday, September 23, at the home of the hostess.

The branch board will have its monthly meeting 7:00pm, Thursday, September 25, at the home of the hostess.
Galena--the Tour of Historic Homes--is the destination of the Exploring Culture Interest Group September 27-28.

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EF CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY!
For 50 years, the AAUW Educational Foundation has been breaking through barriers for women and girls.

In 1958, the Educational Foundation was officially established to administer AAUW's fellowship and grant programs, advancing educational and professional opportunities for women in the United States and around the globe. Thanks to the generous contributions of AAUW members across the nation, the Foundation remains one of the world's largest funding sources for graduate women. Adding to this distinguished legacy, the Foundation also became the source for AAUW's landmark research reports and, more recently, the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund program.

Please join us in celebrating the Foundation's 50th anniversary, as we mark this important milestone!



Thursday, July 17, 2008

Interest Groups

Interest Groups

The Waukegan Area Branch has six active interest groups at this time. The number of groups can fluctuate, depending upon the interests and enthusiasm of branch members. Most interest groups meet monthly, usually at a member’s home. Specifics are reported in the branch’s monthly newsletter. Refreshments and socializing are implied at these gatherings.

AT THE MOVIES: If you like films, especially those that highlight a female element, this is the group for you. Members decide which movies to watch--separately or in small groups--and then have lively discussions.

BABY HATS WITH LOVE: In this relatively new, yet well-received community outreach project, branch members knit/crochet hats for newborns at Waukegan’s Vista Health/Victory Memorial Hospital.

BOOK REVIEW: Branch members or invited reviewers enthusiastically present their interpretations of books of their choosing, encouraging the group to continue their love of reading.

EXPLORING CULTURE: Field trips to local venues, ranging from art to history to nature and more, are the focus of this group. Destinations are normally within an hour of Waukegan, but some overnight adventures have taken place.

REFLECTIONS ON READING: With so many new books appearing annually, how do the members of this group decide what to read? You’ll have to attend one of the meetings to learn that...and perhaps you’ll have a suggestion of your own.

TRAVELOGUE: Whether you travel or just have an interest in the wider world, hearing tales and seeing photos/slides/videos of the highs and lows of the presenter’s journey will be interesting and perhaps inspirational.

Event Descriptions

Event Descriptions

GENERAL MEETINGS: Held monthly, September through June, branch general meetings are open to the everyone. Invited speakers address topics such as education, current events/politics, women’s issues, the environment, and the local community. At each event, socializing and networking take place during refreshments.

BOARD MEETINGS: Required for elected branch officers and suggested for committee chairs, these meetings--open to the membership--are where most of the branch’s business and planning takes place.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE: As one of the 14 AAUW-IL, Inc., District 5 branches, the Waukegan Area Branch participates with District 4 branches in an annual fall conference. Attendees learn “what’s happening” at state and national levels of AAUW.

LUNCHEON & SILENT AUCTION: Twice a year this branch has luncheons at restaurants, and the program is a fund-raising silent auction. Guests are most welcome!

NETWORKING LUNCHEON: No business is conducted at this networking event...just a delightful lunch, an opportunity to share ideas with like-minded women, and a chance to hear an outstanding speaker.

EF FELLOWS BRUNCH: Members who attend this function have the pleasure of hearing from recipients of Education Foundation fellowships and grants, learning how AAUW funding has positively changed these women by allowing them to further their educations and research.

STATE CONVENTION: All AAUW members are encouraged to attend this annual two-day event that includes workshops, speakers, business sessions, distributions of awards, election of state officers, and lots of opportunities for networking.

AAUW CONVENTION: Held biannually over several days, the Association Convention is an outstanding assembly of members from all over the country. Nationally known speakers alone make the event worthwhile, but it is also here that AAUW business is conducted by members.

Calendar of Events 2008-2009

Calendar of Events

AUGUST
Tuesday, 8/5, 9:30am, set-up for Kids First Health Fair, Juarez Middle School, Waukegan

SEPTEMBER
Saturday, 9/6, 9:30am, General Meeting, Pot Luck Brunch,
CON-CON--Constitutional Convention for Illinois--Pros & Cons,
Dave Kohn (Union League Club of Chicago), Gurnee Police Facility

Thursday, 9/25, 7pm, Board Meeting (at the home of hostess)

OCTOBER
Sunday, 10/5, 1:00pm, Lake County Women's Coalition Tea,
Women Who Shield & Protect Us, Country Squire Banquet Facility, Grayslake

