AAUW Branch Meeting Minutes
Prairie Star, Meadowlark Hills
May 13, 2024, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
We met for dinner which we ordered from the menu. The meeting began after our time of eating and conversation. Usha Reddi, President, called the meeting to order. This was the last meeting of the program year. The purpose was to review and to celebrate the year of activities and programs.
Accomplishments
Usha submitted an application for a 5-Star recognition from the National AAUW. We received a 3-Star designation. Areas to improve are having a diversity officer and a strategic plan with a succession plan. Sujatha Prakash has agreed to be our diversity director. We will have a strategic plan next year.
Our International Women’s Day event was a success. It was completely funded, and we had over 70 participants. Because next year will be the 10th IWD event, a special committee will be named soon, and we will work to obtain a national level speaker. We will work with various parties at KSU to collaborate. It will be a big event.
Usha attended the statewide AAUW conference. She presented on our IWD event.
Grow Green brought us $2,900 this year. We had 25 donors. The money will be used to support our scholarships for women.
Recognitions
The program committee, Lynne, Deedee, Susanne, did an outstanding job finding interesting and informative speakers for all our programs.
Barbara did a great job publicizing AAUW meetings /events on Facebook and our website.
We have good partnerships with the League of Women Voters, with Kansas State University, with Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
We had our second panel of state legislators. Teresa does a wonderful job building that connection. Deedee communicates with them and follows up as needed.
New members who joined during the program year were asked to stand and be recognized.
Other members were recognized for their long-time membership:
Adriene Walker and Loretta Johnson – 5 yr
Jane Mullen and Usha Reddi – 10 yr
Dede Brokesh – 20 yr
Kathy Lansbury and Joan Strickler – 30 yr
Claudia Jones – 40 yr
Lifetime – Deb Nuss
President Awards Recipients
Outstanding Board Member – Martha Mather
Outstanding Branch Members – Paula Ripple, Board Secretary
Karen Penner, Branch Secretary
Current Board
Mary Stamey – Acting Treasurer
Paula Ripple – Board Secretary
Karen Penner – Branch Secretary
Membership and Stem – Chris Herald
Programs – Lynn Ewanow, Susanne Siepl-Coates, Dede Brokesh
Webmaster/Social Media – Barbara Gatewood
At-Large Director – Mary Stamey
Past President – Marlene VerBrugge
New Officers
Usha Reddi – President
Martha Mather – President Elect
Board Secretary – Paula Ripple
Branch Secretary – TBD
Programs – Lynn Ewanow, Susanne Sipel – Coates, Dede Brokesh, Sujatha Prakash
Diversity – Sujatha
At Large Director (2 yr) – Kay Stith
At Large Director (1 yr) – TBD
Webmaster/Social Media – TBD
Officer Reports
Membership – Chris Herald. We have 65 members, 16 are new with some student members. It is time to renew memberships which can be done on-line or by check. Dues are $93.00.
Program – Dede and Susanne asked for suggestions for the IWD event speakers. A summer social is in the works. Liquid Arts Winery was suggested as a venue.
Webmaster – Barbara Gatewood. She noted various activities pertinent to the office: meeting announcements, write-ups from our meetings, special events, select information from National, scholarship information.
Scholarships – Claudia Jones. We provided 6 scholarships this past year. One for $1,500 and the remainder for $1,000.
Great Decisions – Mary Stamey. Meets Thursdays at 3:00-4:00 p.m. once a month.
K-State Partnership – Martha Mather. Provided information regarding scholarships to KSU, connected AAUW with Sigma Xi, established a formal relationship with GROW at KSU to provide workshops to girls, and let students know they can get free national memberships to AAUW.
Usha was recognized and thanked for all her great efforts as our president on behalf of AAUW.
The book donated this month to the Manhattan Public Library was 100 Women Who Made History by Rona Skene.
This was the last meeting for the program year. The board will hold a retreat in July. The new program year will begin in September.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Penner
Branch Secretary
AAUW Branch Meeting Minutes
Manhattan Public Library
April 8, 2024, 6:00-7:45 p.m.
The AAUW Branch meeting on April 8, 2004, at 6:45 p.m. was held at the Manhattan Public Library Auditorium and on Zoom. Before the meeting members, attendees, and guests gathered for an optional box dinner from Radina’s Bakehouse. Guests introduced themselves: Djanira Negrao, Tendai Gadzikwa, Sharon Willich, Teresa Miller, La Barbara James Wigfall, Agnieska Lasko, Vajiheh Shashsavari, Heather Hoffman. Two student members, Xatyuswa Maqashalala and Heather Forster, attended. President Usha Reddi welcomed all and reviewed the March 8 International Women’s Day dinner, featuring a panel of bright, capable women from Iran, Poland, Brazil, and Romania. With our grant, budgeting, and charges for meals, AAUW Manhattan Branch realized financial stability and a small excess for the event as well.
