American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 500 college/university institution partners.

For 130 years, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in all aspects of our work.

AAUW’s Mission
AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

AAUW’s Value Promise
By joining AAUW, you belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance.

AAUW’s Diversity Statement
In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or class.

Medina County Branch

Nearly 50 years ago, our branch was founded by a group of women dedicated to declaring their common interests in encouraging educational activities, cultural activities and personal growth. They were leaders in our community and instrumental in developing long-standing institutions in Medina County, including the Medina Arts Council, the Women of Distinction Awards, home tours, candidates’ nights, a scholarship fund for non-traditional women students, an annual used book sale, and the Sister-to-Sister Conference for Girls.

The branch offers opportunities to come together monthly to experience programs on topics of interest from NASA space shuttle projects to storytelling, human trafficking awareness to following a student as she re-traced the original “Freedom Ride” of 1961 through the south. We have active interest groups that discuss pertinent books, visit area museums, exhibits and attractions, and screen current films.

Browse our site and find out how you can be a part of our active organization!

BOOK SALE 2013:

The 20th Annual Used Book Sale is now in progress!

Tues., April 16, from 6-8 p.m.: Members’ Appreciation Night, with refreshments, presentation of awards for Re-Purposing Book Contest, preview time for first look at the several thousand books in our 2013 collection. Perspective members may join this evening for a one-time special of 1/2 off national dues.

We can be found at 139 West Liberty Street–in uptown Medina–inside the entrance to the lobby of the Medina Community Theater, formerly the old Medina Theater. Public parking is available next door in the lot adjacent to Scully’s; however, Medina City is doing some construction in that parking lot, so space is currently limited, We suggest shoppers park in the public lot across Liberty Street. Hours will be 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. closing on Saturday.

Members are called upon to help by moving books from storage to site, sorting and setting up, working during sales hours and take down. This project depends upon all of our members working to support in whatever way they can. Our single large fundraising event will provide for scholarships for non-traditional women students, BeWISE camperships, and other educational projects.

Contact Pat Chaloupek or Cindy Weisheit for more information on the sale or to make arrangements for pick up of large quantities of books. See Book Sale page.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:

Applications are now CLOSED for the Medina County Branch scholarships for this year. Two $1000 awards are given annually to non-traditional woman students who are attending an accredited college or university. A “non-traditional” student is a woman who is returning to college to finish an undergraduate degree, or a woman who has delayed entering college for several years after completing high school or earning a GED. More information on our scholarship page. Winners will be announced in May.

ALSO:

AAUW Medina County is holding a “Re-Purposing Books” Contest in conjunction with its annual Used Book Sale (April 17-20) . Cash prizes to be awarded. Entries will be on display at the Book Sale site. The contest is now CLOSED. poster for contest.

Arts & Excursions:

Stay tuned for announcements about new opportunities in April and beyond. See Cultural Interest tab in  PROGRAMS/PROJECTS for details and reservation information on recommended events. (ORMACO concert and Mighty Wurlitzer Radio Hour).

APRIL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: There is NO meeting this month as we will be expending our efforts on the Annual Used Book Sale!

MAY MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

The Annual Meeting and Dinner will be held Thursday, May 23, at the Jilbert Winery, Columbia Rd., Valley City. Social hour and wine tasting at 6 p.m.; buffet dinner at 7. More information to follow.

Women’s History Month

Take this quiz, in honor of Women’s History Month and our recent branch visit to the National First Ladies Library and the Ida Saxton McKinley House in Canton, OH. See:  first ladies quiz. See quiz answers on Cultural Interest tab, under PROGRAMS/ PROJECTS.

This year’s national theme was “Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination:  Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics”.  Our speaker at the March branch meeting gave testimony to this theme.

Here are some web sites to inspire you:

The Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame at http://jfs.ohio.gov/women
Established in 1978, this is a public recognition of the many outstanding contributions Ohio women have made to their state and nation.  You can search by name or area of expertise and read a concise biography of each inductee.  A good place to start would be Mary A. Regula, who was instrumental in founding the First Ladies National Historic Site and Library in Canton.

www.womeninscience.org is the web site for WAMC – Northeast Public Radio.  Listen to stories about fascinating women working and learning in the STEM fields.

www.nwhp.org/ is the site for the National Women’s History Project, founded in 1980.  This is another excellent activity for women of all ages.  By clicking on the Resource Center link at the top of the page, you can take a variety of quizzes on topics such as “Women in Math and Science,” “Test Your Women’s I.Q.” and “African-American Women’s History 40-Question Challenge.”

Recent Events:

Connect to our new page, SISTER-TO-SISTER, for a summary and photos from this year’s event held on March 10.

March Membership Meeting

Our program featured Rachel Wilkins Patel, founder of HER Ideas In Motion, http://www.herideasinmotion.com, a mentorship program for girls in technology and media arts. Patel, a user interface developer, and her associate Maya Lindenmuth discussed why it is important to stimulate interest in technology and the creative process in young women. The theme for the meeting was the “T” part of STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Karen Sands, who chaired this session, addressed the over-all importance of STEM careers for women.

February Black History Month Program

AAUW and the Second Baptist Church of Medina collaborated to present the 11th Annual Black History Month Program, “Lift Up Your Voice.” The program spotlighted Langston Hughes, Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan, Carl Stokes, local advocate Wilda A. Howard and a special address by the Rev. Cornell Carter, pastor of the church. Guests filled the sanctuary to enjoy music by the combined choir and children’s bell ringing ensemble. A spirit of fellowship prevailed as we enjoyed refreshments and took in the extensive exhibit of photos and clippings of outstanding African-Americans from all walks of life.

January Membership Meeting

Varied interests and special talents of a number of our members were highlighted at the January branch meeting held on January 24. Featured were antique collecting, re-purposing old books, a creative collection of hand made soaps, hand creams and lip balms, memorabilia from the Downton Abbey era, watercolors, photos and cards, and items made from alpaca wool.

December Diversity Luncheon

The branch holiday diversity luncheon was held December 8 at the home of Cindy Weisheit, Medina. This is a time that we traditionally celebrate our diverse heritage with members bringing in favorite ethnic foods — appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts– to share.

Beth Lawton, co-program vice president, organized a “musical potpourri” with Theresa Laffey giving us stories behind some popular holiday songs and Betty Lynham leading us in a sing-along. Last year’s BeWISE campers and their parents were special guests at the luncheon. The young women related some of their experiences and hands-on activities from the math and science camp they attended last June.

Agent of Change Awards Luncheon – November, 2012

Dianne DePasquale-Hagerty, Executive Director of Medina Creative Housing, received the 2012  AAUW Agent of Change Award at a recognition luncheon on November 15 at Rustic Hills Country Club, Medina.

Keynote speaker for the event was the Hon. Alice Bachelder, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit.

DePasquale-Hagerty became Executive Director of Medina Creative Housing in 2003; since then, she has not only changed public awareness of people with disabilities, she has also changed those who have disabilities by giving them hope, opportunities and independence.

The non-profit Medina Creative Housing recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a dedication of its newest garden-style apartments designed for people with disabilities. In the past five years, this Agent of Change has enabled the organization to receive more than $4 million in grants to expand housing and services.

DePasquale-Hagerty was nominated by Beth Lawton and Virginia Jeandrevin.

The Agent of Change Award is given every two years to a member of the Medina County community  who has worked for the betterment of women and/or children.