89th AAUW Colorado State Convention

Loveland, ColoradoApril 22 and 23, 2016

“Know your IX: Title IX”

Hosted by the Loveland Branch

An all-inclusive Convention Booklet is available at:

http://aauw-co.aauw.net/

Table of ContentsMission Statement 2

Convention Program 3

Welcomes by National and State Presidents 4 - 5

Speakers 6 - 7

Proposed 2016 Convention Rules 8

Annual Business Meeting 9

Proposed Bylaw Amendment 10

Nominating Committee Report 11

AAUW Colorado Strategic Plan 12 - 13

State Officer Reports 14 - 21

Branch Reports 22 - 36

State Officers Directory 2015-16 37

Colorado AAUW Conventions 38

Colorado AAUW Presidents 39

Brief History Colorado State 40 - 41

AAUW’s Mission:Advancing equity for women and girls through

advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

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AAUW COLORADO 2016 STATE CONVENTION PROGRAM SCHEDULE April 22-23, 2016

Hosted by the Loveland BranchSylvan Dale Guest Ranch, 2939 N. County Road 31d Loveland, CO 80538

(Hwy 34 west of Loveland)

Friday 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. State Executive Committee Meeting – Mama J’s House

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration – Wine and Cheese Reception – Mama J’s

6:15 p.m. Dinner, Main Building“History of Sylvan Dale” - David Jessup, Owner of Sylvan Dale

Saturday Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch - Main Building

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Registration

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. State Board Meeting 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Welcome

9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Lauren Casteel, CEO, Women’s Foundation of Colorado

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Lisa Maatz, AAUW’s Vice President of Government Relations

12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. Lunch, Awards, NCCWSL Speaker Danielle Jordan 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Valerie Simons, Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance,

CU Boulder

2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Break

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. State Annual Business Meeting

3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Melissa Johnsen, AAUW National Board Member

4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Closing

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March, 2016

Dear AAUW Members,

It’s spring, and that can only mean one thing — state convention season at AAUW! It’s also a time when we gather to recharge, reexamine, and sometimes even reinvent who we are. These are big questions: Who exactly are we as members and leaders of not only AAUW but also our local communities and the larger community of women nationally and globally? What role does AAUW play in these communities?

Last year we spoke about the concept of One AAUW — the idea that there are so many of us, so many groups all tackling the issues women face in so many ways, and yet we are still One AAUW. This year we’ll look at the impact our One AAUW is having as we change the chilly climate for women and girls on campuses and in boardrooms, statehouses, courthouses, workplaces, and communities across the country. The work we do has made a difference and will continue to make a difference to every woman and girl working to achieve her career and educational dreams.

So, just what are we doing to make that critical difference? Leading the way as always is our research, with the release this spring of Barriers and Bias: The Status of Women in Leadership. In addition to the new report, our campus leadership programs Elect Her and Start Smart and our It’s My Vote: I Will Be Heard voter registration campaign all aim to challenge the current climate in which more men than women are in leadership positions. We’re showing the nation how to unclog Capitol Hill paycheck fairness gridlock with our AAUW Work Smart in Boston program, and we’re showing girls the way through Tech Trek and Tech Savvy! And all this wonderful work is being fueled by our highly successful Charting the Course campaign. The board and staff of AAUW are proud to take part in your state gatherings as we share and learn together. We also want to learn more about what you are doing in your communities and remind you of the many resources available for you in your role as leaders and members. From our content-rich website to our many leadership trainings, to our phenomenally energizing national convention (save the date and join us in D.C., June 14–17, 2017!), we all work together to make our One AAUW the positive force for change that it has always been.

I hope you have an outstanding meeting and, on behalf of the AAUW Board of Directors, I thank you for the time, talent, and energy you invest in AAUW on a daily basis.

Sincerely yours,

Patricia Fae HoChair, AAUW Board of Directors

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Welcome to the 2016 AAUW Colorado State Convention

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our State Convention Attendees. Our State Program Committee and the Loveland Branch have worked together to create a great conference.

“Know Your IX: Title IX” the conference theme, is timely and important. There will be time to socialize, network, and to gain new knowledge during the event. State Conventions are a great opportunity to renew your commitment to the mission and work of AAUW.

We still have a great deal of work before us and we need the support and help of many members to accomplish our strategic plan. We are always seeking new members for committees and hope that some of you will be inspired to serve on a state committee this next year. Strengthening our committees is how we can develop future leadership on the state level and at the same time achieve our goals.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of our current state board and committee members. Without your support, we could not accomplish our work.

I look forward to talking with you at the convention.

Marilyn Zimmerman, President

AAUW Colorado

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AAUW Colorado State Convention SpeakersSaturday, April 23, 2016

Lauren Y, Casteel

Lauren is President and CEO of The Women’s Foundation of Colorado. She is the first person in Colorado to lead three foundations, including the Hunt Alternatives Fund and the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation.

She has more than 20 years of philanthropic leadership and a dedication to inclusiveness across gender, racial, economic, ethnic, military, abilities, and sexual orientation perspectives in Denver and throughout Colorado.

Lauren’s current and past community leadership initiatives include serving as a board member of the Association of Black Foundation Executives as well as the Council on Foundations’ Community Foundations Leadership Team. In 2014, Lauren was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. She has been named as one of the 25 most powerful women in 2015 by the Colorado Women’s Chamber; one of the Denver Business Journal’s 2015 Nonprofit/Foundation Newsmakers; and received the Girl Scout’s “Woman of

Distinction” award.

Prior to her appointment at The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Lauren served at The Denver Foundation, most recently as vice president of philanthropic partnerships, the first person to serve in this role. There, she launched The Inclusiveness Project, a program that increased the inclusiveness of people of color at Metro Denver nonprofits.

Lisa M. MaatzLisa is a nationally sought-after speaker, writer, and political analyst. As Vice President of Government Relations at AAUW, she frequent speaks at Capitol Hill events and has developed a reputation for her strategic approach to legislation and advocacy at all levels. Lisa works to advance AAUW’s priority issues on Capitol Hill and in state capitals nationwide. Since 1881, AAUW has been the nation’s leading grassroots voice, promoting equity and education for all women and girls.

Lisa leads several coalitions working to advance opportunities for women and girls, including the National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education and the Equal Pay Coalition. She has done similar work for other national feminist organizations, and was a legislative aide to U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). Lisa is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Ohio University and has two Master’s degrees from Ohio State.

Lisa has been with AAUW since 2003. During that time, she also spent 16 months serving concurrently as the interim director of the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund.

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Valerie SimonsValerie Simons, the Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, is also the designated Title IX Coordinator for the CU Boulder campus. Her duties include oversight for all

discrimination complaints made to the Office of Student Conduct and the Office of Discrimination and Harassment.

Valerie’s position was created based on the recommendation of an independent review commissioned by the CU campus after it learned it was being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, following a complaint filed by a student alleging the university violated Title IX, the federal gender equity law, in the handling of her sexual assault case.

Valerie’s previous experience include founder and managing member of the Education Law Group of Colorado LLC, a law firm representing students and/or their parents in federal civil rights matters, and as a trial attorney for the U.S.

Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Education Section. Valerie also clerked for former Chief Justice Michael Bender of the Colorado Supreme Court, and served as the associate director of the Legal Services Program of the Colorado Association of School Boards.

Valerie graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California, Berkeley, with high distinction and cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center.

Melissa Cooke Johnsen

Melissa is a National AAUW Board Member and a member of the AAUW Colorado eNetwork Branch. She was previously a member of the AAUW Lakewood Branch and the AAUW Kirkwood-Webster Groves (MO) Branch.

Melissa has over 30 years of diverse executive IT and business management experience in a variety of industries. She currently applies this experience as an independent consultant, working with non-profits and small to mid-size businesses in the areas of IT and business innovation and strategic planning, business and IT process enhancement, IT and business operations, and people change management. 

Melissa has a passion for community service. Her activities include The Marianne Johnsen Endowment for young women studying math at the University of AZ; board member of NARAL Pro-choice Colorado; The Melissa Johnsen Family Planning & Reproductive Health Fund at UC Davis Health System, supporting reproductive education and family planning training; and board member for ProgressNOW CO. She was recently appointed to the board of trustees for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM.)

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AAUW COLORADOPROPOSED 2016 STATE CONVENTION RULES

1. In order to be seated in the voting section of the convention hall, and to obtain ballots, a member must display the appropriate badge.

2. Guests shall be seated in the appropriate section during a business meeting.

3. A credentials report shall be given at the beginning of each business meeting.

4. All changes in credentials shall be made prior to a business meeting and with the Credentials Committee.

5. All motions, amendments, and resolutions must be written on the official forms provided.

6. To obtain the floor, a member shall rise and address the chair. When recognized by the chair, the member shall first state their name and branch, then state the business.

