7/19: Bus Trip to see Ruth Bader Ginsburg in Cooperstown

Summer 2014 Bus Trip
to hear Ruth Bader Ginsburg
on Saturday, July 19
at the Glimmerglass Theater
7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326

With a lively balance of performance and commentary,
the Supreme Court Justice shares her passion for opera
and unique perspective on law in the arts.

Plus, a stop at the Fenimore Museum, featuring
The Adirondack World of Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait and Ralph Fasanella

Cost: $92 ($89 for members of AAUW, SIP and SSIP)
includes bus, driver tip, and Glimmerglass seating

The bus will leave from the Kingston Plaza (behind the former Ames)
at 9 AM and will return at about 7 PM.

For reservations, call ViVi at 845-331-0155 (cel: 845-417-5229).

ASK Writers’ Festival – This Weekend (Saturday, July 19)

Saturday, July 19 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Arts Society of Kingston

97 Broadway, Rondout, Kingston (map) | Telephone: 845-338-0331

$5 suggested donation

Join the Arts Society of Kingston (ASK) for readings and book signings featuring area writers this weekend.

Featuring Paul Cooper and Abigail Robin

As well as:

Carol Elkins
Lewis Gardner
Sandra Gardner
Friedrich Haas
Shaun Johnston
Donna McCusker
Sidney Norinsky
Erica Obey
Ernst Schoen-Rene
Leslie Seff
Delia Tolz

Remarkable Women in New York State History Reading

On Sunday, July 27, the Poughkeepsie Branch’s Sunday Author Series will explore the book, Remarkable Women in New York State History, a collection of short biographies of notable women from across the state throughout its history. The book is the end-product of an AAUW NYS project, “Women Making a Difference” and coauthored by Marilynn Smiley and AAUW NYS Historian, Helen Engel. Both Smiley and Engel will be on hand to introduce the book.

The program runs from 2:00-3:00 pm at the Gallery in Beacon (199 Main Street, map). Please contact Wendy Maragh Taylor with any questions.

Remarkable Women in New York State History

Program:

Introduction by authors Marilynn Smiley and Helen Engel

Catharyna Brett 1687-1763, Barbara Wilman (author)

Sojourner Truth 1797-1883, Helen Engel

Maria Salmon Mitchell 1818-1889, Helen Engel

Eleanor Roosevelt 1884-1962, Eleanor Charwat* (author)

Jane Matilda Bolin 1908-2007, Wendy Maragh Taylor* (author)

Ruth Stafford Peale 1906-2008, Marilynn Smiley

Anna Oder Buchholz 1921-2007, Barbara Mindel* (author)

Lucille Pattison 1935-2013, Judith Linville* (author)

* Members of AAUW Poughkeepsie Branch

7/12: Kingston’s 2nd Saturday Spoken Word

Sarah Micklem and Cornelius Eady

with

Rough Magic, a Literary Band

Saturday, July 12, 7 PM

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills

320 Sawkill Road, Kingston, NY

uucckingston.org

Sarah Micklem is the author of two novels, Firethorn and Wildfire . Micklem set out to write about war from a woman’s point of view–not that of a woman warrior, but a camp follower, just about as low on the social hierarchy as a person could get. Along the way she found herself writing about love, magic, drugs and aphasia. Micklem‘s short fiction has appeared in TriQuarterly, Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, and Sex in the System. Her writing website is firethorn.info. In her other profession, Micklem is a graphic designer for Girl Scouts of the USA.

Cornelius Eady, a poet and playwright, was nominated for a National Book Award and twice nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. His play Brutal Imagination won Newsday’s Oppenheimer Award in 2002. His books of poetry are: Brutal Imagination, You Don’t Miss Your Water, The Autobiography of a Jukebox, The Gathering of My Name, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, Victims of the Latest Dance Craze, Hardheaded Weather and Kartunes. Eady’s audio chapbooks are Asking for the Moon and Book of Hooks. He collaborates with jazz musicians, vocalists and Rough Magic, a Literary Band. Eady cofounded Cave Canem Foundation to support African American poets. A frequent award winner and a recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Guggenheim Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, he teaches at the University of Missouri, instructs playwrights in New York City, and has taught at New York University and Sarah Lawrence College.

