Public Policy Committee
Purpose – To serve as a resource for the AAUW-SH membership-at-large on the issues as outlined in the National AAUW Public Policy Priorities; address issues at the local, state and national levels through contacts with our elected officials and provide avenues for action by:
- Advocating for high-quality Public Education-adequate funding, promoting gender fairness, equity and diversity, STEM education, comprehensive sex education and support of Title IX.
- Advocating for equality, civil rights and economic self-sufficiency for women.
- Advocating for women’s health literacy, well-being and reproductive self-determination.
- Promoting citizen participation in our democratic society.
Primary activities – Members share an interest in engagement on public issues, are willing to research topics, share findings with committee and collaborate to propose appropriate action. As a committee we:
- Keep abreast of issues affecting women and girls through contact with MI AAUW, National AAUW and independent research.
- Monitor legislation and respond as needed via Rapid Responder network.
- Sub-committees focus on specific issues – gun violence, pay equity, women’s health, literacy, school curriculum, school funding, reproductive self-determination, domestic violence and human trafficking, LGBTIQ diversity rights, Title IX and gender fairness.
- Meet and correspond with local and elected officials.
- Organize and staff community candidate forums before city, state or national elections.
- Conduct voter education and registration at South Haven High School and SH branch of Lake Michigan College.
Time commitment required – AAUW SH Public Policy Committees are held on the third Wednesday of the month at the South Haven Memorial Library from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. (No meetings in June, July or August.) Subcommittee members continue to monitor legislation and inform PPC and Rapid Responders if action is necessary.
Contacts – Co-chairpersons: Julie Leavitt & Julie Ludwig
Rapid Responders (PPC Subcommittee)
Purpose – Rapid Responders (RR) is an advocacy initiative of our Public Policy Committee. The Goal is to increase the amount of contact, primarily at the state level, between AAUW SH members and our elected officials about proposed legislation aligned with AAUW national and state priorities.
Primary Activities – Respond to Rapid Responders email alerts with phone call, email or letter – contact information provided for pertinent elected officials. RR alert gives you concise information on specific legislation and you decide what to say; personal stories are more effective.
Specific volunteer needs and time commitment required – Seeking women who want to make their voices heard on important legislation with minimal individual time commitment and no meetings. Typical number of alerts has been six per year.
Contact – Coordinator: Elaine Stephens
Domestic Violence Prevention
Purpose – Advocate and help women in domestic abuse and violence situations and to help those who have domestic dangers
Primary activities – Support Sylvia’s Placein Allegan by food and pillow collection. Support Domestic Violence Coalitionin Paw Paw by food and personal care item collection. Looking for other opportunities in the community where we can help with a need.
Specific volunteer needs and time commitment required – We welcome members who are community minded and seek to help those and their families who are escaping domestic violence. We have two meetings a year; project time commitment varies but usually less than 6 hours a year.
Co-Chairpersons – Barb Calhoun and Kathy Straits
Women’s Health Resources
Purpose – To promote health literacy and availability of resources for women and families.
Primary Activities – Presently initiating a collaboration with United Way to publicize the health and social service hotline 211 in Van Buren County. Also on our agenda is finding a way to improve access to reproductive health for women in our area.
Time commitment required – Monthly meetings as needed with opportunities to help in formation, gathering and distribution on your own time schedule.
Contact – Coordinator: Linda Garrison
Public Policy Committee & Political Events Meets monthly AAUW has an active public policy program at the national, state and local levels. Basic to all of AAUW’s public policy efforts is the understanding that true equity requires a balance between the rights of the individual and the needs of the community. The Public Policy Program believes that quality public education is the foundation of a democratic society and the key to economic prosperity and gender equality.
The South Haven Public Policy Committee holds several meetings during the year for all members to meet with elected officials. Our committee invites you to join us to examine issues and legislation and discuss how best to direct our members’ influence.