7. A speaker in debate shall be limited to two (2) minutes. No one shall speak a second time to the same question as long as any member who has not spoken to the question desires the floor. No member may speak more than twice if anyone objects.

8. Debate on the Public Policy Program and the proposed amendments to the Bylaws shall be limited to thirty (30) minutes each for all speakers. Debate on all other motions or resolutions shall be limited to fifteen (15) minutes for all speakers. Members may extend the times of debate. The ruling of the timekeeper shall be final.

9. Two (2) minutes shall be allowed for any officer, committee chair, or branch president who may have a timely addition to one’s printed report found in the convention program or Branch Presidents’ Report.

10.All resolutions from the floor shall be dealt with as described in the AAUW Colorado Operating Policies. They may be proposed from the floor for discussion by a two-thirds vote of the convention. A three-fourths vote of the convention shall be required for adoption.

11.Only announcements of general interest shall be made from the platform. The pages will pass notes and messages.

12.Cell phones shall be turned off or on silent tone in the convention hall or meeting rooms.

13.These rules shall be adopted by a two-thirds vote. They may be suspended, rescinded or amended after their adoption by a two-thirds vote without debate.

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AAUW Colorado State ConventionAnnual Business Meeting – April 23, 2016

Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, Loveland, Colorado

I. Call to Order – Marilyn ZimmermanWelcome and IntroductionsConvention Appointments

Reading CommitteeTellersTimekeeperAnnouncements

II. Report of Credentials Committee

III. Adoption of Convention Rules Lois Florkey, Brenda Wolfe

IV. Adoption of Convention Program Sarah Behm, Linda Groth

V. Minutes of 2015 Annual Meeting Cheryl Wilderman

VI. Financial Report Bev Dare

VII. Report of Board of Directors Cheryl Wilderman

VIII. Report of Officers and CommitteesPublic Policy/Lobby Corps Report Betty Boyd, Diane Fuchs(Written reports posted on AAUW Colorado Website, Members Only Section)

IX. Report of the Nominating Committee Betty FlatenElection of Officers

X. Special OrdersNominating Committee Selection 2016

XI. Unfinished Business

XII. New BusinessProposed Bylaws Amendment Lois Florkey, Brenda Wolfe

XIII. Announcements Rocky Mountain Regional Conference, Albuquerque, NM, July 15-17 AAUW Colorado Fall Leadership Conference – September 9-10, Colorado Springs AAUW National Convention – June 14-17, 2017, Washington, DC

XIV. Adjournment

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AAUW Colorado 2016 Proposed Bylaws AmendmentThe AAUW Colorado Bylaws Committee recommends the following proposed amendment to the AAUW Colorado State Bylaws which will be voted on at the state convention (Business Meeting) in Loveland on April 23, 2016.

The proposed additions in CAPITAL LETTERS and proposed deletion struck out, and rationale in brackets. (Deletion is also highlighted in red.)

ARTICLE X. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Composition. The board of directors shall include the elected and appointed officers, ONE branch representatives FROM THE INTERBRANCH COUNCIL, and such others as deemed necessary.

[Rationale: In 2013 AAUW advised AAUW Colorado to reduce the number of members on the state board of directors. Since then AAUW Colorado has worked to strengthen state committees expanding the number of members who are participating in leadership/policy development roles.

This proposed bylaws amendment would have branch presidents/representatives serve on the Interbranch Council (AAUW Colorado Operating Policies, P. INTERBRANCH COUNCIL) in place of the state board of directors. One branch president/representative would be elected from the Interbranch Council to serve on the AAUW Colorado board of directors.

Currently there are 25 members on the state board of directors. This bylaws amendment would reduce that number to 12 members. This number would come into compliance with the direction from AAUW on the size of AAUW Colorado’s board of directors.]

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AAUW Colorado Nominating Committee ReportGoal: AAUW Colorado will attract, identify, develop, and retain diverse leadership to

achieve the state’s vision and goals.

Key MeasurementsThe 2015 – 2016 Nominating Committee is charged with recruiting officers for the following positions for the 2016 – 2018 term:

Membership Co-Vice Presidents AAUW Funds Public Policy Director

The committee met, assigned tasks, and recruited the following officers:

Membership Co-Vice Presidents: Eileen Young and Terry Campbell Caron AAUW Funds: Jeane Lindeke Public Policy Director: Betty Boyd

The committee made reports at Public Policy Day and at State Convention prior to the vote for 2016 – 2018 officers.

Nominating Committee

Betty Flaten, ChairCommittee Members Alternate Committee Members

Stormy McDonald Bobbi HarperKaren Rose Sarah BehmJeane Lindeke Linda Joseph

Membership Co-Vice Presidents AAUW Funds Public Policy Director

Eileen Young Terry Campbell Caron Jeane Lindeke Betty BoydColorado eNetwork Aurora Boulder Lakewood Branch Branch Branch Branch

Betty Flaten

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

VISION STATEMENTAAUW Colorado empowers all women and girls to reach their highest potential.

GOALS AND KEY MEASUREMENTS

I. Program

AAUW Colorado will build coalitions at state and local levels using mission based programs and research in order to empower all women to become advocates for women and girls.

1. AAUW Colorado has built coalitions with diverse organizations throughout the state.2. AAUW Colorado state-wide events have increased in attendance3. AAUW Colorado has increased the organizations that ask us to collaborate on programs.

II. Membership

AAUW Colorado will ensure quality member services, relevant and mission based community engagement and incorporate social media communications to foster a growing diverse community of members, students and others who advance the AAUW mission.

1. AAUW Colorado’s diverse community has included women and men of all ages, lifestyles, and cultural perspectives who keep AAUW Colorado vital at all levels of engagement.

2. AAUW Colorado has attracted and connected members, donors, and supporters to promote organizational growth at all levels.

3. AAUW Colorado has demonstrated a commitment to transparent communication among all member levels.

III. Public Policy

AAUW Colorado’s advocacy voice will help achieve educational and economic equity for women and girls across the state.

1. AAUW Colorado consistently has identified and advocated critical issues impacting women and girls.

2. AAUW Colorado has implemented a successful voter education program to promote our mission.

3. AAUW Colorado has increased the number of members and nonmembers statewide actively involved in advocacy.

4. AAUW Colorado has been recognized as a resource on women’s issues by Colorado policy makers.

IV. Communications

AAUW Colorado communications and marketing will increase AAUW brand awareness among Coloradans creatively, collaboratively and innovatively. AAUW Colorado outreach will orient new and continuing members to the AAUW mission, create common ground on Colorado–resonant equity issues, and convey tools for the empowerment of women and girls.

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1. AAUW Colorado has increased number of public figures asking for or citing our information.2. AAUW Colorado has increased the number of members that understand and communicate the

AAUW mission.3. AAUW Colorado has an increased percentage of engagement with our digital outreach.

V. Governance

AAUW Colorado will attract, identify, develop and retain diverse leadership to achieve the state’s vision and goals.

1. AAUW Colorado has connected and mentored counterparts.2. AAUW Colorado has a strong state committee structure.3. AAUW Colorado has identified strengths and interests of future leaders.4. AAUW Colorado has investigated innovative board structures.

VI. Finance

AAUW Colorado will establish and maintain a sustainable financial base to promote the AAUW mission, as define by state and branch requirements.

1. AAUW Colorado has provided regular financial reports.

Approved by AAUW Colorado State Board by electronic vote, November 3, 2014.Ranking of the goals approved by AAUW Colorado State Board, April 25, 2015.

Revised, AAUW Colorado State Board, August 29, 2015

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State Officer Reports

AAUW Colorado President Report Attended AAUW National Convention and State Presidents Conference.

Planned and carried out Fall Leadership Conference.

Led Fall Leadership Conference Attendees workshop on mission based programming.

Developed NCCWSL Scholarship Application and awarded the first scholarship for participation in the 2016 event.

Met with Program and Membership Committee Chairs and Treasurer to discuss goals and plans for the year.

Participated in Program, Membership, Public Policy, and Communications Committee meetings, both in person and by conference call.

Appointed a task group to revise and update criteria for Legacy of Leadership Award.

Attended Gunnison Branch, “Art in the Park” event, Foothills Branch Holiday gathering, and Littleton-South Metro’s event with Temple Grandin.

Attended Public Policy Day.

Worked with Bulletin Editor to publish Fall, Winter, and Spring Bulletins.

Worked with Program Vice-Presidents to develop program for the State Convention.

Held Executive Committee meetings at the Fall Conference and Public Policy Day and will hold one in April prior to the State Convention.

Held State Board Meetings at Fall Conference and will hold one in April at the State Convention.