Suggested donation: $7

Host: Annie LaBarge, 845-514-2007, 845-331-2884

http://www.facebook.com/events/1510710452475764

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Legacy of Leadership: Bailey Middle School Students Share Their “Dreams”

An important aspect of AAUW’s work is supporting leadership development and helping educate the next generation of advocates for equality and equity. Opportunities to hear young leaders speak for themselves are a rewarding part of our work. Taking time to listen to them encourages their confidence and growth as leaders and individuals. Plus, connecting with young leaders and hearing their perspective is crucial for maintaining our organization’s vitality.

Through the assistance of J. Watson Bailey Middle School administrators and faculty, we have the privilege of reading the thoughts and aspirations of several 11 and 12 year old students and sharing them on our website.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day, their school counselors held special sessions on character. The students reviewed Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech and talked about the weighty issues he addressed and the courage it took for him to stand up for what was right, especially given the power of his opposition and the dangers he faced. Afterward, the students wrote their own versions of “I Have a Dream,” talking about the issues they see in the world and face in their daily lives.

The resulting speeches were stirring and painted a very promising future for the next generation of leaders and advocates. In brief passages of poetry and prose, the students wrote about a wide range of deep topics, including gender identity, poverty, the environment, bullying, body image issues, war, and education.

AAUW Kingston, NY proudly gave certificates of achievement to the students featured on our website in recognition of their excellent work, leadership, and writing. Please take a few minutes to read and share their “Dreams.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Dream Speech from Wikipedia Commons

Dr. King delivering the original “I have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington

“I have a dream that this nation will let woman like whatever they want without being weird or that men will be able to like whatever they want without being called sissy or other names.
I have a dream that one day girls can like football and video games and hate pink and be accepted. I have dream that one day boys can like pink and hate football and not like violence and still be accepted.
I have a dream that we can wear whatever we want without being judged. I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day we can like whatever gender we want and not be made fun of or judged. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day bullying will stop and all sadness caused by peers will stop. This is my hope and faith with this faith we will be able to do what we want and like what we want without being judged.”

—Madelynn Bigler, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation will accept differences in other people. I have a dream that one day people will accept different opinions and styles in other people. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day people won’t be scared to leave the comfort of their homes or families because they are afraid they will be judged. This is my hope and faith. With this faith we will be able to express ourselves without being hurt. This will be the day when we stand up and not be judged.”

—Jay Lynn Stover, age 12

“I have a dream to be the first woman to become president and help the illegal woman and man, families in the united states that are separated from each other to become together and not suffer. I have a dream to all the illegal to have their dream come true. I have a dream today, I have a dream for all states to stop war. And be together as a nation. I have a dream to help the people in need, and help the ill. This is my dream.”

—Katherine Mirefuentes-Aguilar, age 11

“I have a dream that the world will be in peace. I have a dream that people will keep out world clean. I have a dream that people won’t judge each other. I have a dream that everyone will be happy and thankful for what they have. I have a dream that everybody will respect each other. I have a dream that everyone will have food, clothes, and shelter. I had a dream that everyone in the world had something to be happy about and everyone was happy.
I have a dream that one day we could make the whole world better by having more peace. Sometimes I think in the world we fight over things not worth fighting over things not worth fighting for. Some of the things we have wars about aren’t really worth what we do. I have another dream that people someday will stop judging people by what they look like. They should like somebody for who they are. Everybody knows not to judge people but they do it anyway.”

—Elizabeth Hakim, age 11

“I have a dream that we will not be judged. That we can walk down a hallway and not be judged by the color of our skin or the clothes on our body. I have a dream that someday I can go out in public and not worry of what people think. That when I do get judged, or when you judge me, you will judge me by what’s in my heart—not what’s on my body. I hope my children do not worry about their hair and nails. That they can just be themselves. I have a dream today. Girls will stop killing them self because people making them feel insecure. That they can walk around proud of them self and not be judged. I have a dream no matter how wealthy or poor you are you may feel good about yourself in your body. That is my dream.”

—Jayla Laster

“I have a dream too!
I have a dream that in this world there will be no bullying. Bullying has an utterly crucial effect on the lives of those being bullied. Bullying can feel very harsh on the person being bullied and can lead to many hurt feelings and problems. I have a dream that students will be able to be taught with their own personal learning style. Personally I don’t think that standardized testing is necessary. Students learn better by having open opportunities and experiences, working at their own grade level. Students who are taught that way have an endless amount of opportunities, and their learning style is continuously thriving, prospering, and flourishing by the second. I have a dream that one day gadgets will stop being utterly desired and in such high demand because all of this leads to major damage and pollution to our environment. We are taking in more materials than we are gaining. When will this stop? I have a dream that people will just be pleased with what they ALREADY have and not always need the newest latest iPhone 100. Really, it’s not necessary.”

