Fund facts from AAUW
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Vol. 6, Issue 2 |
| Chair’s Chat |
| “One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.” These words by Helen Keller always make me think of AAUW and how often we’ve been able to soar. I recently got a peek at the minutes taken at the first AAUW general meeting, held in 1882. They were handwritten — nicely, too — and went on for pages. I was moved. Here were 65 college graduates from eight colleges and universities meeting together in Boston to start something new. They felt injustice in their world and wanted to make changes — to soar to new heights of equality. Thus began the journey we continue today, 130 years later.
In honor of this great anniversary, on January 14, 2012, 130 U.S. flags were flown over the U.S. Capitol thanks to Sen. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). I loved this idea and requested one of those historic flags for our AAUW of Missouri state convention this spring. What a thrill it was to see our past state presidents carry the flag into the room. We pledged to it, we sang to it, and we took the moment into our hearts. Our spirits soared, and we felt connected. It is amazing what one special flag can do. I’m delighted to have requests from several AAUW of Missouri branches to use the flag during the coming year. If your state would like one of these historic flags, contact AAUW Director of Development Laura McCulty Stepp at steppl@aauw.org. Let your members share in our history, too. Another great way to support AAUW is to give a testimonial about how our organization has helped you. In 1882, the AAUW secretary could only take handwritten notes, but in 2012, you can take advantage of technology and go to the GreatNonprofits website to share your story. This website provides important data and stories for donors and the world to see about nonprofits they are interested in supporting. Through the end of October is GreatNonprofits’ social justice campaign, and AAUW will be one of the featured organizations. We need you, our members, to contribute testimonials about your great work with AAUW and what AAUW has done for you. Don’t be shy. Let your voices soar! Keep the 130 years of tradition going. As you read on, you’ll see we have many exciting ideas and events to share. I’m especially looking forward to the Lilly Ledbetter book, Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond, which AAUW is giving as a thank-you gift to donors who give at least $130, a nod to our anniversary. Additionally, our beautiful AAUW note cards are out — many thanks to our AAUW artists — and we have some profitable fundraising ideas to share. Finally, it is with particular pride that I thank the top 10 branches and states for their exceptional fundraising efforts in 2011. These AAUW members certainly did not creep when they could have soared. Great job, everyone! I hope you enjoyed your summer and be ready to continue the journey as we get soaring again in the fall. Diane B. Ludwig, CFRE, Chair |
