INDEPENDENCE BRANCH Empowering women since 1940

Vol. 77 No. 6 February 2017 EMPOWERING WOMEN SINCE 1881

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

AAUW NATIONAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE

We Exceeded Our Goal! Anchors Aweigh!

The Charting the Course campaign had a goal: to raise $1 million in unrestricted funds in two years. But you weren’t satisfied with that. Together, all 1,045 of you gave over $1,020,000 to turn the tides of inequality. Now we’re not only ready to set sail — we have a tailwind! Thanks to you, our Charting the Course donors, women and girls are that much closer to a brighter horizon. We are proud that donors from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., six Branch Navigators, and a fantastic Charting the Course Committee and Advisory Committee made this campaign so successful.

Taken from AAUW Washington Update - February 2016

Happy Black History month!

Did you know that seven of the nine women who signed the charter to found the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) were AAUW members? The message sent when they signed that charter on February 12, 1909, still rings true today: Civil rights and women’s rights are human rights. Today, a central part of AAUW’s work includes elevating diverse voices on issues that affect women of all backgrounds.

Independence Branch has exciting plans for February, March and April!

Mark your calendar and plan to join in the activities and talk with our BRCC friends about AAUW. We’ll want to share the “who and what we are and why we are” Changing the Climate for Women and Girls. Polish up those Elevator Speeches!

We are very pleased to be scheduled to share with the Staff and Students at Blue River Community College on three events in the next three months. We are inviting the staff to attend the February 28 meeting. Our speaker is from UMKC and will be addressing “Social Justice and Multicultural Learning Issues in Urban Education”. Plan to attend and be a greeter or table hostess. March 28, we will meet at BRCC in the Lecture Hall (Campus Life Center) for a program from Veronica’s Voice – Human Trafficking. Students and Staff will be invited to this meeting. April BRCC students will be greeted, treated and provided with information about AAUW and opportunities to offer programming important to them at the Equity Day Rally on Campus.

As we all know, “It takes a village!” and our Independence Branch Village is strong, growing and reaching new levels of community involvement. Please consider how your contribution of time and energy can make us even stronger.

I encourage you to consider becoming a 2-minute activist for the AAUW Action Network. I’ll have sign-up sheets at the February meeting. Five new activists signed up at the January meeting. This really is a very simple way to be involved and to let your voice be heard by your legislators, both state and federal, on issues of concern to women and girls in areas of health, education and equality!

AAUW is Changing the Climate for Women and Girls! Our Branch is helping to make it happen!

Sue Shineman, President

ADELANTE BOOK CLUB February 14 at 9:30 AM at Barnes and

Noble on 39th Street. Book: Presence:

Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest

Challenges by Nicholas Cuddy. Discussion

led by Carolyn Morris.

March14 at 9:30 AM at Barnes and Noble

on 39th Street. Book: How Sandra Day

O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went

to the Supreme Court and Changed the

World by Linda Horseman. Discussion led

by Lois Domsch.

SPECIAL EVENT IN MARCH On March 10, members and guests are

invited to a special tour at the Nelson-Atkins

Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., in Kansas

City. The tour is entitled “Art in Bloom”

and begins at 10:15 AM. The tour is free if

a minimum of six persons participate. For

lunch, we will go through the line at

Rozzelle Court, order from the menu, and be

seated together. At our February meeting

we will have a sign-up sheet and discuss

carpooling. Mark your calendars and plan to

join us at the Nelson-Atkins.

Karol Palmer, Program Vice-President

NEW MEMBERS We are so pleased to welcome our

new members: Courtney McGinnis

215-499-0801

Courtney.yountmcginnis@mcckc.edu

and

Katherine Snow

202-360-3998

Ktegan11@hotmail.com

CHANGE OF INFORMATION Ann Ragan has moved to:

17227 E 44th Court S.

Independence, MO 64055

Home phone 816-503-6067

Cell phone 816-835-0487

SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR 2017-2019 The nominating committee is delighted to

offer the following slate of officers for

2017-2018: President Sue Shineman,

Program Vice-president Karol Palmer and

Recording Secretary Sue Raymond. We are

so pleased that our current leaders will

continue in their roles for an additional two

years encouraging exciting new

opportunities and directions for our

membership.

Kathy Vest, Carol Kelley & Judy Austin

Nominating Committee

MEETING: February 28, 2017 – 7 PM

AT: First United Methodist Church

PROGRAM: “Social Justice and Multicultural Learning Issues in Urban Education”

PRESENTED BY: Dr. Jennifer Waddell, Director of the Institute for Urban Education, UMKC

HOSTESSES: Judy Tucker and Carol Kelley

WHY I MARCHED We have all seen the amazing images from

the Women’s March on Washington. I was

proud to join the thousands in Kansas City

and the millions around the world in that

march on January 21, 2017. The gathering

in Kansas City (I have heard estimates

numbering from 5,000 to 10,000.) was

positive, peaceful, and diverse. The rally

was addressed by speakers representing

women’s issues, immigration, refugees, the

LGBT community, workers’ rights, civil

rights, religious freedom, and individuals

with disabilities.

