Club News, The Manhattan Mercury
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, May 8, 2023
The AAUW Manhattan Branch celebrated its 2022-2023 program year on May 8 at La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant. President Usha Reddi opened the meeting and introduced the newly elected officers: Anisah Ari, President Elect and Sujatha Prakash, Treasurer. Dede Brokesh, Susanne Siepl-Coates, and Lynn Ewanow will serve another term as Co-Vice Presidents of Programs. Chris Herald will continue as Vice President of Membership.
Usha announced that the branch had an incredible year. Membership increased from 52 to 62. The Co-VPs of Programs did an outstanding job of organizing programs aligned with AAUW’s priorities. The meetings (hybrid format) were held at the public library. Three successful panels were held, e.g., the International Women’s Day (IWD) panel with 100+people in attendance; a legislative panel of local, state, and federal leaders to share AAUW’s focus; and a panel of current athletes and administrators discussing Title IX’s 50-year impact on women’s sports.
The branch participated in numerous events, including two co-sponsored with the League of Women Voters, e.g., the Homecoming Parade to encourage voter participation and a program on school vouchers. The branch had good visibility in the community with talks on KMAN, two city IWD proclamations, and photographs and Club News minutes in The Manhattan Mercury.
Several programs were given on diversity, including talks on True Colors Flint Hills; photographer Barrett’s work on “A Women’s Worth,” and Being Indigenous in the Now. Barbara Gatewood was thanked for her work on social media that helped promote the branch. Usha shared photos that appeared in the Snap Shots section of The Manhattan Mercury.
Branch members Tresa Landis, Usha Reddi, and Marlene VerBrugge helped organize a successful AAUW State National Conference in Manhattan on April 22. The theme, Being Native – Being Kansas, featured speakers Melinda Williamson and Audrey Swartz. We received an AAUW Star Branch Awards, based on the Kansas Star Branch Report submitted by Usha. The treasurer’s report was reviewed. How to utilize the surplus funds will be discussed at the retreat in August.
Usha recognized outstanding members. The President’s Award was given to Chris Herald for her outstanding work as VP of Membership and STEM Coordinator and to Kathleen Jones for her stellar job as treasurer. Marlene VerBrugge received the Outstanding Branch Member Award. She provided guidance as past president, managed emails, and assisted with meetings.
Usha welcomed feedback and suggestions on 2023-2024 meetings. Members liked the current location, boxed meals, hybrid format, and programs on IWD and the legislative panel. Suggestions included a program on the Riley County Food and Farm Council and reviewing AAUW’s public policy priorities.
For more information visit https://manhattan-ks.aauw.net. AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Membership is open to anyone who holds an associate degree or the equivalent or a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. K-State (an AAUW member school) students may join nationally for free. Visit www.aauw.org and search e-student.
Printed in Club News, The Manhattan Mercury, June 2023.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, April 10, 2023
The AAUW Manhattan Branch meeting was held on April 10 at the Manhattan Public Library. Attendees enjoyed a meal, followed by announcements by President Usha Reddi on upcoming programs co-sponsored by AAUW: LWV talk by Dr. Katie Allen on “School Vouchers” on April 11 and a Sigma Xi lecture by Dr. Jeffrey Toney on “Why Science Matters” on April 12. Co-VP of Programs Lynn Ewanow highlighted the program’s focus on Title IX and introduced the panel of five extraordinary K-State administrators and student athletes.Jill Shields, program moderator, named most valuable basketball player at University of Central Florida and former women’s collegiate basketball coach, is currently K-State’s deputy athletics director. Ayoka Lee is one of the most accomplished athletes in K-State women’s basketball history (2021-22 First Team All-American and holds the world scoring record in NCAA women’s basketball). Dr. Amy Garman, was a 12-time All-American cross country and track and field at K-State and is currently an accounting professor. Kristin Waller is a four-year letter winner for K-State’s women’s basketball, four-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team Selection and is currently senior associate athletic director for the Evans Student-Athlete Success Program. Mary Stamey was a member of K-State’s first intercollegiate women’s basketball team; taught, coached, and served as principal at several Manhattan elementary and middle schools and is a former AAUW president.
