Capital Letter
Newsletter of the Washington,
D.C., Branch
American Association of University
Women (AAUW)
May 2004
May Branch Meeting
The United Nations and Iraq: Can the UN Meet
the Challenge?
Speaker:
Andrew E. Rice, Ph.D
Saturday, May
15
Gather at noon:
Lunch at 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $14
Place: Charlie
Chiang's, 4250 Connecticut Ave., Washington
Van Ness Metro
Stop, Red Line. Parking available in Building
The UN faces a major challenge in dealing with the Iraq situation.
Can it meet this challenge and what effect will the challenge have on the UN’s
future?
Our speaker, Andrew E. Rice, is well qualified to speak on this
topic. He has a degree from Harvard and a Ph.D. from Syracuse University and
has worked in the Congress, the State Department and the White House. He
founded the Society for International Development (SID) and served as its chief
executive officer for some 20 years.
He is President of the United Nations Association of the National
Capital Area (UNA/NCA) and was chair of the Planning Committee for the National
Convocation on the United States and the United Nations—where hundreds
discussed the UN—in Washington in June 2003.
RSVP: Nancy Grace Roman by May 13, 7 p.m. nancy.roman6@verizon.net
MAMM
to Host Farewell 50th Anniversary Program
The Metropolitan Mass Media committee (MAMM) will host its final panel and awards program on Thursday, May 20. The event, Let Freedom Ring: Celebrating 50 Years of American Media, will be held at the Newseum, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia, one block from the Rosslyn Metro stop (blue or orange line).
The Newseum, which is now closed for public, tours, will be open for this special program. This will be your last opportunity to see the Newseum in its current location.
The scheduled presenters include Bonnie Erbe, host of the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) “To the Contrary,” Dorothy B. Gilliam, former Washington Post correspondent, David Furst, Metro Connection host and executive producer, and Ashley Carr, Director of Communication for the American Association of University Women. C-Span will be recognized with the final MAMM award for its outstanding series “Students and Leaders.”
The 50th Anniversary celebration is dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth P. Campbell, a dedicated educator, founder of WETA-TV, member of AAUW, and supporter of MAMM.
The event is free of charge and open to the public. Coffee and pastry will be served from 9:30–10:00 a.m. The program begins at 10:00 a.m., and will conclude by 11:30 a.m. There are many reasonably priced restaurants and cafes in the vicinity for your lunchtime treat.
Come celebrate with us as we salute MAMM for 50 years of recognizing excellence in the media’s role in education and information.
RSVP: Kate Des Marais, khdesm@aol.com; Jean-Marie Navetta, , navettaj@aauw.org
Presenting
the Slate of Officers
The nomination committee presents the following slate for the next two years. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the time of the election at the May 15 meeting.
ˇ Treasurer: Eddyemae R. Beards
ˇ Membership Vice President: Alberta Brasfield
ˇ Corresponding Secretary: Claire Morisset
Thanks to the nomination committee: Josephine L. Bandell, chair; Marjorie Newman and Phyllis S. Curry.
AAUW Celebrates Its
Achievements
(excerpted from a letter from Nancy Rustad, AAUW
president; Mary Ellen Smyth, EF president; and Michele Wetherald, LAF
president)
…We hope you will spend time at this event (convention) celebrating the year’s achievements. Through your efforts,
ˇ The Association continues to be busy tackling issues arising in …Congress, including higher education, vocational education, disabilities education, welfare reform, pension legislation,
ˇ contraceptive coverage, and hate crimes legislation…
ˇ The Educational Foundation’s third biennial International Symposium, International Perspectives: Women Leading Change in Public Health and Technology, will be held in Washington, DC, November 12–14, 2004. The Foundation is preparing to release a new research report entitled “Under the Microscope: a decade of gender equity projects in the sciences.”
ˇ …The Legal Advocacy Fund is currently supporting 13 cases. In 2003, ten LAF-supported plaintiffs spoke at events at state conventions through travel grants provided by LAF; LAF received $28,061 in contributions from these events…
New
Members
We welcome the following new members (be sure to add them to your directory):
Joyce Stanley Batipps
1645 Jonquil St. NW, Washington, DC 20012
Email: JSBmedlaw@aol.com
BS Howard University
JD DC School of Law
Jennifer Holt
6015 Archstone Way #306, Alexandria, VA 22310
BS Trinity College
MS Johns Hopkins
Christine A. Jochim
4801 Connecticut Ave. NW #311, Washington, DC 20008
Email: cajochim@aol.com
BA Hamilton College
Karen Krist Justesen
2950 VanNess St. NW #215, Washington, DC 20008
AB Washington University
Tracy D. Oliver
8201 16th Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Email: Tdennise@aol.com
BA Agnes Scott College
Student: University of Maryland
Kathleen G. Vidoloff
1101 New Hampshire Ave. NW #508, Washington, DC 20037
Email: Kridolff@hotmail.com
BA Northern State University
Previously a member of Aberdeen, SD branch
Branch
Member News
Marie
Stark and Sandy
Seppala visited Evelyn Murray recently. Evelyn, who is 98, sold her
Georgetown home and moved first to Thomas House and then to the Washington Home
following a stroke a few years ago.
