October 2024 “Current” Newsletter
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE:
Call to Action: Women, It’s Time to Vote
by Lema Kabashi, Branch President
As president of the La Crosse branch of the AAUW and a newly naturalized American citizen, I am especially excited to cast my first vote and urge our members, along with women across the country, to exercise their right to vote in this and every election. Our right to vote was hard-earned, and now, more than ever, we must use it to ensure the issues impacting women’s lives are addressed. Voting isn’t just a privilege—it’s our responsibility. The ballot is our voice, and when women vote, we shape the policies that affect our health, our families, and our future.
The right to vote wasn’t simply handed to women. It took decades of activism, sacrifice, and perseverance before the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920. But even now, over 100 years later, our work isn’t finished. There are still powerful forces working to limit women’s rights, and we cannot let their efforts go unchallenged. Every time we cast a ballot, we honor the suffragists who fought tirelessly to secure our place in the political process. As AAUW members, we have a legacy of advocating for equity, and voting is the most direct way to continue that fight.
Today, women’s reproductive rights are under unprecedented attack. The right to make decisions about our own bodies, a fundamental freedom, is in jeopardy. With the reversal of Roe v.Wade, the fight for bodily autonomy has shifted to the state level, and voting in local and state elections has never been more crucial. By voting, we have the power to elect officials who will protect our access to healthcare, including birth control and safe, legal abortion. This is not just a political issue— it’s a personal one for every woman.
Voting is about more than just reproductive rights; it’s about our economic future and access to quality healthcare. Women are still facing wage inequality, with women of color suffering the most significant pay gaps. Affordable childcare, paid family leave, and equal opportunities in the workplace are on the line in every election. By voting, we can elect leaders who will prioritize policies that benefit women and families. Let’s make sure the next generation inherits a society where gender equality isn’t just a dream, but a reality.
Representation matters—now more than ever. We know that when women are at the table, the conversation changes. But despite our progress, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions, both in government and in business. Electing women to office is one of the most direct ways to ensure our voices are heard. This election is a chance to support candidates who understand the challenges women face—because they’ve lived them. We need women in positions of power who will advocate for policies that support gender equity, and the only way to get them there is by showing up at the polls.
The future of women’s rights is at stake, and your vote is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect it. As the president of AAUW La Crosse and a first-time voter, I cannot emphasize enough how crucial this election is. I urge each and every one of you to take action. Talk to your friends, your daughters, your coworkers, and encourage them to vote. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our rights are preserved. Let’s show up, vote, and shape the future for ourselves and for the generations of women to come. This is our moment— let’s seize it!
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September 2024 “Current” Newsletter
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE:
A Message from the New President
by Lema Kabashi, Branch President
I am excited and honored to introduce myself as the new president of the
La Crosse branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). With a deep commitment to gender equity and economic security, I am eager to lead our branch toward achieving our shared goals. For over a century, the AAUW has been a powerful advocate for women’s rights and economic opportunities. Despite significant progress, the fight for equality continues, as women still earn only 83 cents for every dollar paid to men, and men dominate the top roles and highest-paying professions. Our mission remains critical: to dismantle the barriers and biases that stand in the way of gender equity.
As your new president, I have several key goals for our La Crosse branch:
- Expand Community Outreach:I aim to strengthen our connections with local organizations, businesses, and community members to foster a supportive network for women seeking economic and professional advancement.
- Enhance Member Engagement:By providing more opportunities for involvement, including workshops, networking events, and leadership training, I hope to empower our AAUW members to take active roles in advocating for gender equity.
- Increase Advocacy Efforts:
I am committed to intensifying our efforts to advocate for policies and laws at the federal, state, and local levels that promote gender equity and eliminate discrimination. This includes working closely with policymakers and community leaders to drive systemic change.
- Promote Intersectionality and Inclusivity:
Emphasizing the importance of an intersectional approach, I plan to ensure that our initiatives are inclusive and address the diverse experiences and challenges faced by all women.
I am deeply passionate about championing women’s rights and economic security, and I believe that together, we can create a more just and equitable society where all women have the opportunity to succeed. I invite you to join me in our ongoing efforts to achieve gender equity and economic security for all women.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to working with you.
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Summer 2024 “Current” Newsletter
ART FAIR CHAIR PERSPECTIVE:
66TH Art Fair on the Green
by Carol Robertson, Art Fair Chair
It’s that time of the year!