On May 13 we will celebrate the 2023-2024 year of AAUW monthly programs, events, and recognize those who worked for the organization and those who helped achieve AAUW’s goals of gender equity. Usha issued a call to begin to work on our 10th anniversary of IWD for which we will want a prominent female speaker, multiple days and activities, and wide collaboration with the community and the university.
Although some commitments have been secured, new officers are needed for next year, a President-Elect and a Webmaster to manage the branch’s social media, website, and photographs. Members are asked to consider who might be a good person for these jobs or to volunteer themselves.
Lynn Ewanow, Co-Vice President of Programs, introduced our speaker Dr. Rana Johnson who is Kansas State University’s inaugural Vice-President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. In that position she provides strategic vision and leadership to the university. Working with KSU leadership, the KSU community and alumni, and external partners, she helps create a welcoming environment at K-State for all. Additionally, she oversees the new Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; the Office of Institutional Equity; and KAWSE, the K-State Office for the Advancement of Women in Science and Engineering.
Dr. Johnson, even though she is here to guide K-State’s future in DEIB, began her presentation with K-State’s history in fostering inclusion and equity. She pointed out that as the nation’s first land grant college, it began in 1863 with open enrollment and was at the forefront of admitting the first female students and the first people of color. These initial students carried their college education into lifelong career successes. George Washington Owens, the first black male student, graduated with distinction in 1899; Minnie Howell Champe was the first black woman to graduate from K-State in 1901. In the College of Veterinary Medicine, the first African-American male graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1912, and the first female graduated in 1932. The second female graduated with her veterinary doctoral degree in 1934 at the age of 19 after having skipped two grades in elementary school.
In the 20th century, K-State welcomed a striking number of Civil Rights leaders to speak to leaders and students. Among them were Harry Golden, Shirley Chisholm, Betty Friedan, Charles Evers, Gordon Parks, Ralph Abernathy, Carl Rowan, Dick Gregory, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. President James McCain was instrumental in the Convocation series, believing these speakers would guide students to problem solving and critical thinking skills.
A diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging strategic plan named Our Lens, Our Focus, Our K-State was established in 2020, the first of its kind. One of the ideas in the plan is to have a diverse workforce that is reflective of the diverse student body population. Action plans include ombudspersons, data-keeping to track and share information on the student population, and student success initiatives.
K-State President Richard Linton’s Next-Gen Strategic plan launched in 2023 includes DEIB. Strategic Imperative #3 will provide every degree-seeking student with applied learning experiences to help them work with diverse groups and diverse individuals within and beyond their discipline. For all learners (including first-generation and low-income students) opportunities from high impact practices would include internships, undergraduate research, participation in judging and design teams, on-campus employment, education abroad, and student organizations. From these they will gain the skills to engage and interact with the diverse population of the world.
Kansas State University has many success support services to aid students. First Lady Sally Linton’s guides a committee for promoting mental health for students. Lafene Student Health Center, the food pantry known as the Cats’ Cupboard, alcohol and drug education courses, a counseling center, a travel clinic, and CPR classes—all these support students. The Bandana Project has trained over 1,100 students to recognize those with mental health problems on campus and to act in their behalf.
Kansas State University was nationally recognized as one of the top universities for diversity and inclusion with the 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, or HEED Award, from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
Marlene VerBrugge presented a book in honor of Dr. Johnson’s presentation to be given to the Manhattan Public Library. I’m Not So Different is a children’s book encouraging them to embrace their differences and celebrate diversity.
Check the Branch website and Face Book page for the time and place of the May 13th meeting. https://manhattan-ks.aauw.net/ https://www.facebook.com/AAUW.Manhattan/
It is now in the Bison Room, Meadowlark Hills, 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paula Ripple, Secretary
AAUW Branch Meeting Minutes
International Women’s Day Celebration
Holiday Inn at the Campus
March 8, 2024, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
The AAUW Manhattan Branch hosted its 9th annual International Women’s Day celebration on March 8, 2024, at the Holiday Inn at the Campus. More than 70 attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner ($25) followed by a panel of international women who discussed their experiences at home and settling into life in the United States.
AAUW President and Moderator Usha Reddi opened the forum by noting the importance of IWD, thanking the planning committee, and introducing the panelists. She also thanked the event co-sponsors: the Dow Center for Multicultural and Community Studies; the English Language Program, Office of International Programs; and the K-State Libraries. IWD is a global day honoring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme for the 2024 year is Inspire Inclusion.
The IWD panelists were Agnieszka Lasko, a graduate student at Kansas State University studying piano pedagogy (Poland); Dr. Ana Lucia Mendonca, the Executive Director of the Manhattan Area Resettlement Team, (Brazil); Dr. Claudia Petrescu, KSU’s First Vice-Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the University’s Graduate School (Romania); and Vajiheh Shahsavari, a graduate student in curriculum and instruction at KSU and President of the Iranian Student Association (Iran).
