AAUW Local Impact

Local Impact in Public Policy

As much as we enjoy listening to engaging speakers in the company of like-minded women, we need to get the word out to the community. The ladies who lunch can’t create change unless they reach out. Here are some good ways:

• • Call your government representatives (or email them). This is the time-honored method and it is valid. You won’t get to talk with the legislator or council member, but an assistant will log the calls. Be concise and specific.
• • Be a member of the AAUW Action Network. Go to http://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/public-policy/two-minute-activist/ and enter your email address, or search for “two minute activist”. If you have ever responded to an Action Alert, you are a member. You will also get Florida Action Alerts soon, as the legislature gets going. The advantage of this system is that Action Alerts are sent out when decisions are actually being made—they are timely.
• • In-person visits with legislators. Florida AAUW has annual Lobby Days in Tallahassee (see last page). Also, I am looking for participants for visits with local legislators while they are here in Jacksonville between Jan. 20 and Feb. 3. We will introduce ourselves and ask them to support legislation to improve pay equity in Florida.
• • Write a letter to the editor. Kimberly Beasley recently had a good one published—congratulations! There is advice on the AAUW website—search for it. Send to letters@jacksonville.com for the Times-Union and include your complete contact information, where you live, and your occupation (or former one).
• • Join a local march in support of the national Women’s March on January 21. According to the AAUW website: “This nonpartisan rally of women’s rights advocates seeks to deliver the message that women’s rights are human rights.” Local marches are in solidarity with this purpose. THIS JUST IN: Women’s March in Jacksonville January 21, 2017 • 10:00 AM, Evergreen Cemetery 4535 N Main St Jacksonville, Florida 32206. You can attend and still make the branch meeting!