Tuesday, 10/14, 7pm, General Meeting, Women of the Civil Rights Era, Barbara Zeitz (Batavia-Geneva-St. Charles Branch, AAUW), Waukegan Public Library

Wednesday, 10/15, 8am, Branch Bake Sale, Lake County Courthouse

Thursday, 10/23, 7pm, Board Meeting (at the home of hostess)

NOVEMBER
Tuesday, 11/4, ELECTION DAY

Saturday, 11/8, 8:30am, Districts 4 & 5 Fall Conference, College of Dupage

Tuesday, 11/11, 7pm, General Meeting, Generations of Women in the Military, CLT Alexis Klaussen (Great Lakes Naval Base), Waukegan Public Library

DECEMBER Thursday, 12/4, 7pm, Board Meeting (at the home hostess)

Wednesday, 12/10, JANE ADDAMS DAY

Saturday, 12/13, 11am, Winter Luncheon & Silent Auction, Saddle Ridge at Ramada Inn, Waukegan

JANUARY
Thursday, 1/22, 7pm, Board Meeting (at the home of hostess)

Saturday, 1/31, 11am, Hyatt Hotel, Networking Luncheon Hyatt Hotel, Lake-Cook Road, Deerfield

FEBRUARY
Saturday, 2/7, 9:30am, General Meeting, Pot Luck Brunch with Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Branch
Jane Addams in Lake County, Ellen Frew (Waukegan Historical Society), Gurnee Police Facility

Thursday, 2/26, 7pm, Board Meeting (at the home of hostess)

MARCH
Tuesday, 3/10, 7pm, General Meeting, Women's Health Research & Registry, Sarah Bristol-Gould, Ph.D (Northwestern University), Waukegan Public Library

Saturday, 3/14, 9:30am, Educational Foundation Fellows Brunch. Lambs Farm, Libertyville

Thursday, 3/26, 7pm, Board Meeting (at the home of hostess)

APRIL
Tuesday, 4/14, 7pm, General Meeting, The International Secondhand Clothing Trade, Dr. Karen Tranberg Hansen, Zion Benton Public Library

Wednesday, 4/15, 8am, Branch Bake Sale, Lake County Courthouse

Thursday, 4/23, 7pm, Board Meeting (at the home of hostess)

Friday-Saturday, 4/24–25, AAUW-IL, Inc., Convention, Decatur

Tuesday, 4/28, EQUAL PAY DAY

MAY
Tuesday, 5/12, 7pm, General Meeting, Eco-Savvy, Valerie Blaine (Kane County Forest Preserve District), Zion-Benton Public Library

Thursday, 5/28, 7pm, Board Meeting (at the home of hostess)

JUNE
Tuesday, 6/16, 11am, Summer Luncheon & Silent Auction, Midlane Country Club, Wadsworth

Friday-Sunday, 6/26–28, AAUW Convention, Renaissance Hotel, St. Louis, Missour

JULY
Thursday, 7/23, 6pm, Board Meeting & Pot Luck Supper (at the home of hostess)

About Our Branch

History

THE ASSOCIATION
The American Association of University Women begain in 1881 with 15 college alumnae. Today’s membership is approximately 100,000.

With more than 1,000 branches and 500 college and university partners, AAUW members across the country contribute to a more promising future for women and girls.

Today’s AAUW focuses on Pay Equity, Retirement Security, Gender Equity, Financial Literacy, and Social Justice. AAUW is a catalyst for positive change.

EF–The Educational Foundation provides grants and fellowships to support educational
and professional development for women at the post-graduate level.

LAF–The Legal Advocacy Fund provides funding and a support system for women seeking judicial redress for sex discrimination in higher education.


WAUKEGAN AREA BRANCH
This branch, founded in 1928, presently boasts more than 80 members from northeastern Lake County, Illinois, including the communities of Antioch, Beach Park, Grayslake, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Lake Forest, Lake Villa, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, Wadsworth, Winthrop Harbor, Zion, and, of course, Waukegan.

Active at local, state, and national levels of AAUW, the Waukegan Area Branch is especially proud of these recent accomplishments:
(1) The Waukegan Area AAUW 75th Anniversary Research & Projects Grant (graduate level, administered nationally)
(2) The Waukegan Area Branch Local Scholarship (college-bound high school student, administered locally)

In addition to cooperating with neighboring AAUW branches on several functions each year, the Waukegan Area Branch partners with local libraries in sponsorship of programs, with The Lake County League of Women Voters on candidate forums, and with the Lake County Health Department on two programs: The Kids First Health Fair and The Real Deal: Life 101.