Evelyn
was an active member of the Branch for many years. She chaired the Foreign
Relations Group for several years until she roped Sandy into taking over. Of
course, this was just before Evelyn’s 90th birthday and she deserved
to retire!
Evelyn often recalled being asked by her suffragette mother to sing a song for fellow suffragettes, in Jackson, Michigan, where Evelyn grew up.
She also traveled the world, and her townhouse was filled with mementoes from her many trips.
Evelyn loves visitors so stop by to see her sometime
.
Sandy Seppala will join some college girlfriends on a trip to Greece in June. They’ll spend a couple of days in Athens and then board a motorsailer for a cruise through the Cyclades, ending in Santorini.
Brigid O'Malley, a branch member who has moved to Chicago, will be going to Ireland in June. Her brother, Father Patrick O'Malley will be inaugurated as the Current Chieftan of the O'Malley Clan.
AAUW Globe Trekkers—
Arecibo Radio Telescope
By Nancy Grace Roman
In the first week of March, I spent four days in Puerto Rico primarily to see the largest single dish (mirror) radio telescope in the world.
Although the trip was a little early after I broke my hip on January 29, the
sight of the telescope was well worth the effort. I was particularly impressed
by the support structure. The mirror itself rests firmly on the ground but the
receivers must move with the focus of the telescope. It is these that must be
supported.
The picture shows the telescope and receivers. Some of the receivers are in the six stories tall hemisphere in the upper right. The line hanging at the left collect lower frequency radio waves. The tower, one of three, which looks fairly small because of its distance, is nearly 100 feet high. The fence around the dish is to prevent unwanted radio waves from being collected.
We had several so-so lectures on astronomy, but spent most of the
remaining time enjoying the view of surf from our balcony and eating good food.
Although it was surprisingly warm in Washington that week, it was pleasant to
get away from winter for a few days.
November Meeting: Latin America: The Impact of Globalization
December Meeting: Holiday Party
Jan. 31: Women’s Health Initiative: What
Does It Mean to Us?
Unemployment Insurance Defined
Washington Branch Board Meetings
President’s Message
Looking Ahead
Shireen Lewis, Co-President
I
hope this newsletter finds you well.
Fall
is here in all of its vibrancy and beauty! As the leaves turn into beautiful
colors and the air becomes crisp and new, Fall symbolizes a time of transition.
I see this as a wonderful time for us to begin reflecting on 2003 as it draws
to a close and to start making new goals for 2004.
Please
take a moment to fill out your national membership survey. It can be found in
your In Action newsletter which you recently received in the mail or you
can fill out the survey online by going to www.aauw.org/survey. This is a great
way to have your voices heard and to impact AAUW.
Also,
this year we have made increasing our membership a top priority. Our goal is to
at least double our current membership!!! If each member can get two people to
join our branch, imagine how much more powerful we will become!!! Let’s all try
to meet this goal.
As
you know, we rescheduled our October 18 event with the Washington Area Women’s
Foundation because we were unable to get a good turnout. I will soon have a new
date and hope that you come out in large numbers to hear about the Foundation’s
recent study on the status of women and girls in the Washington metropolitan
area.
Sending
strong positive vibes your way.
Branch
Meetings
November
Branch Meeting
Latin America: The Impact of Globalization
Speaker: Dr. Eduardo Cusicanqui
Saturday, November 8.Social at noon; Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Cost: $15Place: Alfio's LaTrattoria4515 Willard Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.
(Friendship Metro
or valet parking)
Dr. Eduardo Cusicanqui, an eloquent young lawyer from
Bolivia, is an ideal speaker to help us with outreach to Washington’s Latino
Community. Now the Technology and Resource Development Manager of the National
Council of La Raza, a civil rights organization, Dr. Cusicanqui has been
involved in identifying, developing, proposing and implementing funding
opportunities and helping raise more than seven million dollars for the
National Council of La Raza. With the goal of resource development, he provides
management and technical assistance.As an independent consultant, he once
provided legal and technical assistance for business development in Nigeria. He
holds a Juris Docorate and a Certificate of European Legal Practice from the
University of Tulane, School of Law and serves on several boards.Our members
should start thinking of outreach to expand our diversity of which we are proud
as we increase our knowledge of Hispanic concerns.Menu choices: broiled
flounder, eggplant parmesan or chicken doratiRSVP: Nancy Grace Roman by
November 6, 7 p.m. If you must cancel, call Evelyn Falkowski.
December Branch Meeting
Holiday
Party
Let's party on December 13
Speaker: Dr. George A. Garland
12 noonCost:
$25 per person Julian's Restaurant 5520
Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md. Near Friendship Heights Metro. Easy, inside
parking.
Our guest speaker
is the distinguished Executive Director of the United Nations Association of
the National Capital Area. For this gala occasion, he will be putting on a
different persona as he plays his saxophone and shares some wise and some
humorous readings.
Do you have a
special reading, poem or story that you would like to share? This is the time!
We would like to
have a good turnout for this fun event. Feel free to bring relatives and
friends. The more the merrier.RSVP early, but not later than 7:00 p.m. Thurs.,
Dec. 11: Nancy Grace Roman: nancy.roman6@verizon.net
January 31 Meeting
Women’s Health
Initiative: What Does It Mean to Us?