Following dinner, Usha introduced the four panelists who shared their stories of leaving their homelands and facing the challenges of beginning anew in the U.S. They talked about integrating into the community, traditions they continue from their homelands, and gender equity. Differences were expressed by the panelists on the status, freedoms, childcare, and opportunities for women. They were asked about their perceptions of the political climate in the U.S. and reinforced the importance of voting.
Challenges
Housing was a major hurdle. Leaving family and friends and the higher costs of living in the U.S. were other challenges. One woman noted that she needed her husband’s permission for a divorce and to obtain a passport. This took years to accomplish.
Maintaining Traditions from Home
One woman brought a flag and carried on ceremonies and traditions involving religion festivals such as Christmas and Easter. Food played an important part in celebrations. Tea was important along with other foods of the homeland like sausage and sauerkraut. Another spoke Portuguese at home to keep her language alive for her children.
Systems Affecting Women
Poland provides a center for women’s right and support for women against violence as well as help for women-owned businesses. In Romania, there is paid maternity and paternity leave, and funds provided each month for children. Women receive paid maternity leave in Brazil, but pay inequity exists and there is disparity between white and colored. There are also problems with domestic violence. Men are completely in charge of women in Iran. Violence against women, honor killings and child marriage occur. There is much disparity and women are allowed little freedom.
A book of poems by women and girls entitled And Everything Will Be Glad to See You was given to the Manhattan Public Library in honor of the four panelists. The panelists were presented flowers and AAUW paperweights as gifts of appreciation.
Teresa Landis announced the availability of four AAUW $1,500 incentive grants for non-traditional KSU students through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.
The April 8 Manhattan Branch meeting will be held at the Manhattan Public Library at 6:00 p.m. RSVP for a box dinner, $15, to RSVP with meal choice ($15) by April 4 with QR code or URL https://forms.gle/DURAw6BMyyMZhyga9 . Email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com to request a Zoom link. Speaker Rana Johnson, KSU VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging will discuss integrating DEIB into campus culture.
Learn more about AAUW at http://manhattan-ks.aauw.net//
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Penner
Branch Meeting Secretary
AAUW Branch Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2024, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The AAUW Branch meeting was held on February 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Public Library in person and live-streamed on Facebook. Attendees enjoyed a box meal from Radina’s Bakehouse. President Usha Reddi opened the meeting with announcements and introductions of the guest speakers: Kristin Brighton, Mary Fischer, Heather Hnizdi, and Stephanie Johnson. Other guests were introduced: Kristin Little, Abbi Rankin, Sherry Fleming, Patricia Calvo, and Allison Disbrow. Our branch celebration of International Women’s Day will be Friday, March 8, 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn. Four women of international origin will be featured speakers. All were invited to attend.
Mary Stamey announced a book will be donated to the Manhattan Public Library in honor of the panelists, The Good Girls Revolt. And, she introduced the speakers: Kristin Brighton, New Boston LLC: Stephanie Johnson, Maximum Performance Physical Fitness; Heather Hnizdii, Flight Crew Coffee; and Mary Fisher, Gaia Salon.
Dede Brokesh moderated the panel discussion, posing questions to the panelists. The panelists commented on how they got started in their businesses, the challenges and opportunities they encountered, the role of mentors and those who encouraged them, and advice for young women who may want to start a business. Each woman had a different story and path for reaching their current position/situation. They had varied backgrounds and experiences, and they each operate very different types of businesses. Most agreed that you learn as you go through each day of operation.
Panelists had advice for young women that would be useful for anyone wanting to start a business: Embrace change, have clarity, be fearless, enjoy the ride, find a good accountant, set up a corporation, keep family out, build a business that can live beyond you, and be sure to evaluate the need before you get started as a good idea doesn’t always meet needs.
The next branch meeting will be our International Women’s Day event on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the Holiday Inn. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m. and the Public Forum is at 7:00 p.m. Dinner is $25 and can be reserved by emailing: manhattanksaauw@gmail.com by March 1. Select roast pork or vegetarian lasagna.
The panelists are from Poland, Brazil, Romania, and Iran. They are Agnieszka Lasko, graduate student in piano pedagogy at Kansas State University; Ana Lucia Mendonca, Executive Director of the Manhattan Area Resettlement Team; Dr. Claudia Petrescu, First Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the KSU Graduate School; and Vajiheh Shahsavari, graduate student and President of the Iranian Graduate Students Association.
The event co-sponsors are the Dow Center for Multicultural and Community Studies; the English Language Program, Office of International Programs; and the K-State Libraries.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Penner,
Branch Secretary
AAUW Branch Meeting Minutes
Zoom Meeting
January 8, 2024, 6:00-7:10 p.m.
The AAUW Branch meeting was held on January 8, 2024, at 6:00pm via Zoom due to stormy weather conditions. President Usha Reddi conducted a short business meeting followed by the program. Usha welcomed our guest speaker, Director Brian Peete and Captain Erin Freidline of the RCPD. No guests were present.
