Greetings and Welcome to the Ashland Branch of AAUW.
We are pleased that you have decided to join our educational and service organization and want to provide background information and options to encourage your participation. We recognize that joining a new group can be overwhelming but we think this information can ease your transition and quick understanding.
AAUW is a community of people who strive to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research (Mission). By joining AAUW, you belong to a community that breaks down educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance (Value Promise).
The women (and men) who comprise our Ashland branch have been motivated to join for many reasons. They may find it is a way for them to "give back" to the community, to support young women pursuing their educations, to meet other women with whom they share common interests and values, to experience personal growth or just to have fun. For example, some are interested in working with high school students transitioning to college or in supporting women as they start life afresh after being in a women's shelter. They would probably find our service projects are where they want to volunteer their time and energy. In our many, varied interest groups, you will find opportunities to attend theater performances with other members, dine out together or gather to discuss your favorite books. We have annual events such as the Garden Tour and the Honor's Brunch which take many volunteer hours and we hope all members will not only attend, but participate in some way. By attending our four general branch meetings you will meet many members and those volunteering in leadership positions and also keep up to date on branch happenings. In fact, many of our members are very active, join interest groups, support our service projects and
attend branch meetings and community forums.
This packet provides strategic information to help clarify how we go about reaching our Mission and Vision, how you can get involved, and how to have fun in the organization. If you don't find what you are looking for, visit our website at www.aauwashland.org. There you will find our monthly schedule of events and meetings and the most recent version of the AAUW Ashland newsletter. Still have questions? Just ask!
Again, Welcome! We look forward to getting to know you, and if there’s anything you need, please let us know. Contact Chris Donchin or Susan Straub.
Best Wishes for a rewarding year in AAUW!Sincerely, The Ashland AAUW Membership Team
