AAUW - Long Beach Branch


	Membership Membership is open to all women (and men!) with an associate’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. Student affiliates are eligible if they are enrolled in a two-year or four-year program at a regionally accredited institution. The AAUW-Long Beach Branch has been active for over 85 years and in that time we have supported opportunities for activism and have helped develop programs that promote education and equity, not just for women and girls, but also for the city of Long Beach. With your membership, you can be a part of AAUW-Long Beach’s dedication to advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. Our $91.00 annual dues (July 1 - June 30) are divided among the three AAUW entities: Branch, State and Association. Student affiliate dues are $39.00 per year. New full-year members joining at a Branch event will have their dues lowered to $63.50 Contact Carol Smith (562) 404-4291, Fay Denny (714) 894-0416 membership co-chairs.



	Interest Groups New members are always welcomed and appreciated in these interest groups:
	New Members Group welcomes the new members into our branch. The meetings introduce the leaders, programs and interest groups available to them so the new member can explore fully the aspects of the branch that they find most interesting. Flo Pickett welcomes members who have belonged fewer than three years. Contact information is (562) 421-5348; flopickett@earthlink.net. Public Policy meetings, hosted by Betty Ann Rauch, explore and discuss the issues put forth by AAUW, which underscores their mission of promoting equity and education for all women and girls. Current bills before congress and the legislature are the main topics of conversation. Contact information is (562) 431-6679; barauch@att.net. Book Chat is held in the friendly setting of Jean Friedrich’s home The members present the most interesting book they have recently read, film they have recently seen or relate the most exciting travel experience they have had, or if time allows, all three! Light refreshments are served along with the intriguing conversation. Contact information is: (562) 598-9218; billandjean2912@verizon.net. Literary Ladies meet to discuss and compare thoughts on a selected novel. Each member takes a turn recommending and leading the group on a recently published book. The ladies discover a new world and come together to hear the thoughts and insights of others in the group. The group meets at Jean Aldrich’s home on the second Monday. Contact Jean at (562) 430-8688 Great Books Group reads from an anthology published by the Great Books Foundation. It includes philosophy, poetry and fictional writing of prize winning and world renowned authors. Meeting on the first Monday they consider the themes and subjects that connect us all. Contact Linda Patten at (562) 402-6831; lindap99@verizon.net. Equity Players provide entertainment at a few select meetings. Members have a wonderful time entertaining the branch and a wonderful time practicing to entertain the branch. The branch meeting is always enhanced by their performance; led by Lou Es Greene who can be reached at (562) 434-6477. Antiques and Collectibles, led by Barbara Gleason, meet occasionally to share their love and appreciation of beautiful and interesting works of art. Refreshments are graciously served and wonderful conversation ensues; held at various homes. Contact Barbara at (562) 421-2206. Bridge Groups play at the Petroleum Club in Long Beach. To inquire about a seat at the game on the first and third Wednesday please call Emily Elgin and for the availability for a seat on the second Friday kindly contact Cathy Cunningham at (562) 424-3166; catherine_j_cunningham@yahoo.com. Great Discussions Groups meetings, held in February and March, have no more than ten members who have prepared by reading one chapter of the Great Discussions book; published by the Foreign Policy Association, about a situation of world importance. The moderated group meets to discuss the pros, cons, issues, and the importance of the topic. Each participant is encouraged to bring other sources of information. Everyone speaks in turn, no one is "wrong" and all opinions are respected. Contact Helen Sebring (562) 596-01801; hnfsebring@yahoo.com or Lamis Hashem (562) 795-6605. Community Connections. This group concentrates on collecting and packaging personal care packets for the students at the Mary Bethune Center, the LBUSD school for homeless students. The group plans to continue this endeavor while also assessing other needs of this school and the community. Community Connections meet the 4th Monday of the month at Callendars Grille in Rossmoor, 12489 Seal Beach Boulevard. Please contact Anne Supple at annesupple@verizon.net or call 562-665-8361.