2015-05 BONFIRE
California and community advocates, including AAUW-CA, are joining with elected leaders in a call for an agenda that empowers women and brings equality to the state’s workplace. Together advocates are supporting multiple policy actions that: Reduce poverty and build assets; expand access to affordable quality early childhood care and education; ensure fair pay and job opportunities and support working families. Through passage of proposed legislation like the Fair Pay Act SB358, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act of 2015-AB 1354, and the Earn and Learn Bill, California can set the standard for the rest of the country. Why California? It is the 8th largest economy in the world and it is also where 12% of America’s women live. For more information check out Stronger California and the key legislation being proposed in 2015.

2014-10 BONFIRE

The best way you can honor the brave suffragists who helped secure the passage of the 19th Amendment is to VOTE and ACT. AAUW members VOTE, even in mid-term elections like the upcoming one on November 4. We ACT to motivate young women to vote as well. Spread the word that AAUW is recommending the nonpartisan website canIvote.org, where voters will find state by state information. The Branch Public Policy Committee will bring this information to students at the C/U campuses, along with voter education on issues. We are partnering with the League of Women Voters for a Pros and Cons Forum on October 11 at the Bascom Avenue Library Community Room (see front page). AAUW-CA ballot initiative positions are available at aauw-ca.org.

Every year AAUW San Jose hosts our Fall Event where prospective members, new members and long-time members connect or re-connect with one another and with the many activities of the San Jose Branch. Enjoy the year in review: how AAUW San Jose has made a difference in the lives of women and girls. Meet Tech Trek campers and Local Scholarship recipients. Hear the stories of women whose lives have been changed by their membership in AAUW San Jose. All the interest groups and Community Action Projects will have displays. Fall Event is on Saturday, September 13 9:30 am to 1 pm at the First Congregational Church (corner of Hamilton and Leigh). Everyone is welcome. 2014-09 BONFIRE

This just in:
New California Law Helps Level the Playing Field for Girls in Sports
The law signed this week requires California public primary and secondary schools offering competitive sports to report on the number of students playing sports by gender. This is one of the Title IX compliance indicators that was checked when Branch members used the AAUW “Know The Score” checklist for local high schools. Now the data will be public and readily accessible so that female students and their teachers, coaches and families will be able to assess and rectify inequalities.

AAUW San Jose is the proud sponsor of Tech Excellence brochure 2014-2015 8.16.14“>Tech Excellence, an interactive math-science program for seventh (7th) grade girls that strives to explore jobs and careers in STEM; provide field study through local businesses and colleges; provide hands-on experiences in STEM areas and promote equity and increase self-esteem for middle school girls.Four studies prepared for AAUW document that pre-adolescent girls show an alarming drop in interest in science and mathematics, academic performance and self-esteem. Tech Excellence is a program designed to counteract this trend. August 2014 Bonfire

It’s spring, so of course it is time to think about……Fall Event, AAUW San Jose’s kick-off meeting of the 2014-2015 year. Put September 13 on your calendars for fellowship, fun, and food. All the interest groups and community action groups will have displays and there will be an interesting and motivating speaker. Save the date. . . . . . September 13, 2014!!2014-06 June-July BONFIRE