The origins, importance and early findings
of The Woman’s Health Initiative will be the topic of discussion at a joint
meeting of the Kensington/Rockville Branch and our Branch in January. This
topic is both timely and important to women of all ages.
Mark Saturday, January 31, 2004, on your
calendar and plan to attend this important meeting.
The exact time and location will be
announced in the next newsletter.
Think “No snow!” for that date.
Contact: Mary Ann Banta, MAsPiper@aol.com.
From Mary
Ann Banta and Evelyn Falkowski
We
have had to cancel several programs due to lack of reservations. Please be sure
to make your reservation in a timely fashion.
Every
attempt has been made to have programs that are interesting and accessible.
Suggestions for programs and/or locations are welcomed.
Terrell Scholarships
In
May of 2003, two outstanding District of Columbia public high school graduating
seniors, Nefertena K. Francis and Oluwalayomi Olatinpo, were
selected as the 2003–2004 Mary Church Terrell Scholarship recipients.
Nefertena Francis
graduated in June of 2003 from Banneker Academic High School with a 3.237 grade
point average (GPA) and Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) score of 1120. In the
fall of 2003, she entered the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where
she majors in foreign relations. Her career goal is to be a diplomat or a
foreign-service officer.
Oluwalayomi Olatinpo,
a June 2003 graduate of Dunbar High School, had a 4.0 GPA and SAT score of
1050. In the fall of 2003, she matriculated at Johns Hopkins University. Her
career plans are to become a medical doctor and to work in public health.
Recipient
Highlights
2002 Recipients
The
two scholarship recipients for 2002, Ayisatu Umaru and Marion
Stewart, completed their freshman college years in May 2002 and have
described their experiences in their own words as follows.
Ayisatu Umaru writes:
My
first year in college was hard. An engineering student, I attended the Catholic
University of America for my first semester and transferred to the George
Washington University for the second semester.
College
was different from high school for me, because in high school I did not talk to
many people, but now I talk to everybody. I found that communication with some
people was easier than with others because people were from different countries
and had different backgrounds.
Being
a full-time biomedical engineering student at George Washington University, I
found that my courses were difficult. The required courses for engineering
students were calculus, physics, chemistry and computer development. However,
my professors were nice and easy to talk with. If there were assignments or
course work that I did not understand, my professors would take the time to go
over the material with me during their office hours.
People
have asked me, “What’s the difference between Catholic University and George
Washington University?” I have answered, “Mainly, location.” Catholic
University is, what I term, an enclosed campus. That is, the university is in
one location, where as, George Washington University has several locations in
downtown D.C. With so many tasks to complete and so many different locations in
which to complete them, it took some time for me to get used to college life.
However, I am doing well and I will survive.
I
want to thank the American Association of University Women for helping me to
further my education with the scholarship. Thank you.
Marion Stewart writes:
It
was the first year of college, something that I was only able to envision in my
dreams, for people who’ve lived lives parallel to that of mine did not get
chances to advance. In one day I went from being a statistic to an idol, put on
a pedestal by those who dwelled in the projects. Now, failure definitely was
not an option. I had to succeed for all of my poverty-stricken peers and
siblings who viewed me as an example and, of course, for Miss Valerie R. Wilson
(my high school counselor), who saw the potential in me after all—this was the
aftermath of the collision of our paths. So, overwhelmed with a sense of
dubiousness, I proceeded to make my place in the world.
Finally,
the dog got to see what it was like on the other side of the fence. It was a
whole new world for me. I met individuals of various backgrounds who
illuminated issues concerning Blacks and how they differed from region to
region, as well as how they portrayed people like myself (people who seemed to
be products of the projects). I was now one of the "talented tenth."
I was now in the position to prove to people that if given the chance to pursue
a post secondary education, those perceived by most to be “lost causes” could
contribute to the elevation of the Black race as a whole.
This
was also a time of self-discovery for I had internal conflicts that I was
forced to face. The first thing that I realized was that I could no longer make
it on my own. I was used to being a vagabond, void of emotion and left alone to
fend for my siblings and for myself. Now, life’s obstacles were battering me
even more and it seemed as if I were on the verge of a breakdown. I needed some
kind of support system. I needed what I had been deprived of all my life: I
needed love. However, since I had not seen it (agape or romantic), I viewed it
as a mirage that people persistently pursued all of their lives only to find
that it does not exist. But, Miss Wilson made a liar out of me, and without her
support, I do not know how I would have made it. In addition, God strategically
placed people (other students and faculty) in my life that became more like
family than friends and helped me get through my hardships. Therefore, college
gave me a sense of what it must be like to have a “real” family.
Freshman
year also taught me discipline and that I could do anything to which I put my
mind. As a product of DC public schools, I began my journey with the assumption
that failure was almost inevitable. But, if you want something bad enough, you
will find a way to break down all barriers and seize your heart’s desire.
And,
of course, freshman year was fun! New people and new surroundings (although I
am a DC native, I had never been on campus; it seemed that it was a world away)
create the recipe for good times. Dorm life experience was one of the
highlights. And, I loved meeting people from different parts of the world. I
found that “preppie kids” knew how to party and everyone knows that Howard
University has the best homecomings (again, DC native, but never participated
in such activities).