Will attend Rocky Mountain Regional Conference in July.

Marilyn Zimmerman

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AAUW Colorado President-Elect Report Learned duties of AAUW Colorado president and participated in all executive committee and state

board meetings.

Served as acting chair of the communications committee, helping to transition leadership and further populate the committee.

Liaised between Denver Branch , AAUW Colorado, and AAUW National to finalize branch disbandment and assets transfer.

Scouted and selected 2016 Fall Leadership Conference location with the assistance of AAUW Colorado Immediate Past President Diane Norten, to whom I am grateful.

Negotiated and executed contract for our September 9-10, 2016 Fall Leadership Conference at Double Tree by Hilton Colorado Springs.

Interacted with members and visitors at the AAUW table at the AAUW Littleton-South Metro Branch’s December program featuring Temple Grandin (co-hosted by Littleton High School).

Planned program and presented to U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program delegates at Metropolitan State University of Denver in February, dovetailing with delegation theme of “Women in the Political and Social Sectors.” Delegation included emerging women leaders from the African Union, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Czech Republic, Egypt, Haiti, Hong Kong SAR, Jordan, Lebanon, Macedonia, Malta, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. Many thanks to the Colorado-based AAUW leaders who attended and to speakers: MSU Denver AAUW College/University Partner Representatives Brandi Scott and Dr. Arlene Sgoutas; AAUW at MSU Denver student organization officers Kate Thomas, Angela Jackson, and Emily Helt; and AAUW Fellowships and Grants Alumna Jill Eelkema. Thanks also to local arrangements organization WorldDenver for inviting AAUW Colorado to present. NOTE: I have maintained contact with delegates and continue to share AAUW resources.

Spoke at Public Policy Day about AAUW’s Start Smart and Work Smart salary negotiation workshops.

Helped to revise AAUW Colorado NCCWSL (National Conference for College Women Student Leaders) scholarship application, along with AAUW Colorado President Marilyn Zimmerman and Membership VP Stormy McDonald. Posted promo and application to website and social media and solicited applicants by emailing Colorado AAUW college/university partner representatives and e-student affiliates.

Distributed president-elect business cards while networking as member of AAUW delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 60th Session in New York City in March.

Spoke at AAUW Aurora Branch-Women’s Coalition at Community College of Aurora’s Equal Pay Day event about AAUW efforts to close the gender pay gap, including Start Smart and Work Smart salary negotiation workshops.

Distributed my president-elect business cards while facilitating an AAUW Start Smart salary negotiation workshop at CU-Boulder on April 19.

Amy Blackwell

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AAUW Colorado Program Co-Vice Presidents’ ReportProgram Committee The program committee met in Lion's Head Lodge in Vail during the 2015 August Fall Leadership

Conference to plan the 2016 state convention. The Loveland branch will host the convention at the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Loveland on April 22 – 23, 2016. Martha DiCicco, Local Arrangements Chair (LAC), was present at the program committee meeting.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the members of our program committee:

Marilyn Zimmerman. President Betsy Loague, ArchivistAmy Blackwell, President-Elect Marry Hassler, HistorianCheryl Wilderman, Secretary Jeane Lindeke, AAUW Funds DirectorBev Dare, Treasurer Betty FlatenStormy McDonald , Vice President Membership Martha DiCicco, 2016 Local Convention

Betty Boyd & Diane Fuchs, Public Policy Co-Directors Chair

2016 AAUW Colorado Convention The convention theme is “Know Your Nine: Title IX,” which is appropriate given the current

nationwide scrutiny of colleges and universities where sexual assault has been a poorly addressed issue on many campuses. Lauren Casteel, CEO of the Women's Foundation of Colorado, will be our keynote speaker, and Lisa Maatz, AAUW Vice President of Government Relations, will be our special guest.

The executive committee meeting will be held the afternoon of Friday, April 22, followed by dinner for those already in attendance. David Jessup, owner of the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, will present a history of this 70-year old guest ranch during the dinner.

Saturday’s program begins with a welcome from Loveland City Council member Leah Johnson. The noon luncheon will feature a NCCWSL attendee speaker and awards. Valerie Simons, Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance at CU Boulder is our afternoon speaker, followed by the state business meeting. AAUW National Board Member, Melissa Cooke Johnsen, will conclude the afternoon program with a discussion of current AAUW issues.

This convention will be our first as Program VPs and we extend our heartfelt thanks for the advice and assistance that our fellow AAUW program committee members and state president have given us.

National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) We met with current and potential NCCWSL representatives at UCCS hosted by sociology

professor Dr. Aditi Mitra. Five AAUW members (including members from the Colorado Springs branch) attended this student meeting. Annually, 1,000 college women leaders attend a two and a half day conference in Washington, D.C. to learn, collaborate, and be inspired. Attendees can feel proud to be part of this 30-year old tradition which helps college students to develop leadership skills.

Sarah Behm and Linda Groth

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AAUW Colorado Funds Report

Total contributions to all funds $46,203 1

Per capita giving statewide at $45.34 2 Increase of $9120 overall Increase of $9.48 per capita overall

AAUW Funds $27,367

Educational Opportunities Funds $ 3,193

Eleanor Roosevelt Fund $ 1,122

Leadership Program Fund $10,981

Legal Advocacy Fund $ 3,360

TOTAL ALL FUNDS $46,023

BRANCH AMOUNT Per Capita BRANCH AMOUNT Per CapitaAurora $3810 $40.96 Fort Collins $2650 $51.96Boulder $2559 $29.76 Grand

Junction$325 $9.85

Colorado Springs

$3240 $17.14 Gunnison $320 $13.91

Denver $6567 Lakewood $2302 $21.92Douglas County

$2370 $33.38 Littleton So. Metro

$7550 $64.52

Durango $956 $13.28 Longmont $3370 $49.56Foothills $218 $3.52 Loveland $265 $8.28E-Network $9410 $723.84 Pueblo $110

Jeane Lindeke

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1 Total Excluding Denver & Pueblo Contributions $39,3462 Per Capita Giving Statewide Excluding Denver & Pueblo $38.76

AAUW Colorado Membership Vice President’s ReportMembership Committee has advanced our mission of equity for women and girls by advocating for keeping our current members and attracting new members. We have worked to ensure quality member services, relevant and mission based community engagement, and incorporated social media communications to foster a growing diverse community of members, students and others who advance the AAUW mission.

AAUW Colorado’s community is in a state of change. o State Membership Committee has been formed to assist Membership Co-Chairs.o Two campuses have student AAUW groups: Metro State & UCCS.o Fort Collins Branch is working on diversity ideas. National has tools to help with that.o Durango Branch is working with Fort Lewis College and has increased membership. o Littleton Branch increases membership by publicizing their mission based programs.

Dress for Success is one organization we have connected with via Campus Representation.

Our commitment to transparent communication among all member levels is shown by: o 3 membership articles in our state newsletter and Convention article.o Including the annual census Membership Recap in the Convention Brochure so we all can

monitor our growth and declines.o Contact with our 14 branch membership chairs and other officers.o Contact with our 11 University Partner Reps and 197 e-student affiliates.o Attended one UCCS Student Branch Meeting, December 12, 2015.o Had an AAUW Table on CCD campus for 3 hours, March 16, 2016.o Promoting NCCWSL to e-student affiliates.o Review of National’s publications and webinars and State’s website.o Lead On E-newsletter, Membership Matters News, 3 Campus Connections e-News.o Attendance in online membership programs and online “Campus Rep” programs. o State Website’s State/Branch Events Tab’s Calendar Contents. o Each of 13 branches’ web pages for current info to be available for prospective members.

Branch 2/1/13 2/1/14 2/1/15 2/1/16

3-yr Rate of Change 2013-

2016

1-yr Rate of Change 2015-

2016

New Mbrs3/16/15-2/1/16

Aurora 89 94 99 93 4.49 -6.06 8Boulder 97 104 90 86 -11.34 -4.4 3Colorado eNetwork 8 23 17 13 62.50 -23.53 -Colorado Springs 188 189 192 190 0.53 -1.56 28Denver (Disbanded) 17 17 7 - - - -Douglas County 71 76 71 71 0.00 0.00 3Durango 49 51 56 72 46.94 29.57 20Foothills 67 68 61 62 -7.46 1.64 1Fort Collins Inc. 49 47 50 51 4.08 2.00 5Grand Junction 30 33 30 33 10.00 10.00 6Gunnison 30 26 24 23 -23.33 -4.17 -Lakewood 109 107 112 105 -3.67 -6.25 5Littleton-South Metro 109 112 112 117 7.34 4.46 12Longmont 79 75 72 68 -13.92 -5.56 4Loveland 31 35 34 32 3.23 -5.88 4State Totals 1,023 1,057 1,027 1,015 -0.78 -1.17 99

Stormy McDonald

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AAUW Colorado Public Policy Committee Report

Public PolicyAAUW Colorado’s advocacy voice will help achieve educational

and economic equity for women and girls.

