Member Julie McQuade Highlighted by Ozarks Unbound

Recently honored as Arkansas' 2010 Volunteer of the Year, member Julie McQuade was highlighted for her service by the local blog Ozarks Unbound. In the "Five Questions" section, Unbound founder Christopher Spencer said of Julie, "She’s tireless in her attendance and promotion of city events. In her role as the city’s community outreach coordinator, she’s on the front lines between the public and city government, purposely blurring the lines between the two." As part of her role with the city, Julie is heavily involved in the city's Fayetteville Forward Economic Accountability Council (FFEAC). "I believe Fayetteville Forward has already been a success by simply allowing the public to get involved in making things happen that they are passionate about," said Julie. She has been instrumental in organizing and facilitating communication between the various FFEAC Action Groups. Read more about Julie and her role as Community Outreach Coordinator on the Ozarks Unbound site. Congratulations, Julie. You are truly deserving of this recognition. (Pictured Left to Right: Julie McQuade, Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan, District 92 Representative and AAUW member Lindsley Smith)

Celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment with AAUW

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

Today, August 18, marks the 90th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, a landmark amendment granting women the right to vote. There are several ways you can celebrate the passage of the 19th amendment--here are just a few suggestions:

1) Attend the ceremony at the Arkansas state capitol's Old Supreme Court room at 12:15 on Thursday, August 26. On this date in 1920, the amendment was officially certified.

2) Spread the word about our local AAUW chapter online. Suggest your Facebook friends "like" our page and encourage them to attend a meeting.

3) Invite a friend or two to the upcoming AAUW Membership Gathering for new and prospective members on August 31, 5:30 at Homewood Suites.

4) Sign up to volunteer for our annual fundraiser, the NWA Gridiron. Contact Julie at jewlzmcq@gmail.com or Molly at mlongstr@uark.edu

5) Join AAUW in the 21 Days of Action Campaign to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. Read more about the campaign here.

These are just a few easy ways to carry on the tradition of our suffragist sisters. Thank you for taking action on this special day.

Member Shawna Thorup Profiled in Democrat Gazette

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette profiled our very own Shawna Lenn Saavedra Thorup in Sunday's NWA Profile Section. Described as "determined," "articulate," and "tenacious," Shawna was commended for her ability to keep her values central to both her professional and family life. "I believe that your personal value system has got to align with your profession's and your organizations'," said Shawna about her current role as Fayetteville Public Library's executive director. Shawna was also noted for her commitment to AAUW. Member Emily Ironside said of Shawna, "her most enriching characteristic is her dedication to breaking barriers for women and girls." Shawna has been an active member of AAUW for many years and currently serves as our chapter's co-vice president of membership. For a link to the full article, click HERE. Congratulations, Shawna. Our chapter is proud of all that you continue to accomplish.

Three Women to Serve on Supreme Court

The confirmation of Elena Kagan will put, for the first time in US history, three women serving concurrently on the US Supreme Court. AAUW Executive Director Linda D. Hallman stated upon her nomination, "The President has selected a woman who has been a trailblazer throughout her distinguished legal career, holding such positions as the first woman dean of Harvard Law School and first woman solicitor general of the United States. AAUW is pleased to note that, if confirmed, the Supreme Court will have three women justices serving concurrently for the first time in history-breaking through yet another barrier for women and girls." AAUW congratulates the soon-to-be confirmed Kagan and looks forward to the breaking of many more barriers to come.

Catfish, Green Tomato Relish, and Equity this August

AAUW of Fayetteville will host two meetings this August. August 10 will be our "regular" business meeting, but we are spicing things up a bit and meeting at the Catfish Hole at 5:30 for dinner. Then, on August 31 at 5:30 at Homewood Suites, we are hosting a special gathering for all new and prospective members who want to learn more about our mission and chapter.

In September we will resume our normal semester schedule and will meet every second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 in the Fayetteville Public Library Walker Community Room.

Hope you will join us for these upcoming events!

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