I felt compelled to attend the march to stand

against the hateful rhetoric that

characterized our presidential campaign. I

did not march because I am a “sore loser.” I

have participated in every presidential

election since I’ve been old enough to vote.

Sometimes my candidate won. Sometimes

my candidate lost. That’s the way things

work. However, this election cycle was not

normal, and I will not “just get over it.” I

will resist efforts to normalize it. America is

better than that. On November 9, I hoped

the president-elect would somehow become

“more presidential.” I have not been

encouraged by what I have seen in the

ensuing 2-3 months. However, I do remain

hopeful by what I witnessed on January 21

with millions standing in solidarity for

human rights and social justice.

The success of the Women’s March did not

end on that Saturday afternoon but continues

as a movement for the future. Please go to

www.womensmarch.com. A new action

will be unveiled on this site every 10 days

for the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency.

The first action was for individuals to

write/call their senators to make it clear

where they stand on issues that matter most

to them such as healthcare, civil rights,

women’s rights, education.

Put on your marching shoes!

Karol Palmer

NO WRONG ANSWERS From politics to pop culture, the big issues

of our day always filter down into the

classroom. How are things like President

Trump’s executive order to prioritize

deportations or the swirl over so-called

“fake news” and journalistic credibility

affecting students and schools? The new

podcast No Wrong Answers tries to answer

those questions each week. Hosted by

former teacher and public radio news anchor

Kyle Palmer (yes, Karol Palmer’s son), No

Wrong Answers is a weekly panel

discussion of real teachers, who hash out the

big issues of our time in a thoughtful

dialogue any educator or parent can

recognize and appreciate.

If you have an iPhone or iPad, it’s easy to

sign up:

1. Find the purple podcast app on

your device.

2. Within the app, search “No Wrong

Answers”

3. Once you search, click on our logo.

(It’s red.)

4. Hit the “Subscribe” button

5. New episodes will

automatically appear in your

podcast feed each week.

If you do NOT have an iPhone or iPad, you

can still listen:

You can listen at our website: http://fountaincityfrequency.com/no-

wrong-answers/

You can listen via Google Play:

https://play.google.com/music/listen

#/sww

You can also listen online via Stitcher:

http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/pari

s-of-the-plains-podcast/no-wrong-

answers

If all else fails, you can find us on

Facebook. Just search for the No Wrong

Answers podcast, Like and Follow our

page, and you’ll get our updates in your

newsfeed.

ONE BIG WAY TO HELP US OUT:

Once you listen and, if you like the podcast,

please go back and REVIEW No Wrong

Answers. This is done by once again

searching for the podcast in iTunes, clicking

on the logo, and then hitting the ‘Review’

tab. The more reviews we get, the more it

helps boost our rankings within iTunes.

Thanks!

Karol Palmer

LOOKING FOR A MOVIE? Randy and I saw Hidden Figures at AMC

this evening. We both

loved this movie. This movie is a "must see"

for all generations, especially those of us

who vividly remember the launch of our

space program. Who knew that there were

amazing women of color behind the scenes

who made a tremendous difference in the

success of this program. A true story of

courageous women facing discrimination in

southern society.

Our son who works at Langley highly

recommended this movie for us to see.

Location was at Langley for this movie.

Great movie for all AAUW members to see,

Kathy Vest

As you’re calculating our taxes, know that $46 of your AAUW dues is tax deductible as a contribution.

to nominate someone for

Woman of Achievement!

Nominations due March 1.

Refer to the attached forms.

MINUTES AAUW Independence Branch Monthly Meeting at First United Methodist Church, Independence, MO January 24, 2017 Hostesses: Jane Campbell, Jan Keeler and Patty Chadwick The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. Following a welcome from President Sue Shineman, Sue Raymond introduced Major Dean Towne from the Salvation Army, who gave some history of the organization and the activities and services of the Independence church and facility.

LAST CHANCE…

Following refreshments, President Shineman welcomed new member Courtney McGinnis. Sue was thrilled to not only have a new member, but that Courtney works at BRCC! Guest Marilyn McMahon, invited by Judith Gutekunst was introduced later in the meeting. The business portion of the meeting began at 8:20pm. President’s Comments:

1) Still hoping to get something going at BRCC in February; may be able to work through Courtney McGinnis.

