As President Obama gets ready to sign the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act today, we thought to take a moment and honor National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2009), signed into existence in 1974 by President Richard Nixon and re-proclaimed by every president since then.
A standing ovation goes to our very own AAUW members, volunteers through and through. We salute our branch, state, and national leaders; our Lobby Corp members, who visit Congress every Thursday it is in session (and have for decades); our AAUW members across the country who are acting as liaisons for the National Girls Collaborative Project; those who fundraise so tirelessly on behalf of our Fellowship and Grant programs; and all members who take time from their busy lives to spread the word about our mission.
Let me start the “shout out to our peeps,” as today’s younger members would say. There are so many I’d like to praise, but as director of membership, I have one in particular I’d like to celebrate — a member who puts in hundreds of hours of her own time on our behalf, who takes to heart the “help others” motto of volunteers, and who always remains positive and cheerful no matter the challenge. Here’s to you, Ann Gustafson, our very own AAUW membership committee chair!
Do you have a special AAUW member you would like to honor?
What a wonderful opportunity to recognize past state presidents who continue to build a legacy of leadership. Betsy McDowell, AAUW of Oregon Immediate Past President in 2006, was invaluable to me as incoming president. The hard copy records, the electronic records, the 1-1 orientation and the ongoing phone calls (Help!) provided continuing excellence to the state leadership team.
As the position of state president grew on me, I had occasions to connect with the rich insights of other past state presidents. Thank you for listening and leading Judy, Marilyn, Margaret, Claudia, Joanne, Kappy, Margene, Linda, Alice, Gloria, and Gayle.
Thank you all for taking a moment and honoring the AAUW members who impacted your lives. Please spread the word and encourage others to do the same, I know there are many out there deserving this special recognition. And give yourselves a well deserved round of applause, I think our members are the best
This was a fantastic idea by Christy to begin a thread on “Honoring AAUW Members.” I too have worked with Ann Gustafson and consider her a wonderful AAUW leader and enjoy working with her on the Membership Committee. However, I would like to also recognize two other women who, have personally brought me into the 21st century through their knowledge of the use of technology, Mary Ruck and Nancy Shoemaker. Their form of AAUW volunteerism has transended into the vocational level of committment to AAUW but still as volunteers. My addiction is membership and they both have patiently worked with me as I have bounced ideas off both of them over the past two years on ways to use technology for the purpose of increasing the visiablity and marketing of AAUW for the purpose of increasing membership in TX and nationally. The possibilitys through technology is amazing and most likely the future of AAUW. So thank you Nancy and Mary for our multiple presences on Facebook, and other social networking sites.
Gerry Linton and Diane Boyce, both of the St. Augustine Branch, deserve recognition. Gerry is one of the most creative persons I have ever met. She is truly an idea person as well as a tireless worker. Diane takes on all jobs that need doing! She is a long time member of AAUW, in other states as well as Florida and at branch and state levels. She is organized and can do anything!
I want to thank our American Fellowship and International Fellowship Panel members. They spend countless hours pouring over applications and in deliberations selecting our future Fellows. Despite teaching duties and course loads and incredibly busy lives they volunteer their time to ensure we have a selection of brilliant women leaders as Fellows every year.
On a personal note, they have inspired me to continue to pursue my academic goals and interests despite the barriers I face.
Thank you Panel members!
Thank you Christy and Anne for your kind words. It is not difficult to volunteer for an organization like AAUW whose mission and issues speak to me on a personal level. The bonus has been all the phenomenal individuals I have gotten to know through AAUW. One of my role models and mentors was Della Wendt. Her encouragement and wisdom were constants that impacted everyone who knew her. She was still going strong when she died at age 100, but her legacy lives on.
Caroline Pickens and Coco Siewert are my personal heroes for their tireless work on AAUW’s bylaws and processes. Their mastery of every detail, vast stores of institutional knowledge, and good humor are an inspiration to all.
I was not able to join AAUW, but my daughter is a member. I am proud to see a group of women take her under their wing in share their wisdom and mentoring skills. I was particularly impressed with Augustine Pounds, who was a former LAF President and chaired the National Conference of College Women Student Leaders.
Thank you Augustine and AAUW
I would like to recognize Pam Collins. She has been a long-time leader in AAUW and proponent of leadership development. I remember all of the wonderful leadership tools that were developed and still exist today under Pam’s leadership.
Kudos Pam!
Ann Gustafson is not only a model of a great volunteer but she is alsoa mentor and believer in other women’s abilities. As state president of Wisconsin AAUW, Ann encouraged me, asked me to be on her board and the rest is history, as they say. I will be nominated soon to be president-elect of AAUW-WI but without Ann’s guidance and support, I would never have even begun the journey to that office. Thanks, Ann!