THE BRANCH CONNECTOR
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
IOWA
December 2007
A monthly tool for Branch leaders to stay connected to other Iowa branches, their state officers and leaders, and their national officers and staff
Seasons Greetings!
This is the month!
The one in which all sorts of things come due! Christmas card lists! Gift shopping lists! Charitable contributions list! Taxes?! Final exams! Often, if not always, it is responsible women, like you, who are the do-ers in getting these lists done!
Here in Iowa we have added to the complications of a busy month with ice, snow, slippery roads, treacherous driving, and hazardous journeys to work, or to family, or to neighbors!
So-o-o, it is especially appropriate to send to each Iowa AAUW branch and its’ members a very special wish for happiness and joy in this month.
Recent announcements
There are several recent announcements which have come to Iowa from the Association staff. I have referred to them below and ask you to be especially attentive to them since they will directly impact your branch and records for it in the coming year. I will not repeat the whole announcement since it also went directly to an officer in your branch. However I do ask you to be complete ANY requests that have been made.
Branch verification process
Branch membership vice presidents and branch presidents received an email recently with links to the “member center” on the web site and directions for how to verify the number of members in your branch and the names of those members. Last year there were a few Iowa branches that got “lost”, that is branches whose data was lost from AAUW records due to the lack of verification. Please do follow through with this announcement. The deadline is January 10, 2008. Here is the substance of the announcement:
“With the majority of membership dues now received and processed, we need to enlist your help in verifying the accuracy of records as we prepare for the annual February 1 count (membership count for fiscal year 08. This year we are asking branches to use the Member Services Database (MSB) if you have never used the MSD, you will need to REGISTER first. Unlike accessing the Member Center which requires only your member ID this area also requires a password to gain access. Please register to create your password. Go to www.aauw.org. and follow the directions provided there.”
In addition, complete directions for how to register were contained in this announcement sent to branch presidents, membership vice presidents, and treasurers.
(You will want to examine your branch roster and determine those persons who are missing or who should be removed.) You will want to choose your branch finance officer (treasurer) as the person who is authorized to perform record updates. If you have questions contact Christy Jones, Director Membership. 202-785-7747 or email jonec@aauw.org
New Executive Director selected
On November 19th, Ruth Sweetser, Association President, announced that Linda D.Hallman had been selected as the new Executive Director for the AAUW. Her appointment is effective January 7, 2008.
New Appointment; Executive Assistant Boards Liaison Staff
Roberta Travis has been appointed to this position. Her role will be to staff the boards of directors and to be the point of contact person for regional directors and state presidents. Email is travisr@aauw.org. Telephone is 202-785-7710. Sounds like this is our “go-to” person.
IN – OUR-STATE news!
Annual Conference
Plans are progressing smoothly for the coming annual conference, April 11 and 12, 2008 to be held on the Simpson College campus.
I can’t tell you about all the good speakers who will be there but here are a few “teasers”!
Nancy Rustad, immediate past Association President, has consented to act as the leader for our Leadership workshop on Friday afternoon. You won’t want to miss this important, interesting and exciting workshop which will feature the latest updates from the Association as well as practical tips about leading effectively locally.
Friday night, April 11th, there will be a panel discussion, focusing on the “Ages and Stages”, through which women journey and the choices they make in this journey! Well known television commentator, MaryBrubaker, will moderate the panel.
Focus Groups continue to pick up energy and enthusiasm!
Three branches have conducted focus group discussions in this month. Given the bad weather, don’t you think they should get an extra round of applause? They are Cedar Falls, Keokuk and Waterloo.
January will see discussions going on in the following branches; Clinton, Des Moines, Webster City and Algona. So far, the feedback has been favorable, indicating that such discussions are proving to be helpful. If you have questions, contact me at janetheinicke@earthlink.net.
State Board Meets in Johnston on Saturday January 12
Members of the Board of Directors will for a” mostly” all day meeting in Johnston at the Public Library. This is the meeting at which finalized conference plans are presented, committee reports are heard from nominating and public policy committees. As always, you input is welcomed.
Have a happy new year and best wishes!
Janet Heinicke
State President,
Iowa AAUW 2006-08