In
essence, freshman year was great. It mildly molded me into another person. It
was definitely a learning experience, both figuratively and literally, one
which I will not soon forget.
A
communications major, I am happy to report that my cumulative GPA for my
freshman year was 3.29. I look forward to doing even better in future years.
2001
Recipients
Angela Johnson writes:
I
am looking forward to my junior year of college at George Washington
University. After successfully completing two years of my education, I am
pleased with the choice that I made in selecting an institution of higher
learning. I feel that I am receiving a quality education—one that exposes me to
different areas within my major, sports medicine.
The
courses that I will be taking in the fall of 2003 are (1) physics, (2) exercise
testing and prescription, (3) emergency procedures and safety skills, (4) prevention
and care of sports injuries, and (5) abnormal psychology. Thus far, I have
maintained a 3.4 GPA and look forward to another great year. With good study
skills, proper time management, and a positive attitude, I know that I am on a
road that leads to great things.
Cristi Punell
is still enjoying her college life at Morgan State University where she is
majoring in public relations. She is doing well, working part-time, and looking
for the next hurdle to tackle. During the summer of 2003, she worked for the DC
department of recreation, where she was a manager of the pool.
1999
Recipients
Kudos
to Dionyssus Martin who graduated in May of 2003 from George Washington
University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Dionyssus entered Marymount
University’s Master’s program in fall of 2003. She will pursue a Master’s
degree in forensic psychology.
Dionyssus
thanks the American Association of University Women, Washington, D.C., Branch,
for the Mary Church Terrell Scholarship which provided financial assistance to
her during her freshman year at George Washington University.
We
wish all the Mary Church Terrell Scholarship recipients well in their future
endeavors.
Unemployment Insurance
Defined
Women
are two-thirds of the part-time labor force. But they’re not told, either by
the schools or the media, that part-time temporary work—even at two or more
jobs in two or more states—is generally covered by unemployment insurance (UI)
benefits.
UI
is not welfare, but was part of the original Social Security Act of 1935 (as
“welfare” was as well). Both child actors and millionaires have received
unemployment checks. And, except for your first visit, in some states, it’s all
done by phone—you don’t stand in line any longer, either.
In
2002, 10+ million people received $43+ billion in fully taxable UI benefits.
More people would have received UI—which comes from a tax on employers, by the
way—had they just applied.
Self-employed
individuals and people who work for religious institutions aren’t covered. Most
others are.
Finally,
six months’ work is not required. Usually, 4 1/2 to 5 months’ work in the
12-month prior “base period” is enough to qualify for something.
Did
you know that all widowers aged 60 or older (not 62) without children can draw
Social Security on their deceased spouse’s wages? If divorced but married ten
or more years, that, too, counts, even if no children resulted from themarriage.
Future of MAMM Examined
Fifty
years ago the Bethesda/BCC Branch formed a group to discuss the effects of
television on children. This action led to the formation of the Metropolitan
Area Mass Media Committee of AAUW (MAMM). Our branch has long been active in
MAMM
Perhaps
the time has come to form another committee to look at media in the 21st century.
Fifty years have brought incredible changes in our media environment: the
Internet, cell phones, video on demand, movies on tape and DVDs, video games,
to name a few. Yet some basic issues remain: how are women and minorities
portrayed; do women have a role in media corporate leadership; how are our
young people affected by media?
This
summer a media resolution failed to pass at convention. In the Member Survey
2003, media is not mentioned. When a wide coalition of national organizations
joined together to protest the changes in regulations allowing concentration of
media ownership, AAUW was not involved.
There
is much to be learned about our media environment. It is proposed that we begin
an exchange of information about the media with the goal of moving media to the
forefront of AAUW's concern. This exchange can take place at a meeting, or it
can be done online, or a combination of meetings and online discussions.
Contact:
Mary Ann Banta, FMAsPiper@aol.com.
Condolences
The
branch extends sympathy to Joan Stanley whose husband passed away on October
16. Joan, call on any of us if we can be of assistance.Our thoughts are with
you.
American
Association of University Women/Washington, D.C., Branch
AAUW
promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive
societal change.
EF
The
AAUW Educational Foundation provides funds to advance education, research, and
self-development for women and to foster equity and positive societal change.
LAF
AAUW’s
Legal Advocacy Fund provides funding and a support system for women seeking
judicial redress for sex discrimination.
Editors: Mary
Ann Banta and Sandra K. Seppala
Send
articles to MasPiper@aol.com or sandra.seppala@verizon.net
Capital Letter is
the official publication of the American Association of University Women,
Washington, D.C., Branch.
Webmaster:
Nancy Grace Roman
Posted:
November 16, 2003
Sept. 13: Finding Your Family’s Roots
Oct. 18: How Are We Really Doing?
Visit to Arlington House Rescheduled
Jan. 31: Women’s Health Initiative: What Does It Mean to Us?
Mary Church Terrell on the Web
New Reading Season Kicks Off at Teaism
Washington Branch Board Meetings
Welcome!
Shireen Lewis and Anne Martin
Co-Presidents
Welcome to the start of a new year for our Branch. We are looking forward to an exciting year and ask that all of you join in making this year one of our best ever.