AAUW Colorado consistently has identified and advocated critical issues impacting women and girls. Public Policy Day 2016 focused on the critical issue of women and economic security. We examined pay equity, employment, and labor practices via learned presenters. Ellen Golombeck and Linda Meric specifically addressed these issues. Gretchen Hammer focused on women’s health care. The public policy committee members currently follow several key issues at the state house, including lobby corps director, Betty Boyd.

AAUW Colorado has implemented a successful voter education program to promote our mission. Every year the public policy committee has a voter education person to assist in these matters. Currently, Joan Peterson has taken on these responsibilities.

AAUW Colorado has increased the number of members and nonmembers statewide actively involved in advocacy. Public Policy Day has consistently had 130 plus in attendance. This does not show a specific increase, but certainly indicates continued interest in advocacy.

AAUW Colorado has been recognized as a resource on women’s issues by Colorado policy makers. AAUW has been and is currently present at the legislature. Betty Boyd is the current lobbyist at the state house. Due to Betty’s past legislative experience, she is an excellent resource on AAUW issues. We currently collaborate with several other women’s advocacy groups. These are: Colorado Reproductive Freedom Coalition, Colorado Women’s Lobby, Colorado Coalition for Girls, Colorado Women’s Legislative Breakfast, Colorado Women and Girl’s Lead, and The Women’s Collaborative.

Diane Fuchs and Betty Boyd

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Interim Public Policy Report from AAUW Lobby CorpsColorado AAUW took support or active support positions on several bills affecting Women’s Economic Security. Currently one SB 16-022 (Sen. Martinez-Humenik, Rep. Pettersen) to extend to all counties the ability to participate in a pilot program to mitigate the cliff effect for low-income working families receiving child care assistance, has passed the legislature and is signed by the governor.

Several bills were killed in the Senate State Veterans and Military Affairs Committee:

SB 16-096 to re-create the Pay Equity Commission. SB 16-114 to require employers to provide employee-earned paid sick time. HB 16-1001 to require state contractors to comply with equal pay laws. This bill passed the

House. HB 16-1002 to allow employee leave to attend a child’s academic activities. This bill passed

the House. HB 16-1166 to prohibit employers from asking salary history on job applications. This bill

passed the House.

Other bills in this area that are still in process include:

HB 16-1003 to restructure the college savings account program to benefit the middle class. HB 16-1050 for a task force to address the child care needs of low-income parents of young

children as they seek to advance their own education. HB 16-1156 for pay transparency to allow employees to share income information with each

other. HB 16-1167 to reward and encourage businesses that follow fairness and pay equity principles

for all their employees.

On issues of Reproductive Choice, AAUW opposed 6 anti-choice House bills, 4 of which died in committee, with the other 2 expected to have the same result. 2 of the expected 4 Pro-Choice bills have been introduced. HB 16-1294 requires public and private insurers to cover all classes of contraception included in the Affordable Care Act. The bill has passed the House. HB 16-1322 to require contraception prescriptions to allow for purchase in 12-month increments.

HB 16-1260 to extend the statute of limitations for reporting sexual assault from 10 years to 20 has passed the House.

On Education Issues, one of the two bills for funding full day Kindergarten for all has died and one is pending.

Diane Fuchs and Betty Boyd

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AAUW Colorado Communications Committee Report2015-2016 Annual Report by Acting Chair Amy Blackwell; Members Heidi Baker, Anita Bemis, Debra

Parcheta, Amanda White, and ex-officio Marilyn Zimmerman

AAUW Colorado communications and marketing will increase AAUW brand awareness among Coloradans creatively, collaboratively and innovatively. AAUW Colorado outreach will orient new and continuing members to the AAUW mission, create common ground on Colorado–resonant equity issues, and convey tools for the empowerment of women and girls.

AAUW Colorado has increased number of public figures asking for or citing our information.o See the Public Policy Committee report for information on state legislator contact by state

lobby corps and public outreach at the Colorado Women’s Legislative Breakfast.o Presentation to U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program’s

emerging women leader delegates from 20 countries and the African Union. See President-Elect report for more details.

AAUW Colorado has increased the number of members that understand and communicate the AAUW mission.o Created and posted to website’s Member Center a bookmark insert for AAUW membership

brochure featuring AAUW mission statement, information about membership and volunteer opportunities with state and branches, and QR code linking to state website.

o Participating in AAUW National pilot program to distribute state bulletin via the Member Services Database (MSD) to members and supporters, increasing number of recipients significantly.

o Fall 2015 distribution: 1,629 total recipients with 1,498 successful sends.o Spring 2016 distribution: 1,596 total recipients with 1,461 successful sends.o Tabling by Acting Chair Amy Blackwell at AAUW Littleton-South Metro Branch’s December

program featuring Temple Grandin -- and by AAUW Colorado Membership VP Stormy McDonald at Community College of Denver’s Women’s Resource Fair in March.

AAUW Colorado has an increased percentage of engagement with our digital outreach.o Using YouTube to store and propagate videos from Public Policy Day and other events but

deactivated Flickr and Twitter due to lack of effectiveness and difficulty recruiting Twitter administrator. Event photos now posted to News/Photos page of website.

o Many thanks to Front Range Community College student Rachel Towbin for returning as our volunteer Tumblr administrator and recently resurrecting this social medium! Followers on 3/19/2015: five (5); followers as of 3/29/2016: fifteen (15).

o Facebook page robust social medium for sharing AAUW and other mission-related information and launching voter education ads, soliciting NCCWSL scholarship applications, etc. Followers on 3/19/2015: 1,032; followers as of 3/29/2016: 1,095.

o Website featuring expanded calendar of state and branch events/meetings and updated branch scholarship information in hopes of increasing new member prospects and applicants.

o Colorado-based AAUW Action Network subscribers as of 3/19/2015: 2,739. As of 3/30/2016: 2,652. We need more members to circulate sign-up sheets at state and branch meetings and events!

o Exploring way to implement effective yet monetized online streaming of 2016 Fall Leadership Conference and future state events to increase participation by members and supporters with geographic or other barriers to physical attendance.

Amy Blackwell

21

Branch Reports

AAUW Aurora Branch ReportThe Aurora Branch actively supports AAUW’s mission to advance equity and advocacy for women and girls through our stimulating slate of programs, activities, fund raisers and interest groups.

Program

AAUW Aurora branch together with the Community College of Aurora (CCA) Women’s Coalition planned an Equal Pay Day event at CCA. We received an LAF grant from National to assist in funding for this event.

AAUW Aurora branch has been visible at community events. We sponsored a table and at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce Women Making a Difference – Unsung Heroes luncheon. A number of members are assisting with the planning of the Aurora Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony which will happen in March, 2017.

AAUW Aurora branch has provided stimulating monthly programs at their branch meetings.

Membership

AAUW Aurora branch has 90+ members.

Public Policy

AAUW Aurora branch worked with the mayor and the City of Aurora City Council to issue a proclamation from the city of Aurora in honor of Equal Pay Day.

We hosted a candidate’s forum of candidates for Aurora City Council and Mayor and invited the public to attend.

Over 20 of our members attended the AAUW Colorado Public Policy Day.

Communications

We have a phenomenal monthly newsletter which allows our members to report on many different AAUW activities.

Our branch website is a resource for outreach, scholarship applicants, and new member recruitment.

Finance

In support of AAUW funds, the branch continues to sponsor the sale of reloadable King Soopers gift cards. Our two 2015 AAUW funds honorees were Ingrid Lindemann and her husband Don Lindemann (posthumously).

Governance

We publicize and educate branch members on how to vote in state and national elections. We are developing plan to increase interest in participating in Board governance and

succession planning.

Terry Campbell Caron, President

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AAUW Boulder Branch ReportNational has just informed Boulder branch that we are approaching our 90 year mark!

Boulder AAUW patterns its programs after the organization's mission statement: advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, research, and philanthropy.

Communications The branch's Facebook page is receiving increasing “likes” of the page, traffic, and shares of

posts. We are up from 50 “likes” in the past to 71 at present. Boulder branch plans to switch over to the WordPress platform sponsored by national to provide

an easier means for future web administrators to obtain assistance when needed. Ballots for branch elections have been emailed the past few years. Branch members are

encouraged to vote via email ballots and reminded to check their email for ballots via phone calls. This “aggressive” means of getting the vote out has become necessary so that a quorum can be met in elections in accordance with branch bylaws. Other means of voting (such as a survey-type format) are being researched.

