Online Branch Programs

Online branch programs are unique! Not only are they free, but there are no formal “meetings”.  Our programs take the form of branch listserv discussions. Participate as you wish, any time it’s convenient. All you need is an internet connection and the desire to share ideas and opinions with other members. Some folks “participate” passively just by reading the contributions of others. Some get involved on almost every topic.

Although our program committee plans for “ambitious” programs, any branch member may start  a discussion at any time. All it takes is sending a listserv message about something you would like to discuss.  Topics range from AAUW activities to mission-related news of the day to a pending Association vote.

Discussion can last a few days or several weeks. It depends on the members’ interest as shown by active participation. If the listserv is quiet for a while the program vice president may introduce a topic.

Using the listserv:

·         New members receive the listserv email address and instructions when they join.

·         All branch members automatically receive a message sent on the listserv.

·         Members participate by “replying” to the original or previous message. That sends their replies to all members.

·         We don’t attach files to listserv messages but we do include links to articles or websites -of interest and copy/paste brief items into the body of an email.  

July 2007 - June 2008

July 2006 - June 2007

July 2005 - June 2006

Here are some of the topics we’ve discussed in the 2007-2008 year:

Future Plans:

• JANUARY 2008 Planned Program – Pay Equity

NOVEMBER 2007 – Listserv &  Blog Program: HIV/AIDS and the American Woman

FALL 2007

• Board meeting: August 1 – September 10

  • All members were invited. 18 non-board members were added to the board listserv so they could attend.

  • Off board members participated actively in discussion on:

    • Possible branch programs

    • Different electronic communication technologies to try

    • Ways to help members improve their internet skills

    • Branch goals and objectives

    • Expansion of the branch website

    • Fund-raising for EF and LAF

• Discussions started:

  • Coalition on Human Needs

  • Healthcare

  • Guest worker abuse

July 2007

• Reported and discussed: Results of Association convention, including approval to restructure the national organization. Discussion via listserv and blog.

• Introduced 17 new members, many dual from CA and 5 other states.

• Prepared for first board meeting of new program year. 18 off-board members accepted invitation to attend.

• Introduced Public Policy topics for discussion:

  • No Child Left Behind act

  • Summary of 2006 Laws Affecting Women from the CA Commission on the Status of Women.

  • The issue of women's health as found in the Kaiser Weekly Women's Health Policy report. A source for on-going awareness and discussion.

Here are some of the topics we’ve discussed in the 2006-2007 year*:

June 2007

• Sample letter to protest gender discrimination and harassment on college campuses, supporting AAUW’s Legal Advocacy Fund.

• Prepared a PowerPoint presentation about CAOnline branch for the Taste of Success display at Association convention in Phoenix June 18-July 2.

• Book group made recommendations and developed a reading list for July through December 2007.

May 2007

• Women’s equity issue in academia

April 2007

• Continued discussion of AAUW bylaws proposals

• Supreme Court decision to uphold the national ban “partial birth” abortions

March 2007

• Continued discussion of HPV vaccine—health debate and politics of issue

• Comparing various health care proposals by California governor and legislators, with emphasis on the plan endorsed by AAUW: SB 840

• Review of AAUW’s achievements in women’s rights (honoring Women’s History Month

• R.J. Reynolds Tobacco’s new cigarette brand aimed at female smokers

• US Court of Appeals for Eighth Circuit ruling that health insurance coverage is not required to cover contraception because “it is not related to pregnancy.”

• Comprehensive, step-by-step analysis of AAUW bylaws changes proposed for the state (April) and national (June) conventions – discussions on listserv and blog

February 2007

• Gardasil vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) for girls; pros and cons of mandating the vaccination (Texas debate).

• Bio-ethics report on the impact to women’s health in harvesting eggs for stem cell research

• 12-step program to tell good science from bad (Guttmacher Institute)

January 2007

• CA Gov. Schwarzenegger’s new health care proposals

• Public opinions and policies concerning abortion (on 34th anniversary of Roe v. Wade)

December 2006

• Breast cancer research

• Teenagers’ reproductive rights

November 2006

• Genocide in Darfur

• President Bush’s appointment of an anti-abortion doctor to head federal family planning programs

October 2006

• California Prop 85 (Parental notification of teenage abortions) – AAUW is opposed

• PBS documentary “Maquilapolis” on women in sweatshops

• Report on lobbyists influence peddling in Congress

• South Dakota voters defeat the anti-abortion law passed by state legislature

September 2006

• Universal Health Care

• South Dakota abortion law referendum

August 2006

• Updates on Plan B, access to emergency contraceptives

• Call for proposals to get girls interested in science

Here are some of the topics we’ve discussed in the 2005-2006 year*:

• The ins and outs of communicating effectively with state legislators
• Public Policy 101 - understanding AAUW's "use of name" policy
• Change in AAUW membership requirements
• Supreme Court nominations (both Bush appointments)
• Roe v. Wade and how states are chipping away at this right
• “Plan B” contraceptives and whether it really is available to all women in California
• Calls to action, when needed
• Update on Plan B, August 2006

New topics are always welcome. . . please Contact Us! Better yet, send a message about something that concerns you, is relevant to AAUW’s mission, or something you simply want to share with like-minded women.  

BE VOCAL! You are the key to making Online programs work.

Not an Online branch member yet? 

If this style of AAUW membership appeals to you, please join us!  For more information, visit our Membership area.

*The AAUW membership year runs from July 1 to June 30.