Jill opened the panel discussion by stating 2022 was an exciting year for Title IX with many 50th anniversary celebrations across athletics, including K-State’s “If Not for Them” night, recognizing the history of women’s basketball. She then directed questions to the panelists on the impact of this landmark legislation in unlocking women’s access to educational and athletic opportunities.
Mary was asked to describe what it was like playing on K-State’s first women’s basketball team. Many of her teammates were first timers, and it was exciting to play basketball. She saw Title IX’s impact across curricula and in the community, even though the benefits of women’s sports were often questioned.
Jill commented that over 65% of HS girls with 4.0> have played on sports team, and asked Amy how sports guided her career. Playing sports develops tenacity and resiliency. Ayoka discussed the implications of the NCAA ruling on student athletes’ ability to use their brand to make money. Kristin discussed what is done in the Athletics Department to ensure compliance with Title IX. They make sure the access to equipment, travel, tutors, training facilities, office space, etc. is similar for women’s and men’s programs, plus have a Title IX review every four years.
The challenges in women sports were discussed, even though the number of women participating in college team sports has risen from 30,000 in the 70’s to 216,000. Pay inequities and press coverage are major issues and have an impact on how women athletes are perceived. Low salaries impede many women athletes from playing professionally.
Lynn Ewanow announced that the book I Am a Promise will be donated to the library in honor of the panelists. The last branch meeting for 2022-23 is May 8 and a retreat will be held in August. For more information visit https://manhattan-ks.aauw.net/.
Printed in Club News, The Manhattan Mercury, April 29, 2023.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, March 8, 2023
The AAUW Manhattan branch hosted its 8th annual International Women’s Day celebration on March 8, 2023 at the Holiday Inn at the Campus. About 75 attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner, followed by a panel discussion by international women who spoke on experiences in their home countries and the U.S.
AAUW President and moderator Usha Reddi opened the forum by noting the significance of IWD, thanking the committee, and introducing the panelists. IWD is a global day honoring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The 2023 IWD theme is Embrace Equity. The IWD panelists were: Sediqa Nazari (Afghanistan) who immigrated with help from the U.S. Army. She is an interpreter for the Konza Prairie Community Health Center and plans to study nursing. Maria Iquierdo (Mexico) grew up in Lenexa, KS and is a K-State senior in nutrition and health and president of K-State’s Hispanic American Leadership Organization. Lamya Abdullah Achelha (Morocco) joined her husband at K-State in 2019 and is now a M.S. candidate in mass communications. Dr. Antonina Broyaka (Ukraine) and children received refuge in Manhattan after the Russian invasion. She is currently a K-State extension associate in agricultural economics.
The panelists were asked questions on challenges in coming to the U.S., ease of integrating into the community, traditions still practiced, comparison of women’s situations here and in their homeland, and gender equity. Maria experienced difficulties as an undocumented migrant. Lamya left a successful career in Egypt but has continued her education with a new professional focus. Sediqa and Antonina described the challenges in coming to the U.S. Antonina left Ukraine with few resources and had difficulties in obtaining essential items, such as checking account, driver’s license, cellphones, health insurance, etc.
The panelists enjoy cooking homeland foods and observing cultural traditions and holidays. Sediqa and Lamya celebrate Ramadan, Maria observes Day of the Dead, and Antonina noted that similar U.S. holidays are celebrated in Ukraine.
Differences were expressed by the panelists on the status, freedoms, and opportunities for women in their home countries. Afghani women have few freedoms and educational/ professional opportunities. Latino women often seek higher education but struggle with the duality of machismo in a matriarchal society. Women in Ukraine and Morocco have many of the same opportunities as men, but gender courtesies are still practiced. A K-State Iranian student gave an emotional impromptu account of the discrimination, oppressive theocracy, and violence against women and girls in her country.
Usha thanked the panelists and sponsors: Dow Center for Multicultural and Community Studies, K-State Libraries, and English Language Program, Office of International Programs. She stressed the importance of hearing the stories of international women to help break through stereotypes and misconceptions. A Tyranny of Petticoats: 15 Stories of Belles, Bank Robbers & Other Badass Girls will be given to the Manhattan Public Library on behalf of the panelists.
The April 10 branch meeting will be held at the Manhattan Public Library at 6 p.m. A K-State Women’s Athletics Panel will discuss Title IX 50th Anniversary (visit https://manhattan-ks.aauw.net/).
