We are starting a new year with AAUW-MN! There a few changes to our communication too.
- The Pine will be sent on September 10 (fall), December 10 (winter), March 10 (spring), and June 10(summer) and will primarily provide information specifically around the state board communications to the overall state membership.
- AAUW-MN Website will provide a place to find information for key national updates, grants, awards, and conventions along with general information about the state board positions and responsibilities (coming January 2021).
- The AAUW-MN Facebook page will provide timely updates and emphasis on branch information that has been submitted to share with our state membership, along with notifications to check the website.
Mary Ann Lucas Houx, AAUW MN State President
Our families, friends, community and our country has been impacted by a health and economic crisis and normal seems illusive. Planning, with all its uncertainties, will challenge our creativity as we face each new development along the way. AAUW members are part of a community that know the importance of working together and supporting each other. This is our strength in any crisis, including our current pandemic.
On the branch level, it is important to maintain contact with each other so that there are no isolated members. Many socialization opportunities we have had in the past need to be changed. This is where creative ideas will replace or modify activities and where sharing is an important way in which we will support each other. Technology has greatly assisted in the planning of virtual activities, everything from virtual socials, virtual focus groups, and virtual fundraisers. The Board would like to hear from the small groups who have been meeting outdoors to do the planning. How do some branches that do not use technology meet the challenges of meetings and activities? Using our web site, we hope all of our branches will share what they are doing to move forward and support each other. The State Board members will be in contact with the Branches so we can gather information to share with the membership and further identify Branch needs.
In the words of Kimberly Churches, CEO of AAUW, “AAUW has always used our collective influence to fight for economic justice from grassroots to national and international fields. But never has our work been as badly needed as it is right now. So my promise to you is that, when things settle finally settle down, we will be on the front lines of the coming battle to ensure equity and economic security for all.”
Please do not take unnecessary risks. Be safe and healthy and together we will complete 2020 and move into 2021 with new skills and a sense of greater support for one and other.
VP, Public Policy - Jan Carey
“If you have a fairly hard shell like a turtle, controlled blood pressure, firm values, a proclivity for research and the stomach for a little political schmoozing, then Public Policy has a place for you.” [Jan Carey] That statement is an exaggeration. But there is some truth in it. My values, especially those of equity and advocacy for women, have not wavered in my lifetime. My career as an academic librarian is proof I enjoy scholarly research. As a somewhat social butterfly, I enjoy attending political events and forums. For these personal reasons, I accepted the position of VP Public Policy for AAUW MN.
I have a creative side. I’ve worked to develop new ways to communicate public policy initiatives. The challenge is bringing branches into that realm and to motivate branches to create public policy initiatives that focus attention to the advocacy work of AAUW.
When my term ends, I will continue to promote AAUW and advocate for the fine arts. As a soprano in three choral ensembles, a watercolorist, jewelry creator, and crafter, I’ll try to soften that turtle shell and control my BP while finding a little time for political schmoozing.
VP, Funds - Anne Johnson
Anne currently serves on the national AAUW Nominating Committee. She has been the Minnesota State AAUW College/University Representative since 2017. Anne has served on the AAUW state Nominating Committee. She is on the Board of Directors for Neighbors, Inc. in South St. Paul, MN, and the Instructional Technology Council, a professional Council based in Washington D.C. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, running, yoga, pilates, and reading.
"I am excited to be the Vice President of Funds as I believe this will allow me to share some of my strengths to further advance the mission of AAUW," said Anne.
College/University Representative - Anna Voight
Anna Voight serves as the Associate Director of Student Life at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC), and has worked at the college in various roles since 2011. She received an AAS degree in Executive Assistant from DCTC, a BAS degree in Management from Southwest Minnesota State University, and an MA in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s University.
Anna has served as a mentor and role model for students supporting their personal and professional growth. She believes every student crosses her path for a reason and strives to have a positive impact on the lives of each one.
In her new role with AAUW, Anna is looking forward to collaborating with colleges and universities to provide women opportunities to develop their leadership skills and recognize the innate strengths women bring to the workplace.
A native of Farmington, MN, Anna now resides in Apple Valley, MN. In her free time, she enjoys studying leadership, psychology, and continuous improvement; learning new things; spending time with her nieces and nephews.