AAUW Art Fair on the Green will be held Saturday, July 27th, 10:00am-5:00pm at the Viterbo University Courtyard. There is no admission fee, but we will have donation boxes throughout the art fair. This event raises the money we award for Grants and Scholarships. And as we heard at the Scholarship Brunch, recipients are grateful for what we are able to give them.
The Art Fair Committee has been working on the arrangements for the past few months. We have 14 new artists and will have 65-70 returning artists.
As you are aware, it takes many volunteers to assist on the day before the art fair and the day of the fair with set up, putting signs up, directing artists as they arrive for set up, greeters, raffle ticket sellers, booth sitters, and finishing up the day with takedown at 5:00. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered in past years! Marla French is in charge of volunteers and you can read her article with details about volunteering in the column to the left.
Thanks to all those who have volunteered to put out yard signs and for those who distribute them. If interested in a yard sign, contact:
Cindy Mischnick. See page 2 for more info on that.
If you are not able to volunteer, you can still participate by contributing to the scholarship fund. The form to make a donation is attached to this newsletter email. The art fair is the main source of income to support the scholarships we give each year.
This event is a great place to find the unusual gift as well as to buy original artwork for your own enjoyment.
Please check out the list of scholarship and grant recipients for this year on page 5. These scholarships are made possible by your dedication and hard work on AAUW Art Fair on the Green.
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May 2024 “Current” Newsletter
PRESIDENTS’S PERSPECTIVE:
Being a Possibilist!
by Andrea Hansen, Branch President
Hope is not what we find in evidence, it is what we become in action. Frances Moore Lappé.
Are you an optimist or pessimist? Each day, I find reasons for both, not only in my private life, but in the local, national and global news of the day.
This spring, I found cause for optimism with the dramatic increase of media attention to women’s college basketball. Athleticism, drama, and sheer joy were on full display, drawing me in with millions of others. The viewer statistics provided even more reasons to celebrate.
The viewership of 19 million for the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball championship game between IA and SC bested not only that of the NCAA men’s championship by millions,
but also the final game of the NBA, the 2023 World Series, and even approached the number (22.3 mil) of U.S. viewers of 2022 World Cup view! My answer to the either/or: We’ve arrived. It is getting better! I must be an Optimist!
For the first time ever, I tuned into the WNBA draft to find out what happens next for these elite athletes. I found this: The rookie salary for the WNBA top picks in the draft is $76,500/year. Even the #1 WNBA pick Caitlin Clark will earn this. By contrast, $10.1 million will likely go to the #1 pick of the NBA. Even NBA mascots can earn $650,000/yr! Pay gaps have consequences. WNBA star Brittney Griner was detained in Russia for 10 months last year. Griner, who earns $150,000 a season after 11 years, explains, “The whole reasons a lot of
us go over to Russia is the pay gap.” (Source: Fortune article by Sasha Rogelberg, 4/16/24). Dig deeper and you will find revenue differences don’t fully explain the gap. My answer to the either/ or: It always works this way… I’m clearly a confirmed Pessimist.
Leaving the world of elite athletes and billionaire owners, I offer an experience closer to home, family, and work. I subscribe to some great online news and analysis sources. The 19th News is one. A 4/16/24 article by Chabeli Carrazana evoked a quiet “hallelujah” when I read the headline, “It’s official: Your boss has to give you time off to recover from childbirth or get an abortion.” The subheading provided more detail, “New regulations under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will give millions of workers, many of them low-income women of color, access to unpaid leave for the first time.”
This is when my “hallelujah moment” broke. I didn’t need to read further. The subtitlesaiditall: Unpaidleave. Entrenchedracismandsexism. Gendered low-wage work. In 2024, we are marking this as a “first”?!? But I did read further and a statistic broke my heart: “One in four mothers returned to work within two weeks of giving birth, before the PWFA.” Pessimism didn’t enter into the vocabulary of what I felt and what I understood. Other feelings surfaced: a righteous indignation, anger and a deep sadness over the struggle to provide and care for oneself, our loved ones, and our community.
“I am neither an optimist or pessimist. I am a dyed-in-the-wool possibilist,” says Frances Moore Lappé. I like this word. Being a possibilist suggests open and creative ways of seeing and being in the world. What I’ve learned in my 2 years as branch president, our Branch is full of possibilists. One wouldn’t be a member of AAUW if you didn’t think a fairer and freer world was possible. “Hope is what we become in action.” Lappé says. Taking action together goes a long way to heal broken hallelujahs and hearts.
https://www.smallplanet.org/
“We hear,“We’rejustadropinthebucket,andthatismeaningless.” Butwesay,“Nowaita minute. Ifyouhaveabucket,thoseraindropsfillitupveryfast. Beingadropinthebucketis magnificent. Theproblemiswecannotseethebucket. Ourworkishelpingpeopleseethere isabucket. There are all these people all over the word who are creating this bucket of hope. And so our drops are incredibly significant.” Frances Moore Lappé.