Finance AAUW Boulder funds three $1,000 scholarships for graduate women at CU Boulder in even years

via monies from the Brown/Ricketts/Udick Grant. Funding campaigns to assist with the cost of a student to attend EYH for the day are publicized at

state and branch meetings and in bulletins.

Governance Progress is slow in getting Boulder members to participate on the board, but we keep trying and

are experimenting with other creative forms of governance, such as a committee structure.

Membership Currently Boulder branch has 86 members. The branch continues to reach out to area MAL members to encourage branch affiliation with

these members.

Program The September Tea allows members to re-unite after the summer and to introduce guests and

MALs to the organization and to encourage them to join AAUW. The December Holiday Brunch provides a means for Boulder members to socialize and to

encourage giving to the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund from both individual members and through auction proceeds.

EYH (Expanding Your Horizons) exposes middle school girls (6th, 7th, 8th grades) to women working in the STEM fields. AAUW encourages volunteers in the community, from AAUW to Zonta members, to participate on many different levels.

Public Policy Day Four members from AAUW Boulder attended the February 2016 Public Policy Day event. AAUW Boulder disseminates information about Public Policy day legislative and voting issues in

its newsletter and (soon) on its website.

Sarah Behm, President

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AAUW Colorado eNetwork Branch Report

In 2015, the Colorado eNetwork branch:

Continued to champion virtual technologies including remote teleconferencing, AdobeConnect webinars, and social media, in order to engage others in AAUW.

o Hosted an in-person ‘Friendraiser’ to raise awareness of all metro branch and state AAUW activities.

Broadcasted five live events on women in the workplace including work-life balance, STEM careers, mentoring, and college student leadership; see archives at http://co-virtual.aauw.net/events/link-to-past-events/

Held our third annual Summer Book Club, virtually. Read with us this year at our Books Blog: http://co-virtual.aauw.net/blog/

Following our marketing plan, distributed bimonthly e-newsletters to more than 250 subscribers using MailChimp software.

Communicated via http://co-virtual.aauw.net/ (using AAUW's Site Resources WordPress program), and through Facebook (AAUWCOeNetwork), Twitter (@AAUWCOeNetwork), Goodreads, and a LinkedIn group.

Heidi Baker

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AAUW Colorado Springs Branch ReportGoals for 2015-2016 Focus on mission based programming. Collaborate with other organizations that share our mission. Increase participation at branch events.

Program Partnered with the Colorado Springs Police Department for a September 19th meeting on Human

Trafficking in Southern Colorado. Partnered with the League of Women voters for the October meeting featuring Mayor John Suthers on the

”State of the City.” Will also partner with the League for an April meeting on “Getting Out the Vote,” and an additional meeting in May.

Continued to reach out to the community with two programs on January 9th and April 30th based on “The Raising of America.” This is a PBS documentary series concerning early childhood issues.

Provided 24 AAUW branch volunteers for STEM Day at UCCS on Dec 7th. Served on the planning committee for International Women’s Day March 5. Reduced the cost of branch meetings, which increased attendance.

Membership Continued to distribute bi-monthly newsletters and to send frequent eblasts to all members to keep them

informed. Added new interest groups at the request of members to retain membership. Made a concentrated effort to involve new members in interest groups and committees, and to take active

roles in events.

Public Policy Surveyed the membership in the spring of 2015 to determine the top public policy issues and developed

the programs for 2015-2016 based on the survey results. Took the lead in developing the Public Policy Action Team to promote community education based on the

film series “Raising of America.” This task force includes approximately twenty organizations. One hundred people attended the January 9th community dialogue including the public, city council members, and board of education representatives.

Communications Published articles in the Colorado Springs local newspaper and the AAUW State Bulletin about “The

Raising of America.” Sent frequent eblasts to our members about AAUW local, state, and national issues. Need to improve our branch presence on Facebook and other social media.

Governance Attempting to identify the strengths of members and provide opportunities for involvement of many

members in events. An example is recruiting members to serve as table facilitators at “The Raising of America” community dialogues.

Improved the branch procedure of involving new members in interest groups and committees. Need to improve the diversity of our branch members.

Finance Analyzed the prior year budget to determine the need for increased fundraising and determined that our

current fundraising activities were adequate for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. Review the balance sheet and the budget versus actual spreadsheet at each board meeting. Will again provide five $1,000 local scholarships to deserving college students in May 2016.

Nedra Engelson

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AAUW Douglas County Branch ReportOur Douglas County Branch is very proud of our 39th year. Our membership continues to hold steady at 71 members. The following is a brief summary of our monthly meetings and activities for 2015-2016:

August: For the 7th straight year, Douglas County branch held our Tacos ‘n Tunes Fundraiser at Pegasus Restaurant in Castle Rock. Tacos and trimmings were enjoyed by members and guests, as well as other community members. The Silent Auction was again very successful in helping us raise funds for our scholarships, awards, and donations to the national AAUW Funds.

September: The fall season began again with our Scholarship program with three exceptional women receiving $1,500 each to help with their pursuit of a new career. Recipients were: a mother of three in a nursing program to become a nurse practitioner, whose goal is to open a wellness program in Castle Rock; another has a degree in psychology and is now pursuing a career in forensic nursing dealing with victim violence and abuse; and our third recipient, currently attending American University of Law in Washington, DC, is planning to return to Colorado to practice law.

October: We enjoyed a dynamic program, “Irena Sendler, Angel of the Ghetto,” a dramatization given by Judy Winnick. Irena Sendler was a Polish Catholic social worker who risked her life to save so many others during WWII, including thousands of Jewish children.

November: A Special Olympics program presented by our co-president, Marcia Miller, a Master Coach in SO, along with four of her special Olympics athletes – a very delightful and informative program.

December: To celebrate the holidays, we enjoyed a wonderful Saturday Brunch at Pradera Country Club – even Mrs. Claus made an appearance. Among other activities, our Silent Auction was again a big success.

January: We enjoyed a Road Scholar travelogue and talk given by Al Gordon, a Road Scholar Ambassador. It made us all want to book a trip right then.

February: Programs were better and better this year! We heard a panel address Aging in Place – or Not, and Preparing for Change. Local residents represented three areas of help for the aging and changing lifestyles – the Douglas County Neighbor Network, Answers for Senior Care, and Smooth Transitions.

March: The membership is fortunate to have Amy Blackwell, State-President Elect and delegate to the 60th session of the UN Commission on Status of Women, and a NCCWSL participant, Michelle Bledsoe, present a program on Changing Our World.

April: Our favorite meeting of the year is presenting our STEM Awards to four outstanding senior girls from four different Douglas County high schools. We always look forward to hearing their future plans in the STEM fields, and to following up with them later.

May: Our Annual meeting will include an evening picnic and tour of Prairie Canyon Ranch in the Douglas County Open Space near Castlewood Canyon State Park. Time to celebrate the year.

Our interest groups are thriving, especially the bridge groups and book clubs. Our History and Culture group tours monthly in the Metro area and beyond, including anything from dinosaurs to fine art and more. A new restaurant is always included.

Doris MacDougall and Marcia Miller

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AAUW Durango Branch ReportProgram:

Book and Author Luncheon, keynote speaker - Tekla Miller, total attendance 69. Participation in Suffragette Tribute March, Friday, March 25, with Women’s Resource

Center and League of Women Voters, total marchers about 25. Twelve birthday luncheons, Dutch treat events to get to know each other and conduct

business too; usual attendance around 15. Interest group: Camarata, focusing on Tudor England. Interest group: Edouard Book Club. Last book read: Things Fall Apart by Chinua

Achebe. December “No Party” Holiday Fundraiser. Annual Fall Luncheon, featuring the Canyon Country Discovery Center. College/University partnership activity including scholarships and events.

Membership

Current membership: Exceeding our goal of 70. New members this quarter: 6.

Public Policy

Editor letter to local paper supporting the National Pay Equity initiative. Support and encouragement for voter registration and Get Out the Vote. In-person participation on the AAUW lobbying day in Washington, DC on behalf of the

Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Communications

Continually updated website, replete with news and photos. Ten member newsletters. Local briefs in the local newspaper publicizing upcoming events. One of three branches participating in the AAUW Membership Retention Webinar.

Governance

Seven Board meetings. Annual membership meeting. Annual Board retreat.

Finance

Cumulative fund balance as of March 31: $13,961.42. Much of our current balance will be used providing scholarships to Fort Lewis College. Significant expenditure: two students to National Conference for College Women

Student Leaders. Branch is financially solvent.

Jean Walter

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AAUW Foothills Branch Report

Program

Nov. 21: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) with speaker Tiffany Schlag on child abuse issues in Jefferson County.