—Indira Delacorte, age 12

“I have dream that one day this world will have no childhood hunger. I have a dream that one day no human being will starve. I have a dream that there will be no more suffering. I have a dream that everyone will have shelter. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day everyone will have clothes. This is my hope and faith. With this faith we will be able to end those horrible sad commercials about childhood hunger! . . . about no shelter! This will be the day when everyone will take everyone in the same and not take anyone in for being too poor.”

—Victoria Quick, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation’s people will not be afraid to show who they really are.
I have a dream that one day people will find someone who likes them for who they are instead of changing themselves for someone.
If you change who you are, people are liking someone else, not you. You are not being yourself.”

—Thea Kovaleski, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation will charge less money for the gas.
I have a dream that one day people won’t have to charge lots of money.
I have dream that one day people will live a better life.
I have a dream that no one have to leave there houses because of they don’t have money to pay taxes because the paid lots of money on the gas.
This is my hope and faith. With this faith we will be able to pay less money for the gas.”

—Muhammad Kashan, age 11

“I have a dream that war would end and that the army wouldn’t have to risk their lives. I have a dream today! This is my hope and faith. With this faith we can end war and save the lives of the fighters in the war. This will be the day when all armies will stand down and we can make peace with everyone else in the world! I will have hope till’ the world is at peace. No more weapons, bombs, etc. No more theft and killing.”

—Jason D. Blampied, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation will have more jobs.
I have a dream that one day people won’t be homeless.
I have a dream that one day people won’t die of thirst.
I have a dream that people won’t die of hunger.
I have a dream that one day everyone will get a good education.
I have a dream that one day everyone will have good health.
This is my hope and faith. With this faith we will be able to thrive as a great country.
This will be the day when war ends.”

—Madison Hammerle, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation will banish war and the nation will be peaceful.
I have a dream that one day that we will find tons of gas so the price will go down.
I have a dream that one day the sun won’t explode on earth.
I have a dream that alcohol will be less powerful.
I have a dream that one day no matter the name of the person, nor the name of the place they live in, all humans will be treated as equals.”

—John Prizzi

“I have a dream that one day this nation will end world hunger. I have a dream that those who sit starving wondering if they’ll ever eat will finally eat food. I have a dream that the needy will get some resources. I have a dream that all people can get food.”

—Zion James Kennedy, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation will have better jobs.
I have a dream that people will not die from cancer.
I have a dream that people won’t die from thirst.
I have a dream that people won’t die from hunger.”

—Kiyle Thomason Jr, age 12

“End bullying. Although the miseries in Pandora’s Box will be hard to recapture – we can! Even though the miseries have sunk into the human nature, WE CAN! People will roam the world without being afraid to be themselves. Destroying bullying to its very roots will be hard, but at least try! No one should have tears in their eyes for being themselves. We should not be torn from ourselves.
I have a dream . . .
– that we will not run in fear
– That we will be free to be ourselves
– Society will not label people outcasts.
– People can talk and not be hurt and not hurt others.
– That equality will reign.
– People will not die of distress, rather than live in the cruelty.
I have a dream”

—Caroline Regan, age 11

JWBLogo

6/28/14: Warren Boroson to show Klinghoffer opera at Irene M’s

Warren Boroson, who gives music classes at the Bard, Marist, and SUNY New Paltz Lifetime Learning Institutes (LLIs), will show excerpts from a 1991 film of the controversial opera The Death of Klinghoffer, which will be performed at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC for the first time this coming October.

Warren will also show part of a 1990 TV program with Burt Lancaster as Leon Klinghoffer and Eva Marie Saint as his wife Marilyn.

A light lunch will be included.

When: Saturday, June 28, 2 PM

Where: Irene Miller’s home*

For more information and to RSVP, call Irene at 518-678-3516.

* Directions to Irene Miller’s home, 634 Pennsylvania Avenue, Palenville, NY, 12463

From Kingston:

Take Thruway north to Saugerties exit.
Go left on Route 212.
Go right on Route 32 north.
Bear left at flashing yellow light onto Route 23A.
Go 1 mile.
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue.
Go 1/2 a mile.
Mailbox (634, Miller) is on the left.
House is on the right (gray with white trim).

