My dear friends,
January takes its name from the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings, endings, doors, and the rising and setting of the sun. A time of reflection and anticipation, January encourages us to pause and consider last year and the year ahead. Keeping in mind our key focus areas of engagement, alignment, and vibrancy, I hope you will join me and take a moment to recognize our accomplishments over the past year and contemplate the coming year.
Reflections. Our members inspire me. Their generous support of the Scholarship Trust during the holiday campaign raised over $24,000 while at the same time, members contributed over $2,000 in gift cards to Women’s Advocates and Emma Norton Services. In September, our members enthusiastically provided gift cards and school supplies to Project REACH.
Whether it is for thought-provoking speakers, informative Great Decision programs, or enlightening book club discussions, our members show up. Last year, an energized delegation of our St. Paul Branch participated in an ERA MN rally in the Capitol rotunda where they heard testimonials about the importance of including equal rights for all in our state constitution.
Indeed, we are fortunate to own St. Paul College Club Catering, Inc., commonly referred to as “the business.” The business provides financial resources that support the operation and maintenance of 990 Summit Avenue and many branch activities. We are fortunate to have a business savvy board of our members providing oversight of the business. Working in partnership with our General Manager, Brian Quist, financial reporting and developing an investment policy are priorities that will extend into the new year.
Looking ahead to 2025. Beyond our branch, the world is changing based on the results of the 2024 national and state elections. Our mission will be more important than ever. I hope that it inspires us to have an impact in new ways and provides opportunities for more engagement with AAUW state and national organizations. Consider attending the state conference in Austin, Minnesota on April 25-26 to meet with members from other branches and hear interesting speakers.
In early 2025, our branch will be undertaking a member survey designed to identify those members who seek greater involvement in branch activities and projects. This information will be very helpful to our Nominations Committee who will be recruiting members for some of our key positions. From my personal experience, getting involved in the operations of our branch has been meaningful in many ways, but especially in getting to know our members much better.
Remember, we build our strength as an AAUW branch when our members step forward with their time and talents to provide the engagement and vibrancy that enable all of our Branch activities to be in alignment with our mission of advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. As we contemplate the new year, let’s all challenge ourselves to be an even greater part of moving that mission forward.
My best to all,
Sharon Klumpp, AAUW St. Paul President 2024-2026
President@aauwstpaul.org
Posted: 1/8/25