Tar Heel News

AAUW NC

Tar Heel News

Fall 03 issue
 Front page
 Public Policy
 SAR
 AAUW NC
 Branches

State, Seven Branches Earn 21st Century Recognition

The 21st Century Recognition program, which replaced the well-known Five-Star two years ago, is more than a checklist for accomplishments. It is an excellent tool for planning and implementing activities for building branches and achieving AAUW mission. The easy-to-use, checklist format application can be downloaded from http://www.aauw.org along with instructions. Most of the branches who participated have members willing to mentor other branches in the process. In addition to the brief branch profile, the application covers the project, membership development, diversity, visibility, leadership development, technology, the plan, and Foundation/LAF support. Brief narratives should be written for each section. Other materials, such as e-mails, faxes, fliers, and clippings may be included as an appendix.

In this issue, we are proud to present summaries of the state application, as well as the projects of three branches. Other summaries will be published in the Winter Tar Heel News. The 2003 winners are listed on page one, where their names and award designations will remain for one year.

	The branches in Brevard, Raleigh/Wake County and Winston-Salem received the highest level of recognition in the 2003-2004 AAUW 21st Century Recognition Program
	AAUW NC and the branches in Greensboro, Hendersonville and Statesville were recognized at the second level.
	The Jacksonville Regional branch received bronze recognition.

AAUW NC * Gold

Activities & Outcomes:

• 2002 Summer Leadership Conference emphasized "Selling AAUW" through communication and membership development.
  
• ReConnection Committee established to better understand the relationship between the branches and the state organization.
  
• A new and revamped AAUW NC web site, continually refined, was launched July 1, 2002.
  
• AAUW NC Online Satellite branch was launched.
• Outreach to members through the Tar Heel News, AAUW NC listserv, and web site.
• Diverse coalition members, such as N.C. Coalition on Aging and N.C. Women United.
• AAUW NC continues to support Costa Rica in IFUW. Our members have an increased awareness of international and cultural affairs.
• Support of EF and LAF through various activities.
• Co-hosted an informational/membership booth at the combined N.C./S.C. Mathematics Teachers Annual Convention in Charlotte
• "ReConnection" Committee reported findings and proposals at the Fall State Board Meeting. Dialogue ensued. Six goals were adopted by board members for development.
• Outreach to Diverse People or Groups achieved through

1. coalition membership: NC Women United (state and federal public policy issues, Women's Agenda Assembly Project, Women's Advocacy Day at the state legislature), CHIP (North Carolina's Children's Insurance) CNCC (Covenant with North Carolina's Children), NCCA (North Carolina's Coalition on Aging). NCVCE (North Carolina Voters for Clean Elections), NCLHA (North Carolina Literary and Historical Association); and
2. articles in Tar Heel News and programming at state meetings concerning diversity were highlighted. Programs on diversity occurred at the branch and cluster levels. Establishment of coalition partners resulting in an exchange of ideas, political information and networking, and increased visibility for AAUW NC. Two NC state board members serve as representatives to NC Women United and NC Coalition on Aging. Both coalitions have presented legislators with lists of priorities.

• AAUW NC also made inroads with respect to visibility, leadership development, and technology.

Raleigh/Wake County * Platinum

• The Wake County PTA Council & AAUW Wake County Commissioner Candidates Forum, October 24, 2003 Martin Middle School Auditorium
• The forum was instrumental in building interest and awareness in the election, as well as raising awareness of different views from the candidates as a whole.
• Branch public policy (state/local) chair, Beth Messersmith, who joined under the "Emerging Leaders" program and a member of Democracy South, coordinated the survey of the candidates. The survey with summaries of the candidates' position was used by the PTA. Web site used to provide voter education material and information on the forum. The Wake County PTA Council, a large diverse organization, co-sponsored  and participated in the forum. This was our first collaboration with the PTA.
• One of our members, Betty Mangum was an incumbent and participated in the forum.

Hendersonville * Gold

• Alberta Burdett Writing Project
• Named in honor of a founding member of the Hendersonville Branch. Alberta Burdett who was a teacher, a writer, and a poet.
• Encourages creative writing in the elementary schools in Henderson County.
• Develops a stronger collaboration between the schools involved in the project and the Hendersonville Branch of AAUW.
• Supports the ongoing emphasis of the Hendersonville Branch toward public education. Encouraging creative writing by elementary school children has
• Classroom teachers choose the topics and direct the program within their school preserves the autonomy of each school.
• Students are encouraged to use computers for their writings thus integrating technology across age groups.
• Branch goal is to involve the five elementary schools in the county in the program by adding one new school a year.
• The public recognition of the students' successes is valuable to both the student and the Hendersonville Branch of AAUW.
• Project allows members to use their professionals skills in a county project, which takes advantage of members' skills, acquired in their professional lives, and  facilitates a core of AAUW members working with each school, blending new and older members to gain experience and further introduce AAUW goals.

Statesville * Gold

Primary focus: Building an ongoing relation-ship with Mitchell Community College.

• Participation in the November 2001 on-campus community day, with a reception for the faculty and staff, led to this project.
• Hosted an MCC program, "American Women's Humor," featuring Dr. Karen Kilcup, UNC-G English professor. Co-sponsors: MCC Diversity Task Force and NC Humanities Council.
• Presented North Carolina AAUW History 1947-2001 to the MCC library. Dr. Douglas Eason, MCC president, received the gift.
• Encouraged MCC to become an AAUW college/university member. It happened!
• One of our members who  is on the MCC faculty organized a program called Oppression and Resistance: The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, she invited branch members. Some attended.
• Collaborate with MCC on a women's forum called webwoman: Weaving together women's empowerment, to encourage professional growth and lifelong education for women.
• Decided to make higher education our 21st century project for two years, instead of one, through March 2004.
  
  

Brevard * Platinum

See article elsewhere in this issue.

Winston-Salem * Platinum

See article elsewhere in this issue.