Women’s Economic Agenda Bus Tour

The momentum behind the Women’s Equality Agenda just got a new set of wheels. Led by House Leader Pelosi, women members of Congress are on a bus tour promoting policy changes that would benefit women and working families. Lisa M. Maatz, AAUW’s VP for Government Relations, is along for the ride!

You can follow the bus’ progress by following Lisa Maatz on Twitter at @LisaMaatz (you don’t have to join Twitter to read her Tweets). You can also check out @WomenSucceed or the Women Succeed hashtag (#WomenSucceed). To follow the bus on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/WomenSucceed.

Click through to learn more about AAUW’s advocacy for working families and pay equity.

5/30: Join Chelsea Clinton in online discussion on state of global education for girls

Friday, May 30, 2014
10 AM EDT On Friday, May 30, join Chelsea Clinton, Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation, Rebecca Winthrop, Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, and Kennedy Odede, Founder of Shining Hope for Communities, for an online discussion on the state of global education for girls.

We have seen the threat against girls’ education made real again, this time in the horrific kidnapping in Nigeria. Through this conversation, No Ceilings: The Full Participation Project, will highlight the gains we have made in girls’ education around the world over the past twenty years and the gaps that still remain, as well as discuss policies and programs that are working to improve education for girls.

You are critical to this conversation on why girls’ education is essential to communities, economies, and societies. RSVP to watch the Google Hangout live and contribute to our discussion by submitting your questions.

We hope you’ll join us on Friday at 10 AM.

Sincerely,
The No Ceilings Team




Clinton Foundation \| 1200 President Clinton Ave \| Little Rock, AR 72201

AAUW Kingston’s International Women’s Day Celebration

In many countries, International Women’s Day is a holiday similar to Mother’s Day. People give cards, gifts and flowers to the important women in their lives. In countries like Portugal and Romania, women and girls have women-only dinners and parties to talk about their lives, struggles, and accomplishments. All around the world, March 8th is a day to celebrate women, reflect on the future, and encourage intergenerational dialogue.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2014 was “Inspiring Change.” So to inspire some change in our community, AAUW Kingston connected with a group of Girl Scouts. Blending the traditions of International Women’s Day cards and intergenerational communication, we wrote to the Scouts at our March Branch Meeting. Aided by writing prompts provided by a AAUW NYS Program in a Box, our members wrote about their life experiences, thoughts, and shared advice with the girls.

The cards included beautiful pearls of wisdom, reassuring words about being an adolescent girl, and practical advice about things like school. Some of our members also reflected on their brushes with history, like meeting Franklin Roosevelt and remembering the hopeful atmosphere surrounding the formation of the United Nations. Others talked about finding their STEM career paths or growing up as a first generation American. They are all moving, kind messages that are sure to leave a lasting impression on the girls who receive them.

The cards were mailed to the girls’ troop leader who will distribute the letters and read them with the girls. Copies will be submitted to the AAUW NYS Historian and our Branch archives. You can scroll through below to check out the letters, just click to enlarge the thumbnails.

Dear Amelia,
We are writing to you in celebration of International Women’s Day. I remember when the United Nations was formed in the late 1940s. How we all hoped that this would bring world peace! Now we are hoping that you young women will help us move closer to that goal. We believe you are all strong and looking forward to a better world.
—
-XO
ViVI

Dear Kiera,
Being a part of a group of women is a very good way to share how we appreciate doing things for other people, just like Girl Scouts!
Enjoy being a part of a wonderful life!
—
Anita

Dear Lauren,
Happy “International Women’s Day”! I asked to write to you because I have a daughter named Lauren. This reminds me of what it’s like to be 11 years old and what a wonderful, changeable, and hopeful time it is.
I was the oldest in a family of 5 children. I had many responsibilities, but I realize now that they made me a strong person. I have travelled all over the world and have friends in many countries.
Stay strong, study hard, and let your voice be heard.
—
Sincerely,
Doreen

Dear Amanda,
I chose your name because the school I work in has a secretary named Amanda. I teach Language Arts and Reading in a high school.
I grew up a long time ago and I met President Roosevelt when I was your age. I think you know about him. I hope you will visit his home and library in Hyde Park some time.
I was a Girl Scout– Junior and Senior– I also was a leader for 10 years.
Be good!
—
Love,
Erika Weiss