We would like to thank our outgoing Co-Presidents, Marjorie Newman and Nancy Grace Roman, for the time and energy they have devoted to keeping our Branch viable. We would also like to thank the women who serve on the board of directors and all our members. Without all of you, our Branch would not be what it is today–strong, diverse and stimulating.
One of our major goals this year is to recruit new members to our Branch. To be successful at recruiting we must first be able to articulate who we are, the benefits gained from membership, and how new members can contribute to our overall mission–to promote education and equity for all women and girls.
During the upcoming year, we want to spend time discussing and drafting a strategic plan that speaks to ways in which, for the next few years, we can implement our mission. To start this process, we plan a retreat for our board of directors in September. However, we certainly cannot embark on this project without soliciting input from our members since so many of you have been a part of our Branch for so many years. Please let us know what are some of the things you think should be part of our strategic plan.
Overall, we see a year of wonderful programs, of implementing a vision for our Branch for the years to come, of bringing new members on board, and of continuing to work together to promote education and equity for all women and girls.
Branch Meetings
September 13 Branch Meeting
Finding Your Family’s Roots
and Potluck Lunch
Help launch our fall program
by bringing guests to this free, enjoyable and interesting program. Our
speaker, Char McCargo Bah, a specialist on genealogy since 1982, will discuss
her own quest to discover her family roots.
Char has served as an executive board member and vice president of
the D.C. Genealogical Society so she also brings a wealth of information about
our area. She is currently board member and historian of the Virginia
Genealogical Society.
If you have done some work on your
family ties, bring examples of your work to inspire the rest of us to delve
into our own past.
This will truly be "pot luck." Bring a main dish, salad, vegetable or dessert to serve six. Extras, like drinks, rolls, and paper products, will be provided.
A special thanks to Alberta Brasfield for arranging the room.
Saturday, Sept. 13
12:15. Lunch, social, talk and discussion
Cost: Good food and bring a
friend.
(If you find it absolutely impossible
to bring a dish, don’t stay home.
Contributions will be accepted to defray expenses.)
Bombay Room at Van Ness North (2nd
floor)
3001 Veasey Terrace
(across from the University of the District of Columbia)
Limited valet parking or nearby parking at the Giant Store on Conn. and Van Ness
Red Line Metro, Van Ness/UDC stop
RSVP: 9 p.m., Thurs., Sept. 12
Mary Ann Banta: MAsPiper@aol.com
Mary Ann will try to make sure we
don’t all bring desserts!
How
Are We Really Doing?
A representative from the Washington Area Women’s Foundation will speak about the Foundation’s recently released study on the status of women and girls in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
This 18-month study shows a stark contrast in the lives of the region’s women and girls: poor families headed by women alongside some of the most highly educated and highly paid women.
Backed by solid statistical data, broken down by race and ethnicity, the study examines the role of economics, education, health safety and leadership in the lives of the region’s 1.8 million women.
It is surprising to note that this is the first comprehensive study of women and girls in our region.
Saturday, October 18
1—3 p.m. with light refreshments
The Provisions Library
(until September,
this location is called The Resource Center or Activism and Arts).
1611 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 200 (near Dupont Circle)
Elevator available.
Little to no parking available.
Red Line Metro, Dupont Circle stop, Q Street exit
RSVP:
Shireen Lewis: Fri., Oct. 17
slewis7354@aol.com
November 8 Branch Meeting: Impact of Globalization in Latin America.
See calendar. Details in next newsletter. Save the date!
Visit to Arlington House Rescheduled
We will try again to discover the history of the Lee-Custis Mansion, now called Arlington House, followed by lunch. Let’s hope that the recent record rainfall will give us a break.
Visit the slave quarters and meet the people who played a role in highlighting the important contributions of the slaves who lived there.
Guests are welcome. Please join us. Saturday, October 25
- 10 a.m. Meet at the Park Ranger Headquarters beside the parking lot.
- Special Tour of Arlington House. Free Admission.
- Lunch at the Sheraton National Hotel (dutch treat), 900 S. Orme St., Arlington, 703-271-6601.
After lunch, we’ll view the Arlington Cemetery and the site of Freedman’s Village from the Galaxy Room at the top of the hotel.
Directions to Arlington House: Cross Memorial Bridge. Drive straight toward the main gate and the Museum of Women in the Military. At the STOP sign, tell the police that you are with AAUW. You will be directed to make the next right and follow the white line and signs to Arlington House. Just past the house there is a parking lot to the right. Park and walk to the Park Ranger Headquarters.
RSVP: 9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23
Mary Ann Banta: MAsPiper@aol.com
For more information, reservations and to form car pools, contact Mary Ann. If you are willing to drive a car pool, please call Mary Ann.
Women’s Health Initiative: What Does It Mean to
Us?
The origins, importance and early findings of The Woman’s Health Initiative will be the topic of discussion at a joint meeting of the Kensington/Rockville Branch and our Branch in January. This topic is both timely and important to women of all ages.
Mark Saturday, January 31, 2004, on your calendar and plan to attend this important meeting.
The exact time and location will be announced in the next newsletter.
Think "No snow!" for that date.