Printed in Club News, The Manhattan Mercury, April 1. 2023.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, February 13, 2023
The AAUW Manhattan Branch met on February 13, 2023 at the Manhattan Public Library, at 6 p.m. with welcoming remarks by President Usha Reddi. Co-VP of Programs Susanne Siepl-Coates introduced speakers Jayme Morris-Hardeman and Katie Curtis-Baker who gave an inspiring presentation on the history, goals, and aspirations of True Colors (TC).
Jayme is the founder and Board President of TC, a non-profit organization that provides services, advocacy, and education in support of middle and high school LGBTQ youth. She envisioned having a place for queer and trans youth and converted her rental house into a center, opening its doors as a drop-in center on July 1, 2022. Executive Director Katie strives to make TC a place where youth can find resources, mental health services, and a safe space to be their authentic selves.
Twenty percent of the youth ages 13 to 18 identify as LBGTQ. They are often bullied at school, feel unsafe, have higher rates of truancy and suicide, lower GPAs, and don’t have safe places to be themselves. Jayme administered a GSA (Genders and Sexualities Alliance) survey at local schools and found what LGBTQ youth wanted most were mental health services, a safe and affirming place, and a clothing closet. Katie described the facility. The house contains a central living area and LBGTQ library, an art room, and a clothing closet. They also provide mental health and gender care referrals, trained staff and volunteers, and meals. On average they serve 19 youths daily but can accommodate 30. TC sponsored events include online fundraising auctions and donation requests for meals, art supplies, and clothing (visit www.truecolorsfh.com/about-us).
In the Q&A session, topics covered included hours open, gender care counseling, and future goals. A copy of The Passing Playbook will be donated to the Manhattan Public Library in honor of Jayme and Katie.
The AAUW Branch will host its 8th annual International Women’s Day event (open to the public) on March 8 at the Holiday Inn at the Campus at 6 p.m. dinner and 7 p.m. public form (free). The IWD 2023 theme is Embrace Equity. Panelist are Sediqa Nazari (Afghanistan), Maria Izquierdo (Mexico), Lamya Abdullah Achelha (Morocco), and Antonina Broyaka (Ukraine). RSVP by March 1 to manhattanksaauw@gmail.com. IWD Proclamations will be read at the USD383 meeting on March 1 and the City Commission meeting on March 7. A KMAN In Focus interview will be aired on March 6 at 9:30 a.m.
State Liaison Tresa Landis reported that the AAUW State Conference will be held on April 22, 2023 in Manhattan. Applications are due March 20 for the AAUW Manhattan Branch Scholarships (4) through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation for non-traditional women students attending K-State (2023-2024). Visit: manhattan-ks.aauw.net/scholarships/applications/).
Susanne announced the April 10th branch meeting will be held at the Manhattan Public Library at 6 p.m. A KSU Women’s Athletics Panel will talk on “Title IX 50th Anniversary.” For more information visit: https://manhattan-ks.aauw.net/.
Printed in Club News, The Manhattan Mercury, February _____, 2023.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, January 9, 2023
The AAUW Manhattan Branch met on January 9, 2023 at the Manhattan Public Library at 6:00 p.m. with 40 attendees. President Usha Reddi opened the meeting with introductions of in-person and on-line guests. The meeting provided an opportunity to meet legislators; share information on AAUW, and foster communications. Kansas House Rep. Mike Dodson, Dist. 67 and Rep. Kenny Titus, Dist. 51; and US Senator Roger Marshall’s staff member Abbi Rankin attended and provided introductions and acknowledged AAUW’s important work.
Mike Dodson encouraged visiting www.kslegislature.org to learn more the Kansas legislature, committees, and meetings. He stressed getting involved and making your voice heard on issues you feel strongly about. He serves on four committees, including Veterans & Military and Elections. Kenny Titus holds degrees from K-State and a JD from KU School of Law and has been in public service for about 10 years. He serves on the Water, Judiciary, and Corrections and Juvenile Justice committees. Abbi Rankin, staff, US Senator Marshall’s Salina Office, stated she was interested in sharing information about AAUW. The Senator’s Office can help with federal agencies, immigration, Visa problems, etc.
