Programs/Events

2022-23 Meetings and Programs

If you are not a current member of the AAUW-Tomah Branch and would like to attend an upcoming meeting and program; are interested in learning more about our programs; or have suggestions for future programs, please contact Tammy Hewuse, Program Branch Officer, at Tammyhewuse@gmail.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

View/print full 2022-23 Program Schedule HERE.

The Importance Of Your Vote 
Tuesday, Sept 27: Tomah Senior Center, 1002 Superior Ave., 6-7:30 p.m.

Curious about AAUW? Find Out More and Better Understand the Importance of Your Vote
An overview of the initiatives promoted by AAUW at the national, state, and local levels will be provided. An update on the voting changes in the state of Wisconsin will be provided and a perspective on fair and free elections will be provided by long-time City of Tomah Clerk, JoAnn Cram.

Curriculum vs. Critical Race Theory
Tuesday, Oct 25: Tomah Senior Center, 1002 Superior Ave., 6-8 p.m.

What are Wisconsin Schools Teaching? Why a Culturally Responsive and Inclusive Curriculum is Not CRT (Critical Race Theory) Learn about the Wisconsin social studies curriculum model that promotes a culturally responsive and inclusive curriculum promoting critical thinking. Former social studies teacher, principal, and district superintendent, Cindy Zahrte, will present a PowerPoint developed to help explain the difference between this curriculum and Critical Race Theory.

The Causes and Impact of Poverty and Homelessness on Women
Tuesday, Nov 22: Tomah Senior Center, 1002 Superior Ave., 6-7:30 p.m.

Tia Hewuse, Executive Director of Family Promise of Monroe County, will share how life circumstances can lead to poverty and homelessness for women and how organizations like Family Promise help to provide hope and support for a brighter future.

Holiday Tea at Julia’s
Saturday, Dec 10: Julia Palmer’s Home, 7072 Division Rd., 10 am – 1 pm

This special event assists our branch in raising money for AAUW’s Greatest Need Fund. Enjoy a relaxing brunch with mimosas and quiche in Julia Palmer’s home, socializing with members, and joining in some holiday music entertainment.

Francis Huntly-Cooper, Wisconsin’s First African-American Mayor
Tuesday, Jan 24: Tomah Senior Center, 1002 Superior Ave., 6:30-8 p.m.

We will be joining a Zoom meeting with the Monona/Madison branches of AAUW to hear personally from Francis Huntly-Cooper on her experiences and life story.

Changing the Narrative about First Americans
Tuesday, Feb 28: Tomah Senior Center, 1002 Superior Ave., 6:30-8 p.m.

We will be joining a Zoom meeting with the Monona/Madison branches of AAUW to
hear from Karen Lincoln Michel, a member of the HoChunk Nation and a journalist who
has done significant investigative work. Karen is a Tomah High School alum. You can
learn more about her at 2017-Karen Michel Class of 1976 | Distinguished Alumni (tomah.education).

Annual AAUW Branch Meeting
Tuesday, Mar 28: Location TBD, 5-7 p.m.

To honor the originality, beauty, imagination, and multiple dimensions of women’s lives, AAUW Tomah Branch joins in the celebration of National Women’s History Month. The annual observance reminds the nation to honor the vision of women, as well as their accomplishments and sacrifices. This will be the 17th year in which we have recognized local women for their contributions to our community. We have celebrated approximately fifty (50) women over that time span. This program is open to the public with a refreshment reception to follow.

The Hello Girls Presentation 
Friday, Mar 31: Viterbo University

We will be traveling to Viterbo University for the 7:30 p.m. show of The Hello Girls, a theatrical
presentation of the amazing true story of U.S. women in WWI who served their country as telephone operators in France. More details will be provided later.

Crucial Conversations on Women’s Health and LGBTQ+ Issues
Tuesday, Apr 25: Tomah Senior Center, 1002 Superior Ave., 6-7:30 p.m.

