On November 4, twenty (20) AAUW State and Branch Leaders met to discuss how we regain a Mission oriented momentum. Seven Branches were represented by their Presidents, VPs of Programs, Public Policy, and Membership. State Board members were also present.
Prior to the Visioning Session, the Board held their first in-person Board meeting since the beginning of COVID. It felt momentous and the energy was dynamic.
Becky Gunn
After a quick lunch, everyone gathered for an explanation of why the visioning session was necessary. President Becky Gunn noted that membership was down, it was difficult to fill leadership positions, and that we seem to be less issue/mission oriented than in the past. Breaking into small groups we discussed how AAUW had impacted, not only our lives, but women in general. We also spoke about what remained to be done.
Karen Ramos
Karen Ramos, Director of Communications, provided concrete examples of AAUW accomplishments.
The group then moved into an assessment of Mission based priorities that were relevant and impactful for Arizona. Using National’s list of “AAUW Biennial Action Priorities” consisting of three General Priorities with detailed issues for each of the three, small groups discussed which of the priorities Arizona AAUW should pursue this year. After input from each of the small groups, everyone had the opportunity to vote on which of the priorities we should adopt.
Facilitators: Ester Groves and Marie Garbe
Below is the list of priorities in not ‘fully formed’ verbiage. It was agreed that a more concrete formulation of the priorities along with talking points/action items will be generated by a Priorities Task Force. The Task Force will consist of Alice Buck, Karen Ramos, Sharon Phelps, Mary Humecke, and Becky Gunn. Priorities:
- Universal access to quality, affordable health care including self-determination of one’s reproductive health decisions.
- Adequate and equitable funding and access to quality public education, and opposition to the use of public funds for non-public elementary/secondary education.
- Programs that provide women with education, training, and support for success in the workforce including nontraditional occupations and women’s entrepreneurship.
It was agreed that the focus of Legislative Day (SAVE THE DATE) on February. 21, 2024 would be Priority 1.
We accomplished a great deal during the session – just figuring out priorities for the Arizona AAUW is phenomenal, but we were not able to clearly define next steps. We agreed that the Task Force would clarify the priorities and would provide the Branches with supporting information about the priorities. We then need to create concrete action plans so that these priorities can be impactful.
The general tenor of the meeting was one of “let’s do this” and everyone mentioned that they felt heard. It was a day of networking and a re-commitment to AAUW and its mission. We think we may do this type of event again . . . it was valuable on a personal level and on an organizational level.
Thanks go to the organizing group – Karen Ramos, Sharon Phelps, Jane Adrian, and Becky Gunn. We also thank our two Facilitators: Ester Groves and Marie Garbe. They truly facilitated a wonderful meeting.