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April 2024 “Current” Newsletter
GUEST PERSPECTIVE:
REFLECTIONS OF WORKING TOGETHER: CIVILITY AND WHY VOTING MATTERS.
by Diana Elena Moran Sanchez Thundercloud, Public Policy Chair
We are in critical times for our AAUW members to reflect on civility in working together regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion at the branch, state, and national level.
While attending an AAUW online seminar this past month on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the national level, what truly struck me was the many viewpoints that were shared by individuals. In these times of tense political climate– emotions are often invoked. During the online seminar, a few women gave personal “testimonials.” (I have shared my own “testimonial” below.) Difficult conversations regarding “diversity of ideas”is a hallmark of growth in our advocacy as AAUW members.
After the webinar–I thought about these issues:
How we may discuss the VOTE about membership—the possibility of opening membership to individuals without college degrees? What does it mean to be civil? Do we support an atmosphere to agree to disagree too? How do we support or discuss “diversity of ideas”? How do we handle conflict in discussions? Can we work through difficult conversations as AAUW members too? Are we civil to each other? A good place to begin is through reflection and dialogue.
My own “testimonial” about the college degree requirement: I would like to share my thoughts on the voting of opening membership to all women and men without college degrees.
* NOTE: AAUW will be holding a VOTE regarding opening membership for individuals without college degrees.
The voice of women must be inclusive and diverse. The barriers for education within society are historic. We cannot work for empowering women when we do not allow ALL women– to
the table! Men also can join AAUW. We should welcome all to AAUW— regardless of college degree. The work of empowering women and girls must be inclusive.
We all have reasons why we joined AAUW. I can only share with you, my reason.I know our work through AAUW is important and to work together is critical.
The history of the United States was influenced by various oppressive laws, policies, and practices that impacted women of color and the right to entrances into educational institutions. Women and women of color were many times not treated equally. The road to enter a college and graduate is another story. Representation matters. The deep well of racism in the United States has impacted and hindered education for many for generations. Education is still denied for many.
In the United States, our institutions of K-12 education and higher education were not built on equity. They were not built on foundations of diversity, equity, or inclusion. The topic of social class is important. For many women it may take generations to pull out of intergenerational poverty. What I have learned through my Public Policy work is that women of color in the USA have the highest rates of student loan debt. It is crushing debt. When a person grows up in poverty, they experience the world differently.
I am the first generation to go to college. I also know that my mother’s second grade education (rural Mexico) would prevent her from joining AAUW today. She had to go to work in the agricultural fields as a young girl due to poverty. She does not have a college degree. She is one of the smartest women that I know. I ask myself—would my Mexican mother have access to this organization? We must open membership to all.
Native Americans are one percent of those graduating college at this time in Wisconsin. Latinas earn some of the most unequal amounts of pay for work in USA society. We have some of the highest levels of poverty and violence against us as women and girls. It is not an even playing field in society. Many disparities create the ability to obtain a college degree elusive. We cannot ask for college requirements when the empowerment of women and girls through educational systems was NOT equal historically. Everyone must have a “seat at the table” for that transformational change.
I found out that only 25 percent of our members vote within AAUW. This vote on opening membership to all women regardless of college degrees is critical.
Voting will take place online starting April 3. AAUW is utilizing an independent, third-party voting system for this year’s vote. Most members will receive emails from vote@simplyvoting.com with their unique Elector ID and Password to vote. Please make sure this address is in your contacts so the email doesn’t go to your junk folder.
Voting will close on Wednesday, May 15 at 11:00 pm CT.
If the amendment passes, changes to the bylaws take place immediately.
I encourage everyone to vote.
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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE:
Working Together
by Andrea Hansen, Branch President
February 2024, from “The Current”
“AAUW believes that high-quality public education is the foundation of a democratic society and the key to improving economic prosperity and gender equality.” fromPublicPolicy 2023-25 AAUW Public Policy Priorities. https://www.aauw.org/resources/policy/aauw-public-policy-priorities/
My modest daily diet of political news and analysis continues to be an unsettling experience. Is that true for you? Here’s a sampling of my recent reads.