Meeting and Announcements
We held our AAUW Board meeting on January 3. The Board voted to donate $100 to KAWSE (K-State Office for the Advancement of Women in Science and Engineering) for transportation to support the GROW workshop to be held in March. AAUW will be listed as a sponsor. Usha has submitted the application for the National AAUW Five Star Award to AAUW National. Our branch committee to plan our panel event for International Women’s Day, March 8, has begun to meet. If anyone is interested in joining the committee, it is not too late. Please contact Usha. And also suggest speakers if you know someone who might be a good panelist.
February 1 – League of Women Voters will have a program of journalists from The Kansas Reflector at Meadowlark Hills. Contact Cathy Hedge or Linda Uthoff for information.
Usha noted that we still need someone to assume the position of President-elect.
Program
Susanne Siepl-Coates, program co-VP, introduced our two guests from the RCPD. Director Brian Peete and Captain Erin Freidline to address the topic, “Policies and Approaches Regarding the Protection of Women in Our Community.” Director Peete has been with RCPD one year and Captain Freidline since 2000 where she started as a Patrol Officer. She now heads Investigations. Both have extensive training and experience in law enforcement. Assistant Vice President/Police Chief Ronnie Grice of the Kansas State University Police Department had also planned to participate in the program, but he was called away due to a family funeral.
Director Peete used a PowerPoint presentation to provide information about the mission and values of the RCPD and to provide data regarding personnel and crime. He and Captain Freidline discussed various topics throughout the presentation. The PowerPoint presentation slides can be found in a separate file.
The overall mission of the RCPD is to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for the citizens. The RCPD is consolidated to serve the city of Manhattan as well as all of Riley County. It is comprised of 223 people including law enforcement personnel and all support positions.
A Victims Services unit helps victims navigate the system. For victims of sexual assault and domestic violence this is important to help give them some power to assist with the investigation. Officers and the public are encouraged to become involved in ways to break cycles of violence. The public is encouraged to get involved. If you see something, say something.
Red Flag laws were discussed. However, Kansas does not have such a law. A red flag law is a gun violence prevention law that permits a state court to order the temporary removal of firearms from the possession of someone who they believe may present a danger to themselves or another.
The RCPD has obtained grant funds for victim advocacy and training. Funds are from the Violence Against Women Act. They are also going to receive training from the FBI on dealing with sex trafficking. High technology is making it more difficult to locate victims and perpetrators.
This was an informative session presented by two very knowledgeable professionals. The book. Girls Who Run the World, was purchased for donation to the Manhattan Public Library.
The next branch meeting will be held on February 12, 6:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Public Library. The program, Women in Business, will feature a panel of four Manhattan businesswomen.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Penner
AAUW Branch Meeting Secretary
Attachment: PowerPoint slides of RCPD Director Brian R. Peete
AAUW Branch Meeting Minutes
Prairie Star Restaurant, Meadowlark Hills
December 11, 2023, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
The December 11, 2023, meeting of AAUW Manhattan Branch was held at Prairie Star Restaurant on the campus of Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan, attended by a roomful of members and guests. President Usha Reddi opened the meeting, welcoming all, and reviewing branch business including the upcoming International Women’s Day in March, the national AAUW Five-Star Award, and the greatest needs donations which go to scholarships for women. The program committee announced the January 8 AAUW Manhattan Branch Meeting bringing the RCPD Police Chief and the KSU Campus Police Chief together to discuss ensuring the safety of women in the community. Reid Petty, district director of Representative Tracey Mann’s Manhattan office, and Stephanie Rose, KAWSE program coordinator, attended at AAUW’s invitation.
PROGRAM
Lynn Ewanow introduced Aaron Estabrook, the founder and board member of Manhattan Area Resettlement Team (MART), the focus of the evening’s program. Aaron has a political science degree from Kansas State University, studied counterterrorism and conflict resolution, served in the US Army Reserve and was combat deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. He is currently the executive director of the Manhattan Housing Authority and has a history of service to the community in board positions and in city offices. Accompanying Aaron were Dr. Ana Mendonca-Zarling, MART Executive Director, Virginia Rodriguez, MART program director, and Susan Adamchak, recently elected Manhattan City Commissioner and Board Chair of MART.
Aaron gave the background of the circumstances that led to the formation of MART, which included the Afghan War, longest in American history; the relationship with his colleague/translator in Afghanistan, Mr. Shinwari; and the federal program Operation Allies Welcome, all precursors to MART.
A film showed the immediacy of the sudden fall of Kabul in 2021 and the desperate situations of both those who escaped and those who could not escape. Aaron asked the audience what would you do in their situation. Would you flee? Would you stay? The circumstances, he said, called for immediate action here in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security was tasked as leader for the whole-government reaction and approach to the Afghan distress.
In Manhattan, citizens, local government and commissioners, and the university all stepped forward to help, alongside state and federal agencies. Locally, the library ordered books in Pashto, schools prepared curricula for the incoming Afghan students, and health care centers readied themselves. The streamlining established by the whole-government approach in the beginning of the crisis aided in forming new systems now in place for resettling any people who are fleeing war-zone violence.