3/22/14
Dear Olivia,
I am a first generation American. While I was growing up I was a victim of discrimination. Being treated scornfully hurts. Luckily, I had a loving extended family that helped me develop self-esteem. I learned to believe in my capabilities and set constructive goals. Always remember to believe in yourself no matter what others may say and you will grow up to be a proud young lady.
—
Best to you always,
Dolores LaChance

Dear Taylor,
Happy International Women’s Day! One thing I wish someone had told me when I was 10 years old is that it is important to not be so, soooo, so scared of failing. When I was your age, failing at anything—school, ballet, being a good friend, everything—was one of my biggest fears.
It is really good and very natural to want to succeed, but sometimes, if you’re too afraid of failing at something, you stop yourself from even trying it and you miss out on really cool, interesting things. Don’t be afraid to try things you haven’t ever done before, whether it’s a hard class, an obstacle course, a new sport, making a new friend, or traveling somewhere really different. Don’t be too shy or too proud to ask for help along the way.
And if you end up failing, or not doing as well as you hoped, don’t be afraid to try again! Sometimes it really hurts to fail or be rejected, but it happens to everybody (really and truly, everybody) so you shouldn’t feel ashamed, decide you can’t ever do something, or feel like one setback or little failure decides your entire future. Some things take a long time to learn and everybody learns at different paces, find your best way to learn and do what you love.
Always be brave and challenge yourself to try new things, even they look scary or intimidating at first glance Give it a try even if you’re not sure you can succeed. Never give up, do your best, and be proud of your achievements, big and small! I know you will do lots of amazing things in life, best of luck!
—
Sincerely,
Jenn Mayfield

Dear Mia,
I think it’s great that you are part of a Girl Scout troop. I’m a “grandma” – age 70 so I have a long time to look back on. I’ve found that I have felt best able to achieve and get things done when working with other girls and later women. I went to an all girls’ college (there aren’t many left – but there are a few). Working with other girls and women will give you a lot of confidence. It’s different when in a group that includes boys also. So stay with Scouting. It will be a good experience for your life to come.
—
Susan Hirsch

March 22, 2014
Dear Paige,
Hello! Happy (Belated) International Women’s Day and National Women’s History Month! I chose to write to you because I have a very dear friend named Paige. She is from Red Hook and now lives in Brooklyn. She was a swim coach and is now back at school to learn cosmetology. I went to school to learn technical writing and I have been writing computer manuals at IBM for 25+ years — it has flown by! I hope you enjoy school. Take care. Happy spring!
—
Sincerely,
Susan Holland

To Mila,
Look at the beautiful picture on the front please. Does it make you smile? Learn to cherish simple pleasures. That way, whether you grow up to be rich or poor, you will always have joy in your life.
—
Jean

Dear Aislinn,
Happy International Women’s Day! One thing my mother always taught me is that there is always something you can learn from everyone you meet. Young or old, rich or poor, everyone has something to share. Ask a lot of (respectful) questions and you will be amazed at what you learn and the stories you hear from everyone around you. Everyone always has a story to tell and sometimes, they have been through some very difficult experiences in life. That’s part of why it’s also very important to always be kind, you can’t tell what someone is dealing with just by looking at them or having a brief conversation. Make sure you treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. And on that note, always be kind to yourself. Sometimes we can be our own worst, toughest critics. Please do me a favor, the next time you are being really hard on yourself for messing up or doing something wrong, ask yourself what you would say to your best friend if she were in your situation. Chances are you would have a lot more patience and kind words for her, you deserve the same!
Good luck and happy spring, Aislinn!
—
Sincerely,
Jenn Mayfield

3/22/14
Hello Margaret,
Wow you’re nine years old! I remember when I was [9] and in the 4th grade. I had a wonderful teacher. I thought I would become a teacher which is a great choice. But when I was nine, there wasn’t many choices for me. I only heard I could be a teacher, a nurse, or an office worker. Imagine that! There were only three choices. Now you have many more choices. Learn all you can so you can make a good choice for yourself.
—
Ruth