Tresa Landis, AAUW State Board Liaison, gave an outstanding presentation on AAUW’s history, mission, values, focus, and priorities. AAUW was founded in 1881 by a small group of female college graduates who banded together to promote higher education and career advancement for women. It was one of the first organized efforts to enhance opportunities for women. AAUW launched an enduring fellowship program for women, has facilitated ground-breaking research, supports scholars, advocates for countless laws, and provides numerous programs and resources (e.g., salary negotiation workshop and campus leadership conference).
The AAUW Manhattan Branch was established in 1920. We currently have monthly programs, provide K-State scholarships for non-traditional students and STEM scholarships for 7th grade girls, and host an annual International Women’s Day event on March 8.
AAUW’s Mission is to advance gender equity and economic security for women and girls. It is guided by four key foundation values: Intersectional, Inclusive, Inter-generational, and Empowering. We focus on economic security for women by promoting equal pay/opportunity, education through funding and prompting higher-paying fields, and advocating for laws and policies that enable women’s success.
Tresa discussed how AAUW’s Public Policy Priorities are developed and guide our advocacy efforts, noting that understanding equity requires a balance between the rights of the individual and the needs of the community. AAUW opposes all forms of discrimination and supports constitutional protection for the civil rights of all individuals. Key priorities are removing bias from education, fighting for fair pay and economic equity, and advancing women in leadership to increase representation at upper levels and attain greater compensation.
Past President Marlene VerBrugge announced that the book D is for Democracy: A Citizen’s Alphabet will be donated to the library in honor of the political officials participating in the program. The next branch meeting is on February 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the public library. Kristi Curtis-Baker and Jayme Morris-Hardeman will present a program on The Formation and Role of True Colors. For more information visit https://manhattan-ks.aauw.net/ or email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com.
Printed in Club News, The Manhattan Mercury, January 21, 2023.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, December 12, 2022
The AAUW Manhattan Branch meeting was held on Dec. 12 at La Fiesta. President Usha Reddi welcomed members and guests: Majka Jankowiak, Madison Johnson, Barbara Lutjemeier, Martha Mather, Maureen Olewnik, and Karen Penner.
Dede Brokesh introduced speaker Karla Hagemeister – the new Executive Director of the Flint Hills Breadbasket since March 2022. She previously served as a Victim/Witness Coordinator in the Riley County Attorney’s Office for 22 years and has been actively involved in numerous area nonprofits, e.g., Manhattan Day Care and Learning Center, Thrive, Crisis Center, and USD 383 Board of Education.
Karla’s director position at the Breadbasket has given her new challenges and opportunities to help those with food insecurities in our community. On April 27, Ned Seaton published an editorial in The Manhattan Mercury questioning a consultant’s estimate of 21,239 residents in Riley County may struggle with food insecurities. After an insightful meeting with Karla, he published a second “mea culpa” editorial and other articles on the Breadbasket to increase community awareness.
Karla distributed Breadbasket information cards containing days/hours of operation (Mon.-Fri., 9-11:30 a.m. plus Tues. 4-6:30 p.m.), church pantry partners [Grace Baptist, First United Methodist, Seven Dolors, First Presbyterian, and Peace Lutheran], and requirements for receiving food. A pantry is open every day, except Saturday.
The Breadbasket has a unique 40-year history in Manhattan as a foundational social service agency, but changes were needed to meet the level of need. As of April 1, the income and work requirements for guests were eliminated. Riley County residents seeking food now complete a guest information form, documenting address and answering five simple questions about food insecurities. The Breadbasket serves all of Riley County, the Ogden Friendship House, and an increasing number of Spanish-speaking and Afghan families.
The Breadbasket warehouses and makes available donated and purchased food (e.g., dried foods, staples, frozen meats, and dairy items) to their guests and church pantries and is taking advantage of a greater number of resources, including Harvester’s and the Flint Hills Food Recovery program. A grant from the Memorial Hospital Foundation will provide menstrual products for 2-1/2 years, and a centralized hygiene closet is being developed.
Karla addressed questions on meeting the needs of the elderly/mobility impaired, collaboration with the K-State’s Cats’ Cupboard and other social service organizations, and supply challenges.
Guests can shop by proxy. Students and staff can access both the Breadbasket and Cats’ Cupboard. Pushing the boundaries has created temporary shortage, especially in the summer with fewer donations and increased need. To learn about ways to provide support (donating, volunteering, and checking the list of needed items) visit https://www.flinthillsbreadbasket.org/ Mary Stamey announced that the book Look Where We Live – A First Book of Community Building will be donated in Karla’s name to the public library.
