On November 6, 2024, AAUW (American Association of University Women) responded to Donald J. Trump’s reelection as 47th president of the United States.
“The election results are extremely sobering, especially on the heels of a hyperpartisan, gridlocked Congress,” said Gloria L. Blackwell, CEO, AAUW. “AAUW is committed to holding all elected officials accountable about women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and access to education and economic opportunity, particularly for women of color.”
Becky Simon at AAUW Naperville Area Awards Brunch and Annual Meeting, May 4, 2024
Following is the text of the message Becky Simon shared with AAUW Naperville Area members at the 2024 Awards Brunch and Annual Meeting:
“Thank you to AAUW for this award. As volunteers, sometimes we get so wrapped up in our work we forget the need to pause and look back at what we have actually accomplished, and this helps me do just that.
I am Becky Simon, a 2nd generation AAUW member and also: President of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, Member of DuPage NAACP executive committee, Member National Council of Jewish Women, Member DuPage NOW.
I am 61, so I grew up during the 1970s women’s rights movement. My mother taught me to be passionate about women’s rights, just like she was. Looking back I can see Mom did not always fit in with the other ladies in the neighborhood. It was still an era of conformity, and Mom’s idea of a good time was going to listen to Stokely Carmichael speak, or protesting the Vietnam war on Michigan Avenue. Mom clearly identified with the AAUW mission of gender equity.
In between social activism work, Mom took me to the Waukegan AAUW pre-school, which is still operating today. The pre-school was established in part because then, as now, AAUW strives to advance gender equity for women and girls. This mission is even more important today. We are what the country needs now: an established, nonpartisan, fact-based organization.
The AAUW strategic plan is key to AAUW’s continued success. I am asking you to embrace organizational change for the sake of advancing the organizational mission. When you are 143 years old, you need to make some updates. Adopting organizational change in AAUW is essential to advancing gender equity in our communities.
Additionally, having a set of priorities is essential to focusing AAUW’s work and achieving meaningful results. That last part is key; there is no point in endlessly studying an issue. Sooner or later, action is required! With that in mind, I reviewed AAUW’s Biennial Action Priorities.
These four action priorities are not called the “biennial sit at home and scroll on your phone” priorities.
Strong public education:
Public education continues to be under threat in Illinois: threats from public school voucher legislation labeled with euphemistic names like, ‘The Invest in Kids Act,’ and inadequate public school funding models. Public dollars belong in public schools. Strong public education also includes sound funding for our Illinois community college system — community colleges are an essential tool for families to lift themselves up, and the funding for Illinois community colleges is an area which needs substantial improvement.
Economic security for women:
In Illinois the minimum wage increase will help, but we also need to champion legislation such as child tax credits. Vision 1948 and SB 2682 are essential to increasing women in STEM fields to increase the number of women in tech fields. It looks like SB 2682 will make it through this session — don’t stop there! Make sure you push to have AAUW members on the Task Force!
Individual rights & social justice including voting rights:
If you believe in defending individual rights and social justice in Naperville, pay attention to the DEI issues bubbling up in Naperville, which will be back up for a vote at City Council on May 21.
If DEI is important to you, then it is your responsibility — not your right, it is your responsibility — to contact your mayor and all your city council members and encourage them to support DEI initiatives in Naperville
The nine people on the dais are not mind readers. They do not know how you want them to vote unless you tell them! So give them a phone call, send them an email and speak in person at the city council. Be loud! Do all three!
Abolish the Electoral College. Voting rights is part of AAUW Action Priority #4 and abolishing the Electoral College is essential to voting rights in America. Abolishing the Electoral College is the new national priority for the League of Women Voters U.S.
Until the Electoral College is abolished, we will never have one person one vote in our American democracy; we will continue to be a country subject to minority rule.
Equal Rights Amendment:
As a young girl, because of my own naivete, I grew up thinking that passage of the ERA was a sure thing — it just made so much sense. But remember ERA was not approved in Illinois until 2018, and then only by a slim margin.
As recently as four years ago, I remember watching a Congressional forum where one of the candidates for the U.S. Congress did not know what the letters ERA stood for — the candidate had to ask the moderator for help.
It is quite possible that we will have a female president in our lifetime — but she will not have equal rights under the U.S. Constitution. Just reflect on that — we could have a sitting U.S. president who would not be allowed equal rights under our constitution.
