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AAUW
Corner: Giving back to women on many levels
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Have you ever
thought about how much you owe to other women, in addition to the obvious ones,
your mother and the other women in your family? Were you inspired by a high
school teacher, a female college professor, a colleague or mentor at work, a
professional associate, even a neighbor down the street? I'm not just talking
about someone who influenced you as you were growing up. There is probably a
woman friend in your life right now, who has given you encouragement in
whatever you're facing, without asking. I know I need a cheering section to
move forward, those unasked-for but totally critical "atta girls"
that we don't get from anyone but our friends.
I just finished reading Jill Ker Conway's "The Road
from Coorain" and "True North," fascinating memoirs by
Our branch of the American Association of University Women
-AAUW provides an opportunity to give back to other women on many levels. We
meet regularly as friends and colleagues to explore interesting topics and to
encourage each other in our busy lives. In September, we had an outstanding
Potluck Supper, and welcomed several new members. We also had a successful
book-swap that raised funds for the Recognition Award we give each year to a
deserving female student pursuing higher education. Outgoing AAUW State
President Patricia Ho spoke to us about AAUW's ongoing partnerships with
several statewide organizations that foster women's issues.
At our next meeting on October 10th, we will learn about
the world of Elderhostel travel from Elderhostel Ambassador Rochelle Kruger,
at the Tufts Library in
We also raise money for AAUW's Educational Foundation, the
largest fund of its kind, which distributes more than $4 million each year to
support efforts to further higher education for women. Over the years, AAUW
has funded some impressive projects. One of my favorites was in 1920, when
the Association gave future Nobel Prize-winning scientist Marie Curie
$156,000 to help her buy one gram of radium. Curie's daughter later returned
a portion of unused money to AAUW, which used it to create the endowment that
funds the Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship. The Hingham Area Branch is
raising money this year for the Educational Foundation by participating in
the Hanover Mall's Charity Night in November.
AAUW is an active advocate for women on the national
level. It's well known on Capitol Hill for its lobbying efforts in support of
women's issues. Most recently, AAUW has been encouraging its 100,000 members
to remind women around them to get out and vote in the upcoming elections.
Every vote counts, and we all know that. Perhaps we
just need to hear it from enough of our friends.
Maybe in our own way, we all need to try to "be that
woman," the one who reaches out to boost others along, who takes the
time to add an encouraging word, to suggest an idea to a friend, and who
sends a check to a cause in which she believes. Oh yes, and let's also be the
one who says, "Don't forget to vote!"
To learn more about AAUW, visit www.aauw.org. If you are
interested in joining the Hingham Area Branch of AAUW, which welcomes holders
of bachelor's and associate's degrees from
Kay Campbell is a
Hingham resident and current President of the Hingham Area Branch of AAUW. |
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