The January 9 branch meeting will be at the Manhattan Public Library, 6:00 p.m. Public officials are being invited to attend to learn more about AAUW with a short presentation by members.
Printed in Club News, The Manhattan Mercury, December 31, 2022.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, November 26, 2022
The AAUW Manhattan Branch meeting was held on November 14 at the Manhattan Public Library. President Usha Reddi gave welcoming remarks and introduced guests and three new members. Speaker Doug Barrett, an internationally recognized photographer and cinematographer, was introduced by Co-VP of Programs Lynn Ewanow. Doug holds a master’s in Security Administration from Southwestern College, has served in law enforcement and the U.S. Army, and is owner of 400 North Creative in Manhattan.
Through visual storytelling and connections with his subjects, Doug documents social issues, marginalized humanity, and history where he finds deep relationships and conversations. His work is in the permanent collections of art at the Ulrich Museum and the Beach Museum of Art and has been featured in major publications and news venues. He serves on the Friends of the Beach Museum of Art Board, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, and Arts & Humanities Advisory Board, and is board VP for the New Territory Magazine and the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills.
His inspirational talk on “A Woman’s Worth” began with slides of his work showing the leading role of women in speaking out on social injustices. Photographs from his “2 Americas” mural project in Hale Library recounts racial injustices from MLK Jr. to the murders of Blacks by police and protests, including the local George Floyd demonstrations in 2020 where women were in the lead. In 2022 after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Kansas women again worked to secure a NO vote on the KS constitutional amendment.
In his narrative “A Woman’s Worth,” Doug addressed what and who defines a woman’s worth. Men or systems often tell a woman what she can or cannot do, say, or feel. Gender inequality is a major hindrance in the advancement of women. He encouraged women to not give up the fight and to have ambitions. You are defined by what you do next, not by what you left behind.
Doug recounted the Floyd protests and COVID pandemic in 2020 and his desire to cover what the world was seeing, what Blacks were experiencing, and what Kansas looked like. The Manhattan community demonstrated an ability to use our voices and have conversations about social issues. He shared his iconic image in Time Magazine (June 15, 2020) of Jason Allende, 13, with mother and siblings holding a simple sign “Stop the Hate” in a Junction City rally.
To foster change, we need to get into “good trouble” and be in decision-making positions. Doug closed by stating “A women’s worth is internally what makes who you are. The only way we can take things where they need to be is for women to step up and help dismantle the system.” Doug answered questions about his editorial work and the Cowboy project that revealed racial disparity in farming/ranching. Mary Stamey announced that the book Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution will be donated to the public library in his honor. For more information on Doug ‘s work, visit www.400northcreative.com.
AAUW received a grant for the International Women’s Day event on March 8, 2023. The next branch meeting will be held at La Fiesta on December 12. Director Karla Hagemeister will talk about the Flint Hills Breadbasket.
Printed in Club News, The Manhattan Mercury, November 26, 2022.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, October 10, 2022
The AAUW Manhattan Branch meeting was held on October 10, 2022 at the Manhattan Public Library with opening remarks by Marlene VerBrugge. Dede Brokesh introduced Audrey Swartz from the Miami Nation of Indiana who spoke on “Being Indigenous in the Now: How Modern Natives are Combating the Past Tense.” Earlier in the day, Audrey participated in K-State’s Indigenous Peoples Day Conference.
Audrey earned master’s degrees in history and library and information services from Bowling Green University and Wayne State University, respectively. She served as the Archives and Special Collections Processing Archivist at K-State’s Hale Library, has worked for indigenous representation across the country, was active in K-State’s Indigenous Faculty Staff Alliance, and contributed to the development of the University’s official land acknowledgment. She is currently Library Adult Services and Readers Advisory Librarian at the Manhattan Public Library and serves on the city’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Audrey shared her family heritage with the Miami Indian Nation and provided a historical tribal overview. She was influenced by her Indigenous relatives and strives to teach her children their heritage. In 1846, the Miami Indians were forcefully removed to reservation lands west of the Mississippi River, causing a split into the federally recognized Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, the unrecognized Miami Tribe of Indiana, and the now terminated Kansas tribe. Her great-great-grandparents were sent to White Boarding School in Peru, Indiana.
