Manhattan Mercury – 01/29/2012

club NEWS – AAUW

The Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met January 9th at the First Congregational Church. Mary Stamey and Melissa Kirkwood were welcomed as new members.

Tresa Landis, Branch Secretary, provided the program. She presented AAUW’s most recent research report released in November entitled Crossing the Line:  Sexual Harassment at School. Sexual harassment is a widespread problem in middle and high schools. Sexually harassed students reported having trouble studying, not wanting to go to school, and feeling sick to their stomach. Some students stayed home from school. Sexual harassment led others to skip classes, drop activities, or even change schools. Girls were especially negatively affected because they faced a higher rate of sexual harassment than boys did, including the most physical forms of sexual harassment. The report offers ways for administrators, teachers, parents, students and community groups to address and prevent sexual harassment. The full report can be downloaded at www.aauw.org.

President Joan Strickler called the business meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. The minutes of the previous meeting and the December treasurer’s report were provided earlier for review. They were approved as presented. Joan touched on several accomplishments made by AAUW National in 2011 including recognitions by Charity Navigator and Greatnonprofits.org.

Nancy Bolsen, president elect, made a report informing the membership of several initiatives that the Board continues to advance. A nominating committee has been formed and will present a slate of officers to fill the 2012 – 2014 term for the positions of Program Vice President, Secretary and one Director at Large. Barbara Gatewood, membership chair, passed around a sign-up sheet for volunteers to work at the Community Fair at the Manhattan Town Center on February 4th.

Public policy chair Mavis Fletcher noted that the Kansas Legislature opened its 2012 session today. Local representative Susan Mosier is leaving the House; contact information for her replacement will be provided when it becomes available. A card was sent to Mary Lois Smith, who is recovering from eye surgery. Vadaline Strohm announced that donations are being accepted for the monthly Pop-Up Market being sponsored by the Riley County Seniors’ Service Center at The Dusty Bookshelf.

Florence Schwab, interest group chair, reported that Booktalk will meet on January 13th, Great Decisions meets January 12th; Serendipity meets January 24th at Meadowlark Hills and on February 28th at Bluestem Bistro. The groups are open to all members.

Next month’s meeting will be held at the First Congregational Church on February 9th. New member Melissa Kirkwood, Development Officer for the Flint Hills Discovery Center will be the speaker. In closing, Joan extended birthday wishes to those celebrating in January. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Membership in AAUW is open to anyone holding an associate or equivalent (RN), baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Student Affiliation is open to anyone who does not already hold an undergraduate degree and is enrolled in a two-or four-year regionally accredited educational institution. Students enrolled at K-State receive a free e-Student affiliation. For more information, go to http://manhattan-ks.aauw.net, email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com or contact Barbara Gatewood at 539-8804.