2) For the Feb 28 Branch meeting, “Hospitality/Greeters” are needed for each table; BRCC staff will be invited. Program Topic and speaker: Dr Jennifer Waddell, Directory of the Institute for Urban Education from UMKC speaking on “Social Justice and Multicultural Learning Issues in Urban Education”.

3) March 28 meeting on Human Trafficking will be held at BRCC.

4) April 4 – Equity Day Rally in Jefferson City and we will also host a Table Event on BRCC campus.

Reports: VPs Membership – Mary Anderson and Edwina Forke – 22 members present. Mary reminded us to nominate college graduates or those graduating with a 2 year associates degree, within the last two years for National AAUW membership. National will send them a membership packet along with other materials. Financial Officer – Judy Austin for Lois Domsch - Gave the current Financial Report which is filed for audit. See the newsletter for the full report.

Recording Secretary – Sue Raymond – Minutes from December meeting were approved as printed in the Newsletter. Corresponding Secretary – Barbara Leabo. Please notify her of needed correspondence. AAUW Funds – Patt Braley reported a very good response of Club members contributing at the Diamond and Century Club levels. They will receive recognition at the May meeting. Hospitality – Kathy Kelley –Thank you to tonight’s hostesses. At the next meeting, Carol Kelley and Judy Tucker are hostesses; and a special greeter, Ruth Hotle will be here to greet!! Book Fair – Kathy Kelley – Thank you to all who have helped so far. Kathy is “keeping a list”!!!! Sorting and pricing continues each Saturday at the 24 Hwy U-Haul; 9 – 11am. Public Policy – Sue Raymond for Jolene Cerveny – Members are encouraged to sign up for AAUW’s 2-minute Action Network. Re-entry Scholarships – Kathy Vest – We are ‘on track’. Student Awards – Carol Kelley - William Chrisman recent Rotary Club Award recipient, Lacy Harris mentioned in her acceptance comments, that she had received the AAUW award in middle school. Carol stressed again the need to locate the names of middle school recipients for the last four years, so that h.s. counselors can encourage these girls to apply for the h.s. scholarships. We want to continue to encourage these previously recognized achievers. Carol also brought up the idea

that we may want to add an additional scholarship to recognize an outstanding student that may not be chosen by the counselor from that h.s. An example of this is Rachael Gonzalez. Some discussion followed, and Carol agreed to continue to pursue this idea. Bylaws – President Shineman said all updated Bylaws are now filed with National. However, further required updates are anticipated following the June National Convention. Woman of Achievement – Kathy Keeton circulated nomination forms. Members divided into groups and worked on an “Elevator Speech” presentation. Several members shared and much discussion came from this activity.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Karol Palmer – reminded us about the Nelson Art Gallery tour March 10. Karol Palmer also mentioned her son, Kyle, has a Podcast on KCUR “No Wrong Answers”. He will be covering some topics interesting to AAUW members. Anyone can tune in. April 4, 2017 Equity Day. Bus will be going to Jefferson City. ReEntry Brunch is April 22, 2017 at Unity Village The meeting adjourned at 8:55pm

Respectfully submitted, Sue L. Raymond Recording Secretary

_____________________________________________

January AAUW Financial Report – CHECKING ACCOUNT

Balance on Hand 12/30/2016 $561.71

TOTAL RECEIPTS

1/20/2017 Deposit from national new member dues $10

TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS

Major Dean Towne, Salvation Army, speaker $40.00

BALANCE 01/31/2017 $531.71

SAVINGS ACCOUNT

Balance on Hand 12/30/2016 $6007.95

TOTAL RECEIPTS - Dividend $0.26

TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS $0.00

BALANCE 01/31/2017 $6008.21

TOTAL ASSETS

COMBINED ACCOUNTS

Checking Account $ 531.71

Savings Account $6008.21

BALANCE 01/31/2017 $6539.92

Independence School District Foundation Scholarship Fund Report

09/30/16 12/31/2016 Quarterly Change

AAUW Fund Balance

$10,601.92 $11, 275.14 $673.22

Nomination Form 2017WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

AAUW Independence Branch

(Nominations due March 1, 2017)

Nominee _________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Phone ____________________________ e-mail _______________________________

AAUW Member making this nomination: ___________________________________________

Member Phone ______________________________ e-mail ____________________________

NOMINEE’S INFORMATION

Professional / Career Experience:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Volunteer / Community Activities:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

AAUW Activities (if a member)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Educational History and Achievements:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

On the reverse side, please write a brief statement telling the committee why you feel this

nominee should be considered for this award.

Member Signature ___________________________________ Date ______________

(Send nominations to Lois Domsch, 3349 S Scott Ave, Independence, MO 64052 or e-mail to

lois@domsch.com by March 1, 2017.)