President’s Message”
Without a doubt AAUW is one of the best kept secrets. Our mission, To advance gender equality for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy, raised a few eyebrows when I shared with people while traveling during January.
Let me back up. My husband and I had the opportunity to travel with 85 people on a small ship for 23 days. I can generally say they were well-educated and had careers across the spectrum. There were retired teachers, administrators, lawyers, nurses, career military, private business owners, and many more. The common link was travel. Therefore, when we met people at meals, port talks or just free time on the sun deck, the conversations always circled around to, what did you do and what keeps you busy when you are not traveling? Of course, I started sharing about AAUW, our mission and what activities or projects our branch is doing to support our mission, scholarships, and awards.
For me it was a learning experience and a teaching moment. To my disbelief, most were astonished that AAUW existed and let alone has such a proactive approach to helping the next generation of young people attain their education, career, or work goals.
A few times we even looked on the internet to see if there was an AAUW branch in relatively close proximity to where they live; 100% of the time there was a branch in their community that could help them get more information as to how they could further AAUW’s mission.
I hope there were a few who, upon arriving home, were motivated enough to follow through and get more information about AAUW.
In closing, I continue to be amazed that there are so many people who don’t know about AAUW and our mission. This introvert was proud to share that there are non-patrician groups that are focused on helping to make a better world for the next generation one scholarship/ award at a time.
Upcoming Programs
General Meeting: March 8th, 9 A.M.
Our speaker for March is Clark Tenney, Superintendent of Prescott Unified School District #1. He will discuss school vouchers, his job as superintendent, and what is new with local schools.
R. Clark Tenney has a diverse background in education, with a career spanning 31 years and counting. He was a classroom teacher of U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Japanese language for 22 years, including 10 years as a high school teacher and 12 years as an elementary school teacher. Clark has spent significant time teaching in both public and private schools, both in the western United States and in Tokyo, Japan. A 2019 Fulbright Scholar in the Leaders for Global Schools program, Mr. Tenney’s educational leadership experience includes several years as assistant principal of Prescott High School and principal of Abia Judd Elementary School in Prescott, as well as Assistant Superintendent of Prescott Unified School District. In early 2023, PUSD’s Governing Board selected Mr. Tenney as the new Superintendent of PUSD.
Mr. Tenney holds degrees in Secondary Education and Japanese Language Teaching from Brigham Young University, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. His postgraduate work for his Superintendent certificate was completed through the University of Arizona. His wife Sonya and he met in 1983 at Granite Mountain Junior High School in Prescott. The Tenneys have now been married for 33 years. Sonya and Clark have 5 wonderful children and 4 grandchildren. Sonya is the Membership Co-VP of AAUW-Prescott.
General Meeting: April 12th 9 A.M.
The AAUW-Prescott Annual Business Meeting will be held at the beginning of this General Meeting. It will include a presentation of the budget and election of officers for the 2025-26 year.
The Arizona Frontier Legends is an informal troupe of reenactors who perform skits based on actual Arizona history and historical characters as well as performing some fun Western satire. They are a non-profit group and proud to be badge-carrying volunteers of the Western Heritage Center on Historic Whiskey Row in Prescott. All donations are proudly given to the Western Heritage Center.
Celebrating US (Women)
Isn’t it appropriate that AAUW Prescott Branch is having its March General Meeting during Women’s History Month, and on March 8th, International Women’s Day!
Women’s History Month was developed from roots in Sonoma, California, in 1978. The late President Jimmy Carter made the first Presidential Proclamation in 1980 proclaiming the week containing March 8 as Women’s History Week. The U.S Congress passed a resolution in 1981 establishing a national celebration. By 1987 the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March.
International Women’s Day has been sponsored by the United Nations since 1975, based on global celebrations of economic, political, and social achievements of women since 1911. The National Women’s History Alliance (Formerly the National Women’s History Project) designates a yearly theme for Women’s History Month.
The 2025 theme celebrates “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” Doesn’t that sound like the goals of AAUW?
Submitted by Elizabeth Bailey
AAUW Prescott Business
Membership
On February 22nd, we had a lovely New Member Brunch at Patti Allen-LaFleur’s home. While not all of our new members could attend, we had five newer members and seven seasoned ones present. Patti’s home was beautiful, and she was a gracious and attentive host.