Today it has been 143 years since AAUW’s founding, and the challenge remains the same: to advance gender equity for women and girls. I am not sure how we will know when we reach our goal, but I do know we are not there yet.
I also know that the fight for gender equity will not end on November 6. We must plan to keep fighting for the foreseeable future. Studying issues and holding informational meetings is no longer enough. Action is required to effect change.
You are all here today because you are ‘doers.’ You want to take action and do something to make our community better.
What will you do? What do you want your legacy to be?
Thank you, and keep up the struggle because we are not there yet!
For more information about Becky and the Woman of the Year Award, see https://naperville-il.aauw.net/2024/04/29/2024-woman-of-the-year/ .
This post was written by a member of ALMAS (Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs)
As the daughter of political refugees who fled Chile in the aftermath of the 1973 coup, I’ve always carried with me a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration. Today, as we witness the unfolding immigration influx in Chicagoland, it’s essential to recognize the role that United States foreign policy has played in destabilizing countries worldwide, forcing many to seek refuge elsewhere. In this personal reflection, I invite you to join me in acknowledging the impact of our nation’s actions on the lives of millions of individuals and families around the globe.
The Human Face of Displacement:
Growing up, I heard the stories of my parents’ journey to safety, their struggles, and their resilience in the face of adversity. Their experiences were shaped by the political turmoil and violence that engulfed Chile following the coup. As I look at the faces of today’s immigrants, I see echoes of my parents’ journey—a quest for safety, opportunity, and a better future for their children.
Acknowledging U.S. Foreign Policy:
It’s impossible to discuss the immigration crisis without addressing the role of United States foreign policy in contributing to the destabilization of countries of origin. From military interventions to economic exploitation, our nation’s actions have often fueled conflict, poverty, and oppression in regions across the globe. The repercussions of these policies are felt by millions who are forced to flee their homes for safety and security.
A Call for Compassion and Accountability:
As a nation built by immigrants, we have a moral obligation to extend compassion and support to those fleeing violence and persecution. We must also hold ourselves accountable for the consequences of our foreign policy decisions and work towards solutions that address the root causes of displacement. This includes advocating for diplomatic solutions, supporting humanitarian aid efforts, and promoting policies that uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
In sharing my perspective, I hope to foster empathy and understanding towards those impacted by the immigration crisis. By acknowledging the role of United States foreign policy in contributing to destabilizing countries of origin, we can take meaningful steps towards building a more just and compassionate world for all. Together, let us stand in solidarity with refugees and immigrants, honoring their resilience and humanity in the face of adversity. There are several tangible actions all concerned residents can take to support migrants who have been arriving from Texas because of their current immigration policies:
Volunteer with Local Organizations:
Many organizations in the region provide direct support and services to migrants. Consider volunteering your time and skills with organizations such as refugee resettlement agencies, immigrant advocacy groups, or community centers that aid asylum seekers and newcomers.
Spanish Community Center is a great place to consider volunteering for. They provide an affordable childcare program, a food pantry, housing counseling, social services, and immigration services.
Donate Supplies:
Organizations supporting migrants often rely on donations of essential items such as clothing, toiletries, diapers, and non-perishable food items. Consider organizing a donation drive or contributing to existing drives to provide much-needed supplies to migrants.
Refugee Community Connection is an all-volunteer Chicago-based mutual aid organization that seeks to ease the transition of our newly arrived neighbors.
Advocate for Policy Change:
Get involved in advocacy efforts to support policies that uphold the rights and dignity of migrants. Contact your elected representatives to express your support for humane immigration policies and urge them to take action to address the root causes of migration.
Govtrack.us contains information on bills, resolutions, and legislators.
Provide Legal Assistance:
Migrants may require legal assistance to navigate the immigration system and access necessary services. Consider volunteering with legal aid organizations or pro bono legal clinics that provide legal support to migrants.
Click the link for volunteering information for Metropolitan Family Services.
Support Mental Health Services:
The journey and resettlement process can be traumatic for migrants, leading to mental health challenges. Support organizations that offer mental health services and counseling to migrants or consider volunteering your time as a mental health professional.