Dear Makenna,
Happy International Women’s Day! I want to tell you about my great-great-aunt Bess. She was a really smart lady who lived in the early 1900s—a time when there were a lot of things women couldn’t do, no matter how smart they were. Still, Bess decided to get a PhD from the University of North Carolina anyway! Back then, there were only a few bridges to get in and out of the rural area where she lived in Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains. They didn’t even have a train that went there! Just making that first trip must have been really hard and pretty scary. Plus, when Aunt Bess got to school, they didn’t have any dorms or rooms for girls. She had to sleep on a couch at the Dean’s house for years until she got her degree!
Learning about Aunt Bess’ life taught me that sometimes you have to stand up for yourself and fight for what’s right. It also taught me that sometimes fighting or reaching for your dreams isn’t dramatic or glamorous, sometimes it’s as simple as claiming your sport and sleeping on a couch. Make sure you always stand up for what is right and always believe in yourself. Sometimes it gets really hard to do those things, but with help, love, and support from your family, friends, and Girl Scout troop, you will find that you are stronger and braver than you realized.
Best of luck, you’re already on a grand life adventure!
—
Sincerely,
Jenn Mayfield

Dear Madelena,
What a beautiful name!
You are growing up in an exciting, but confusing time. Women are doing jobs that only men did in the past.
Remember that you can be anything you want. I hope you have a wonderful life.
—
Lydia Mellos
AAUW

March 2014
Dear Caroline,
My name is Sheila. I have 2 daughters, both adults now, and one grandson, who is 18 months old. I was a Girl Scout from Brownies through my teens. I went to several Girl Scout camps and my daughters both went to Camp Wendy many years. I hope you have a chance to go to camp.
I liked most of school, but never liked arithmetic. However when I got to Junior High and learned algebra, I started to like math. I ended up majoring in math in college and became a computer programmer. I hope you give technical fields a thought, as they can be fascinating and very rewarding financially.
—
Best wishes,
Sheila

To Madison,
As I know you live in Ulster County, I urge you to enjoy the beauty around you.
Whether you are rich or poor, at any age, it is important to recognize the wonders of nature. Learn to value the simple pleasures in life!
—
Jean

Hi Cassidy,
Girl Scouts are great fun! I hope you grow up to be a Scout leader and a beautiful woman who helps the whole world.
—
Jane

Equal Pay Week of Action

Tuesday, April 8 is recognized nationally as Equal Pay Day – the symbolic day in 2014 when women’s salaries catch up to men’s earnings from 2013. That’s right – it takes women an extra three months to earn what men earned in all of 2013! The wage gap remains largely stagnant, and discrimination in the workplace remains.

But there is something we can do about it. We must educate the public – and more importantly, let our legislators know that we are demanding action!

That’s why we have designated the week of April 7 as an Equal Pay Week of Action.

Friday, April 4 – Submit your Letter to the Editor (LTE)

If you have not submitted an LTE already, use this link to customize an LTE for your local newspaper:
http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/50796/c/25/letter/?letter_KEY=1424

Monday, April 7 – Start Tweeting about Equal Pay Day

Follow these hashtags: #NoMadMenPay, #EqualPay, #UpgradeNY
Follow these handles: @AAUWNY, @AAUWPolicy, @NY4Women
Use these sample tweets:

No #EqualPay? How about a $10K discount on my new car, and 23% off my car insurance. http://bit.ly/1i2dang

Un-equal pay is not okay. #UpgradeNY laws. Pass Women’s Equality Act @NY4Women
http://bit.ly/1dVCmcH #NoMadMenPay

Tell your Senators: NY Women’s Equality Act would help more women of color move into the middle class: http://bit.ly/1aCNKXS #NoMadMenPay

Tuesday, April 8 – Equal Pay Day

Call your state senators and urge them to pass equal pay legislation. This is our “virtual lobby day.” Take 5 minutes during the day to tell your senator how important pay equity is to you and your family. Click on the link above to be directed to the call message.
Then attend one of the 30+ Equal Pay Day events taking place around New York State.
Tweet and post your Equal Pay Day photos and proclamations in real-time! Tweet to @AAUWNY and post on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AAUW.NYS). Let’s share our successes as broadly as possible!
Wear red because thanks to the wage gap, women are still in the red financially!

Wednesday, April 9 – Keep Sharing!

Keep tweeting about the need for equal pay legislation at the state and federal level
Post your Equal Pay Day event photos on Facebook and Twitter
Share your published LTEs on social media, with your branch and state, friends and family, and with AAUW national staff via the report-back form.
What did your state senators say about equal pay when you called? Share the details with Kim Pollard, AAUW-NYS State Organizer (pollardk@aauw.org).

Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11 – Say Thank You!

If your local lawmaker signed an Equal Pay Day proclamation or participated in an event, write her/him a letter of thanks, and consider submitting your thanks as an LTE.
Thank your Twitter and Facebook followers for helping to spread your message.

More info: http://www.aauw-nys.org/pp_equal_pay_day.htm