New stories included these WI stories: 6 of the 14 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced this January focused on our schools, tax-paid vouchers for private schools, and passage of a “parents’ rights” bill in the Assembly. In Florida, a school district is prepared to ban 1600 books, including dictionaries, encyclopedias, and “The Guinness Book of World Records.”
Sometimes, folks send me links to research and videos. A recent Ted Talk featured Diane Greene Foster, a UC-SF demographer and her landmark “Turn-Away Study.” The 10-year study followed 1000 women who sought abortion care. The study compared the health and well-being of women who received the abortion they sought with the women who were denied abortion services.
The findings didn’t support the speculations that are used to justify public policy and restrictions. A finding that crushed me: Educational aspirations and attainment were negatively affected, of the parents who were denied health services, and their children. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-FTI14OVrg
These days, I find myself thinking about Greg Wegner’s 2019-2020 presentation to our Branch. A retired UWL history professor, Greg’s PhD research centered on the propaganda machine of the Third Reich and, specifically the targeting of school children and curriculum materials. It was a terrifying lesson in how quickly and systematically democracy can be un-done. Control of education was the key to shaping perceptions, creating scapegoats, othering and dehumanizing people, and minimizing dissent. I use this lens in understanding the current attacks on our education system. Dr. Wegner’s research came to mind as I watched “Israelism,” the new documentary from two American Jewish students. The filmmakers describe their experiences and distress of learning the full history of the creation of Israel and the removal of Palestinians. They give voice to the difficult questions surfacing about what they were taught about Israel and the government/military’s brutal system Palestinians are forced to live under.
How do you practice hope and refresh your spirit community in such a time? One simple response is this: I include regular visits to the AAUW website, not only as a source of information, but also for support and encouragement. I see a clarity of focus on education, work, opportunity and equity. AAUW’s research, position papers, and information highlighted validate and inform my concerns, and it’s easy to share with others. Most immediately, I am reminded that I am/we are part of the significant work done by AAUW and so many other organizations. Together ,we do work that matters. This is what democracy looks like.
Working together builds hope and lifts spirits. The nominating committee will begin looking to fill the open Board positions soon. Please think about saying YES when contacted!
Defend Institutions.
“It is institutions that help us to preserve decency. They need our help as well… Institutions do not protect themselves. They fall one after the other unless each is defended from the beginning. So choose an institution you care about… and take its side.” from On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, Timothy Snyder, 2017.
“When we all help each other out, when we stand together, we are stronger together.”
– Hillary Clinton
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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE:
A Hopeful New Year
by Andrea Hansen, AAUW Branch President
January 2024, from “The Current”
We are halfway through our 2023-24 program year and the mid-semester questions to my WGS100 students surfaced for me.
What do I know now that I didn’t know before?
What do I want to explore further?
What do I want to always remember?
Taking a moment to reflect on the knowledge gained, questions raised, and particularly meaningful experiences can equip us for what comes next. 2024will be a tough political year with a high stake presidential election in the U.S. and in many other countries. Defining what matters, affirming what we’ve learned, and celebrating accomplishments and gifts shared can help ground and center us. Here are my answers. I’d love to hear yours.
What I know now:
I know about the incidence of anti- HMoob violence and the biases in reporting (Sept), the labor involved in creating and promoting standards and evaluations of learning (Nov), and how learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion comes when we engage in unlearning what we’ve internalize about ourselves and others, as individuals and as a society (Dec).
What I want to explore further:
There is such expertise present in our membership and at work in our committees, programming and projects. I want to learn more about who’s here: your hopes and dreams, experiences and talents, interests and passions. Our recent BOD Work Session opened with: “Tell us something most people (here) don’t know about you.”
What I want to always remember:
Our December meeting stands out for me. The “Mix-It-Up” seating was a stroke of genius which also required some risk and openness. Judging from the buzz, folks embraced the opportunity and new conversations happened. Our common commitment to building education equity for women and girls brings us together. It is the strength of our relationships and the sense that our individual stories, interests and talents matter that make us effective, now and for the future. Plus – it was a lot of fun!
At the end of the program, Silvana read the letter she received from WI Speaker of the Assembly Robin Vos. This, too, took some courage and willingness to be vulnerable. Speaker Vos presented his rationale for holding funding from the UW-System until diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are defunded. As she read this long letter, it was obvious that feelings of indignation were spreading through out the room. Silvana then shared what it meant to her, as an educator, community member and citizen, to read opinions from this powerful man dismissing the work she does and the commitments she holds. As the meeting ended, the conversations did not. Committee chairs and individuals were beginning to formulate their next actions and strategies for this moment and the coming year. At this writing, the AIA Committee has met and plans are being made.