Contact: Mary Ann Banta; MAsPiper@aol.com. u
Mary Church Terrell on the Web
Check out www.kids.dc.gov. Mary Church Terrell is pictured at the bottom of the home page. She leads the kids through the section about D.C.: (http://memory.loc.gov/ ammem/aap/terrell.html ).
A charter member and first president of the National Association of Colored Women, Terrell became nationally known both for her support of women's suffrage and her opposition to racial segregation.
She was also one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and was a member of AAUW, Washington, D.C., Branch.
The Mary Church Terrell Scholarship is an important contribution by the Branch to the education of students in Washington. Each year, the Branch awards scholarships to two students who graduate from D.C. public schools and attend local colleges or universities.
For more information about the Mary Church Terrell scholarships, contact Maria Baylor.
by Marie Stark
Women in Charge–Bold, Innovative, Collaborative was the theme of the 43rd biannual convention of AAUW, which convened in Providence, Rhode Island, June 20—24, 2003. Meetings were held in the Rhode Island Convention Center and the adjoining Westin Providence Hotel. Anne Martin, the newly-elected co-president of the Washington, D.C., Branch; Helen Gilbert, branch Educational Foundation Chair; and Marie Stark, a past branch (1973—77) and state (1984—88) president, constituted the DC delegation.
Pre-convention Institutes were held on various topics, such as diversity, programs, empowering women faculty, Women’s health, etc. A National Conference for College Women Student Leaders was held. Work-shops for training and updating current practices were important tools for Anne Martin and she availed herself of several of them.
Nancy Rustad, President of AAUW, formally opened the convention on Friday with a ribbon cutting at the entrance to the meeting and exhibit hall. With a free morning, Helen and I were able to take the Trolley Tour of Providence. Nancy then presided over the opening ceremonies, including presentation of the flag by a Girl Scout guard of honor, greetings from the Mayor of Providence, welcoming remarks by local and close-by AAUW officers.
The keynote address featured a spirited debate between two TV political commentators, Julianne Malveaux and Deborah Perry, representing both sides of the political aisle, who had also written a book (for sale on site!) about their collaboration.
Then, after remarks by Pieko Aoke, President of IfUW (who invited AAUW to the IFUW triennial convention in Perth, Australia, in 2004) and an address by AAUW Executive Director, Jacqueline Woods, convention business got under way.
President Rustad began Business Session 1 with the introduction of AAUW boards, committees, officers and staff, including convention officials, and adoption of the convention program, reports of key committees, and a call for nominations from the floor. The collection of written ballots for nominations for uncontested offices having been completed, the results were announced. AAUW President Nancy Rustad and Educational Foundation President Mary Ellen Smyth were elected to their second terms of office, while Michael Weatherald, previously secretary of the Legal Advocacy Foundation Board, became its president.
A proposal to change the scope of MAMM was defeated (see article). Other matters under discussion were controversial proposals to institute an automatic dues increase each year and to abolish the requirement for a four-year degree for AAUW membership.
In the evening, a "Meet the Candidates" event was succeeded by the ribbon cutting opening of the Exhibit Hall and a networking reception sponsored by GEICO.
The importance of technology in today’s world
was illustrated by the cyber Café, open during all exhibit hours in the
Convention Center Hall, for receiving and sending email,
sending action alerts to Congress, checking with family and friends, surfing the Web–all free of charge under the sponsorship of Microsoft.
Saturday’s plenary session was entitled Title IX: How Far Have We Come? In early June, a federal court had thrown out a lawsuit claiming that women’s opportunities in sports came at the expense of men’s sports. AAUW signed onto a brief in opposition to the suit and the Legal Advocacy Fund contributed $5,000. AAUW members spoke out at town hall meetings and voiced concerns with members of Congress. At the convention, a distinguished panel discussed the importance of Title IX as equity throughout education not just in sports, and the fact that this basic civil right is in jeopardy 20 years after the federal law’s passage. The session, attended by roughly 600 people, ended with a standing ovation.
A special session, Women in Charge on the Global Front, brought together a panel of speakers to discuss strategies for advancing equity worldwide, including IFUW and Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund presidents, AAUW’s UN representatives, and other officers concerned with international affairs. Later in the day, an International Session was held in an Exhibit Hall containing exhibits from a selection of international activities carried on in some AAUW states, with supporting data and samples of food native to the countries surveyed. In addition to representatives from the states, IFUW, VGIF, and AAUW representatives at the United Nations, two independent projects–34 Million Friends and The Central Asia Institute in Bozeman, Montana–also participated.
Announcement was made of the winners of the contested office races held the previous day for Directors-at-Large, Public Policy Committee Chair, Educational Foundation Directors and LAF Directors. Among our neighbors, one Director-at-Large was from Maryland and one Educational Foundation Director each from Maryland and Virginia.
Business Meeting 2 on Sunday included presentations by Presidents Rustad (AAUW), Smyth (EF) and Newman (LAF), and reports from Credentials, Elections and By-laws Committees.
It closed with a touching tribute (video) to Alice Ann Leidel Jacobs, who served as Educational Foundation President from 1993—97 and in several New York leadership positions. EF President Smyth announced the establishment of a Future Fund to be composed of current (not endowed) funds to support new, innovative, cutting-edge programs. Prior to her death in 2002, Alice Ann, who would be the first honoree chosen as having made a significant impact on AAUW, had selected two initiatives: a women’s resource center for professional women at the national center in Washington, D.C., for seminars, research and networking events; and an annual women’s music and arts festival; a third might come later. Pledges of funding had already been received by the end of the session.