The original 200+ Manhattan citizens who volunteered to help the Afghan allies contained a core of 10 to 15 people who became the board of MART. This board has hired an executive director, Dr. Mendonca-Zarling, who said that MART partners with the Kansas Office for Refugees and receives federal funds for their programming. MART is expecting families from the Congo, Venezuela, Nepal, Cuba, Haiti and Afghanistan. She introduced Virginia Rodriguez who explained the process of settlement from finding housing to getting drivers’ licenses. MART’s main programs are employability support, helping with transportation, referring clients to services such as English language training and job training, and promoting good health. They currently have 172 adults involved in these programs, plus school-age children, and 11 babies. MART in Manhattan is now an official resettlement agency sanctioned by the federal government. More information may be found at https://allieswelcome.com/ .
Aaron requested that anyone who might be able to help pave the way for the educated professionals who have come from Afghanistan to work in their fields to please contact MART.
Aaron, Ana, Virginia, and Susan answered questions at the end of the presentation. Visas and health insurance continue to be problems for the people helped by MART. At the end of the presentation, Mary Stamey presented a book to be given to the Manhattan Public Library in honor of MART and their speakers. The book is The Forgotten Fairytales of Brave and Brilliant Girls.
One final note came from Usha about the young Iranian woman who spoke spontaneously at last year’s International Women’s Day event. She had visa problems but was helped by a group of university people, received a visa, and is currently president of the Iranian graduate students association and doing well.
The next AAUW Manhattan Branch meeting will be Monday, January 8, 2023, at the Manhattan Public Library. Members will meet at 6:00 p.m. for an optional supper followed by the 7:00 p.m. meeting, in-person and on Zoom.
Respectfully submitted,
Paula Ripple
Board Secretary
MART website: https://allieswelcome.com/
Link to presentation:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1di4EzfJ5vNGwux0JGQM4YTnUNfxFzlXb6KicPl1LYdY/edit?usp=sharing As shared with HUD.
AAUW Branch Meeting Minutes
Manhattan Public Library
November 13, 2023, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
The AAUW Manhattan Branch meeting was held on November 13, 2023, at the Manhattan Public Library in-person and live-streamed on Zoom. Attendees enjoyed a boxed meal followed by opening remarks by Mary Stamey. The book A Girls Bill of Rights has been purchased for the Manhattan Public Library. Three guests were introduced: Leslie Alford, Susan Adamchak, and Lei Wang, along with one new member, Anna Kazarina.
Announcements
Flint Hills Breadbasket and Common Table are seeking volunteers for the Thanksgiving Day dinner at Presby Place, 801 Leavenworth.
Girls on the Run needs volunteers on December 3.
A subcommittee will be formed for our branch event celebrating International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, 2024. Let Usha know if you are interested. This is a signature event for our branch.
Members were asked to sign up for the December meeting which is usually held at La Fiesta. The location will change if many sign up as the restaurant capacity is limited.
The December branch meeting will feature Aaron Estabrook, Board Member and Founder of the Manhattan Area Resettlement Team.
Program
AAUW Overview:
Dede Brokesh introduced Tresa Landis, AAUW State Board Member who presented an overview of AAUW with a PowerPoint slide presentation. The AAUW Manhattan Branch was established in 1920. We offer scholarships to KSU women and stem workshops for school-age girls. AAUW’s mission is gender equity and economic security. It is one of the largest funders of women’s graduate education. AAUW focuses on three areas of work: economic security, education, and advocacy at local, state, and federal levels. Priority issues include removing bias from education, fighting for fair pay, leadership development, health equity, and public education.
Legislative Panel: Six legislative members or staffers were present, including,
Usha Reddi – State Senator, District 22
Sydney Carlin – State Representative, District 66
Kenny Titus – State Representative, District 51
Mike Dodson – State Representative, District 67
Abbi Rankin – State Staff Assistant for U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.
Ana Rojas-Plumberg – Staff Assistant for Congressman Tracey Mann, KS 01
Panelists were asked their expectations for the upcoming legislative sessions. A summary of responses follows:
Mike Dodson – Issues needing to be addressed include water, property tax, workforce housing, Medicaid expansion probably won’t make it. Higher education focus includes getting money for KSU. County home-rule needs to be considered as now the state constitution requires a bill for counties to make determinations. Another issue is military disability assistance for veterans.
Tracey Mann representing the western 2/3 of Kansas serves on the House Committees on Agriculture, on Transportation and Infrastructure. The Farm Bill work will be a priority.
Roger Marshall, M.D. serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee, and he will also focus on the Farm Bill. Fentanyl is a major concern. He supports the Cooper Davis Act, introduced in the Senate, and the campaign “One Pill Can Kill”.
