American Association of University Women (AAUW), Kona branch, hosts Hawaii State Convention
The American Association of University Women (AAUW), Kona branch, hosted the Hawaii State AAUW convention April 27-29 at the Royal Kona Resort. The convention theme was “Equality: An Endurance Race, Not a Sprint.” Fifty AAUW members attended the convention, from branches in Oahu, Diamondhead, Honolulu, Windward, Maui, Kauai, Hilo and Kona, as well as several invited guests and speakers.
Four educational and inspirational sessions included Focus on Membership Using SMART goals, Shifting the Gender Pay Gap in Hawaii, Girls in STEM, and the Importance of Telling Our Stories. Kimberly Churches, from the national office in Washington, D.C., spoke about “Beyond Aspirations: AAUW’s Future” and her vision excited members about new directions AAUW is exploring, including ensuring Title IX was protected, expanded, and fully endorsed at all levels of education, with each school to have a scorecard of compliance with Title IX requirements. Jennifer Stotter, director of UH Hilo’s Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Office, spoke about Title IX and its enforcement. She presented new info about the process for reporting discrimination, assault, and any gender-based violence on campus.
For more information about AAUW Kona, visit kona-hi.aauw.net or contact Linda Arlington at lindajarlington@gmail.com, or Jamie Pardau at jpardau@gmail.com.