At this meeting, delegates voted to retain AAUW membership to those who hold a four-year degree. They rejected a proposal to open membership to all who support AAUW’s mission. Other actions taken were to create a separate position of Legal Advocacy Vice President; clarify a by-laws change made in 2001 that two representatives of the regional directors sit on the board; establish an international affairs standing committee; and lengthen the time a branch could be inactive before forfeiting branch status. Two proposed by-law amendments did not pass: giving the eight non-board regional directors a vote at convention and adding a director-at-large position to the Executive Committee. The most controversial amendment considered at this meeting was the automatic dues increase of $2 each year. A sunset provision was brought to the floor whereby the change, if adopted and to take effect 2004—05, would come before delegates for review again in 2009. The change was adopted by an overwhelming margin.
The closing Business Session 3 on Monday concerned reports of Committees, courtesy resolutions and unfinished business. Announcements were made of the 21st-Century Recognition Awards to States and Branches rewarding excellence.
After adjournment, a plenary session continued. The announced speaker, U.S. Representative from New York, Louise M. Slaughter, was unable to be present but a video of her speech as given on the U.S. Capitol grounds was substituted. The session ended with closing remarks by President Rustad.
The closing banquets, Legal Advocacy Fund on Sunday night, and, especially, the Educational Foundation on Monday night are always the highlights of a convention. Both encompass highly regarded awards. The 2003 LAF Speaking Out for Justice Award went to Beri-Ellen Roberts, who won a class action in racial discrimination lawsuit against the Texaco Corporation and Graciela Chichinitsky, a tenured professor, whose 10-year battle against sex discrimination and pay inequity at Columbia University remains unresolved.
President Sylvia Newman gave her final address after four years at the helm of LAF. She thanked donors for more than $700,000 contributed to fight sex discrimination on campus and announced a new Justice Fund, an endowment created to form a steady stream of income for LAF.
At Monday night’s gala, which climaxed the convention, the Educational Foundation’s Awards were the focus. Gloria Steinam, "the matriarch of the feminist movement, author of many books, co-founder of Ms Magazine and Ms Foundation and on the front line in many endeavors," added glamour as well as substance to the event.
Linda Weaver received the Recognition Award for Emerging Scholars. The National Women’s Center received the Eleanor Roosevelt Award. There followed a stream of awards to branches and states. To finish on a high note, the Washington, D.C., Branch and State Division received four 2002 top state and branch contribution awards:
- Washington, D.C., Branch Per Capita Contributions
- Washington, D.C., State Per Capita Contributions
- Washington, D.C., Contribution Growth over Previous Fundraising Year
- Washington, D.C., Total Contributions
They will be on view at the next Branch meeting.
Now, get ready for the 2005 Convention to be held in Washington, D.C. The Maryland State Division will take the lead in local arrangements but the D.C., Virginia and other nearby states will share responsibilities as directed, just as the New England states played a major role with the local Providence branches in making the convention a success. u
By Marie Stark
A proposed resolution by the D.C. Metropolitan Area Mass Media Committee (MAMM), which would have added the Internet to AAUW’s working definition of mass media, was defeated at the annual convention in June.
An excuse given by some delegates was that the proposal fell short of addressing relevant media issues. However, it revealed a misunderstanding of the purpose and accomplishments of MAMM and confusion of a procedural matter with public policy issues by members who did not foster similar or any programs for achieving excellence in media.
Next time around, a nationwide educational campaign to spell out the reasoning behind the proposal will have to precede sending another proposal to the floor for a vote.
New Reading Season Kicks Off at Teaism
Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail, a true story by Moroccan Malika Oufkir, will be discussed on Monday, September 8, 6:15, at Teaism near the Archives/Navy Memorial Metro.
This year, we will meet at various restaurants to enjoy a repast as we share our thoughts about the books we’ve chosen.
We’ll discuss Founding Brothers, by Joseph Ellis, on October 6, and China Wakes, by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn on November 3.
We capped off last year by reading and then watching The Hours and having a lively discussion over grilled fish and assorted salads.
Want to join us? Contact Sandy Seppala, sandra.seppala@verizon.net.
Washington Branch Board Meetings
Branch board meetings are open to all members. The meetings are scheduled four times a year as follows: November 1, January 17, March 6 and June 5. This schedule is subject to change.
For information concerning the meeting place
and time, contact Shireen Lewis or Anne Martin.
slewis7354@aol.com or dannematrin@aol.com
In
Memoriam
Helen Gilbert, 1919—2003
by Marie C. Stark
What a shock! Helen Gilbert and I flew to Providence, Rhode Island, to attend the AAUW convention on June 19. We stayed at the Providence Biltmore Hotel, a block away from the Convention Center. We returned on June 24. Although I was aware that Helen took regular medication, her only complaint was that her hearing had deteriorated so much, making it difficult for her to hear what was going on at meetings.