Jan. 16: Presentation by the Wheat Ridge STEM program explaining their program where they are building two cars to take to Detroit for a competition this spring.

Jan. 27: Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Project/Las Amigas featuring Christine Arguello, Federal Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.

March 19: Guest speaker, Try Eid, former Colorado State U.S. Attorney and expert in Native American Law spoke on how the 567 federally recognized Native Nations are important to the U.S.

April 16: A program from the Las Amigas Program which supports Hispanics in several of our high schools by providing tutoring and college trips.

Membership

Our goal was to communicate in the best ways possible about the future of the Foothills Branch.

Public Policy

Oct. 17: Guest speaker, Sandy Coutts, Director of Human Resources, Jefferson Public Library, spoke about the ballot issue to increase the mill levy for libraries. Lindy Reed discussed the Jefferson Country School Board Election.

Feb. 6: Twenty members of the branch attended Public Policy Day.

Communications

The Branch has supported Family Tree, which broadens awareness of AAUW.

Finance

Our annual Author’s Luncheon raises monies for the AAUW fund. In addition, the Foothills Branch has contributed financially to the STEM program at Wheat Ridge High School, which definitely supports the AAUW mission.

Dottie Brenner and Patricia Stewart

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AAUW Fort Collins Branch Report

AAUW Mission – Branch Website/Newsletter, Heading in The Barb WireAAUW Value Promise – Branch Website/Newsletter, Heading in The Barb WireBranch Theme: “ONE AAUW—Education/Pay Equity/Women and Girls in STEM”Mission Based Programs/Membership/PublicPolicy/Communications/Finance/Governance: Remember, Reflect, Renew – Perfect time to reflect on our own involvement in AAUW, our

Branch's accomplishments and challenges throughout the years, and to look forward to the continuing impact AAUW has locally and at the state and national level on behalf of women and girls in our country and throughout the world.

Suffrage Herstory – Celebrating the efforts of the suffragettes who launched a movement that culminated in women finally getting the right to vote on August 26, 1920. These courageous women planned, organized, lectured, wrote, marched, strategized, petitioned, lobbied Congress and state legislatures, canvassed voters, staged parades, ran for office, debated issues, and argued court cases.

Colorado Budget Shortfalls - Coloradoans have long favored constitutional fiscal policy. From TABOR, the most restrictive tax and expenditure limit in the country, to Amendment 23, a constitutional requirement for K12 funding, Colorado's constitution creates a complex path for state policymakers and the voting public to navigate when setting tax and budget priorities.

STEM Summer Institute/Lights – An educational opportunity for girls to attend at the middle and high school levels in the academic areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Also students participating in a school project of producing lights for parts of the world dark after sunset.

AVID - Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities. AVID trains educators to use proven practices in order to prepare students for success in high school, college, and a career, especially students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

Financial Impact – Being aware of fraud, scams, and identity theft that threaten finances. Women’s Commission – A women’s commission serving as an advisory board to a city

council. The history of the commission and how the commission works with the city are vital to women in the community.

Mental and Behavioral Health Services – Discussing the results of a study requested by the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Partnership that assesses current services and the gaps that exist.

Video and Community Bulletin Board – Showing clips prepared by AAUW National on Fort Collins Public Media, Channel 97

Cultural Leadership Skills for Teens Conference - Providing registration fee for Hispanic girls to attend the International Community Builders-sponsored three-day workshop. Branch members attend two-hour closing session to support this twice-a-year event.

Establishment of AAUW Start Smart Workshop Program - With coordinating efforts of AAUW College/University Partner.

Used Book Sale - Partnering with Soroptimist International Fort Collins to provide funds for CSU and Front Range Community College scholarships, STEM scholarships, and NCCWSL support. Barb Slattenow 29

AAUW Grand Junction Branch Report

Program

Programs included: Citizens for Clean Air in conjunction with The League of Women Voters, Help with Learning Disabilities – Irlen Syndrome, Women History by Dr. Erika Jackson, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) professor.

Membership

A Cocktails and Conversation was held in July for the general public as a membership event garnering a few new members.

“AAUW Refresh” was the September Program meeting in which board members went over aspects of the Association to make the membership more familiar with the working of AAUW.

Public Policy

“AAUW Refresh,” the September Program included a review of Public Policy and a video from the website.

April’s Program featured John Marshall, Student Services Director at CMU, who discussed what CMU is doing about Title IX issues, rape and sexual assault prevention measures on campus.

Communications

Ten monthly newsletters are emailed to those with email access and hand mailed to those who do not.

Grand Junction’s Facebook page is updated at least weekly with informative articles and about 98% of our followers are from the general public.

Governance

Programs are developed by volunteer members and/or a program committee.

Finance

Grand Junction Branch follows an annual budget, maintains a sufficient balance, and prepares a monthly Treasurers Report.

CMU Foundation manages two endowments for AAUW-Grand Junction. The Mary Rait/Mary Jewell Wellsea Endowed Grand Fund is for non-traditional female students and funded six $1,500 scholarships in the 2015/16 year. The AAUW/WCCC Endowment is for a female studying in a non-traditional field and funded one scholarship last year.

Lori R. Wood

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AAUW Gunnison Branch ReportProgram

Tiny houses as an alternative for our local Habitat for Humanity, was researched by one of our members and co-presented with the Habitat Director. Applicants for Habitat housing locally are primarily women.

A Branch member introduced us to Therapeutic Hypnosis, and its use for pain, phobias and behavior modification. She recently received a degree in this program.

Gunnison Branch offers scholarships to non-traditional students of Western State Colorado University (WSCU) through the financial aid program.

Two members attended Fall Workshop in Vail, Colorado.

Membership

The Gunnison Branch programs are listed in the local Shopper and the Gunnison Country Times – both in the weekly calendar and short articles – as open to the public.

A fund raising event for the local library’s summer reading program is hosted as a festive Christmas brunch. Invitations are sent to members, prospective members, and supportive community members.

Public Policy

The AAUW voting record was shared by email with members and also as outreach to prospective members.

Local members use AAUW policies to lobby individually with others.

Communications

Gunnison Branch does not have a printed newsletter, so minutes, meeting information, communications from AAUW Colorado, and AAUW Action Alert are emailed to all members.

Governance

Gunnison Branch has three committees: Art in the Park Planning, Budget, and Scholarship Selection.

Finance

Art in the Park serves as our fund raiser which allows us to support AAUW Funds, WSCU Scholarship, and local projects.

The Budget committee presents a financial report and budget proposal to the Branch in October after Art in the Park financial information is complete. At this time the Branch prioritizes programs/projects.

Sharon Schlegel

31

AAUW Lakewood Branch Report

This has been an active year for Lakewood AAUW.

Our programs have included:

o Authors Nancy Peterson, Andy Field, and Erika Armstrong, o A Jeffco School Board Forum, o A talk on Women’s Health,o Our very own Public Policy Day with Betty Boyd and Linda Meric, o Our annual Christmas Social was another fun evening of great food and conversations.

We have had members on the state board and have been represented at Fall Leadership and Public Policy Day.

Our diversions chairs have taken us to the Union Station, Georgetown, and the School of Mines. Once again our interest groups have been active and varied.

We have five book groups, two gourmet, two bridge, and one Mah-Jongg group.

In May we will have our 1st ever fund raising Tea. It is on May 15th from 2-4 p.m. at the Solterra Clubhouse. Our guest speaker is Edie DeWeese who will enthrall us with tales of “Heroes, Cranks and Wild, Wild Women!.” Everyone is invited.

Janet Weisheit and Barbara Martin

32

AAUW Littleton-South Metro Branch ReportAAUW Littleton South-Metro Branch has been advancing equity for women and girls for over 50 years. Our activities for 2015-2016 have been:

ProgramWorking with local and state organizations, we have invited speakers to address AAUW mission based topics and encouraged our members to collaborate with the programs they represent. Kimba Langa: discussed Free the Girls, an organization to help survivors of sex trafficking to

become self-sufficient. Our members provided clothing items. Pam Spry: discussed providing care to pregnant women in prison. Debra Faulkner: presented Emily Griffith, noted educator in Colorado. Dr. Temple Grandin: autism activist and expert on ways students learn. Our members purchased

books and invited family and friends to the event held in collaboration with Littleton High School. Kathie Arnold (Branch member): described the Book Bag program in 10 Head Start classes in

Sheridan School system. We contribute books, money, and time. Rebecca Reimers and STEM students from Littleton High School: addressed how LHS used the

Branch annual contribution to support girls in their STEM program. Paula Schriefer: discussed Spring Institute work to enable people to succeed across languages

and cultures. Barbara Coloroso: presented “The Bully, the Bullied, and The-Not-So-Innocent Bystander.”

Invitations were sent to Littleton School District school counselors to attend ‘as our guests.’