Facilitator (TBD) will lead us in a discussion of women’s reproductive rights and issues surrounding gender and sexual identity. In addition, experts in women’s health and LGBTQ+ (Kathy Kett and Sierra Phillips, respectively) will be in attendance to answer questions. Having discussions that enable us to respectfully listen and share different perspectives allows us to take small steps forward and engage in deeper conversation.

AAUW State Convention
Apr 28 and 29: Milwaukee Marriott West

We hope to send a cadre of Tomah branch members to the state convention this year. It is the first face-to-face convention since COVID-19 impacted our lives. Many great speakers and educational opportunities will be provided. More details will be forthcoming.

Tomah Branch Annual Meeting
Tuesday, May 23: Murray’s on Main, 810 Superior Ave., 5-8 p.m.

We wrap up our 2022-23 program year with a time of socialization and reflection on our accomplishments from the year. Election of officers and other business items will be the focus as we celebrate the completion of our 51st year of being advocators for women’s issues.

2021-22 Meeting Dates/Programs:

    • Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 6 PM: Fair Maps (Gerrymandering in Wisconsin) – presented by Cindy Zahrte; Location: Vino Anjo. Action Network and Website sign up.
    • Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 6 PM: Young Women’s Panel – Experiences with DEI – presented by Angie Noltner, Tia Hewuse, Clara Krause, and Megan Palmer; Location: Home of Tammy Hewuse.
  • Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 6 PM: Topics include technology, connectivity, gender equality, and women empowerment – presented by Deb Young; Location: Tomah Chamber & Visitors Center.
  • Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 10 AM: Christmas Brunch Social/AAUW Greatest Needs
    Fund Raiser; Status Update from Sabira re: Afghan Refugee Experience; Location: Home of Julia Palmer.
  • Tuesday, January 25, 2021 at 6 PM: Women’s Stories/Movie Discussion; Location: Tomah Chamber & Visitors Center OR via ZOOM, pending weather.
  • Tuesday, February 22, 2021 at 6 PM: “6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Six Triple Eight” – Documentary on the amazing military service of an all-Black Women’s battalion Serving in WWII, presented by the Director James Theres – more information on the Documentary can be found HERE; Location: Meeting will be held via ZOOM (meeting will not be in-person). State of Wisconsin – AAUW Branches invited to this special event!
  • Tuesday, March 29 at 6 PM: Women’s History Month Celebration; Location: Best Western (open to the public to attend)
  • Tuesday, April 26 at 6 PM: STEM in Tomah Area Public Schools – Hands On Demonstration; Location: High School STEM rooms (note rescheduled June 7, 2022)
  • Tuesday, May 31 at 6 PM: AAUW-Tomah Branch Annual Meeting; Location: Tomah Chamber & Visitors Center.

2020-21 Meeting Dates/Programs:

  • Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 6 PM
  • Monday, October 19, 2020 at 6 PM
  • Monday, November 16, 2020 at 6 PM
  • Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 11 AM: 2020 Holiday Celebration
  • Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 6:30 PM: Yoga and Wellness – presented by Kathy Peterson
  • Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 7 PM
  • Monday, March 22, 2021 at 6:30 PM: Women’s History Month Celebration
  • Monday, May 3, 2021 at 5 PM: Annual Business Meeting, Taphouse Twenty

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS!

Congrats to Clara Krause who will be representing our Branch at the NCCWSL Conference! 

NCCWSL Conference/Scholarship Opportunity – click here.  If interested, notify AAUWTomah@gmail.com by February 24th, 2021!

AAUW Wisconsin 2021 Convention is virtual for 2020/2021.
AAUW Wisconsin will be hosting its Annual State Convention online on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24, 2021. To register for the convention, click here. or go to: https://aauwwistateconvention.com/

Learn about AAUW’s advocacy work for women’s ECONOMIC SECURITY, an especially crucial goal amid the challenges of COVID-19. Inform yourself about AAUW and COVID-19 at STANDING STRONG THROUGH CRISIS.