Educate Yourself and Others:
Take the time to educate yourself and others about the realities of migration, including the reasons why people are forced to leave their homes and the challenges they face during their journey. Use your knowledge to dispel myths and stereotypes about migrants and advocate for empathy and understanding.
Listen to this wbur report on how immigration is helping the US labor market.
Engage in Cultural Exchange:
Foster cross-cultural understanding and solidarity by participating in cultural exchange programs or initiatives that bring together migrants and members of the local community.
Choose Chicago has a diverse list of upcoming events which include cultural events.
Support Economic Integration:
Help support the economic integration of migrants by patronizing businesses owned or operated by migrants, advocating for policies that promote inclusive economic opportunities, and supporting job training and entrepreneurship programs for migrants.
Consider visiting these immigrant-owned businesses on editorial photographer, Jonathan Michael Castillo’s site.
Stay Informed and Stay Engaged:
Stay informed about developments related to migration and continue to stay engaged in efforts to support migrants and advocate for policies that promote justice and equality for all.
Bookmark this link tree for more information on ALMAS public statement regarding new arrivals and asylum seekers, ongoing initiatives for new arrivals and asylum seekers, and more education and information.
By taking these tangible actions, we can play a meaningful role in supporting migrants and contribute to building more inclusive and compassionate communities for all.
Tahbata Zuniga Diaz, 2024 AAUW Naperville Area NCCWSL Participant
AAUW (American Association of University Women) Naperville Area Branch has selected Tahbata Zuniga Diaz, a North Central College student leader, to attend the National Conference of College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL). This year’s conference is May 30 to June 1, 2024, at the University of Maryland near Washington, D.C. About 1,000 young women leaders are expected to attend. AAUW Naperville Area will provide up to $1000 towards registration and travel. This sponsorship is funded by the branch’s annual Used Book and Media Sale.
Tahbata’s major is Political Science and English Writing. She wants to attend NCCWSL because she dreams of living in D.C. one day and being part of communities that bring about positive change in our society. This conference will be a good learning and growth opportunity.
Tahbata plans to network and also learn how to use her skills to create positive change for our country. She is a firm believer in the value of knowledge and the ability to travel, so she is most interested in seeing how she can bring what she learned back home. Additionally, there is a session on storytelling which brings her two majors together, and hopefully is another way she can connect with and help others.
Consuming and spreading fake or misleading information can lead to dangerous real-world consequences. It is our responsibility as global citizens to evaluate the information we believe and share. This is even more important as we are in a critical election year and also are living through explosive international issues on a daily basis.
Included below are a few easy steps you can take to evaluate the credibility and reliability of information sources.
Evaluate your source with lateral reading: open new tabs and search for information about the website you’re reading (Wikipedia often is a good resource for this), look for information about the mission, funding, and potential biases of the organization, go beyond the news story and look for the original source material.
Evaluate the information with the C.R.A.P.P. test:
These independent sites are reliable resources for fact checking:
Stop it from Spreading: Verify the accuracy of information if you intend to share it, whether through social media or in conversations.
Many of us have heard of the “CSI Effect”, causing a sudden rise in the number of women pursuing a career in Forensic Science. Grey’s Anatomy has also been credited with increasing the number of female doctors.
Role models do matter.
Dr Karen Parker, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and director of the Social Neurosciences Research Program at Stanford University School of Medicine, was our February speaker (see recording here). She talked about her research on autism and its treatment, which gives hope for many. She spoke with confidence, conviction, and compassion. What a remarkable role model.
Dr Parker credited many for her success. Her parents encouraged curiosity and exploration at a young age. She never received messages about girls not being suited for science. Her high school teacher (in Naperville) guided her to reach her potential. Her university advisors and lab partners were highly supportive. Undoubtedly, she applied herself and worked hard, but as the old adage goes, it takes a village.
Despite individual success stories such as Dr Parker’s, there is still a stark disparity of representation of women in STEM, especially in TECH (women constitute only 26% of the tech workforce, while they make up 49% of the total workforce). Women face barriers and are overlooked in the talent pool, stripped of their opportunity to contribute to scientific and technological revolution.
Although the root causes of the disparity are manifold and mostly systemic, there are some actions we each can take:
Become more informed – being informed about STEM, women in STEM history, representation statistics, and possible ways to close the gap will allow us to be active questioners and challengers of the status quo.