Several seasoned members brought delicious brunch dishes to share, and we enjoyed getting to know each other better. We also had a chance to hear what brought each of us to AAUW and why we choose to remain part of this great organization. A common theme shared by many seasoned members—and a few newer ones—was that joining interest groups and serving on the Board really enhances the AAUW experience. We encourage everyone to find ways to get more involved!
Since our last Thumbsketch in January, we’ve welcomed two new members. Sabrina Rara discovered us while searching for “Mahjongg groups in Prescott” and was drawn to our values and mission. After attending our January general meeting, she was hooked and is now involved in several of our interest groups.
Mishel Urias was a member of our group before the pandemic and is excited to be back with us. Be sure to look for her at our upcoming meetings!
Our current membership is at 117. We continue to add one or two new members each month. Do you know someone who could benefit from joining us? Invite them to our next meeting!
Brunch attendees were (starting with the top left) Mari Rimple, Kimberly Richards, Elizabeth Miller, (2nd row) Sabrina Rara, Miriam Haubrich, Jet Sletten, Kelli Klosterman, Lynne Murphy, (front row) Leslie Gellerman, Sandra Bennett, and Patti Allen LaFleur. (Sonya Tenney took the picture.)
Tax Deductible Benefit for AAUW Members
This is just a reminder that the National portion of your AAUW dues is tax-deductible for 2024. If you paid the full amount of $103 in 2024, you may deduct $64 as a charitable contribution.
Field Trips
Vice President Jet Sletten led our first field trip of the year to the Mountain Artists Guild. She outlined the history of the Mountain Artists Guild to the 9 participating AAUW members. The picture with her holding a picture was an example of the art of a young person taking classes there. For more information, contact Jet Stetten.
The next field trip is May 12th to the Western Heritage Center on Whisky Row.
June Ruth, who was a long-standing member of AAUW-Prescott, was recognized at the Prescott Unified School District School Board Meeting for her bequest of $216,666.67 to the Hungry Kids Program. https://prescottwomanmagazine.com/feeding-our-children/
AAUW Arizona
AAUW Arizona Legislative Day 2025
Come join us for a day to socialize and advocate with AAUW members from across Arizona!
Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Arizona Capitol Museum Historic Senate Chamber
1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona
Please arrive by 9:30 am. Program: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
- Matt Gress, Arizona Representative
- Armonee Jackson, President, Young Democrats of AZ
- Garrett Archer, ABC15 Data Analyst
- Steven Primack, Executive Director, AZ Legislative Council
Contact your Branch President or Public Policy Chair to reserve your spot now.
Click here to register.
Advocacy Activities
Advocacy News
It’s hard to believe that we are already beginning the last quarter of our AAUW year. Writing for this Thumb Sketch edition has allowed me to reflect on what advocacy has accomplished this year, as well as what work needs to be done.
Trying Something New – With the creation of the Advocacy Coordinator position came the opportunity to evaluate how we think about public policy and community action as they relate to the AAUW mission, as well as to each other. It is much like a good ‘ole Venn Diagram, where A = AAUW Mission, B = Public Policy, and C = Community Action. Rather than thinking of each of these as separate entities or thinking only of how our mission can be played out in public policy or only how our community action supports our mission, the diagram offers us the chance to see how A, B, and C overlap. Currently, we have a few AAUW members who are attending local school board meetings (C). Much of what happens in our schools is dictated by public policy and state and federal laws (B). By attending the school board meetings, members are not only staying current on local school issues, but they are also able to see how public policy is played out in real time (B, C). This puts our branch in a position to develop new community action programs based on school needs or have the board write a policy paper about a certain issue or encourage members to contact their legislators. Any of these advocates for women and girls (A, B, C). Let’s keep ‘ole Venn in mind as we strive to become more engaged with our mission and develop our advocacy program.
Advocacy Committee – You can join any time! This is not a long-term commitment, but rather a process for putting Advocacy at the heart of what we do. Currently, Pat Mann and Breeanya Hinkle are helping with the endeavor. Won’t you join us??