MembershipOur membership grew to 120 members, adding a few younger members. Our Branch was awarded three free National memberships from the Charting the Future Campaign, and one was given as a drawing prize at our Annual Meeting. In late summer, a Board Retreat was held to establish goals and priorities for the year. Following the retreat, a Membership Survey was issued to all members (with over 40% responding) to solicit their thoughts on Branch priorities for fund raising, reasons for joining, ways to improve the Branch, concerns, and other issues. The results of the survey were summarized for the Branch, and the Board used the results to structure the focus for the year.

Public PolicyTwelve members attended AAUW Colorado’s Public Policy Day and reported to our membership the key legislative issues presented. Because of the March 1st Caucuses in Colorado, several emails were sent to members informing them of the process and how they could participate. Monthly Public Policy articles were provided in TWIGS to help keep members informed of current issues.

CommunicationsThe Co-Presidents developed a two-sided “promotional card” that summarizes AAUW and the Branch. This has been a useful tool for prospective members and the public. As co-presidents, we divided our “Presidents’ Precepts” message in our newsletter, TWIGS, with Carolyn addressing AAUW State issues and Jill addressing AAUW National issues. Not only did we provide information in those articles. but included ways for our members to become active members furthering AAUW’s mission. Our website was maintained on a monthly basis and increased usage was encouraged with a “game” to find the hidden picture in order to receive a monetary prize. We are establishing a system to update our membership email list with Membership VP and Email Secretary in order to reach EACH member through that channel of communication. With the invitation to local schools “as our guests” to our final Branch meeting, we are hoping to learn more about how we can support girls in their schools’ STEM projects.

33GovernanceWith a reminder that “Governance” determines the WHAT and “Management” determines the HOW, we strove to develop a functional governing Board. We restructured the Job Descriptions to provide guidance for any new member taking the position. A new position, Event Coordinator, was piloted. Our Board is complete and looking forward to a new year. Precipitated by a few changes in our Bylaws, the Co-Presidents edited and rewrote the Branch’s Bylaws to conform to National guidelines. We edited and updated our Operating Procedures as well.

FinanceOur Branch developed a sustainable budget and a successful audit was performed. As a result of the Membership Survey, our Branch hosted a fund raiser at our last Branch meeting to raise money for local STEM community projects. The Branch voted to donate all monies collected at our annual holiday fund raiser to the AAUW Fund. This was in response to National’s request to support the Charting the Course campaign to raise money in unrestricted funds to ensure that AAUW is well prepared to meet the issues facing the organization today and into the future.

Carolyn Cooley and Jill Smith

34

AAUW Longmont Branch Report

The Longmont Branch held its annual book sale for the 62nd year on Oct 16-18 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. The effort involved 85% of our 65 members who are physically capable of helping, and these members contributed to at least one task in support of the book fair. However, by the end of December there were not enough commitments to fill a number of vacant leadership positions for next year, so a special branch meeting was held in January and after much discussion, members reluctantly voted to discontinue our book fair. 

Since the book fair was the branch’s primary fundraising and community service project, we have now begun a series of conversations with members about where we will go from here as a branch. Longtime member, Kathy Hall, is leading this effort; this spring, she is gathering branch members in small groups for discussions about what our future might look like and based on the input, we will determine the next step in this process.

“History, Politics, Religion, and the Culture of Morocco” was the topic at our annual International Dinner in January. Catlyn Keenan, PhD, a professor at Front Range Community College who teaches both Religious and Women’s Studies, recently travelled to Morocco on a Fulbright-Hayes grant and shared some of her experiences and insights.

Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, and longtime Boulder County resident, was the speaker at our annual combined meeting with Delta Kappa Gamma Society of Key Women Educators on February 13th. Rather than give a speech, the Speaker gave thoughtful, well-informed answers to a wide range of questions about what is happening at the statehouse and around the state.

We look forward to awarding local scholarships and community action grants at the annual Spring Fling on May 14th. In 2015, our scholarship recipients were Katy Nikkel Malson, Megan Tatusko and Kelle Kloster. Our AAUW Community Action Grant program supports projects that help break down barriers among people of all ages, ethnic origins, and gender. These projects must promote education and equity for women and girls, be nonpolitical, respond to community needs, benefit the public, and fall within the geographic boundaries of the St. Vrain Valley School District. One of last year’s grants was awarded to Intercambio for their English Language Classes for Immigrant Women, a second grant went to Open Door’s new ESL/GED Adult Education, and the third grant went to Safe Shelter for their TERA program, which provides education and support for teens in potentially abusive relationships.

Susan Damon

35

AAUW Loveland Branch Report

Highlights of the 2015-2016 Year

Our first program of the year was a time when our members could make suggestions as to programs they would like to have. As a result, we had the following programs:

o Local women telling about their experiences running for office,o A local woman talking about women in the arts in Loveland,o A local woman talking about her experience in the military.

A program on ColoradoCare which was attended by some 30 guests as the public was invited.

Musicalitea – a program with music provided by members and a tea and appetizer potluck at Christmastime.

We are very proud of Linda French, one of our members, who won the national AAUW art contest for the second year in a row. As a result she was provided with a supply of notecards which she sold and donated the money to our scholarship fund.

We held our sixth annual Conversations with Authors with authors Julene Bair, Dick Kreck, and Sherry Cobb South presenting.

We will again hold a flower sale (although scaled back as our backs are not as strong) on Mother’s Day weekend.

With proceeds from these events we gave a $2,000 scholarship to a local woman for graduate study.

We are privileged to be hosting the 2016 State Convention at the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch outside of Loveland on April 22-23.

Martha DiCicco

36

AAUW Colorado Directory 2015-16Executive Committee, Elected and Appointed Board Members

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEPresidentMarilyn Zimmerman509 29¼ Road, Apt FGrand Junction 81504-4979970-712-0474(c)/970-314-7482(h)mz812@earthlink.net

President-ElectAmy Blackwell4833 Front Street, #B-165Castle Rock 80104-7902303-710-2031ae_blackwell@yahoo.com

Co Vice Presidents,Program DevelopmentSarah Behm9590 Majestic DriveLongmont 80504-7740720-635-8201drsar@yahoo.com

Linda Groth5362 Gallatin PlaceBoulder 80303-1246303-449-0713lkg.reads@comcast.net

Vice Presidents, MembershipStormy McDonald2296 South Dover CourtLakewood 80227-2311303-526-8833stormy.mcdonald@yahoo.com

TreasurerBev Dare12846 West Iliff AvenueLakewood 80228-4334303-986-8406 bkdare@comcast.net

SecretaryCheryl Wilderman16225 East Brunswick DriveAurora 80013-1844303-690-1784(h)/720-785-4235(c)mollygeezer@outlook.com

ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS

AAUW Funds DirectorJeane Lindeke845 Poplar AvenueBoulder 80304-0736303-440-7067jeanelindeke@comcast.net

Public Policy DirectorsDiane Fuchs8246 South Centaur DriveEvergreen 80439-6435303-674-9639hdfuchs@msn.com

Betty Boyd12527 West Arizona PlaceLakewood 80228-3506303-986-4194 (h)720-290-3168 (c)bettyboyd@att.net

APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERSCommunications Committee ChairAmy Blackwell4833 Front Street, #B-165Castle Rock 80104-7902303-710-2031ae_blackwell@yahoo.com

Bylaws Co-DirectorsLois Florkey6903 West Euclid Place, Unit C Littleton 80123-5205303-978-9192loiszach@aol.com

Brenda Wolfe1011 Acacia DriveColorado Springs 80907-4521719-337-7817 brenda.wolfe@metso.com

Nominating Committee ChairBetty Flaten8110 West 90th AvenueWestminster 80021-4504303-423-9435bflaten@rimail.net

