Think Globally, Join Locally

AAUW has an amazing mission!

AAUW’s Mission: To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.

I’m pretty busy with work and family.  And I’m not old, but I’m getting there.  When I look at that Mission, I can’t help but think, “Mission impossible.  I need a nap.” One day, some day, we will have gender equality.  But is there something – something a tad less intimidating – that I can do today?

Well…I have a lot of wisdom and experience, and I like sharing it with anyone who could benefit.  I like meeting people who share their stories as well.  I like connecting people when they have something in common.  And I like to chat over coffee.  Could that help the mission?

Can a friendly chat over coffee drive our mission?  I think so.  Let me explain…

As a young woman filled with energy and enthusiasm, (and perhaps a bit of righteous anger), I thought of AAUW and women’s advocacy solely in terms of STEM projects and political causes.  Now, I see something of a deeper purpose – to focus on building a wide network of local women who actively check in on each other.  If that network is strong, then advocacy will follow. 

Importantly, when we learn more about each other, we build more connections.  When doing so, it is easier to identify potential ‘best fit’ mentors for young women (or men!) seeking advice for either pursuing their career or dealing with the challenges that come along with it.

If you live or work in or around the Raleigh-Wake County area and that kind of networking and mentoring sound good to you, please consider joining our Branch.  Keep up with our Tarheel Branch as well!  The Tarheel Branch is our statewide, virtual branch for NC.

Pandemic inertia is real, and we’re all still recovering.  We need your energy to help us get the ball rolling again.  And when it does…watch out below!

Looking forward to coffee,

Lisa Lowe, Raleigh-Wake County (NC) Branch member and grateful AAUW Fellowship recipient