Spring Forum – The AZ State Spring Forum is on Saturday, March 29th, at Scottsdale Community College. Guest speakers this year include Meghan Kissell, Senior Director of Policy and Member Advocacy at AAUW National and Jodi Liggitt, Founder and Managing Director of the Arizona Center for Women’s Advancement as well as our own Becky Gunn, State President,
Reality Store – Thank you to all who volunteered and to Pat Mann, Lenore Hemphill, Cathay Cunningham, and Stephanie Voss for their hard work. A more detailed article can be found in this Thumb Sketch.
What is Happening Down South?
Arizona Legislative Session 2025
By Penny Briner Ewell
When the March-April Thumb Sketch hits your inbox, the Arizona Legislative session will be approximately half over. Deadlines for proposing new legislation will have passed and bills will be making their way through committees, votes, and passed on from one chamber to the other. Because of the sheer volume of legislation, it’s not always easy to keep track of what bills have made it through committee and are on to further debate until we read it in the news. Here’s some helpful information.
If you’d like to delve deeply into the specifics of bills, the Arizona Legislature website is the place to go https://www.azleg.gov. This site allows you to read the specific language of all bills, view the legislative calendar, as well as track specific bills of interest, their amendments, and votes.
Not quite that passionate about legislation, but still want to keep abreast of developments? There are many avenues to pursue, but here are two user-friendly websites. If you are interested in legislation related to education, check out the Save Our Schools website https://sosarizona.org. SOSAZ has a weekly education report that you can access or sign up for weekly emails. Another helpful site aimed at all legislation (because what doesn’t affect women and girls?) is Civic Engagement Beyond Voting, https://www.cebv.us. Again, you can read a weekly report or sign up for updates. Both of these websites discuss legislation in succinct and understandable language. Both sites indicate whether the organization opposes or supports a particular bill, but counter opinions can be found by researching any given bill.
Here are a few pieces of education legislation to watch:
HB2022 (Bliss bill) – Allows schools to authorize employees to possess a firearm on school grounds with notification and certification. The Arizona Department of Education would house the Save Our Children School Safety Program Fund. SB1021 also allows for individuals with a concealed carry permit to have a firearm on college campuses. Both of these bills have made it out of committee, and HB2022 has passed the House.
SB1693 – Private school students or those students receiving ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) funds must be allowed to try out for interscholastic activities at public schools. Keep in mind that public schools do not provide financial support for private schools or ESA students.
SCR1032 – This bill allows for the Arizona State School Fund (state land trust) to provide guaranteed financing for K-12 schools and flexibility in how monies are spent. Funding for K-12 education is desperately needed, but those opposed to this legislation argue that it benefits charter as well as public schools.
HCR2003 – Lifts the spending cap for public schools for the 2025-26 school year. As you might recall, a few years ago the legislature looked as though it might hold up funds for the public schools by not lifting the cap, possibly jeopardizing schools’ ability to operate the final quarter of the year.
SCR1028 – Amend the AZ Constitution to require school bonds to be passed by 60% of the votes cast, not a simple majority as is currently the case.
SB1694 – State universities and community colleges would be ineligible for state money if they teach courses in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
There are many bills focusing on water issues, voting rights, and democracy.
SB1611 – Involves water, farmland, and the housing crisis. It’s a complicated bill. I’d suggest further reading, but water use and overuse are issues.
HCR2053 (Nguyen bill) – You are probably familiar with this one! This bill ends legislative immunity for traffic violations.
Bills in both the House and Senate regarding voting rights, judges, and election procedures are numerous. The governor has already vetoed one major bill dealing with early voting. CEBV provides a quick summary of some of these bills.
Feeling strongly about some of this legislation? There are ways to participate and let your voice be heard right from home:
Request to Speak (RTS) applications are available at https://www.azleg.gov/alispdfs/Using_the_Request_to_Speak_Program.pdf
Contact your legislators at:
Sen. Mark Finchem – mfinchem@azleg.gov
Rep. Salina Bliss – sbliss@azleg.gov
Rep. Quang Nguyen – qnguyen@azleg.gov
Volunteer Opportunities
Were you inspired by some of our recent speakers?
Did you think, “I could do that” or “How can I help?”
Below are the business cards for our November and January speakers. Individual volunteer opportunities are available or…
Are there ways AAUW might reach out to these organizations?
