AAUW-OML


Our Mission-based Programs:

 
AAUW-OML

American Association of University Women
Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette Branch

Promoting Education and Equity for Women and Girls

OML Branch Highlights

Save the Date

May General MeetingConnections
What: Annual May Lucheon
When: Tuesday, May 15, at 11:15 a.m.
Where: Orinda Country Club
Reservations: Please fill out and return the Reservation Form by Friday, May 4.

We will be:

Successful 2012 Sister-to-Sister Summit!

There is a saying that "many hands make light work". We found this to be true at our April 28 Sister-to-Sister Summit when 70 girls broke into groups to complete 32 double-fleece blankets that will be sent to girls in Afghanistan. All the blankets were finished in 40 minutes! For many of the girls, it was their favorite part of the day, not just being able to sit with their friends and work with their hands (à la an old fashioned quilting bee), but knowing they were doing something that would help another girl who has never experienced the privileges East Bay girls can take for granted. The blankets will be delivered to Trust in Education of Lafayette for shipment in June. Thanks to the donors for making the blanket project possible through their generous donations.

The summit is the culmination of eight months of preparation and training with a select group of 39 capable and energetic high school girls. Trainers Valarie Burgess and Laura Wittenberg, MFT, feel it is very important to make it possible for girls to see their ideas manifest in a cooperative and respectful environment. Through sharing their ideas, working in committees, making presentations to get "buy-in" from the whole group as well as carrying out responsibilities, girls gain confidence in their decision-making and leadership ability.

All of the girls did a superb job of organizing and directing the events of the day, which included speakers, ceremonies, group games, and small discussion groups plus two separate panels where they answered questions about relationships and life in high school. They created an energetic and positive atmosphere for the middle school girls to share their stories as well as to have a great time.

Three girls from Las Lomas will be graduating this year who each completed three years in Sister-to-Sister. Looking back over their time with S2S they acknowledge a gain in self-confidence, a valuing of sisterhood, and the ability to speak up for themselves and others. Over 1500 girls have shared AAUW-OML's S2S experience in the thirteen years it has been running.

This program is made possible through your generous donations as well as support from Lafayette Juniors and Kiwanis of Moraga Valley. Members who share our care and concern about girls are invited to get involved in the monthly trainings. Contact us to discuss how you might participate.

East Bay and Beyond Branch Highlights

Half-day Walking Tour of Downtown "Green" Berkeley
Wednesday, May 30th, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. $30 per person.

Sponsored by the West Contra Costa County branch of the AAUW. They will visit 5-6 sites in downtown Berkeley such as:

Tour includes guide and hosts at the selected sites. Meet at the Berkeley BART Station. Optional lunch follows. The reservation form and payment must be received by April 28.

AAUW-OML

Our branch serves Orinda, Moraga, and Lafayette, small California towns nestled in rolling hills about 15 miles east of San Francisco. We have much to offer our members, including activities, events, interest groups, and educational opportunities.

The American Association of University Women is a national organization that advances equity for women through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. AAUW has more than 100,000 members in 1300 branches across the United States and 550 college/university members. It lobbies and advocates for education and equity for women and girls. Our commitment to these issues is reflected by the AAUW public policy program.