Usha Red. The Kansas Legislature passed a law removing the statute of limitations in child abuse cases, sales tax credit to benefit the Kansas Agency on Aging. In the Transportation Committee, $4.5 million was requested from the General Fund to meet the gas tax gap that exists due to using more fuel-efficient cars and trucks. Upcoming issues include public vs private education, healthcare and specifically Medicaid Expansion, reproductive rights, broadband expansion for workforce development, safe childcare, teacher licensing, special education pay and training, and food insecurity due to food deserts.
In the Kansa Legislature, Sydney Carlin works on the Agricultural budget committee which handles 14 agency budgets. She is supporting a tax cut plan with funding from LAVTR to provide county and city rebates. Tax relief is supported for mid-income homeowners. The KS rainy day fund has excess funding which can be distributed, keeping a 6-month cushion. Work on Corrections and Juvenile justice involves facilities review and rebuilding. Stand your ground law needs clarification and research. A review of bills affecting driver’s license suspensions is needed as people need transportation to get to work. Other areas of work include a proposed bill regarding Conflict of Interest for legislators, false claims against Medicare and the use of settlement dollars from the federal government.
Kenny Titus serves on the water committee and has been a primary author of the new water legislation. A new water funding bill increases state general fund dollars for various projects involving conservation and water quality. Funds were approved for cities and counties to upgrade aging water facilities. Groundwater management districts now have two years to assess groundwater availability and then another two years to produce a plan for extending the life of water in the aquafer. Other priorities include introducing Charlie’s law to prevent involuntary transport of adults in nursing home settings and changes in regulations pertaining to childcare facilities.
The presentations were followed by questions from the audience. This was an informative and useful session.
The next branch meeting will be on December 11, 2023, at Meadowlark Hills in the Prairie Star, 6:00 pm for dinner. The program, Manhattan Area Resettlement Team (MART):
An Introduction and Update will be presented by Aaron Estabrook, Board Member and Founder, at 6:45 pm. There will be a holiday celebration and free will shower.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Penner
AAUW Branch Meeting Secretary
AAUW Branch Meeting Minutes
Manhattan Public Library
October 9, 2023, 5:15 – 7:00 p.m.
The AAUW Branch meeting was held on October 9, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Manhattan Public Library in person, on Zoom, and by livestreaming on Facebook. At 5:15 p.m. attendees joined for a light supper of box lunches from Radina’s.
Meeting and Announcements
President Usha Reddi opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests. She invited those who are non-members to see Membership Chair Chris Herald to join AAUW. Usha reported on the October board meeting where the October 7, 2023, League of Women Voters candidate forum was announced. Board members Sujatha Prakash and Martha Mather volunteered and helped at the forum, and LWV members Cathy Hedge and Jean Lee were present at our meeting. The link to the complete recorded forum can be found on the KMAN website and Facebook Page. Usha encouraged members to prepare for voting in November using the links. She announced that palm cards are available with a list of AAUW programs and branch information. AAUW and LWV will join in marching in the KSU Homecoming Parade at 5:00 p.m. on October 27, handing out voting information and candy. Members who wish to participate should see Usha.
Usha introduced Martha Mather of Sigma Xi and also AAUW Grants and Fellowship Chair. She announced and invited all to attend the lecture on gender and equity in the sciences entitled “Changing the Climate in Science”. Professor Laurie McNeil of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, will speak at 9:00 a.m. in McVay Family Town Hall, Staley School of Leadership, on the KSU campus. In a 3:00 p.m. lecture in Cardwell Hall, Dr. McNeil will speak on the relationship of physics and music, and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. AAUW members will meet with Dr. McNeil to discuss ideas and solutions to encourage women to join the science and engineering fields. Usha noted Professor McNeil’s stance on gender and equity meshes with AAUW’s STEM priorities to encourage women in these scientific fields. We are happy to be a sponsor of these lectures.
Usha reminded members of our International Women’s Day dinner and panel next spring; she will apply for grants from K-State’s International Student Center and AAUW National to support the event. She will also present on this event at the Regional AAUW Conference on October 19, 2023, in St. Louis. The branch treasury has about $9,000 in funds which will mainly be used for scholarships.
The November branch meeting will meet at the regular time of 7:00 p.m. after the 6:00 p.m. supper. Current state legislators will introduce themselves, answer questions from AAUW, and learn of AAUW priorities and missions. Tresa Landis will preside at the panel. Guests introduced themselves: Christina Bridges Hamilton, Jackie Spears, Laura Miller, and Maureen Olewnik.
Program
Dede Brokesh introduced the evening’s speaker, Candice McIntosh, the Executive Director of Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills. Her strong sense of values has come from being a military “brat”, embracing new cultures and adapting to new life situations. Drawn to Girls on the Run by her desire to help girls discover their full potential, much of her work has focused on developing and expanding the program to make lifelong changes in the girls she serves. Through her work she wants to make it possible for girls to recognize the vast inner power they possess to build rich lives with unlimited possibilities. The program gives girls the support and resources they need to control their own lives and to develop their potential. Girls on the Run serves all races, abilities, religions, families, stories, backgrounds; all are welcome.