Contact Penny Briner Ewell if you have ideas!
AAUW Successfully Hosts Reality Store® Again
By Penny Briner Ewell
Advocacy started 2025 off with a bang! In January, 34 students enrolled in the Early College Academy participated in the Reality Store.® The Early College Academy is a joint venture between the local high schools and Yavapai College in which junior and senior high school students enroll full-time at YC, earning credits toward a YC Certificate, an Associate Degree, or general education requirements for college.
Stephanie Voss began the day by asking the students to envision their lives at age 25 — career, family, lifestyle. Students then engaged with volunteers from AAUW to determine their salary, taxes, college loan payments, and all other monthly expenses from housing to entertainment to technology. Quite a few students ran out of money and had to adjust their dreams; some developed creative strategies for solving income shortages when it came to child care, entertainment, or clothing; still, others made choices that allowed them to have funds left over at the end of the month. After attending the store, students reflected on their experience. Some comments heard throughout the morning included:
“I didn’t know kids were so expensive; can I take them back?”
“My parents will pay for my college, but what if they can’t; will I need a loan?”
“Do I have to get a phone for my spouse?”
“I’m already saving money now so that I can buy a house later.”
“I think my spouse will need a good job.”
“I might need a second part-time job.”
“Can I put a baby seat on a motorcycle?”
The morning wrapped up with advisors from Yavapai College discussing the cost of college from community colleges to state institutions to out-of-state tuition.
The Reality Store® could not happen without many wonderful volunteers. Special recognition to Pat Mann and Lenore Hemphill who have been the backbone of the store for many years. Thanks to Cathy Cunningham for organizing the communications and Stephanie Voss for her willingness to engage with students pre and post their “shopping.” And to the many volunteers who spent their morning with these young people, thank you. Reality Store® is the perfect example of how a few hours of your day can have an impact on others and help our AAUW branch fulfill its mission.
Scholarships
The following students received Mary Alice Moulton Scholarships for 2024-25:
Avery Liggett – $2,000
Ashley Darling – $1,500
Violet Lowe – $1,500
We received a “thank you” letter from Avery Liggett stating, “Due to your generosity, I can focus on my education knowing that my son is receiving the highest level of care and attention at the Family Enrichment Center. Completing my business degree will help ensure the economic security and well-being of my entire family, which has been made possible through your generous donations. Thank you!”
We have also awarded one student, Athena Alvarez, a $500 Opportunity Fund Award. Athena is an AmeriCorps Intern, a student in Administration of Justice studies, and is the secretary of the Yavapai College Law and Justice Club. This award will help cover the cost for her to go on an educational trip to Philadelphia in March. She will be visiting Independence Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the African American Museum, Betsy Ross House, and Eastern State Penitentiary and will be taking notes and having discussions relevant to the trip. She will then participate in the Spring 2025 Peace Summit.
At the March General Meeting, we will be selling tickets for four gift baskets, so bring your money and plan to enter this Opportunity Award drawing! We will have the following themed baskets: safari, tea and chocolate, dog lovers, and tea. Please see the pictures below and check out the actual baskets at the meeting. Tickets for this drawing will be one ticket for $2 or three tickets for $5. We will draw winners at the March meeting, and all proceeds go toward the Opportunity Award. Please bring your cash to the March meeting to participate!
Interest Groups
Hiking Group
The Hiking Group gathers on the Third Wednesday of each month. If you are interested in joining the hiking group, please contact Sharon Novak, and she will send out a reminder including the time and place for each hike.
March: Wednesday, March 19th we will meet in the Peavine Trail parking lot at 9:30 and hike the Peavine to Watson Lake Trail.
April: Wednesday, April 16th we will meet in in the Thumb Butte parking lot at 9:30 and hike trails 316 & 317 at Thumb Butte.
Please join us for a good hikes and companionship.
GENERAL MEETING – Directions to Hope Lutheran Church, 231 W. Smoketree Lane, Prescott, Arizona 86301. Smoketree Lane can be accessed from Willow Creek Road or Prescott Lakes Parkway. Our General Meeting will be held in the Friendship Hall to the left of the main entrance. There is sufficient parking for all.