Be a mentor –Studies show that girls lose interest in STEM at around 15 because of social pressure, negative stereotypes, and lack of mentors.
Be a positive role model – avoid self-defeating mindsets such as “I am not good with high tech stuff”, “I have never been good at math.” These send powerful messages to others, especially younger girls. Many “techy” things can be easily learned if one has the desire and curiosity. You don’t need a STEM background.
Support legislation and other activities that promote the inclusion of STEM in early school curriculum – studies show that youth who have positive early STEM experiences will be more likely to:
As an example, Senator Laura Ellman, working with members of Vision 1948, recently introduced legislation in the Illinois Senate (SB2682) to create a task force to increase representation of women in tech.
Let us all be the village for our next generation of girls!
(Visit the Vision 1948 website for more information. (Vision 1948 – Bringing Gender Parity Back to Tech) Vision 1948 is a partner initiative of AAUW Naperville, whose mission is to drive for gender parity in Technology through education, advocacy, and influencing the media and legislation.)
Find your Illinois senator or representative here and reach out to them to support this bill!
Civil liberties are critical to the preservation of our democracy, ensuring freedom of the press and protecting our rights to speak, worship, assemble, and more. These rights are not without limit, but we must remain vigilant to ensure they are safeguarded nationally and locally.
In January
, Edwin Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy at ACLU Illinois, spoke at an AAUW Naperville webinar (available here) in January on Civil Liberties and the Supreme Court. In his discussion, he outlined recent decisions which threaten civil liberties and current cases which bring further challenges. Despite these threats, he communicated a sense of optimism and possibility when he encouraged participants to act to protect these liberties at the local level.
Mr. Yohnka emphasized that we should not passively rely on lawyers and the Supreme Court to build protections. Democracy is not a spectator sport and requires active participation, especially at the state and local level. We need to engage new muscles in order to make an impact.
Local legislators often need assurance that they have the support of their constituents in supporting civil liberties when there is controversy. Those who wish to limit these liberties will show up–at meetings, through social media, in the press, via email and the telephone. If we value civil liberties, we must show up as well. We need to know who our city, county, school board, and state representatives are and actively reach out to them. We need to attend their meetings, send those emails, write letters to the editor, and make phone calls. We need to do this individually and collectively.
Our voices are more powerful when we advocate FOR policies, such as civil liberties, instead of only speaking out against policies. We need to actively engage in advocacy as much as possible. When a legislator supports our policies, we need to acknowledge and thank them. As is often the case in life, we are more likely to voice our complaints and remain silent when we are satisfied with the outcome.
Most importantly in this election year, we must vote to elect candidates who share our concerns and will support our civil liberties. We must be informed and engaged voters.
I-Act, the Issues Action Team of the Naperville AAUW, seeks to be a collective voice for the values of this organization. We advocate for equity and empowerment of women and girls, including protection of their civil liberties. Our voice is amplified when others speak as well. When we reach out for action on particular legislation or policies via email or social media, please make time to take action. Don’t hesitate to reach out to aauwnaper@gmail.com if you wish to become more engaged in this work. Thank you to all who are already speaking out!
Watch the recording of this excellent program on Civil Liberties and the Supreme Court. In January, Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy at the ACLU of Illinois, updated us on how a string of recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court impacts basic civil liberties for all.
Edwin Yohnka, ACLU of Illinois
The ACLU of Illinois has been the principal protector of constitutional rights in the state since its founding in 1926. Ed Yohnka began his job at the ACLU in 1999. He serves as a primary spokesperson for the organization, and appears regularly on television and radio programs in Illinois and throughout the nation. Yohnka also is widely cited in newspapers and publications on legal and legislative matters related to the ACLU of Illinois’ priorities.
Presented by GVPedia President and Founder Devin Hughes, Debunking Gun Violence Myths is an in-depth discussion on prevalent myths about guns and safety. Devin presents well-researched data debunking four common gun violence myths and provides suggestions for countering the gun lobby’s “firehose of falsehood.”
Devin Hughes, GVPedia, Inc.
Devin Hughes is the president and founder of GVPedia, Inc. GVPedia, short for ‘Gun Violence Pedia,’ is a non-profit organization that arms policymakers, advocates, and the public with facts and data to create evidence-based policy to reduce gun violence.
PO Box 441 Naperville IL 60566-0441