Before the program began, Candice asked members to complete a poem just as the young girls in the program do, called “I Am From”. Those who read their poems revealed a bit about their younger lives. Some phrases from the poems: “I am from clam chowder and a grandpa who told me, “Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something because you’re a girl,” and “I am from no athletics and someone telling me, ‘Go get ‘em!’” I am from, “You ask too many questions.” Candice asked about similarities in each poem which included the positive—family support, and the negative—rejections and name-calling.
Girls on the Run program will help to ensure that the girls will grow up to be empowered and successful women; all that they gain in the program will feed directly into their grown-up lives. This is possible because of volunteer coaches. “It takes one adult—one—to change the course of the life of a child.” This is stressed in the training, along with learning to look beneath the surface to the true aspects of the child. Coaches have both online and in-person trauma-sensitive training to make sure they deliver the program as it is intentionally designed and for all abilities of movement. Girls on the Run is not a simple after-school program. It is research-based, and 97% of girls say they learned critical life skills that they use at home and at school. These skills are the ability to resolve conflicts, to make intentional decisions, to manage their emotions, and to help others. The organization has strengthened their structure, their board, and their finances, resulting in strong program impact. The membership of the board and the coaches all reflect the diverse community in which we live, which is an encouragement and empowerment to the girls who see women in power who look like they do.
Girls on the Run’s mission is to inspire girls to be healthy, joyful, and confident using a fun, experienced-based curriculum which integrates running. Running is the tool used to encourage girls to talk about the social and emotional parts of their lives. While the girls are training and running with their coaches, they problem solve scenarios focused on teaching them to manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, help others, and to make intentional decisions.
Girls on the Run programs are in grades three to eight, 10-weeks before and after school and in the middle school, grades six to eight, called Heart and Soul. In the summer they conduct a week-long Camp GOTR to give girls an idea of the program. The program started in three schools and has grown to 10 communities in the area with 58 volunteers and 226 girls. The charge for each girl is $150.00. Scholarships and sliding income scales provide opportunities for many participants.
To run a 5K is the final event of the program. Many participants have never had experience in setting the goal, working toward the goal, achieving the goal, and feeling the sense of empowerment that is the result of the process. This year’s 5K will be December 3rd at the KSU Office Park with underserved girls from the Topeka group joining. Girls on the Run is inviting women’s groups to have a booth at the event; Candice said the science and engineering group will have a booth.
At the end of the program and meeting, Usha and Mary Stamey presented Candice with the book, Rebel Girls Champions, Tales of 25 Unstoppable Athletes, which will be given to the library in honor of Girls on the Run and her program.
The meeting adjourned.
Next month’s branch meeting will be at Manhattan Public Library on November 13, 2023, 6:00 p.m. for optional supper and 7:00 p.m. for the in-person and Zoom meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Paula Ripple
Board Secretary
AAUW Branch Meeting Minutes
Manhattan Public Library
September 11, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The AAUW Branch meeting was held on September 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Public Library in person and by Zoom. Attendees enjoyed a box meal from Radina’s Bakehouse. The meeting began early due to overbooking of the room. President Usha Reddi opened with announcements and the introduction of the guest speakers, Robbin Cole and Elaine Johannes.
Meeting and Announcements
President Usha Reddi welcomed members and guests. Nancy Sebelius was a guest of Paula Ripple.
September is the beginning of the new program year. Branch Board Members for the 2023-2024 program year are:
Elected Officers
President – Usha Reddi
President-Elect – Open
Past President – Marlene VerBrugge
Program Vice Presidents – Susanne Siepl – Coates, Dede Brokesh, & Lynn Ewanow (2022-2024)
Membership Vice President – Chris Herald (2020-2024)
Secretary, Board Meetings – Paula Ripple (2023-2024)
Secretary, Branch Meetings – Karen Penner (2023-2024)
Finance – Sujatha Prakash (2023-2024)
Directors-at-large – Mary Stamey (2022-2023)
Appointed Officers
AAUW Funds – Connie Noble
Bylaws – Tresa Landis
Public Policy – Open
LWV Coordinator – Linda Uthoff
State Board Liaison – Tresa Landis
Web Coordinator – Barbara Gatewood
Yearbook – Marlene VerBrugge and Dede Brokesh
Branch Scholarships Claudia Jones and Tresa Landis
National Fellowships and Grants – Martha Mather
STEM Coordinator – Chris Herald
History/Archives – Claudia Jones
University Partnership – Patricia Hudgins and Janet Carlson
Usha noted the need for a new President-elect as Anisah Ari has a new position in Wichita at the Kansas Leadership Center.
The Board approved the new budget of $7,275. One change is an increase from $1,070 to $2,000 for our International Women’s Day event. We will work with the KSU multicultural center for new grants for the $2,000. In addition, we have allocated $400 for all speaker meals and $400 for travel to conferences. Usha will use $200 to attend the AAUW Regional Conference in St. Louis. She will self-fund additional expenses.
Our new National Fellowships and Grants chair will be Martha Mather. There are a variety of funds available with an application deadline of November 15. Members were encouraged to reach out to friends and colleagues to find people to apply.
Usha complimented the program committee for an excellent job of arranging programs for the year. A program list was distributed, and a palm card will soon be available.
The League of Women Voters has a Candidate Forum set for October 7 at the Manhattan Public Library: 1:00-3:00 is the City Commission Forum; 3:30-5:30, Board of Education Forum. Members were urged to stay engaged and make a plan to vote. These are important elections in our community.
Dede Brokesh shared that her granddaughter attended the STEM Program this past summer and really enjoyed participating. As our branch had no STEM applicants this past year, we are donating a science book to each elementary school on behalf of AAUW. The books elevate women and girls in the sciences.
Program
Co-VP of Programs Dede Brokesh introduced Robbin Cole and Elaine Johannes to present “Behavioral Health. Resources for Women”. The informative talks focused on community mental health, suicide, and loneliness.
Robbin Cole is the CEO of Pawnee Mental Health Services, reaching 10 counties and serving 7,000 clients annually. However, services are vastly under – resourced to meet current needs.
Kansas is rated 51st in the nation in terms of overall mental health, as determined by Mental Health America. The ranking takes into account youth with substance disorders, adults with any mental illness, and adults with serious thoughts of suicide.
In 2021 the Kansas Legislature passed the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) model into law. CCBHCs are a federal Medicaid model that integrates physical and mental health models. Pawnee Mental Health was provisionally certified as a CCBHC on July 1 and will work toward full certification by January 1, 2025. All Kansas Community Mental Health Centers are moving toward certification. CCBHCs will provide nine core services:
Screening, assessment, and diagnosis
Primary care screening and monitoring
Crisis care mental health services
Patient-centered treatment planning
Outpatient mental health and substance use services
Targeted case management
Psychiatric rehabilitation services
Peer support, counseling, and family support services
Veteran services
A new benefit is that the model will pay Kansas community mental health centers on a cost basis, based on the actual cost of services to meet the needs of the community, rather than Kansas Medicaid rates which are twenty years old and do not meet the costs incurred today.
The State will also use funds allocated through SPARKS, federally funded and state administered pandemic- related dollars, to open a new state mental health hospital in Wichita. The hospital will create 50 adult inpatient psychiatric beds. And, the state also allocated funds for a new psychiatric hospital in Olathe, which will create 48 youth and 24 adult psychiatric beds.
There is increased demand for mental health services in part, due to the pandemic, but also to increased numbers of people retiring from these professions. Recently, there was a mental health summit comprised of 42 people involved in health and wellness in Manhattan, to identify unmet needs and possible solutions. Similarly, on Tuesday October 10 the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition and the Riley County Health Department will hold two sessions on assessing local mental health systems. There are two sessions, from 10:00- noon and from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Go to the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition or the Riley County Health Department website to register by October 4.
Elaine Johannes is the Kansas Health Foundation Distinguished Professor and also a KSU Extension Specialist in Youth Development in the School of Family Studies and Human Services.
Elaine’s presentation focused on suicide prevention and how we belong. A report on the status of women in Kansas noted that women undergo a lot of stress. There are multiple sources of stress including work stress, family stress, lost jobs due to the pandemic and the rise of living alone. Many women whose jobs were eliminated during the pandemic have not returned to work. There is low employment of women, and there are few who are self-employed. Many are also caring for infants. An alert from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment noted the high suicide attempt rate for women ages 19-44 based on hospital emergency room admissions.
An Interpersonal Theory of Suicide highlights loneliness, being a burden to family or workplace, having the capacity to kill oneself, and the belief that it is a logical response to one’s situation. These factors combined may lead one to attempt suicide. Loneliness is an epidemic in the United States according to the Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy. Our relationships are important to both our physical and mental health.
A solution to loneliness is to find ways for people to be engaged in community. A 2018 Civic Health Index shows that volunteering is increasing in the country. The Kansa Health Foundation 2014 report noted that being part of a community and civic engagement improves health.
Elaine noted that there is federal infrastructure money that can be used to create various places that will bring people together. “Before you have places of belonging, you must feel you belong”. We can create more places that bring people together to enhance feelings of belonging. Social networks are valuable. Strong ties such as close friends and family are obvious, but even weak ties with casual acquaintances are helpful. And, we can learn to belong. Connections can be made through appearing friendly, questioning and learning something new, and finding joy in the novelty of meeting people. Organizations such as AAUW can contribute to our sense of belonging.
These presentations were informative and of personal interest to our members.
The next branch meeting will be October 9 at the Manhattan Public Library at 5:15 p.m. and on Zoom. Candace McIntosh, Executive Director of Girls on the Run will talk about “Building Unlimited Possibilities for Girls”.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Penner
AAUW Branch Meeting Secretary
Attachment: Powerpoint slides of Elaine Johannes’s presentation.