Then, when I tried to reach her at home early in July, I finally got her son on the phone (not a recording) who said, "Oh, Mother died last Friday." It was almost incomprehensible. We can be grateful that the end came after a pleasant vacation, and she did not suffer long.
Helen Bogosta Gilbert died at Washington Hospital Center after a heart attack, at age 84, on July 13, 2003. Born in Lansford, Pennsylvania, she was raised in Binghamton, New York. She graduated from Syracuse University, received a Master’s Degree in drama from Barnard College, and took additional graduate courses at Columbia University.
Helen was one of the pioneer women in radio-station technology, beginning at the Binghamton station WNBF. It was there that she met her future husband, Lester Gilbert. They came to Washington, D.C., in 1956, and, in due course, Lester became Chief Audio Engineer of the Voice of America. Helen spent a year as an audio technician at the old WMAL-TV station during the 1960’s. She later taught high school in Adelphi, Maryland, and was a substitute teacher in Montgomery County schools. Although Lester’s work took him all over the world setting up radio stations, she was not allowed to accompany him. However, they did have a five-year residence in Hawaii in the Honolulu area before being transferred back to Washington.
Helen was a member of the local Columbia University Club and president for several years; the Washington, D.C., Branch of AAUW, where she was Educational Foundation Chair for many years; and the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority Board. She lived in Bethesda with her son. She also leaves a daughter, a stepson, a sister and two brothers.
Long-time branch member Dorothy Lally died on July 5 of congestive heart failure at Prince George’s Hospital Center. She was a native of Schenectady, New York. She graduated from Skidmore College, received a Master’s degree in social work from Columbia University and a doctorate from Catholic University.
Dorothy began her social work career in 1944 as a consultant to the U.N. Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. She worked with the Council on Social Work Education and served from 1957 to 1967 as international services chief of the Social Security Administration.
She was an honorary life
member of AAUW, illustrating her more than 50 years of commitment to education
equality for women and girls. She was also a member of the Woman’s National
Democratic Club, the National Association of Social Workers and St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church in Largo, Maryland. There are no immediate survivors
.Condolences
The branch extends sympathy to Eddyemae Beards whose husband
passed away last May. Do call on us, Eddyemae, if we can be of assistance.
We are sorry to hear of the death of the husband of former member Gerry Wulff.
Gerry and Roger moved to Belize several years ago.
Calendar
September
8 Book Group. Book: Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail by Malika Oufkir. Mon., 6:15 p.m. Teaism, 8th St., NW (Navy Memorial/Archives Metro Stop). Contact: Sandy Seppala, sandra.seppala@verizon.net.
12 Reservation Deadline for Branch Potluck. Thurs., 9 p.m. Contact: Mary Ann Banta: MAsPiper@aol.com.
13 Branch Potluck Luncheon. Sat. 12:15 p.m. Topic: Finding Your Family’s Roots. Speaker: Char McCargo Bah. Bombay Room, Van Ness North, 3001 Veasey Terrace, D.C. Cost: potluck dish or contribution.
October
6 Book Group. Book: Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis. Mon., 6:15 p.m. Place: TBD. Contact: Sandy Seppala, sandra.seppala@verizon.net.
17 Reservation Deadline for Branch Meeting. Fri. Contact: Shireen Lewis: slewis7354@aol.com.
18 Branch Meeting. 1—3 p.m. Topic: How Are We Really Doing? The Provisions Library, 1611 Conn. Ave. NW, Suite 200, D.C. Contact: Shireen Lewis: slewis7354@aol.com
23 Reservation Deadline for visit to Arlington House. Thurs., 9 p.m. Contact: Mary Ann Banta: MAsPiper@aol.com.
25 Visit to Arlington House. 10 a.m. Park Ranger Headquarters. Dutch treat lunch to follow at: Sheraton National Hotel. 900 South Orem St., Arlington, VA, Contact: Mary Ann Banta: MAsPiper@aol.com.
November
1 Branch Board Meeting TBA. Sat. Contact: Shireen Lewis: slewis7354@aol.com; Anne Martin.
3 Book Group. Book: China Wakes by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn. Mon., 6:15 p.m. Place: TBD. Contact: Sandy Seppala, sandra.seppala@verizon.net.
6 Reservation Deadline for Branch Luncheon. 7:00 p.m. If you decide not to come or cancel after the deadline, please call the restaurant directly. You will normally be charged for any reservation not canceled. Contact: Nancy Grace Roman: nancy.roman6@verizon.com
8 Branch Meeting. Sat. Social at noon, Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Topic: Impact of Globalization in Latin America. Speaker: Eduardo Cusicanqui. Alfio’s LaTrattoria, 4515 Willard Ave. Chevy Chase. Cost: $15.
December
8 Book Group. Book: TBD. Mon., 6:15 p.m. Place: TBD. Contact: Sandy Seppala, sandra.seppala@verizon.net.
13 Holiday event. Details to follow.
January
17 Branch Board
Meeting TBA. Sat. Contact:
Shireen Lewis: slewis7354@aol.com; Anne Martin.
dannematrin@aol.com
31 Joint
Kensington/Rockville and D.C. Branch
Meeting. Topic: Origins, Importance and Early Findings of the Women’s Health
Initiative. Sat. Time and place TBA. Contact: Contact: Mary Ann
Banta:
