The Georgia AAUW 2013 State Convention at the Country Inn & Suites in Marietta was a collaborative coming together for guests and members that was a great success.

Following an awards banquet on Friday night, April 26^th, which recognized the successes and philanthropy of Georgia branches, there was a showing of the documentary film, The Invisible War.  This film examines a military framework that enables abuse and ignores victims.  Several profound personal stories of abuse are unfortunately played out within a hierarchy more concerned with protecting its image than pursuing justice.  The documentary is a very powerful indictment of the need for the passage of the STOP Act.

On Saturday, one of our special guests, Patricia Ho, AAUW Vice President, spoke to AAUW’s future by embracing positive opportunities for change and by extending mission priorities across multiple communities and platforms.  Patricia Ho is a highly qualified and experienced candidate running for the office of AAUW President.  We will look to support her at our national convention in New Orleans, June 9^th – June 13^th.

It was our honor to host Jessica Hinves, an LAF Plaintiff and amazingly brave young woman featured in the film, The Invisible War.  LAF (AAUW’s Legal Advocacy Fund) supports women’s cases of gender discrimination and sexual abuse.  To hear her story, to understand her struggles and to appreciate her commitment to passage of the STOP Act is truly admirable.  We loved getting to know her, and will be there to support her and support the STOP Act.

During the Georgia AAUW business meeting, two key issues were presented and voted on by the delegates present.  State dues are now $10 annually, effective immediately.  Georgia AAUW will move to one member, one vote for all attendees at state meetings.

f you have not already made arrangements, please consider attending national convention in New Orleans, June 9^th – June 13^th.  It is an energizing time and all attendees return with renewed focus and stories to share.

Georgia AAUW has a dynamic program planned for our 2013 state convention, which will take place at the Country Inn & Suites (off of I-75 Windy Hill exit) in Marietta, GA.  We are honored to have AAUW Vice President, Patricia Ho, as our convention guest from the national office.  Additionally, we are honored to have LAF plaintiff, Jessica Hinves, speak about her story.  An awards banquet will take place Friday night, followed by a showing of the award-winning documentary film, The Invisible War.  Saturday Patricia Ho will speak about AAUW updates, initiatives and upcoming national convention in New Orleans, June 9-13.  Jessica Hinves will speak about her challenges and her case, Cioca v. Rumsfeld.  In the afternoon there will be a business meeting when important changes will be discussed.  Please plan to join us for our state convention in Marietta.  It’s always great to get together and meet new friends!  For additional information please see attachment.

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Georgia AAUW Public Policy 2013

Georgia AAUW members are invited to lobby at the capitol during Lobby Days and Women in the Hall Events in February and March.  Our legislators primary directive is to pass a balanced budget for 2014 … additionally there are bills being introduced as well as advocacy and lobby groups working during the 2013 session. 

 Georgia supports and mirrors the legislative agenda of Georgia Women for a Change (GWFAC) with a focus on:

• Economic Security, Independence and Opportunity for Women and Girls
• End Violence Against Women and Girls
• Advocate for Transparent, Responsible and Balanced Revenue and Spending Policies
• Safeguard and Improve Access to Health Care for Women and Girls

 GWFAC is very focused on these issues.  As an example GWFAC is continuing to work within the framework of HB200 success and is promoting a bill to provide victims of human trafficking with an accessible toll free hot line posted in strategic demographics. 

 Several organizations including Georgia AAUW, Georgia League of Women Voters and Georgia Job/Family Collaborative are working to promote the Family Care Act (FCA) – which asks employers to recognize sick days can be used to care for family members.  GA AAUW members will be advised when this bill is dropped and will follow it through the legislative process.  Expansion of Medicaid in Georgia is also a key initiative to follow and promote – it affects more than 600,000 Georgians.

 Georgia Women’s Policy Institute (GWPI) under the guidance of GWFAC has worked on two issues affecting women and seniors.  In reaching out to many agencies and organizations (GBI, PAC, CoAge, AARP) HB78 sponsored by Judiciary Chair Wendell Willard, is a bill to better protect senior citizens in Georgia.  This bill will incorporate GWPI primary issues to clearly define mandated reporter descriptions and reporting to both law enforcement and adult protective services, as well as adding sexual abuse to the code.  The Elder Protection Modernization Act (HB78) will also move all code protecting seniors to the criminal code.   Another issue GWPI is pursuing during these 2013 legislative sessions will be a budget request to allocate funds to license adult day care centers.  The bill was passed in 2003; funds have yet to be allocated to manage this licensure in Georgia.  The 2013 GWPI class will focus on Women’s Health Care issues.

 Ethics reform needs to be followed carefully, as there are potentially very restrictive parameters to be imposed on citizen advocacy efforts. (HB142)

Upcoming Women in the Halls / Lobby Days events are:

February 7^th (Thursday)                        AFNAP, Youth Spark, Street Grae, BT4 Seniors

February 14^th (Thursday)                      1 Billion Rising (VAWA), GA LWV

February 19^th (Tuesday)                       9to5/By the People Day, FCA

Feb 27-28                                                Senior Week at the Capitol, PTA

If you are unable to come to the capitol, please contact your local representative to let them know what you would like to see happen with their support.  The website www.legis.ga.gov is a link to the Georgia General Assembly, your representatives and calendar events at the capitol during this 2013 session.

GWFAC on January 30^th held an invigorating capitol briefing session with Senator Rene Unterman and Representative Edward Lindsey speaking, in addition to other speakers.  On February 2^nd, Atlanta AAUW Branch hosted a metro area legislative briefing with outstanding guest speakers.   In January, Cobb County AAUW also partnered with Cobb-Marietta LWV, AKA sorority to host a legislative forum open to the public with 5 Cobb legislators speaking on various 2013 issues and fielding questions from those in attendance.

Georgia AAUW will keep members posted as key events occur.  If you have specific issues affecting AAUW policy in Georgia, please do not hesitate to contact us.