One thing more I want to remember for 2024:
The AAUW-La Crosse Branch has more than 100 years of experience of advocating for equitable and inclusive education and opportunities. This is what we do. It
is our shared expertise and continuous learning that make us effective. With 22 branches in Wisconsin and over 1000 local branches nationally, AAUW was made for times like this.
Have a Hopeful New Year!
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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE:
Stepping Up
by Andrea Hansen, AAUW Branch President
December 2023, from “The Current”
Here’s the short story of how I became the AAUW-La Crosse Branch president: Someone asked me. I said yes.
On one level, any story of stepping up is essentially that simple. Being asked is the most common reason for volunteer involvements, as I understand. I think my quick “yes” surprised the Branch’s nomination committee. In sharing these reflections, as unremarkable as they are, I want to encourage you to say “yes” when your AAUW colleague asks you to join a committee or help with a project.
At the point of the ask, I hadn’t been long a member nor had I been active in committees. In my position as SSP director, I had partnered with AAUW for three WINGS programs, an AAUW La Crosse community program for women interested in going to school. I also knew how to apply for SSP grants and encouraged SSP students to apply for scholarships. I didn’t know much beyond these activities. I certainly didn’t know how things were done in AAUW. I did know that things got done.
A year as President-elect was helpful in filling in some gaps. I showed up more regularly for our Saturday meetings. I stepped up my involvement at AIA committee meetings. My understanding and appreciation of our Branch’s mission, work and reach grew. My anxiety about taking on an expanded leadership role did, as well. This wasn’t “the best time” in my life to add anything to my very full plate.
Getting to know our members helped quiet some of my fears. Our membership represents a wide range of skills and experiences that contribute to the success of our projects. We have creative and productive committees. It appears that that most members have stepped
up to serve on committees and hold leadership positions at some point or another, too. I count at least 11 past presidents from the past 20 years currently involved in AAUW-La Crosse.
The many generous and kind promises of assistance and support took care of the remaining anxieties. Despite their work demands and caregiving responsibilities, health concerns, moves and other uncertainties, I saw individual members hold space for AAUW and leadership roles. They gave me the confidence to move forward, that I could ask for help and help would appear. That was the clincher! Maybe the key is saying “yes” first when it comes to stepping forward with AAUW. You may find your anxieties and fears being addressed and lessened, too.
We all know that there is never the “best time” for community care work, and especially work centered on equity and fairness. The hard edges of life and the inadequacies of our systems, can extract a price for many who step into the difficult work of making change.
What I know to be true is that working with others to make life better is a form of mutual assistance. What makes life more equitable and life-giving for others is better for everyone, for you and our community. I don’t have to explain how the work of AAUW has contributed to more equity in opportunity, remedies and recourse for discrimination based on gender and its intersections, amplified voices that are ignored or forgotten in dominant culture.
Everyone benefits.
The other lesson I have learned, is that while there may not be a “best time,” to step into this work, any time is the “right time.” Gains in civil and human rights, progress in building equity and just systems, creating and protecting more democratic practices and institutions always face skepticism, backlash, organized resistance and attempts to repress change efforts. Progress is not linear or even welcomed by everyone. We are certainly living in a time that proves this historical truism. What this means, is there will always be an opportunity for you to join others to create, improve, and protect more sustainable and just ways of being human together. After 100+ years in La Crosse, I can say with certainty, AAUW will always be here to welcome and support you!
Showing up. Stepping up. Taking on. Making space. Saying yes is the simplest way to find what fits and stretches you.
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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE:
Inspiring Activism
by Andrea Hansen, AAUW Branch President
November 2023, from “The Current”
Like you, being part of AAUW-La Crosse Branch provides me with an important channel for activism and organizing. As a predominantly white AAUW Branch, the work we are doing to learn and grow into a more diverse, inclusive and welcoming Branch is one of the best things we can do. I share the following example of an encouraging and inspiring community project from IA.
Yesterday, Jane Robinette, a dear friend from my Iowa State University college days sent me a link for the book launch of Racism and Resistance in Iowa, published by Past Present Future Publishing, and crowd-sourced on Indiegogo. Awriter and artist, activist and attorney-by-training, white and middle-class woman, Jane initiated this project as a response to the racist legislation that bans the inclusion of racism and sexism in teaching the history of Iowa and the U.S. in public schools.
