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 Winter 2023 Marylander is here!
Included in this issue:
- A report from the AAUW-Maryland ERA Task Force Chair
- AAUW Maryland Priorities for ’23-’24
- Save the date for the AAUW Maryland 2024 Spring Convention
- Nominations are open for election of State Officers
- AAUW MD events coming up in Jan. and Feb. 2024
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!
- AAUW MD Advocacy Training Workshop, Tuesday, January 9, 7:30 PM on Zoom. To attend, contact roxann.king1@gmail.com
- AAUW Maryland Winter Board Meeting via Zoom on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 from 1:00-3:30 PM
- AAUW Maryland 2024 Annual Convention on April 20, 2024 in Rockville.
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!
2023 Legislative Agenda
Our 2023 Legislative Agenda is now available. Click here to learn about the bills we support this Legislative Session.
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.