AAUW advocates for the passage and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to guarantee equality, individual rights, and social justice for a diverse and inclusive society.
AAUW Maryland is a membership community changing the climate for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. AAUW Maryland has 12 branches throughout the state and a Maryland online community.
The Spring 2024 Marylander is here!
Included in this issue:
- Save the Date for the AAUW-MD Summer Meeting in Baltimore
- Register for the 2024 AAUW Maryland Spring Convention
- Election of State Officers at 2024 Convention Annual Meeting
- Required Changes to the AAUW Maryland & Branch Bylaws
- A message from President Tracy Lantz
- Honor Dian Belanger and Support Leadership Training
- …and more!
Register for the 2024 AAUW Maryland Annual Convention and Annual Meeting!
Join us at the AAUW Maryland 2024 Spring Convention on April 20 to explore key public policies and voting issues as we gear up for the 2024 election cycle. Understanding the state-wide landscape is crucial, empowering us to provide accurate information to family and friends for the upcoming elections. Learn more and register!
Announcing the AAUW Maryland 2024 Woman of Distinction
Congratulations to Dian Belanger, who has been selected to be AAUW Maryland’s 2024 Woman of Distinction! Dian will be honored in Spring 2024 at AAUW’s National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL). AAUW Maryland’s goal is to donate $20,000 to be recognized as a platinum sponsor of the Women of Distinction capstone event at NCCWSL.
We need your help to meet the $20,000 target and to show broad support for this effort. Individual donations of any amount are welcome, and we also encourage each branch to donate! Learn more.
Save the Date!
- April 20th: AAUW MD Spring Convention
- July 20th : AAUW MD Summer Conference in Baltimore City
- September 27th-29th : AAUW Atlantic Regional Conference in Glen Allen, VA
Artists4ERA event was a success!
The week-long Artists4ERA exhibit and March 4 reception at the Baltimore County Arts Guild Clubhouse in Catonsville, MD, highlighted the continuing need to add the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Working with VoteEquality.us, a national organization whose mission is to advocate for the ERA to be certified by the National Archivist, AAUW MD, and three local branches, along with other community organizations, hosted the event.
On March 4, speakers reviewed the history of, and next steps for, moving the ERA forward. The program also included two panel discussions on gender equality. The first featured female students of high school and college age and one recent college graduate. These panelists spoke about challenges they faced due to their gender, as well as their achievements leading and serving in socially active groups. The second panel consisted of three professional women who shared how they overcame career experiences dealing with sexual harassment, unequal pay, and discrimination.
The reception included a silent auction of 14 posters created by various artists as well as a raffle for the chance to win an original art piece by San Francisco artist Chuck Sperry. Despite the wet and rainy evening, over 130 people attended. The silent auction raised $1,800, and the raffle generated over $800, with total donations to Vote Equality of over $3,300!
Free salary negotiation training: Work Smart Online
Work Smart Online is a free salary negotiation course to help women better their financial future. This easy, engaging e-tool will teach you to:
• Learn the market value of your skills and experience
• Determine an equitable “target salary”
• Ask for—and get—the pay you deserve
Here’s the best part: The program works! In surveys with our participants, nearly all reported having more confidence and improved negotiating skills after taking the class. After attending a Work Smart program, nearly half of the participants were able to negotiate for a raise, promotion, or higher-paying job.