She discussed various initiatives to preserve Indigenous cultures. Language Reclamation programs, e.g., K-State’s Kaw Language Program, help preserve native languages. Land Acknowledgment statements recognize territories taken from Indigenous peoples, and the #LandBack focus on regaining stolen land. Mascot initiatives work on removing Indian school mascots that provoke racist stereotypes. Water Protectors seek to cut back on water waste and pollution.
Every Child Matters promotes the importance of all children, including the thousands forced to attend residential Indian schools. The graves of 8,221 Indigenous people have been found in the US and Canada. Today, 86% of Indigenous women are victims of domestic or sexual violence, and one-third of the girls are assaulted. Many Indigenous women and girls go missing with little concern. Indigenous books, media, and movies have become very popular. Audrey answered question related to dance styles, religious ideology, reparation, and tribal membership. K-State is working with the legislature to get instate tuition for Indigenous people who have a connection with Kansas. Mary Stamey announced that the book The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee, Life in Native America will be donated to the public library in Audrey’s honor.
Marlene VerBrugge announced that AAUW will participate in the Homecoming Parade on October 28. Linda Uthoff reported on the successful LWV Candidate Forum on October 9. The International Women’s Day Committee will start planning the March 8, 2023 program. Chris Herald reported three new members: Randi Dale, Sara Hillard and Judith Major. Guests present were Yvonne Grieger, Stephanie Johnson, and Jeannie Brown Leonard.
Photographer Doug Barrett will talk on “A Woman’s Worth” at the November 14 branch meeting at the Manhattan Public Library, 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://manhattan-ks.aauw.net/ or email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com.
Printed in Club News, The Manhattan Mercury, October 29, 2022.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, September 12, 2022
The AAUW Manhattan Branch meeting was held on September 12, 2022 at the Manhattan Public Library in-person (6:00 p.m.) and via Zoom (program at 6:40 p.m.) President Usha Reddi welcomed the 23 attendees, including five guests. A boxed meal was enjoyed prior to program.
Program Co-VP Susanne Siepl-Coates introduced speaker Dr. Regina Platt from Topeka. Dr. Platt is currently the Racial Justice Coordinator and Community Advocate with the YWCA Northeast Kansas. She was recently appointed World Civility Ambassador in Gary, Indiana and received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy by the United Graduate College and Seminary International. She is a trained restorative practitioner, mediator, motivational speaker, poet, published author, and life coach.
Her presentation began with a song honoring our ancestors because of their impact on us. She discussed how social conformity often makes us fell confined to roles. It’s important to pull up others by asking questions to make them feel important. Some systems need to be dismantled because they are not set up for us or serve society, e.g. gender and racial disparity related to professions, health care, and politics. Regina discussed how racial injustice came to the forefront during COVID. Many folks felt unloved, resulting in skyrocketing anxiety rates, drugs and alcohol use, domestic abuse, and violence.
Referred to as a “Stepologist,” Regina inspires individuals and communities to take the steps forward to make needed changes to achieve the desired outcomes. Don’t restrict your ability to change and grow because of fear, cultural norms, society, education, trauma, or COVID. Don’t be reluctant to take a step into a new business, retirement, etc. Her advice to help restore and unify the nation is to let all voices be heard. Chris Herald announced that the book The Library Bus by B. Rahman will be donated to the Manhattan Public Library in Regina’s honor.
Membership VP and STEM Coordinator Chris Herald gave a membership report. Progam Co-VP Dede Brokesh announced that the next branch meeting will be held on October 10, 2022 at the Manhattan Public Library, 6:00 p.m. Audrey Swartz, Indigenous Representative, Manhattan Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee will talk on “Being Indigenous in the Now: How Modern Natives are Combating the Past Tense.” The program committee has started planning for International Women’s Day on Match 8, 2023. If interested in serving on the committee, contact Usha. The programs committee is also working on a program palm card.
Usha announced that AAUW along with the League of Women Voters plan on participating in the K-State Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 28th. Everyone is welcome to join in. Treasurer Kathleen Jones said we are doing well financially. Usha asked everyone to send feedback about the dinner and meeting venue at the public library.
For more information about AAUW, visit www.manhattan-ks-aauw.net or email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com.