Minutes from the AAUW Valdosta Branch Meeting, held February 9, 2012, at Ruby Tuesday, with comments on other Sister to Sister meetings.

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm.

There were two guests from Zeta Phi Beta, Shaquadra Mesidon and Lauren Bass. Attendance is recorded in the Membership Sign In book.

Minutes of Jan. 12 are posted to our website. These minutes will also be posted.

Reports: President Deb Van Petten noted that we have Student Affiliate membership. She noted that the State AAUW Convention is April 13-14. A Scholarship committee was appointed to read applications for AAUW Award for Honors Day: Patricia Marks, Laverne Gaskins and Martha Leake are on the committee. VSU Liaison Sheri Gravett sent out the announcement, with completion date by March 9. Deb noted that she will receive training on setting up our new website. Anita Ondrusek, chair of the Sister to Sister Planning committee updated the membership on activities and progress thus far. The rest of the meeting was devoted to discussing and settling details about the Sister to Sister program on March 31. Programs: VP of Programs Diane Holliman had invited Dr. Traci Meyers for this evening’s program, but she was unable to come.

Old Business: Sister to Sister Planning: Meetings of the Sister to Sister committee were planned for Mary Helen Watson’s house, weekly. Thus far, Anita has drafted letters for fundraising which she will post for comment and correction. Diane Holliman will coordinate fundraising. The Chartwell group on VSU campus will give us a group rate for meals, with possible discount, and, as important, permission to have our own snacks and beverages, as long as we clean up later. Catherine Schaeffer’s dance group will perform. Workshop presenters and speakers include: Amanda King, Safety on the Internet, Tamara Mack, and Debra Tann, Keynote Speaker. A manual for S2S planning, with school names, contact list, workshop leaders, speakers and activities will be produced. A poster and brochure for S2S may help in publicity, fundraising and applications. Anita will be sending out drafts of these documents for membership comment and editing. Newspaper coverage was discussed. With 100 girls expected, the biggest question is funding the event. Diane Holliman compiled a list of nearly 20 businesses that could be asked for donations of money or in kind gifts such as soft drinks, donuts, and snacks. Volunteers will be found to set up refreshments once they are delivered. The membership discussed possible workshop topics (sexual identity, bullying, social justice, fitness, wellness, body image, peer pressure, social networking, making good choices, and relationships). Professionals will be needed to lead these workshops. The VSU counseling and Lawanna Barron were among the groups and individuals suggested as leaders and volunteers. Activities are directed to giving the girls a tour of VSU campus, eating in Palms, and engaging in STEM activities. Our message to the possible donors is that this program is a positive experience affecting the future of these young girls and the community. Our volunteers, speakers, and activity leaders are all role models and mentors for the middle school girls.

Submitted: April 13. 2012, by Martha Leake, Recording Secretary