Colorado Website:aauw-co.aauw.net

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AAUW Colorado Presidents1927-1928 Mrs. George D Meston Pueblo1928-1930 Carolyn Tobey Greeley1930-1932 Louise W. Fauteaux Colorado Springs1932-1935 Lydia Brown Boulder1935-1936 Gladys C. Bell Denver1936-1939 Obie Sue Dunklee Denver1939-1940 Amanda M. Ellis Colorado Springs1940-1942 Mrs. Elinor Bluemel Denver1942-1944 Mrs. J. J. Dynes Gunnison1944-1946 Evelyn Geck Boulder1946 Mrs. Ira Richardson Alamosa1946-1948 Bess Neeper Monte Vista1948-1950 Mrs. Lester H. Stimmel Fort Collins1950-1952 Anne Byrd Kennon Denver1952-1954 Mrs. John Park Pueblo1954-1956 Margaret Miller Fort Collins1956-1958 Mrs. Lesis Littler Greeley1958-1960 Elizabeth Suhre Colorado Springs1960-1962 Betty Bresee Longmont1962-1964 Doris Bliss Grand Junction1964-966 Pauline Carter Denver1966-1968 Martha Brown Lakewood1968-1970 Pearl Mehl Boulder1970-1972 Ellin Mrachek Aurora1972-1974 Evelyn Ely Pueblo1974-1975 Norma Hanilton Grand Junction1975-1978 Marietta Peters Denver1978-1980 Eleanor Hoefner Grand Junction1980-1982 Mary Calhoun Howe Foothills1982-1984 Judith Sanderson Colorado Springs1984-1986 Sheryl Hall Peterson Gunnison1986-1988 Kathy Polhemus Lakewood1988-1990 Diane Fuchs Evergreen1990-1992 Sharon Schlegel Gunnison1992-1994 Leal Porter Lakewood1994-1996 Suzanne Bodis Aurora1996-1998 Lois Florkey Chatfield1998-2000 Lisa Maas Martin Boulder2000-2002 Paula Cady Denver2002-2004 Marybelle Menzel Littleton-Englewood2004-2006 Sherry Hitztaler Lakewood

Sally Mathewson Colorado Springs2006-2008 Betty Flaten Foothills2008-2010 Joan Peterson Aurora2010-2012 Brenda Wolfe Colorado Springs2012-2014 Diane Norten Douglas County2014-2016 Marilyn Zimmerman Grand Junction

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AAUW Colorado Conventions1927 Denver1928 Denver1929 Greeley1930 Denver1931 Colorado Springs1932 Denver1933 Boulder1934 Pueblo1935 Denver1936 Fort Collins1937 Gunnison1938 Greeley1939 Colorado Springs1940 Alamosa1941 Trinidad (Monument Lake)1942 Denver1943 No Convention1944 Denver1945 No Convention1946 Denver1947 Pueblo1948 Denver1949 Colorado Springs1950 Greeley1951 Salida1952 Fort Collins1953 Grand Junction1954 Pueblo\1955 Denver1956 Canon City1957 Greeley1958 Colorado Springs1959 Alamosa1960 Longmont1961 Grand Junction1962 Pueblo1963 Boulder1964 Fort Collins1965 Gunnison1966 Canon City1967 Littleton1968 Durango1969 Colorado Springs1970 Greeley1971 Grand Junction1972 Durango1973 Pueblo1974 Denver1975 Alamosa

1976 Grand Junction1977 Lakewood1978 Colorado Springs1979 Foothills (Golden)1980 Gunnison1981 Fort Collins1982 Pueblo1983 Boulder1984 Denver (Keystone)1985 Canon City1986 Lakewood1987 Trinidad1988 Littleton-Englewood1989 Gunnison1990 Estes Park1991 Aurora1992 Greeley1993 San Luis Valley1994 Longmont1995 Colorado Springs1996 Ouray1997 Jefferson County (Chatfield, Evergreen, Foothills, Lakewood)1998 Grand Junction1999 Boulder2000 Trinidad2001 Durango2002 Fort Collins2003 Littleton-Englewood2004 Pueblo2005 Denver2006 Longmont2007 Foothills (Golden)2008 Colorado Springs2009 Canon City2010 Aurora2011 Boulder2012 Douglas County2013 Durango2014 Lakewood2015 Fort Collins2016 Loveland

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Brief History (1926-2015) of AAUW ColoradoColorado Division American Association of University Women

Reference sources: Colorado 75 Year History 1926-2001 - Betsy Loague 2002; Colorado AAUW 2001-2008: The Sanderson Fellowship - Betsy Loague 2008; ("Originally the term division was used to designate individual states, thus Colorado Division." Loague 2002.)

1927: First annual division convention held September 24th at Denver's Y.M.C.A. 1928: Colorado Division voted to join other states in pledging $30,000 for the Rocky Mountain Unit of the "Million-Dollar Fellowship Fund." The unit was later named for Dr. Florence Rena Sabin. 1931: First official division publication the "NEWS LETTER." 1939: Association Convention held at Denver's Shirley-Savoy Hotel. Red Rocks venue used for the first time for the convention's pageant entitled "Yesterday's Woman." More than 1,800 women attended the convention. 1940: Division president began visiting branches in the state. Dues rose to $0.25 to assist in president's expenses. 1940: Colorado ranked 46th of the 48 states in educational funding. Division’s legislative committee looked into the state’s current educational financial funding. Colorado Division assisted in the organization of a "War Service Committee." 1943 and 1945: National Conventions cancelled due to WWII. Beginning of State Presidents’ Conference held in DC. 1949: AAUW accepted women graduates of any eligible college. Prior to this, membership was composed almost entirely of women with advanced degrees. 1951: After twenty-five years, there were 24 branches and 2,291 members. 1955: AAUW members were instrumental in the passage of Colorado’s Public School Foundation Act, and legislation relating to "old age assistance." 1955: The AAUW Educational Foundation was established. 1959: Unveiling of the statue of Dr. Florence Rena Sabin in Statuary Hall in DC. Later the statue was removed and was not reinstalled until 1996, when Denver's Congresswoman, Pat Schroeder, requested its return. 1963: Colorado hosted its second Association convention. 1964: First Legislative Workshop held, which would later be renamed Public Policy Day.1967: Colorado AAUW had 2,700 members. 1971: Denver Interbranch Council was organized. 1971: Association overwhelmingly endorsed the Equal Rights Amendment and passed a resolution to "work for the repeal of restrictive laws on abortion, making abortion legal for those who wish it after medical consultation." (Loague ‘02) 1972: AAUW became an important voice in the coalition promoting Title IX. 1978: May 5th blizzard convention in Colorado Springs. 1979: Supported the Ratification of the ERA Amendment and, in conjunction with other coalitions, aided in the development of the Virginia Neal Blue Resource Centers for Colorado Women. 1979: Colorado AAUW had 30 branches and 3,065 members. 1980: Received a $2,000 American Public Service grant from Educational Foundation Program for a project entitled "Helping Communities in a Changing State." 1982: Colorado Lobby Corps was founded. 1983: Legal Advocacy Fund became a permanent fund. Denver Interbranch Council hosted "Perspectives For Peace." Keynote speaker, Dr. Ved Nanda, stated "AAUW is one of the most influential non-governmental organizations." 1986: VoLT was begun and Judy Sanderson, Colorado Springs, was one of sixteen women to conduct these workshops nationwide. 1987: Association convention voted to admit men as members. 1988: Eleanor Roosevelt Fund Established and seven Colorado teachers receive fellowships under the fund. 1994: Young Leader Award established. Renamed Judith C. Sanderson Young Leader Award in 2009. 1995: Began annual award of $100 to a middle school girl at the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair at CSU. Project must be entered in the fields of mathematics or computer science at the Junior Division level. 1990s Colorado branches continued their work with Girls Count and the "Expanding Your Horizons" program. Five Colorado members either held Association positions, or served on Association committees. 2000: COAAUW.org: Colorado AAUW’s website became a reality. 40

2002: Colorado AAUW began funding the Judith C. Sanderson Fellowship which, when completed in 2008, totaled over $125,000. 2006: Legacy in Leadership Award established. To be presented to outstanding woman in each of six member states at biennial Regional Conventions. 2008: Started distributing State Bulletin electronically. 2009: The Canon City state convention was held at the town’s Holy Cross Abbey, a former monastery. New bylaws passed at National Convention; Association and Foundation boards combined; terms "Association" and "Foundation" abolished; “One Member, One Vote” replaced delegate system. $tart $mart workshops were being presented on Colorado college campuses. 2010: Established Facebook page: AAUW in Colorado. Received second Impact Grant to be used to educate the public on ballot and election issues on Facebook. Set up Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, and blog power social media links. 2011: AAUW Programs changed to AAUW Funds, covering scholarships and financial programs. Member appointed to National Board of Directors. 2012: Live streaming done during portions of state convention. National offers free state and branch websites using Site Resources; Colorado and many branches became members. Auditors report National on sound financial footing. 2013: The Colorado eNetwork Branch held its first Webinar meeting. Durango state convention held at the Sky Ute Indian Casino and Resort in Ignacio. A new AAUW logo was introduced. 2014: Recognized fifty continuous years of Public Policy programs. The state board passed a resolution to support sending state collegiate students to the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL).2015: Developed AAUW Colorado Strategic Plan. Initiated plan for restructuring the Board of Directors. 2016: Archives moved from Auraria to the Denver Public Library’s Western Collection. Voted to continue awarding the Legacy of Leadership Award biennially, at state convention, as Regional has discontinued recognition.

Diane Fuchs 1997–2002 Betsy Loague 2006-2016

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