Geared for teens and young adults, the tag line of the book is, “It may be illegal to teach the true history of Iowa, but that won’t stop us from learning it.” With intersectional feminism and anti-racism as a practice in her life, Jane began to seek out academics, educators, and community activists to build a collaboration that could best tell the truth and encourage change. Rich in diversity of background and experience, this project was led by more than 25 BIPOC academics, educators, community activists, and artists. For 2 years Jane shared with me small snapshots of this dynamic, challenging and empowering endeavor. Jane, somehow, has the ability to turn outrage and sadness into principled and creative action. That she is an artist and self-described introvert adds such poignancy and power to Jane’s way of being in the world.
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October 2023 Newsletter:
Non-Partisan But Not Value Neutral
by Andrea Hansen
AAUW Branch President
Since June, WI Assembly Speaker Vos has promised no funding for needed raises for UW employees unless UW System and campuses dismantle their DEI programs and positions. The attacks leveled against the staff, faculty, and
researchers are mean-spirited. They are devoid of content
reflecting any real knowledge of this dynamic field, programs and best practices. It is lost on Speaker Vos and others that DEI initiatives, services, and scholarship have evolved overtime in response to the demands of students, parents, communities, workers, and employers. Of course, understanding the role of DEI in students’ learning and success isn’t the goal. As Wisconsin is second only to Tennessee in extremely gerrymandered electoral maps, students and many others are finding it difficult to have their voices heard.
Writing this column has been difficult. It is deeply disturbing to write about the attacks on all levels of public education. The links to the rise of extremism, the scapegoating of targeted groups, the hollowing out of democratic institutions and the obscene concentration of wealth and power are obvious. Being the director of SSP in the Department of Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies helps me to see the manifestations of these large patterns up-close-and- personal. The harm to our present and future students is real. Dedicated faculty and staff are affected. There are consequences for the misrepresentation and disdain for DEI, the scholarship and practice, the values and experiences that inform it. There is no way to dismiss this conflicted situation as merely or acceptable “politics.” A snapshot of “real college” under these conditions: I feel tears coming when talking with a student who can’t wait to have their own classroom as a teacher while letting me know how bad it was for teachers back in their home district. I hear from SSP student parents who are amazed that “someone like me” could ever attend a university, while they share their worries about keeping their car in working condition and finding childcare. I think of the students who share, with considerable relief, that they’ve finally found a place of belonging at college.
Targeting DEI programming is calculated to protect the very systems House Leader Vos and other politicians deny exist. Many students understand this, especially the students from historically underrepresented groups. They know their race, gender, class, sexuality, disability, age, immigrant status, and/or other identities can and do shape the conditions of their families’ lives and their own. College provides the support, structure, conceptual tools, and practice to help deepen understanding of self and society. DEI services, programs, and activities are critical.
My question for Mr. Vos: Where is the downside in acknowledging the rich diversity in our communities and state, promoting inclusion and belonging, and working for equity and fairness in education and all areas of our common life?
AAUW has responded to the backlash to hard won progress and backsliding on core values in our 140 year of advocacy and organizing for equity and belonging. We know that democracy and a just system require constant work to maintain. I encourage you to contact Rep. Vos: rep.vos@legis.wisconsin.gov or 608-266-3387, Toll-Free: (888) 534-0063 and your State Assembly representative (info in the back of the directory). If you haven’t done so yet, please sign up for AAUW’s Two Minute Activist: https://www.aauw.org/act/two-minute-activist/
AAUW and La Crosse Branch DEI resources:
To see the DEI programs, services, and initiatives at UWL: https://www.uwlax.edu/diversity-inclusion/
To read more about Wisconsin’s democracy backsliding since 2011:
Data Wonk: Wisconsin Ranks Among Four Least Democratic States
A study on the importance of “Belonging”
https://www.thirdway.org/report/how-social-belonging-impacts-retention-at-broad-access-colleges
Responses of pre-service teachers:
Diversity, equity and inclusion practitioners push back on attempts to demonize their work
Data Wonk: Wisconsin Ranks Among Four Least Democratic States
A study on the importance of “Belonging”
https://www.thirdway.org/report/how-social-belonging-impacts-retention-at-broad-access-colleges
Responses of pre-service teachers:
Diversity, equity and inclusion practitioners push back on attempts to demonize their work